What to Bring on Your Safari: A Suggested Packing List
General Packing Guidlines:
Your wardrobe should be based on layering. We will be outdoors during the mornings and late afternoons when the temperature is changing
All clothing to be worn on the safaris should be neutral colors such as khakis, grey, dull green, or browns. Bright colors such as white, reds, and blues can scare away animals and are discouraged especially when we are walking in the bush or likely to leave the vehicle.
If possible please choose shampoos and soaps with little or no perfumes. The animals with keen senses of smell will be alerted to our presence and will not come into camera range.
I buy most of my travel clothes through REI. Their staff will be very helpful if you are lucky to live near a retail store or go online at www.rei.com
Suggested Packing List
- Sturdy shoes, preferably light hiking or full hiking boots with ankle support
- Light and breathable socks that reach above the boots
- Sandals or athletic shoes for around camp and travel days
- A pair of long pants for walking in the bush and for evenings and mornings (good mosquito protection!). Something you can wear on the plane with comfort and also in the bush. The styles with the zip off legs might be a good choice as a second pair of long pants.
- Shorts for mid morning until late afternoon. Lots of pockets is a bonus
- Baseball cap or wide brim hat for sun protection, also a warm knit cap if it is cold
- Tee shirts - long and short sleeve
- Long sleeve shirt (vented fishing style shirts are great and the sleeves can be rolled up)
- Light weight yet warm jacket for layering in mornings and evenings such as a fleece or windproof light fleece shell.
- Rain shell/jacket for wet days and to add another air barrier of warmth with the jacket
- A small daypack backpack can be a handy place to keep a bottle of water, animal id chart, and the jacket after you remove it
- Binoculars , journal for taking notes
- Do not forget at least one adapter
- Sunscreen, bug repellent , sunglasses
- Small flashlight or reading light
- Refillable water bottle. I use Platypus brand because it folds flat for travel.
Pack light to avoid airline fees - the lodge offers a laundry service