What to Bring on a Safari Holiday?

in Safari Planning & Tips by Araneta&Tan — July 10, 2009 at 1:57 pm | 2 comments

Planning to go on a safari in Africa is one that requires a lot of preparations. But not to worry, they are all the fun stuff and for some, it will also include a fun safari clothes shopping day!

See our ESSENTIAL Safari packing list below.

What is the safari luggage alowance?

There is a 15kg maximum luggage allowance when you go on a safari that we strongly recommend you to  follow. The aircrafts are small and can only accommodate a small amount of luggage space and weight. So for your own comfort and safety, it is good to stick to the rules.

Soft duffel bags are preferred than the hard cases as it makes it easier to store and squeeze in both the light aircraft compartments and the vehicles that take you to your safari destination.

You are also allowed a small hand bag or back pack inside the aircraft as long as they are light and can be placed on your lap.

What to wear on a safari?

Comfort is paramount when you go on a safari so always bear this in mind.

Neutral colours are also very important and again, one we highly recommend you to follow. So please stick to colours like beige, brown, khaki, grey and olive.

Most lodges offer complimentary laundry services and you get it the next day so you can really get away packing very little clothing with you.

• 1x Hiking shoes or walking shoes
• 1x walking sandals or flip flops – you can also wear this in the hotel/lodge
• 1x Hat – full bream hats with strap to keep it in place
• 1x Fleece or vest
• 1x Light water proof jacket
• 1x Polarized sunglasses
• 2x Long sleeved shirts
• 2x Cotton t-shirts – long sleeves are better than short sleeves especially in Tanzania to give you extra protection from tsetse flies
• 2x Zip-Off trousers or normal cotton/linen trousers
• 1x Short pants
• 2x Pajamas
• 3x Socks
• 1x Swimwear
• 1x Scarf *

* Optional

What medicines to bring on a safari?

Please consult your GP or go to travel health clinics like MASTA Travel for advice on what to bring. The following are just guidelines on top of your other personal medications.

• Malaria tablets
• Yellow Fever vaccination certificate
• Mosquito repellant
• Paracetamol
• Diarrhoea tables
• Antihistamine tablets
• Motion sickness pills
• Antiseptic creams
• Plasters
• First Aid Kit
• Eye wash and eye drops
• Sun block
• Lip balm with SPF
• Wet wipes
• Pocket tissues

What gadgets to bring on safari?

• Camera – a good SLR is worth the investment and worth the weight carrying
• Zoom lens – a good zoom lens 300mm, 400mm to 700mm ideal
• Extra memory cards
• Binoculars – 8×42 or 10×42
• Video cameras
• Electrical plugs – 230AC, 50HZ, round pins or 3 square pins
• Camera chargers
• Laptop chargers*
• Memory card readers*
• Torch
• Dry bags to protect equipments from dust and/or rain

What documents to bring on a safari holiday?

• Passport + visa
• Yellow fever vaccination
• Insurance details
• Lodge/hotel confirmation
• Flight tickets
• Emergency contact details – family and agent
• Credit cards
• Sterling pounds, Euro, USD are accepted everywhere in Tanzania

Happy packing and enjoy your safari holiday!!

Tags: safari tips