Essential Travel List for an African Safari

Why You Should Pack Carefully for Your African Safari Adventure

Most of us don't know what to take with us and what to exclude. Is your trip going to include a beach destination, a visit to a town or city, or is it an African wildlife adventure? Ensure your safari packing list is comprehensive. This will ensure a comfortable and pleasing travel experience.

What are the Main Considerations When Packing for Our Big African Adventure?

• Luggage

Luggage allowances on safaris are often limited. One soft bag and a smaller piece of hand luggage is ideal. These should not exceed 20kg.

Limiting the number of bags is especially useful when travelling on smaller charter flights. When luggage exceeds 20kg, you might end up paying for an extra seat on the plane. Additional camera equipment is usually considered as extra baggage.

• Clothing

You will often find that the daytime on safari is extremely hot. Shorts and short-sleeved shirts are good options. When you go on early morning are late evening safari trips with expert guides, you may need something warm to ward off the chill of the wind, as safari vehicles are usually open to the air.

Between dusk and dawn, the mozzies come out to play. You would be wise to pack in loose, long-sleeved cotton shirts and pants for dusk, dawn, and night-time when they are most active. Long-sleeved shirts with collars also protect sensitive skin from the harsh African sun.

Wearing bright colours on safari is not advisable. It is better to blend in with your natural surroundings wherever possible.

White is never a practical option when travelling in the great outdoors. And in Africa, bear in mind that you need not pack in your camouflage clothing. Some areas might arrest you for wearing camouflaged clothing. It's best to leave these behind and let the military wear theirs instead.

• Dress Code

In certain regions, you may need to adhere to certain dress codes. In certain African countries, a strict dress code forms part of certain cultures. Shorts are not allowed in certain territories in Africa. Women need to cover up in a modest fashion.

Luckily, many people are not very stringent on tourists during a bush experience. If you've booked into luxurious accommodation, you may be shown leniency. If you visit a country that follows Sharia law in Northern Africa, such as Nigeria, this may no longer be the case.

• Insect Repellents

Mosquitoes in African can carry the risk of deadly infectious diseases. It will be important to prevent mosquito bites in a safe, natural, and effective way on your African safari experience. You can take oral medications for the prevention of malaria infection and use Mozzie Skin Patches to stop mosquito bites.

• Sunscreen

Sunscreen is important, since the African sun can damage your skin. It's notoriously hot at almost every African safari destination when you're in the sun. Hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses will help make the experience enjoyable.

16 Things You Cannot Do Without on Your Big African Adventure

1. Wide-brimmed hat or cap to cover your face. Protect yourself from the harsh sun to make your African wildlife safari enjoyable.
2. Lip balm with a high SPF. Lip balm will protect your lips from the harsh sun.
3. Sun block. Sun block is essential for every exposed bit of skin.
4. Sunglasses. Protect your eyes from harsh light, glare, and reddening.
5. Mosquito repellent. Mozzie Patches last for 36 hours and are 100% safe. The convenience of slapping on a patch every few days takes mosquito protection to another level. You can shop these amazing Mozzie skin patches online today.
6. Long-sleeved, collared cotton shirts to protect you from mozzie bites and the harsh African sun. These are a great choice for clothing at night.
7. Neutral coloured clothing. These will ensure you blend in with your surroundings. Neutral colours detract from wild animals and insects.
8. Long pants and shorts, t-shirts and light, cool clothing for day and night.
9. A warm jacket for game drives even in the summer is an essential item to pack in. Packing a beanie and warm winter gloves for frosty mornings will ward off the cold.
10. Your flip-flops are an essential item, especially for showering at a safari camp, and boating.
11. Comfortable walking shoes or boots for hiking, rocky areas and to prevent snake bites. A walking stick for rocky terrain is another essential item you might want to pack in. Remember to add some breathable socks for comfortable walking experiences.
12. Some upmarket safari lodges and hotels have a strict dress code. Jeans are not permitted. Men might be required to wear a jacket and tie.
13. Going on safari during the rainy season might call for a raincoat or light-weight rain jacket.
14. A bathing suit is a great item to pack in. Nothing can beat a long, cool swim in a cool pool after a hot day in the sun.
15. Do not forget to pack in your camera for those unforgettable moments. An underwater camera is a brilliant item to pack in for those memorable beach holidays.
16. Binoculars are essential for spotting elusive wild creatures.

These are some of the basic essential items we suggest you pack for your African adventure. Other items we haven't added to the list, but which you will undoubtedly pack, are your phone, battery charger, batteries, torches, your passport, credit cards, and a well-stocked medical kit.

Ensure You Remain Mozzie-Free on Your Safari with Our 100% Natural Mozzie Patches.

Keep your family free of pesky mozzies on your travels. Our range of patches come in a variety of sizes for your convenience. Find out which areas are high-risk malaria areas and what seasons are best for travel. It is smart to find out these facts long before you plan your trip.