Below is a list of suggested items from my amazing partner DM Africa. This list can be used as a guideline while planning your safari Please bear in mind that there are luggage restrictions on most safari flights. Below are general guidelines, although certain lodges may have specific restrictions.
SOFT (all-sides) luggage/duffel bags with no rigid sides (flexible bags being made of pliable material such as cotton or canvas)
MAXIMUM ¬- Light aircraft travel has a strict luggage restriction of 15 kg per person including hand luggage, depending on your destination.
MAXIMUM hand luggage is 5kg/11lbs (1 piece allowed);
NOTE: Private Charter flights will give you a more generous luggage allowance, as well as a direct flight routing.
WHAT TO BRING
Your safari suitcase, packed properly, will ensure that you have everything you need for the ultimate African bush experience. Cotton clothing in neutral colors is recommended for all game drives and bush walks. It is best to avoid white clothing and dark colors for bush activities, as they tend to attract certain bugs.
For a 12 night stay I packed 3 pairs of pants, 1 pair of shorts, 3 button downs, 1 TShirt, 2 Tank Tops, 1 sweater, and 2 jackets. There can be pretty large temperature swings so you want to be able to layer. The safari lodges will do laundry for you and they typically have a same day turnaround.
NOTE: Bright colors and white are not advised whilst on safari. Camouflage clothing is also not recommended (It is illegal to wear camouflage in Africa).
CLOTHING
· Sun hat/bush hat.
· Headscarf/bandana – particularly for dusty dry regions.
· Polo-shirts and/or T-shirts – preferably with a sleeve to protect your shoulders from the sun.
· Long-sleeved cotton shirts.
· Shorts and/or skirts – really short skirts are not practical for getting in and out of game drive vehicles.
· Long trousers/slacks.
· Pajamas – lightweight for summer and warm/thermal for winter.
· Underwear – on game drives the roads can be bumpy and uneven so a suitable sports bra may be required.
· Socks – thermal options are recommended for the winter months only
· Good, closed walking shoes (running/tennis shoes are fine).
· Sandals – preferably low heeled or flat if you are going on safari.
· Swimming costume.
· Lightweight jersey or fleece in summer months.
· Light rain gear or jacket for summer months.
· Warm jersey or fleece plus anorak or parka in winter months.
· Additionally, a scarf, gloves and beanies/woollen hats for the colder winter months.
· Good walking shoes/boots for walking safaris and/or hikes.
· Quality walking socks for walking safaris and/or hikes.
· You may prefer to bring some ‘buff wear’ multipurpose head gear, can quickly be repurposed as a headband, face protector or sweatband during the hike.
EQUIPMENT/OTHER
· Good quality sunglasses, UV protected, preferably polarized. Tinted fashion glasses are not good in strong light. If you wear contact lenses, we recommend that you bring along a pair of glasses in case you get irritation from the dust.
· Flashlight (the lodges will also provide you with a flashlight in your accommodation).
· Bird guidebook if you are a keen birder. The driver-guides will typically also have these in their vehicle.
· Personal toiletries (the basic amenities are supplied by most establishments).
· Malaria tablets (if applicable).
· Antihistamine tablets if you suffer from any allergies.
· Anti-nausea tablets if you suffer from motion sickness.
· Moisturizing cream and suntan lotion – SPF 30 or higher recommended.
· After sun lotion.
· lip balm.
· Insect repellent for body application e.g., Tabard, Rid, Jungle Juice, etc. (mosquito repellent is typically provided for guests, but you are welcome to bring along your favourite brand).
· Basic medical kit (aspirins, plasters, Imodium, antiseptic cream and antihistamine cream etc.).
· Tissues/Wet Wipes.
· Visas, tickets, passports, money, credit cards, insurance details etc.
· Camera equipment including spare batteries, chargers, film, memory cards, memory sticks, lenses etc.
· Waterproof/dustproof bag or cover for your camera.
· Electronic/plug adaptors;
· Kenya, Uganda & Tanzania uses type D & G plugs – G will be found in all of your accommodation, this the UK 3 pin standard.
· Rwanda uses type C & J plugs.
· The required adaptor can be found by using the following link: https://whatplug.info/
· BINOCULARS – we highly recommended that you bring your own pair for viewing both wildlife and birds. 8x40 and 10x42 are the recommended general purpose binocular specifications.
· Phone/Tablet chargers.
· Please note that many of the lodges are located in remote areas and therefore guests should remember to bring an extra pair of correction glasses (if required), contact lens solution and an extra set of contact lenses (if required) as well as a sufficient supply of any prescription medication.
LAUNDRY
· Most lodges provide a 24-hour laundry service, enabling you to manage the amount of clothing you bring accordingly.
