What to pack

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What to Pack for Africa

Packing is often the most difficult part before leaving for Africa. In order to assist, we suggest you make different piles of items to pack and reduce similar items by about a third. Even though you may be traveling to remote areas, there will be the options to do some laundry a few times a week, either by hand or at a laundromat. You can buy clothing in most cities and at some of the bigger lodges too if need be. Items that may be difficult to get in some African countries are sunscreen, batteries (for cameras, phones, etc.) and mosquito spray containing deet. Most safari vehicles and big overland trucks (on group trips) offer the possibility to charge phones and cameras, but it is wise to bring a travel adapter and multi plug. If you are not sure what to pack, please contact us.

Single use plastic

Please note that Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, Namibia and Botswana have banned all use of disposable plastic bags, so we recommend to make sure you do not have any plastic bags in your luggage or with you when you enter these countries to avoid any inconvenience or issues.

Spectacles / Contact Lenses

If you use spectacles or lenses, we advise to take an extra pair just in case. Some people have trouble with contact lenses and dust, we recommend you bring spectacles as well to avoid any possible problems. We also recommend that you take your spectacle/eyeglass prescription as it is possible to have lenses made in the larger cities, should the need arise.

Toiletries

Toilet bag, towel, small mirror, razors, shampoo, soap, ‘wet wipes’, toothbrush and toothpaste, moisturiser, sunscreen lotion, sanitary napkins. Most items can be purchased en route but not all western brands may be available.

Clothing

Too many people make the mistake of packing too much. Pack easily washable clothing and avoid nylon and other synthetic fabrics because of the warm climate. However, African nights can sometimes be much colder than you expect, especially at night.

  • Bring at least one warm item (fleece) and poncho if you travel during the rainy season
  • From May – August it can get very cold at night, sometimes the temperature plummets close to freezing point

Safari Outfit

You don’t have to travel through Africa in a classic safari outfit. However, there are a few requirements.

  • Never wear bright colors during a walking safari. Bright colors can unnecessarily deter or attract animals. Neutral colors are ideal for fitting into your landscape
  • Dark clothing may attract insects and flies
  • Wear layers of clothing.
  • A scarf or hat with sun visor for the sun and chilly mornings and evenings
  • Thin cotton linen fabrics are perfect and protect you against the sun and insects
  • Long socks and closed shoes are mandatory during walking safaris
  • Sunglasses, cap

Suggestions:

  • Cap/hat, sunglasses
  • sweater / fleece
  • T-shirts
  • warm/waterproof jacket or fleece
  • 2 pairs of shorts
  • 2 pairs of thin long pants
  • Warm socks
  • Skirt or sarong
  • Swimming costume
  • Hiking boots or trainers/hiking sandals
  • slippers
  • Underwear (sports brah as well for women)
  • Sun screen, water bottle
  • Toiletries, anticonception, spare glasses,lenses and liquid, basic First-Aid kit, prescribed medication
  • Documents – Passport (bring copy as well)/ Travel Insurance/ cavvinations booklet, yellow fever certificate/ Birth certificate for minors
  • iPod (incl. charger), book/e-reader
  • Camera with spare batteries and decent storage card. Downloading is not always possible during your trip.
  • English plug or International Travel adaptor
  • Towel
  • Hat/scarf (it can be quite chilly on morning- and evening game drives)
  • A small daypack is practical ( for i.e. cameras, books, wallets etc.)You can also use the daypack to pack 2 days’ worth of clothing so you don’t need to unpack your big backpack daily.

Daypack

You can keep all your luggage in your backpack or suitcase, but we do recommend you bring a day pack as well for day excursions. Try to minimise the amount of luggage and adhere to the maximum luggage rules the airline has (normally 20 kg). The type of luggage depends on the kind of trip, for group tours a backpack or soft bag on wheels are ideal. We don’t recommend suitcases on wheels for group tours.

4×4 hire

If you rent a 4×4, we recommend you bring a dust proof bag for your clothing and valuables. Even when the car seals properly, African dust manages to get in everywhere. Detailed maps are also highliy recommend in additiona to a GPS.

Gorilla trekking

The terrain on this tour is quite challenging and we suggest you bring comfortable, sturdy hiking boots. You may want to bring gaiters as well. The area can be muddy and slippery especially if you are trekking in the wet season. The items of clothing you wear for trekking may not come back in their original state so bring clothing you do not mind getting dirty/wet. Neutral colors will need to be worn for this trek.

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Travel Information

We consider it our duty to let you well prepared board the airplane to start your journey to Africa. Many of our tours come with a Tour Dossier with additional information for your trip. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. Below are some guidelines to get you started with your preparations. 

Flights

Financial Protection

How to book

Insurances

Local Payment

Money

Responsible Traveling

Overland truck

Safari Vehicles

Travel Documents

Vaccinations and Health

What to pack

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