Safari Packing List

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]One of the most challenging tasks is what to pack for an African safari! The most frequently asked question posed by clients is what they should real pack to enable them to enjoy their safari without hindrances. This, however, depends on your tour destination of choice and the period of travel. For most of the regions in Africa, the weather is averagely warm throughout the year with some wet seasons and dry spells depending on your destination.

The tour destinations are dominated by tropical rain forest especially the gorilla parks where the weather changes are unpredictable.

East Africa is generally a good destination as it has only two weather patterns; wet and dry seasons. Your tour operator and safari guides shall be able to help you with all the required details at ease.

Packing for an African safari, you need to consider the must haves putting in mind not to go beyond the required luggage weight and leaving some space in your bag for souvenirs in case you may need to buy some.

Essential pack list

Before anything else, it is very important to check if you have your passport at hand and at least valid for the next 6 months ahead and your air ticket is a must have as you check in at the airport. Make copies of your travel documents as you travel as a backup especially air ticket and pass port, don’t not forget to move with at least two pass port photos.
Traveling to Africa you will be required to obtain a valid visa. Visas can be applied for online before you travel or alternatively you could obtain one on arrival at the airport. There is also an East African tourist visa valid for 3 months that allows your tour all the East African countries including Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, South Sudan and Burundi. The visa costs US$100.
A valid yellow fever certificate of immunization is important and must have tested negative of Covid- 19 with in 72 hours of travel with a valid certificate.
Travel insurance, for your safety conscience you may need to have a travel insurance covering your health just in case you may feel unwell while in Africa though it’s not a must but if you can have it, the better.
Money or a visa card, it is very important to travel with small pocket change money for transaction in case you may need to buy a souvenir, alternatively have a visa card. There is forex at the airport and within town.
If you have any special medicinal needs, it is vital to carry enough supplies of prescription medicine for the whole duration of your safari. It can be good to bring the prescription with you in case of emergencies.
Gadgets including phones, cameras, binoculars, chargers and extra rechargeable batteries, film and memory cards.it would be heart breaking not capture any African safari moment.
Sun Protection, some times during the dry season the sun can be too harsh to your eyes and skin therefore a sun screen is a must, safari hat and a hydrating lotion, you will also need a water bottle for drinking water.
Insect Repellent, during the warm months, there are many mosquitoes. Mosquito nets are readily installed in most safari lodges, hotels and camps to make sure your sleep is comfortable and protected from mosquitoes. However, you still need a repellent during gorilla tracking because of the gorilla fly’s even while enjoying the boat cruise there is a lot of flying insects.
Personal first-aid kit that includes painkiller pills, antihistamine cream, hand sanitizer, face masks anti-malaria tabs among others.
Lightweight reading and writing material not miss out noting some important history facts especially if you are on a tour research.

What to wear

Generally, the weather in Africa is warm. Shorts and t-shirts are ideal for a safari in most regions of Africa, East Africa in Particular which forms Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania and Burundi, it could be hot, humid or cold at the same time. It also depends on the safari activities you are doing there fore what to wear might differ.

Long-sleeved shirts, long trousers and pullovers are essential especially during primate walks like gorilla and chimpanzee tracking. It is also good to maintain clothing in earthly colours such as khaki, brown, beige and olive because bright colors may affect animal behavior.
Footwear is an important aspect of a safari in Africa for walking activities. we recommend comfortable good sturdy hiking boots for hiking and a pair of flip flops or sandals to rest your feet at the lodge after a long day.
Gardening gloves while on Gorilla trekking adventure.
Pair of shorts for game drives and even walks.
Rain coat / water proof and windproof jacket
Sweater or layered shirt or blouse to keep you warm
For ladies, you will need a skirt, in Africa they believe in coverings you may not be allowed to access some historical and religious sites with short dressing and coverings.
Swimsuit in case you need to spend time enjoying swimming especially during hot days.

Luggage on safari

It is recommendable to use a soft bag or backpack for your luggage to a safari in Africa as Safari vehicles and aircraft have limited space. A small day pack is also advised for carrying personal items of use such sanitary towels for ladies, bathing sponges, tooth paste and brushes, torch, shaving creams, deodorants, under wears, shampoo, Basic make up and body lotions among other toiletries.

In conclusion, therefore your packing list will be determined by the safari activities not forgetting the number of days you spend. As far as the African safari packing list is concerned the highlighted above must be included on your checklist as you prepare to travel.