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African Safari Gear Packing List – What To Take Along

By Bruce Whittaker

The last thing you want on an African safari is to realise that you have left any important safari gear behind.

Because of the nature of safari there are some things that are essential to take with and others that you can do without because they are only going to add to your luggage weight.

This is a listing of some of the “must have” safari gear you need to pack to take along which forms a part of the full safari packing list that you can print out to tick off each item as you go along.

This safari packing list is based on the packing advice and recommendations from a collection of safari trip reports and my own experience in packing for the dozens of safaris that I have been on…

SAFARI CLOTHES

If you are going on a walking safari it’s essential that you get the safari clothing right. Bright colours are definitely to be avoided.

My wife and I went on a walking safari in Botswana and we came across a group of elephant that the tracker wanted to take us closer to but because my wife was wearing a red shirt she had to wait further away for fear of the elephants noticing us. So remember to pack the following safari gear…

Clothing in neutral colours: khaki, light brown/green, tan. Avoid bright colours and white for improved game viewing.

Comfortable non-synthetic short- and long sleeved safari shirts (2 or 3 of each)

Comfortable non-synthetic shorts and long trousers (2 or 3 of each)

TOILETRIES & FIRST AID

Every safari company worth its salt should have a first aid kit available for use by its clients so it might be a good idea to check with them first if they do and what it contains. But if you have specific medicine requirements then take it with as it might not be available in the areas you are going on safari in.

Sun block and after sun

Towel – travel towel is light and takes very little space

Skin cream

Insect repellent/mosquito coils (do not use coils in tent)

Anti-malaria medication

Citronella or other body soap/shower gel

Wet wipes/hand sanitizer or no-water/antibacterial soap