What to Know and Pack for an African Safari Vacation

Packing for a safari is very different from a normal vacation. Factor in light airplane flights, water transfers, game drive vehicles, malaria, scorching hot sun and you need to be prepared. Good binoculars are very important as well as medical evacuation insurance.

Clothing:
Casual and semi-casual clothing is best suited to the relaxed informal style of African Safari and tourist lodges. Bright colors and white are not suitable for game viewing. Stick to neutral colors and do not take a large suitcase and a multitude of clothes.

General Packing suggestion:
Sunglasses, binoculars, camera with telephoto lens, notebook and pen, mammal or birding bird (depending on your interests), alarm clock, small torch/flashlight, sunscreen lotion, sun hat, insect repellent, swimwear, light cotton trousers, cotton shorts, light cotton shirts (long and short sleeved), sandals, walking shoes, waterproof/windbreaker jacket, polar fleece. During winter pack an additional warm jacket, woolen hat, scarf and gloves.

Luggage:
Pack light, especially if you are traveling on a multi-destination safari where you may use different methods of transport (light aircraft, trucks, boats). Most lodges have a laundry service so you do not need a lot of clothes. Luggage should be kept to the following restrictions - Two pieces of soft (not hard case) luggage per person and one carry on (backpack which you will use to carry you safari gear when game viewing) bag. Total weight should not exceed 20kg (40lbs). Certain baggage restrictions apply on small charter aircraft, as well as the requirement of a soft bag. Restrictions vary from 20kg (40lbs) to 12kg (depending on the size of the aircraft) and this includes camera equipment and carry-on baggage.

Should guests arrive with excess baggage without prior warning their baggage could be delayed as it would have to be flown into the camp at a later stage at a considerable cost to you. With advance warning of extra baggage, an extra seat can be booked for the bags at an additional cost.

Photography/Binoculars:
African Safaris offer many excellent photo opportunities. As the game drives usually occur early morning and late afternoon we suggest using a high speed film (200/400ASA), and a telephoto lens (at least 80-300mm). A ultra-violet filter and lens hood are also a good idea as well as a sturdy protective bag and a dust cover or plastic bag. Film and batteries are usually available en route but it is advisable to purchase before departure. For digital cameras make sure you have large capacity memory cards.
One essential piece of equipment for game viewing is a good quality pair of binoculars. It can be very frustrating seeing an animal in the distance and not being able to take a closer look because you only have a cheap pair of binocs.

Health:
Please consult your physician or health department for the latest health and anti-malaria precautions. Lodges do have first aid kits, but remember to take any specific medicine that you need with you. A course of basic anti-biotic is always a good idea to carry with you in Africa, cold/flu tablets, allergy tablets, immodium (for diarrohea), travel sickness pills, bite relief cream, paracetamol.

Toiletries/General:
Sun block, skin cream, insect repellent, mosquito coils (do not use in a tent), body soap or shower gel, toothpaste, toothbrush, wet wipes, band aids/plasters, pocket knife, plastic bags (for muddy shoes, wet washing), sanitary products for women.

Water:
Tap Water is safe to drink in South Africa, Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe, however bottled water is freely available. Bottled water is recommended for other destinations. Most lodges supply complimentary bottles of mineral water with meals and in lodge rooms.

Passports & Visas:
Please ensure that you are holding a passport with sufficient blank pages for entry stamps and more than 6 months to expiry. Nationals of certain countries do not require visas depending on the country you are visiting.It is advisable to check with the Consulate of the country you are visiting for the latest entry and visa requirements.

Travel Insurance:
Certain safaris carry a medical evacuation insurance. This is to the nearest suitable hospital and does not replace normal travel insurance. Other safaris carry a mandatory requirement of travel insurance. Please ensure that your travel insurance covers personal effects, personal accident, medical travel expenses, baggage, cancellation and curtailment prior to arrival.

General Safety:
As anywhere in the world, take standard security precautions such as not walking alone at night in the city, leaving baggage unattended at airports, and venturing into unfamiliar areas. Do carry a record of your passport number, air tickets, traveler's checks and travel insurance.

Wildlife Safety:
The animals you will be seeing in the wild are not tame by any means. Do not be fooled by their relaxed attitude as it can change in an instant. Most safari lodges and camps are unfenced, and have potentially dangerous game wandering through. Do not go wandering off on your own without a guide, even to your room unless you have been advised otherwise. Do not leave your room after you have retired for the night.And most importantly, listen to the camp staff and guides as the safety precautions are there for your safety and need to be strictly adhered to.

Never approach or attempt to feed any wild animal, especially on foot. This is very important near lodges and campsites where animals have become accustomed to humans.

Money:
Most international airports have banks where money can be changed and facilities are usually available at lodges, hotels, shops and restaurants. ATM's are widely available in South Africa and accept many international bank and credit cards. Major credit cards such as Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted in commercial establishments, whereas American Express and Diners Club are not accepted everywhere.

Tipping Guidelines:
At the end of your stay at a private game lodge, most guests will want to tip both the ranger and the tracker. Tipping guidelines vary from lodge to lodge, but plan to give the local equivalents of about US $5-10 per person per day to the ranger and not much less to the tracker; an additional tip of US $25 for the general staff would be sufficient for a couple staying two days. For porters it is US $1 per person, for waiters at lodges it is US $1-2 per person per meal.