What to Pack for an African Safari

Going on an African safari, or a game drive has always been on my bucket list. However, when I finally came through and made my dream a reality I was faced with a huge dilemma – what and how do I pack?

When you’re gonna spend the whole day in a car, comfort is key. But comfort doesn’t mean you’ll have to dress frumpy. You can easily find some cute-looking clothes that will both keep you comfortable and warm on early morning game drives.

In order to adjust to the various temperatures you’ll face during the day it is key to dress in layers. In the early mornings getting into an open vehicle is freezing, but as the time passes midday, the sun will warm you up and the temperature will rise considerably. Also, keep in mind that you should dress in neutral colours such as greens, beige and browns, in order to blend in with the environment and get as close as possible to the wildlife. Also, make sure to avoid black and blues as these will attract tsetse flies and heat.

1. A sun hat or a cap – these will protect you from the rays.
2. Sunglasses – Not only will they protect your eyes against the sun, but also from dust.
3. Fleece jacket – this will definitely keep you warm and comfy on the early morning and late afternoon game drives.
4. Camera bag – Keep your camera safe during bumpy rides and be prepared for the many photo opportunities.
5. Long-sleeved sweater – Bring a couple of long-sleeved sweaters to layer under your fleece jacket.
6. Layering tank tops or t-shirts – These are for when the sun is up high and you can start stripping off some of those top layers.
7. Bikini – A must-have in Africa — most of the camps and lodges will have a pool where you can take a dip.
8. Socks and underwear – Bring plenty! You’ll probably get dirty from the dusty roads and want to keep fresh.
   Helpful Tip: Pack a pair of binoculars to get a better view of what’s far away.

9. Comfy pants – I wore comfy pants every day. You’re gonna spend many hours in a car so you’ll want to keep as comfortable as possible.
10. Shorts – Loose shorts in breathable fabric for when the sun is up high.
11. Jumpsuit or playsuit – A jumpsuit is always perfect, especially with long sleeves to protect you from the sun.
12. Shirt – Perfect for layering under a vest and you can also use these if you want to freshen up a bit before dinner.
13. Boots – You’ll only need one pair of shoes for a safari and that is boots! These are not only comfortable if you’re going for a hike or walk but also protect your feet if you step on anything.
14. Utility jacket – Bring a thicker jacket for the early mornings. The pockets are also great for storing camera lenses for easy access.
15. Vest – Layering piece to keep you warm in the late morning hours.
    Helpful tip: Pack a flashlight! Some of the lodges might not have installed light around the camping grounds.

I found that the best way to keep my backpack organized was through packing cubes. In order to get dressed fast in the mornings, I pre-packed outfits for each day in my larger luggage so that I had an easy time pulling out a cube in the morning, getting dressed and storing the necessary luggage in my daypack.

Packing cubes will also make it easier to separate clean and dirty clothes.

Read more: Staying at Elephant Sands