Experience the annual migration of millions of zebra, wildebeest and gnu’s across the Mara plains in Kenya. Safari to Uganda to see majestic mountain gorillas. Or, travel to Tanzania’s northern parks to witness the Great Migration during the dry season. Wherever your African safari may take you, make sure that you’re prepared by packing up the essentials to ensure you have an enjoyable trip—from the Serengeti to the Okavango Delta.
Clothing
Young woman in a safari jeep in Sri Lanka met a group of elephants
The African environment and weather will be completely different from what you’re used to at home. Some items, however, will be of use no matter where you are or what you are hunting:
Boots: Your trip will require hiking and cross country traveling, so make sure you have the right footwear. A pair of boots like the GTX Evo Extreme from Lowa is a great option for a variety of conditions and environments. Whatever you boot you choose, make sure that you purchase the correct size for a comfortable fit.
Pants: The right pants can make a huge impact on your overall comfort during a hot African safari. Pant options, including lightweight camouflage pants, like the Sitka Ascent Pants from Cabela’s are weather resistant, lightweight and breathable, and specially designed to help you fade into the background of the natural landscape.
Accessories
Keep in mind that access to essentials may not be available during your trip. Packing must-have items like toothpaste, deodorant, and any other items you want on a daily basis will come in handy. In addition, make sure you pack along items like sunscreen, rain gear, and any medication you might need for the duration of your safari.
Electronics: If you are packing camera equipment, make sure you have plenty of extra batteries or a solar charger. Be sure to bring along a good set of binoculars or a range finder to see where you are going and to spot wildlife. And a quality GPS can help you get home at the end of the day.
Tools: Having a dependable multi-tool can be a life saver. A multi-tool like the Wave from Leatherman can allow you to make small repairs out in the field or help repair items like sunglasses that may need fixing while abroad. Many types of multi-tools include a saw, wire cutters, can and bottle openers, a ruler, a screwdriver and even pliers.
Travel Tips
Remember that when going with a group you have certain advantages that can save you time and money. Nearly every major company will offer group rates, including airlines. Carpooling and group transportation can help you get where you’re going. And be sure to split up packing responsibilities. Some items like camping gear can be heavy and some people in your group might not have the same packing needs as others. If you all coordinate you can split up the heavy items saving you a ton of money on baggage expenses. You may also want to consider shipping your baggage with a company like Luggage Free. It may not save you any money, but it can save you a ton of time and hassle during your international flights.
