SAFARI PACKING LIST ESPECIALLY TO AFRICA


This packing list may help you remember some things that are easily forgotten when going on a safari. This packing list is specifically made for someone taking a trip to Africa or more so adventurer's trip that may make one travel out of towns to the bushes where there is less or no population.

TRAVEL / SAFARI CLOTHING

• Carry clothing in neutral colours: khaki, light brown/green, tan.
• A safari Jacket is a very handy accessory to take with on your trip.
• Comfortable non-synthetic short- and long sleeves safari shirts
• Comfortable non-synthetic shorts and long trousers
• About 5 sets of underwear depending on the length of your trip
• Pyjamas
• Swimming costume
• Flip-flops or sport sandals (public showers, airing feet)
• Comfortable walking shoes  especially if you are on a walking safari
• About 5 pairs of socks (again depending on your length of stay)

• Extra shoelaces
• Insect repellent although most lodges/hotels will provide this in the rooms as well as mosquito netting.
• Sunblock and after sun lotion
• A travel towel is light and takes very little space
• Skin cream
• Malaria tablets ( one should take a dose at least two weeks before travel and two weeks after the travel when travelling in Malaria prone zones
• Citronella or other body soap/shower gel\
• Sunglasses -  Make sure they have polarized lenses.
• Bottled water although we provide a litre of water every day and the hotel also provides water in the room
• Wet wipes/hand sanitizer or no-water/antibacterial soap – very handy in the safari vehicle.
• Pocket Knife (Swiss/Leatherman type)
• Small scissors, if not on your Leatherman/Swiss knife
• Toothbrush/toothpaste/dental floss
• 2-in-1 shampoo/conditioner
• Tweezers
• Lip balm
• Q-tips & cotton balls
• Razor & shaving cream/gel
• Birth control (enough to last your trip)
• Sanitary requirements (shops are sometimes few and far between, and very basic)
• Contact lens solution & extra set of disposable lenses
• Band aids & moleskin
• Vitamins
• Painkiller
• Antiseptic cream
• Motion sickness tablets
• Heartburn remedy
• Anti-diarrhoea medicine
• Re-hydration salts
• Pen/pencil
• Small unbreakable mirror
• Plastic bags (wet washing/muddy shoes/organize clothes in suitcase)
• Small compass
• Deck of cards/travel size game
• Carry an interesting book to read between game viewing and other leisure time
• String/rope (washing line, tying sleeping bag, multitude of uses!!)
• Cold/flu tablets
• Allergy remedy
• Some people take a basic antibiotic in case
• Sterile needles (in case you need an injection and don't trust the hygiene conditions)
• Prescribed medicine (enough to last your trip)

TRAVEL/SAFARI LUGGAGE

• The luggage should be mobile if possible have a bag with wheels this is because you may be moving from place to place whether at the airport or cars or getting to the hotels. Make sure it's also light by avoiding many un necessary clothing
• A daypack or a small sizable bag is very handy to transport the items you need while driving around in the safari vehicle or walking through the bush

SAFARI EQUIPMENT

• Make sure you pack your Camera & enough film (This can be expensive and/or difficult to obtain) & extra flash batteries and lens cleaner
• Binoculars are essential for a successful trip
• A Touch or flash light
• Small bean bag to substitute a tripod
• Small calculator for currency calculations
• Money belt
• Washing powder/travel soap for laundry
• Plug adaptors - generally in Africa it's 3-prong round or square
• Lighter/waterproof matches
• Travel alarm clock
• Mini combination locks
• Mini sewing kit

DOCUMENTS

• Passport & correct visas
• Emergency phone numbers
• Travel Insurance policy
• A travel dairy book - to write your journal and record the wildlife you see.
• If you get hold of guide books carry them also especially the ones covering the area you're visiting – it should include animals/birds pages for easy identification
• Your itinerary
• Addresses and mobile numbers
• Any vaccinations certificates
• Phone card and international access numbers
• Extra passport photos
• Copy of your passport, kept in a separate place than your passport
• Copy of marriage certificate, if applicable especially if you recently tied the knot or going for honeymoon some hotels require the prove.
• Medical history
• Copies of prescriptions
• Small stickers to label your used films

Get more details and safari tips at www.fountainsafaris.com