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Packing for Safari
The following is based on personal and others experiences, it is an article that invites you to add and delete from the content. Please contact us with any suggestions for this article.
You would hope that once the safari and flights are paid for the expense is over and all you must do now is relax and look forward to the safari. However, the expenses seem endless, with vaccinations, medication and a bewildering rage of stuff on offer at outdoor outfitters and then there is the camera, binoculars, sunglasses the list can seem endless.
What should you pack for the trip? With the limited allowances for travel, not forgetting the inadequate space in safari vehicles and/or light aircraft for luggage - it can be a bit of a conundrum. The first thing you should do is invest in at soft bag allowing your luggage to be squeezed into a limited space in your safari vehicle - a hard suitcase makes life difficult for everyone. Make sure the bag is a simple design, hardwearing with a sturdy zip.
Clothes for the safari: there are many lists online and I would not presume to tell you what to do here. Many things are obvious although I shall presume to make a few suggestions.
Trousers khaki cotton pants are a bit obvious and maybe clichéd but they are practical and have stood the test of time [jeans are just uncomfortable on the game safari]. Lots of layers is the key - as temperatures can vary and be as dramatic as the African bush. Ngorongoro Crater has been likened to a deep freeze at night and early morning - be prepared.
A pair sturdy walking or hiking boots [thick soles are essential as when walking in the bush there will many long sharp thorns].
A hat with a brim that sun can burn! Long sleeves and long trousers are good for the evening to help keep the mosquitoes at bay. Bright colors seem to work the best. Fleece or sweater and a windbreaker as after a long day looking for the big five in the African sun, the drive back to camp as the day cools will call for warmer clothes.
Deet may not be a nice but it is the best at keeping malaria at bay. You will only be using it for a short period and the alternative is not an option. It can feel a bit greasy but it works. Don't buy the cheap 'Jungle Spray' versions they don't contain enough deet to be effective. Your spray needs to be at least 50% deet. For any small children and babies on safari seek a doctors advice before travel.
For adults, I don't recommend herbal alternatives to deet as they simply don't work as well and believe me you don't want to travel home with malaria parasites in your blood!
Jeweler on safari - well as a man I would simply say why? But as for all valuables don't take what you don't want to lose. When it comes to toiletries - travel kits are a good idea. Having a travel kit perpetually stocked in a waterproof case will save in packing time between hotels/lodges/camps and aggravation and mess after arrival.
A Kenyan I know is an expert packer - he will spend time packing using every space possible in a soft bag. He ensures everything is ironed folded and then ironed flat. His cloths are never creased.
Buy a day pack to carry any essentials you might need whilst on game drives.
The following binoculars are recommended for your safari: - a power x7 or higher. Look for any of the following: 7x42, 8x42, 10x42, 8x50 or 10x50. It is the second number that is critical. Less than 30 and image quality is seriously compromised. Higher than 50 and you will have a hard job holding them steady. If you can afford Zeiss, Leica or Swarovski, all the better, but Canon, Nikon and Opticron give quality and are reasonably priced.