<h1>What to Pack for an African Safari</h1><img src="https://ttand.imgix.net/wade-lambert-2q5adzuq2m4-unsplash-1585841094223.jpg" style="width: 593.687px; height: 396px;"><blockquote>Photo: Hippos in the water&nbsp;</blockquote>There are over 400 national parks across 50 or more countries in Africa, and the safari experience varies extraordinarily from one to another. The temperature, humidity, exposure, and topography can all affect what you need to pack, as can local culture and customs, or the type of animals you’re hoping to see. Overwhelming? Sure, but this list will provide a great starting point for any trip. And, ultimately, once you’re on the ground watching a pair of lions recover in the shade of an acacia tree after mating, it really won’t matter what shoes you’re wearing.Luggage The small aircraft which service the parks impose tight weight restrictions. If you’re planning a fly-in safari, then use a lightweight duffel to save your available weight for clothes and supplies.Clothes In general, pack practical, lightweight and quick-drying fabrics in natural tones (khaki, beige or tan, but not white). Avoid bright colors, which can deter animals, especially blue which attracts tsetse flies. In some parts of Africa, camouflage clothing is also inadvisable (in Zimbabwe, it’s actually banned). Also, be aware of local religions and customs; in many places, it’s considered inappropriate to reveal too much thigh or midriff.Walking shoes Your shoes will depend on the terrain. If you’re doing a self-drive safari or have a guide, then comfortable shoes with a decent tread for the occasional game walk will be sufficient. If you’re gorilla tracking in the jungle, you’ll need waterproof hiking boots and a tolerance for mud. Long trousers - An amazing number of creatures are ready to bite your ankles.Waterproof jacket Warm fleece - Game drives leave early in the morning and, with peak season during winter, it can get cold.Cap or hat Bandana These are indispensable to wipe the dust from your face or lens and to keep the sun from your head. Cotton or linen long-sleeved shirt A dress Women, this might seem counterintuitive, but if you’re doing any off-the-beaten track travel, chances are you’ll have to squat more often than once to use the toilet and potentially in areas without total privacy – a dress makes this much easier and less exposing. Leave the jumpsuit at home! Also, pack a sports bra for those bumpy roads. Sunglasses Gear Water-filtering bottleCut down on plastic-polluting water bottles, and invest in a LifeStraw, a gravity-powered purifier, which removes bacteria, parasites and viruses from any water. With each purchase, a child in need receives safe water for an entire school year. Quick-drying travel towel Solar charger Camera with a telephoto lens No, the zoom on your phone will not be sufficient for good safari photos. You’ll need a lens with a reach of at least 300mm, otherwise, you may as well put your camera away and enjoy the moment. It’s also advisable to pack spare memory cards, a protective filter for your lens, and a microfiber cloth to wipe dust away. Headlamp / flashlight If you’re camping a good flashlight will also help scare the hyenas away when they come prowling around the campfire. Binoculars You should keep a safe distance from the wildlife so as not to disturb them in their natural habitat. In the Masai Mara, they impose a 25-meter limit, and with some animals, like rhinos, you’ll be lucky to get that close. A good pair of binoculars will ensure you get the most out of the experience even from afar. Packing cubes If you’re visiting more than one destination, these are game-changing for unpacking and repacking your bag. Converter Watch Take the opportunity to put your phone away. <a href="https://maps.me/" target="_blank">MapsWithMe</a> This app offers offline maps of the whole world and good navigation, and, when it comes to much of Africa, they are more comprehensive than Google Maps. Animal guidebook If you’re on a self-drive safari and don’t have a ranger, a thorough local guidebook or app will help you distinguish an impala from a reedbuck. First Aid As with any adventurous travel, it’s alway wise to have your basics at hand: antihistamine, Band-Aids, painkillers, rehydration kits, antiseptic, a thermometer (for confirming the severity of a fever), anti-nausea tablets, Imodium, and whatever medications you require. Most importantly, make sure to pack antimalarials and bug spray (30 percent DEET or higher is needed for it to be effective against malaria).Cosmetics SunblockPack SPF 30 or higher, and buy a brand that’s reef-safe, biodegradable and non-toxic (Suntegrity, All Good, and Thinksport are good options). Hand sanitizer If you’re using a “bush toilet” (as they call doing your business while on safari), then you can’t wash your hands, and in these moments, hand sanitizer is your friend. Antibacterial agents like triclosan are toxic for the environment, so choose a brand without the bad stuff. Eyedrops Dusty conditions can cause irritation to your eyes. Toilet paper Unscented deodorant Animals will retreat from smells they don’t recognize, so avoid anything perfumed. And finally, make sure whatever you bring into the park leaves the park with you!By&nbsp;Tyler WetherallReprinted with permission Ensemble Travel Group&nbsp;

You’ve booked your safari, and now you’re stuck at the first hurdle: what on earth to pack. Well, here’s a handy list of dos and don’ts for a successfully packed suitcase with both safety and sustainability in mind.

What to Pack for an African Safari

What is it like to travel during a pandemic?  Here is what I encountered on my trip to Jamaica

JAMAICA DECEMBER 2020

Important resources for travellers affected by COVID-19

Helping Safeguard What Matters Most | Specialized Coverage | Up to $1,000,000 CDN Per Insured

COVID-19 Pandemic Travel Plan from Manulife

Sprawling suites, multiple dining options and spacious social areas means there are no crowds and no waiting.

A Space for Every Experience, Personal Space on Board

Embark on an all-inclusive journey of intrepid discovery, exploring polar regions and remote landscapes, further than standard cruise ships can go.

Experience Exhilarating and Intrepid Expeditions Aboard Crystal Endeavor®

Heading out for a drive around any of the Hawaiian Islands hardly qualifies as a “road trip” in U.S. mainland terms. Even considering a spin around the 4,028-square-mile Hawaii Island, the largest of the Hawaiian Islands, can average about four hours.

Sit Back, Relax, and Enjoy the Ride

After a year full of cancelled plans and trips put on hold, we’re eager to pack up our suitcase and head off to somewhere exciting!

Book Your Bucket List with Globus family of brands

Welcome to The Retreat® — the ultimate in luxury vacation experiences — only on Celebrity. The Retreat isn’t a place. It isn’t an amenity. It isn’t a service. It’s all of that and more. The Retreat is an unparalleled vacation experience that includes every stunning suite, a private restaurant, an exclusive lounge, and a sundeck* that rivals any high-end resort. In fact, we’re the only premium cruise line to offer all this to every guest of The Retreat aboard any of our award-winning ships.

So Much More Than A Suite

Costa Rica | G Adventures | Air Canada | Contest

What to Pack for an African Safari

Share via