Booked a trip to South Africa? Congratulations - you are going to one of the most beautiful places on earth. You already know this but South African wine country, Kruger National Park safari and Cape Town present an unrivaled fusion of natural splendor, rich history and contemporary allure. Now, it’s time to pack your bags and embark on your adventure.
What I wish I had known about packing for safari
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Safari
While game drives offer glimpses of majestic wildlife against the backdrop of lush greenery, if you’re anything like me, safari packing seems really overwhelming.
But, I want to make sure you have everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
Here's a comprehensive list of items I recommended packing (that I wish I had known when I went myself!):
Neutral-colored Clothing:
Pants or shorts?
Neutral-colored Clothing:
- Earthy tones and neutral colors help you blend into the natural surroundings and are less likely to attract insects. Think: army greens, tans, browns.
- Whites are fine too
- Keep in mind: most lodges will do your laundry daily free of charge. So you really only need 1-2 safari outfits if you are trying to keep your luggage really light.
Pants or shorts?
- I found shorts not as practical as lightweight and breathable pants. You’re going out really early in the morning for sunrise and then out again at sunset, so I didn’t personally find the temperatures blazing hot enough to be sweaty/in need of shorts.
- Instead, I wanted to protect against bugs and other insects.
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Onesie or no?
While they look so cute, if you need to pee at all during the 3-ish hour game drives, you pee outside in the bush, which could make a onesie a little risky. Pack at your own peeing risk. Or try a matching set instead!
While they look so cute, if you need to pee at all during the 3-ish hour game drives, you pee outside in the bush, which could make a onesie a little risky. Pack at your own peeing risk. Or try a matching set instead!
Lightweight and Long-sleeved Shirts:
- I found a tank was my best base layer followed by a button down or other long-sleeve shirt/jacket.
Jacket/Sweater:
- Evenings and early mornings can be cool, especially in the winter months, so I recommend packing at least 1 sweater.
Accessories
- Sunglasses, dugh.
- Evenings and early mornings can be cool, especially in the winter months, so I recommend packing at least 1 sweater.
- If you don’t want to wear your hat at the airport, I get it. Try this packable hat that is actually packable.
- A scarf/pashmina. I wore mine all the time, especially when it got windy after sunset.
- A bandana. This makes any overly sporty outfit a touch more feminine. Throw it in your ponytail or around your neck.
- A belt. Again, it makes any masculine pants/shorts softer. I particularly love the ones with some western flair.
Shoes
- You’re in an open-air jeep for the majority of the time, so I personally found combat-style/any boots to be a little excessive (and heavy to pack!). My reco would be to get a high-top pair of gym shoes instead - they are versatile enough to go on guided walks as well.
Swimwear
- Some lodges and camps have pools to enjoy in between drives :)
Rain gear
- Unfortunately, it might rain while you’re out on a drive. I didn’t pack a rain jacket and was annoyed with myself that I didn’t. Don’t worry too much - the lodge should supply a poncho for you.
Non-safari clothes
- I wish I packed a loungy/comfy outfit to throw on in between morning and afternoon drives. This is especially important if it rains for any of the drives and your clothes get wet. Just a flowy dress or a lounge set would be perfect especially if you plan on leaving your room and exploring the lodge at any point. Don’t forget to add easy slip-on sandals to pair with your daytime clothes and/or swimwear.
Camera/Phone Accessories
- I didn’t bring a fancy camera, so you will want your phone to be easy access at all times, but also hands-free. I strongly recommend you add a strap to your phone case. A binocular camera would really come in handy, especially if you don’t bring a more professional camera.
Luggage
- Soft-side is the way to go especially if any of your airlines have weight restrictions. This patagonia one is my go-to, and can be carried on.
Have the time of your life and I hope you get to see the Big 5 on your safari adventure!