You’ve seen the pictures. Men and women clothed head to toe in khaki, binoculars slung around their necks, looking as if they’re embarking on an 1800s anthropological expedition. Except they aren’t.
They’re embarking on an African safari, and it’s 21st century. The truth is, you don’t have to look like Attenborough to visit Africa (although he IS an idol of ours); you can leave the khaki and utility pockets at home and still survive.
Now we’ve cleared that up, there are still some essentials you simply can’t do without. Due to the nature of Africa and its climatic differences, you’ll likely need to pack a little differently on this trip.
But that’s where we (the experts) come in with our ultimate packing guide to Africa. Leaving you to chill with lions and zebras and giraffes – oh my! – without appearing like you’ve just stepped straight off the set of Out of Africa.
The really important stuff
Also known as: the stuff you should pack before your undies
- Toiletries (+ wet wipes!)
- Sunscreen
- Headlamp/LED torches for getting around at night
- Sunglasses to protect against that African sun!
- Insect repellent – also known as your new best friend.
- First aid kit & regular medication
- Sturdy closed-toe shoes or hiking boots
- ‘Around the camp’ shoes or flip-flops (thongs for the Aussies)
- Camera (inc. extra batteries and SD card)
- Pocket knife
- Solar panel charger
- Rucksack
- Day pack
- Lip balm to protect against that dry African air, the wind in your face on safari, and the dust during the dry season
- Refillable water canteen so you don’t have to buy plastic bottles
- African travel guides – the internet can be patchy throughout the region, which means two things: websites aren’t generally up to date, and you probably won’t be able to access them anyway. A trusty Lonely Planet guide will get you a long, long way.
Things for warm weather
Africa is mostly warm, most of the time. Pack these essentials and stay cool, kind of.
- Light cotton T-shirts (avoid bright colours, especially for safari)
- Shorts, but avoid the really short shorts as most countries in Africa veer more on the conservative side
- Swimwear
- Loose-fitting clothing like harem pants
- A hat – and while you can opt for the wide-brimmed kind you see in safari photos, you may spend more time chasing after it when the wind blows it off than being protected! Opt for one with a strap, or bring a snug baseball-style cap instead.
Things for cold weather
We’re about to blow your mind, but Africa is not always hot. During winter the temperature can even drop below freezing. Here’s what you need to keep warm as you hike those last few feet to the top of Kilimanjaro or safeguard your snugness while camping in the Okavango.
- Down jacket – Perfect for compressing into a rucksack or day pack
- Rain jacket – Lightweight & waterproof. You know the drill
- Thermals
- Long trousers
- Woollen jumpers
- Beanie (yes, really! It gets THAT cold!)
- Woollen socks
- Sleeping bag liners: they might be thin, but they add a mighty layer of warmth when you’re cold in your tent at night!
Things to pack if you have space
A common mistake of even the most experienced traveller is overpacking. If you have space, take these things with you. If you don’t, don’t.
- Travel cutlery
- A zoom lens to snap all the African wildlife you can on safari
- Binoculars for animal eye-spy!
- Travel towel
- Sleeping bag
- A good book (or two… probably not 8 each, as we did)
Things for women
Africa can be pretty conservative. So, while you may think of bringing your resort-style summer clothes, it may be a better idea to bring longer-length, breathable garments instead.
- Any specific female hygiene products you prefer, as stock and choice are pretty limited across the region
- Try to avoid short shorts and skirts and opt for longer trousers and midi/maxi skirts
- Long sleeve shirt
- Sarong
- Always pack spare toilet paper. On the off chance that a public toilet has it, you’ll probably have to hand over some cash for a mere square of the stuff. Best to be safe, and it also doubles up as napkins, tissues, etc!
Things for long bus rides
While you’re likely to be completely enthralled by the passing scenery, there are a few ways to make those hours on a bus pass a little faster. Here are some helpful items to have handy:
- Meals/snacks: bit of a no-brainer; it’s always wise to have something nearby to munch on
- Some spare cash for a cheeky roadside samosa (or toilet break)
- Warm clothes if your travels are starting early or finishing late
- A really long, interesting book
- Downloaded playlists and podcasts
- Lots of water. We took over 6L of water with us on our epic bus ride!
Now you know what to pack, all that's left is to book your trip
Words and images by The Common Wanderer.
