What to Pack for a Safari
What to Pack for a Safari : It is always tricky to pack for a safari as there are more things you wish to pack and also you can forget some of the most important items, this article includes some travel tips on what to pack for a safari
Important Documents
While packing for safari, the most important thing to pack and never to forget are your passports, tickets, travel insurance and itinerary as they are required for the journey and there are no excuses, without them there is no way to travel.
To avoid misplacing your important document, it is best to pack them in a separate pouch and place it safely in your handbag where it is handy and easily accessible at the airport or anywhere you are asked to show these documents.
Choosing the right type of clothes
The right clothing a safari essential, as a travel heading to Africa for a safari, avoid packing bright colored clothes as they can be a distraction to the wildlife. During the Kenya safari, chances are that you might covered in dust and dirt which is why you must carry clothes that will blend with the dirt. Also carry full sleeve shirts and tees, according to weather you can roll up your sleeves according to the weather and roll it down when the weather is cooler.
Some the colors that are advisable for your clothes for a safari tans, brown, olive greens, khakis and mostly that are earthly or neutral tones.
Note: Remember to keep your clothing comfortable, practical and casual.
When packing your clothes, remember to check your weight limit. Check if it includes traveling in a light aircraft, the weight limit on both is different including the check – in luggage and handbag, light aircraft will allow around 12 kgs to 15 kgs. On the international flight, there is nothing much to worry about the luggage weight as long as it is between 20kgs to 30 kgs approximately 55Ibs.
When packing, do it wisely. Don’t worry about taking too much clothes, some safaris may have services like same – day laundry, however, some may not offer laundry services due to their mobile nature. However always check it out before you leave
Here are some of the clothing you should consider when packing for a safari
- Warm jacket
- Safari trousers (the one that has a zipper on the knee)
- Sports bra (for women), and comfortable undergarments
- Blouse, shirt, or T-shirt (preferably with collar and long sleeves)
- Flat shoes that are waterproof or boots, sandals and also socks
- Hat, scarf, or bandana
- Sarong
- Swimsuit (if they have swimming pools in their camp or lodges)
- Casual outfit that is smart and elegant in case if there are plans for dinner at a hotel
- Raincoat if its rainy season
Note: Check the weather and accordingly carry winter wear, jackets, raincoats and gloves. This will help you pack according to the weather.
Medicines and other essentials
When packing for a safari remember to carry enough of the prescribed medicines that will last you until you return back from your wildlife safari, do not pack your medicines along with your clothes in the check-in bag. It is advisable to keep your medication in your handbag, where you can easily access it.
Also carry your sunglasses, sunblock and lip balm, during the safari there might be times when it is hard to find a bathroom and you may resort to a bush as you may be far away from your camp or lodge. So include hand sanitizer, baby wipes, wet wipes, and even toilet paper in your packing. For female travelers, you would be required to carry a Go-Girl as well.
To carry these stuff around, keep a simple handbag on you. Also avoid using expensive handbags on a safari, leave your expensive watches and jewelry at home. Avoid bringing them on a safari.
It is also recommended to carry mosquito repellents as there could be mosquitoes and bugs, most especially if you are staying in a tent.
Devices (Binoculars, Mobile Phones, Camera, and Flashlight)
When traveling to Africa for a safari, carry your binoculars which are an essential device for a safari as they will help you see animals that may be hiding behind a tree or bush or at a distance.
Also carry your mobile phones, camera and chargers, you may also want to carry your mobile or camera to get good pictures of the wildlife that you will witness on the safari. When you are back home, you may want to see these videos or photos. Don’t miss carrying your chargers as you will require recharging your devices.
Carry a flashlight or rechargeable torch more preferably Led Lights as it can get pitch dark, the best torch is the one that can fit in your hands as they are really handy and convenient to use.
A journal, a book, and music
If you are a reader, travelling is the best time to read. While at the airport or delayed somewhere you can always indulge in your book. It is also a good way to spend time when you are in your tent.
Travelers who not into books, music may be a great choice of spending time. Remember to carry your Ipods or Music devices to avoid getting bored while you are waiting at the airport due to a delayed flight or waiting for your Kenya safari vehicle.
A journal is where you can record your everyday experience about the safari, you can always go back and read it as way to relive the moments. Write down the animals or birds you see in a day, write about the weather, did you make friends or see any different or unusual wildlife. Record your whole experience in the journal, it is an invaluable record and in the future you will be glad to revisit and bring back memories of your safari.
