Packing for safari


Clothing

Your clothing should be lightweight, breathable, hand-washable, and quick-drying.

Shorts, mid-thigh or longer
Long pants (zip-off pants are very useful)
Short-sleeved shirts
Long-sleeved shirts
Undergarments, socks
Sport bras for women (roads can be bumpy)
Sweater, jacket, windbreaker
Rain jacket and pants or rain poncho
Sun hat with brim and chin strap
Bandana (for dust, washing, etc.)
Belt
Pajamas
Swimsuit (and cover up for women)

Footwear


Sturdy comfortable walking shoes, closed toe, preferably waterproof,
Tennis shoes, sandals, dressy shoes, and/or flip flops
Comfortable, breathable socks

Electronics

Store electronics in sealed water-proof bags (double bagged if possible).
Headlamp or flashlight
Camera, lenses, filters, memory disks
Video camera, tapes
Tripod
Cell phone (note that there might be areas without network)
Batteries, chargers
Electricity adapter

Safari

Strong binoculars
Quality camera with long lens
Wide brimmed hat with strap
If possible, Animal and bird guide books
On your safari, take along any items you need for the day in a separate day pack: sunglasses, camera and video (lenses, batteries, disks, tapes), binoculars, water, snacks, bandana, hat, wet-wipes, hand sanitizer, etc.
Toiletries
Nail clippers, file, brush
Toothbrush, toothpaste
Moist towelettes (hand-wipes)
Hand sanitizer
Lotion (Badger foot balm is also helpful)
Hairbrush, comb, mirror
Small towel and washcloth
Facial tissue
Sunscreen
Lip balm with sunscreen
Insect repellent
Q-tips
Shaving supplies

First Aid

You really only need one first aid kit in your travel group, so coordinate with your travel companions.
Band aids/plasters
Disinfectant, antiseptic cream, antibiotic ointment
Gauze bandages and tape
Throat lozenges
Diarrhea medicine
Antihistamines/allergy medicine
Ace bandage
Any sleep aid drugs
Malaria pills (talk to your doctor)
Antibiotics (talk to your doctor)
Prescription drugs (talk to your doctor)

Documents

Document organizer
Passport
Visas for all countries as necessary
Airline tickets, e-tickets (make sure name on ticket matches name on passport)
Copy of Saleva Africa Tours itinerary
Medical insurance card
Address book and Business cards if any
Make copies of passport, visas, drivers license, airline tickets/schedule, travel itinerary, credit cards (front and back), travelers checks numbers, frequent flyer numbers, travel insurance, and emergency contact information. Leave a copy with someone at home and put a copy in a travel companions luggage and email them to yourself (or Google Docs).

Baggage

Suitcase or duffel (15kg max for internal flights)
Day pack for daily activities and easy access (rain cover is nice)
Waterproof bags for storing clothing and gear
Packing cube, compression bag, clear toiletry bag for airplane
Money belt, security pouch, document organizer

Other

Sunglasses with straps
Eyeglasses, contacts, solution
Binoculars
Pocket knife
Notebook, pencil and pen
Energy bars, hard candy, snacks, and comfort foods
Duct tape
Matches or lighter
Clothes line, sink stopper, detergent
Cash, travelers checks, credit cards (including some small bills, U.S. dollars must be newer than 2002)
Guide books, maps, language books
Duct tape (can be wrapped around water bottle)

Kids

Games toys, books
Swim toys
Gifts for local children, Gifts for Guides, Local People
Shoes, t-shirts, hats, warm clothing
Candy, energy bars
Pens, school supplies

BAN ON SINGLE USE PLASTIC
In an effort to prioritize the preservation of our environment, the East Africa countries have taken an important measure to ban single-use plastic bags.
All plastic carrier bags, regardless of their thickness are prohibited from being imported, exported, manufactured, sold, stored, supplied or used.
The relevant authorities shall ensure that any plastic carrier bags entered in the countries in contravention of these Regulations, are confiscated at the point of
entry and disposed of or recycled in an environmentally sound manner.

Notes

  • Extra luggage can be left in a locked storage room at your hotel for no charge.
  • Valuables can be left in a safe deposit box at your hotel (typically $1/day).
  • Its best to leave all jewelry at home.
  • Print a copy of your reservation and place it inside your checked baggage for identification purposes while you are traveling.