Safari Vehicle in South Africa | What to Pack for Safari and What Not To Pack for Safari | The Ultimate Travel Company
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What to Pack for Safari

A complete list of the 11 things you must pack for your safari (and what not to pack)

From game drives and bush walks to hot air balloon safaris, there are a multitude of ways to experience the pristine wilderness and remarkable array of wildlife on an African safari. However, when planning for your luxury tailor-made safari, you need to ensure that you have packed all the essentials.

With fluctuating temperatures and weather conditions, it can be difficult to decide what you need and don’t need when packing for your safari holiday. This is why our seasoned Africa travel specialists have crafted a comprehensive list of what to pack and what not to pack for your safari with The Ultimate Travel Company, so that you can focus on having the experience of a lifetime.

What to Pack for Safari

1. Neutral Colours
When packing for a safari, choose clothes that are neutral in colour such as khaki, taupe and tan. Avoid wearing white and other bright colours as they will show the dust and dirt and will make you conspicuous to the wildlife. It is important to note that biting insects are also attracted to blue and black, so do not wear these colours.

2. Comfortable and Casual Clothing
As you will spend your days exploring the bush, it is essential to pack clothes that are comfortable. Cotton clothing is ideal for a safari as it is light and breathable.

3. Layers
Temperatures can fluctuate over the course of the day and night, so we recommend packing layers of clothing from t-shirts and long-sleeved shirts to fleece jumpers and light down jackets.

4. Sunglasses
Pack a pair of sunglasses with polarised lenses to protect your eyes from the sun and the dust and with the polarised lenses, you will gain better visibility in the shadows.

5. Hat
Choose a hat that will provide sun protection for your head and the back of your neck. It is worth considering a hat that secures under your chin for game drives in open-top vehicles.

6. Closed-Toe Shoes
For bush walks, pack a pair of lightweight walking shoes with good tread that are not white or brightly coloured and that you do not mind getting dusty. If you are planning a gorilla tracking excursion, then we recommend packing waterproof hiking boots that are broken in for the muddy and slippery terrain.

7. Insect Repellent and a First Aid Kit
Bring an insect repellent with a high concentration of DEET and a basic first aid kit with antihistamines, pain relievers and anti-diarrhoea tablets.

8. Swimwear
Many of our safari camps will have a private plunge and/or infinity pool overlooking the waterholes and bush beyond, so ensure you have your swimwear packed.

9. Camera and Zoom Lenses
If you are looking to capture your safari experience, consider packing a camera with a variety of zoom lenses.

10. Sun Cream
A strong SPF cream and lip balm are essential when packing for a safari holiday, as the UV levels are much stronger in Africa than the UK.

11. Binoculars
For optimum wildlife viewing, we recommend bringing your own pair of binoculars to zoom in and witness all the action up close.

What Not to Pack for Safari

Formal Wear
A safari only requires casual and inconspicuous clothing, and there is no such thing as a dress code for dinner.

Hair Dryers
Most safari camps across Africa do not have the electrical system to support hair dryers.

Drones
Drones are banned in most of the countries in East Africa including Kenya and Madagascar. In other places in Africa, drones either require permits or operate under strict guidelines. It is, therefore, advisable to leave your drones at home or check the local rules before you travel.

Plastic Bags
Several countries in East Africa including Kenya have banned single-use plastic bags including the customary duty-free plastic bags. For the liquids in your hand luggage, we recommend using transparent toiletry bags.

Camouflage Print
In some African countries including Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe, clothing with a camouflage print is illegal and only reserved for those in the military.

Do Not Overpack
With limitations on luggage space and weight, choose lightweight options where possible and adopt the policy of less is more.

Plan your tailor-made safari with The Ultimate Travel Company

Speak to one of our Africa travel specialists to start designing your safari holidays in 2025 and 2026: +44 (0) 2039 933538 or make an online enquiry.

If you are looking for inspiration for your safari holidays, read our article on the best safaris in Africa.

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