Packing for an African safari can be exhilerating and daunting. We get asked by clients all the time about what they should bring, and more importantly what they shouldn't. Having been in the safari business for 10 years we think we have a good idea about the necessities.
1. A good camera
If your going to make your friends and family sit through your your African safari slideshow when you return home, the pictures might as well be good. For budget concious travelers the Nikon D90 and Nikon D7000 are both excellent cameras that are accessible to beginners. When budget is not an issue, there are a range of Nikon and Cannon cameras which can bring your photos to the next level, including the Nikon D3S. Either way bring a camera with you that atleast has a good zoom. For those that really want to take exellent wildlife shots it may be wise to invest in a photographic safari, where a professional can come on your trip to show you how to take those award winning shots.
A polaroid camera is also a fun way to make friend here!
2. Clothes
Yes, you will have to pack clothes, and although you may have the desire to wear only khaki during your safari, we recommend lighter, cotton based clothes, ones that you wont mind getting dirty, sweaty or even leaving behind. It also gets cold during the night so a light weight jacket, a rain jacket, sweater, and warm socks will come in handy. We also recommend bringing a crushable safari hat, with a brim that will cover your face, having a cord will also keep it from leaving your head.
Closed toed shoes are best for walking and safari drives, but a pair of flip flops or sandels can be worn for other parts of the trip.
3. Binoculars
Always good to have a pair while on a game drive.
4. Toiletries
Shampoo, conditioner, insect repelant, several bandaids, tooth bursh, toothpaste, feminen products, deoderant, floss, nail clippers, tweezers, lotion, anti-bacterial gel, chap stick, sun block, are all absolutes to pack.
Also, as strange as it may seem, we highly advice on packing baby wipes! Nothing quite beats a baby-wipe wipe down while on safari!
5. A journal
A great way to keep track of things for the slide show! Bring a small purse or plastic bag too keep it safe from the elements
6. Sun glasses
Oh, the way sunglasses get destroyed, whether they get sat on, left behind, or fall off your head, there are a million and one ways to loose your sunglasses while on safari. Bring a spare pair, or two for when you inevitably loose your first pair.
7. Guide to the flora and fauna of the region
Of course your guide will know every plant, bird, and animal species, but just in case it is always helpful to have a guide book to familiarize yourself with the flora and fauna of the country you' re in, as well as learn some interesting facts... like a rhino's tusk is actually made out of compressed hair!
8. Pictures from home
People will be interested in you, where you come from, your family, etc. A great way to break the ice and share a little bit more about where you come from and who you are is to bring pictures from home. Just make sure to leave out the ones of you at the Christmas party.
9. Entertainment
A good part of your trip will more than likely be spent in your safari vehicle. Bringing a good book, ipod, or something to entertain yourself is advisable.
10. Everything else
Visa, tickets, money, credit cards, medicine, passport, passport photos, and anything else that will get you here and back!
