You will only require a small amount of luggage on any safari in Africa as your laundry can be done in most of the camps and lodges (this is often included in the cost of your holiday) however this does not include personal items. Bright colours (more visible to the animals) and white (hard to keep clean) are not recommended and army camouflage uniform and hats are forbidden.
During your safari you will require light casual clothing for days in the National Parks (t-shirts and shorts) but we recommend trousers and long sleeved shirts (or equivalent for ladies) during the evenings as it helps protect from mosquitoes in the evening and sunburn during the day (smart casual evening clothes are required in the majority of lodges and camps). Please also note that many National Parks and Game Reserves are at high altitude and during the winter months, despite hot sunny days, it can get very cold at night and on early morning game drives so it is advisable to take a fleece or sweater.
Note that consideration for cultural beliefs especially in public areas in some countries in East or North Africa, require that women dress to cover the shoulders and knees and men do not wear shorts. This does not apply in the resorts, hotels or lodges.
Comfortable walking boots or shoes (trainers are fine) - avoid white colour
Flip flops or similar
At least 2 sets of clothing for safari
- Shorts/skirts or trousers (trousers that zip off into shorts are ideal)
- long/short sleeved shirt, t-shirt or polo shirt in neutral colours (green, khaki, beige)
Hat (wide brimmed)
Windbreaker / jacket
Sweaters / fleece for cold early morning game drives and evenings in camp
Light rain gear for rainy season
1 or 2 long sleeve shirts for evenings in the lodge (protect from mosquitoes)
1 or 2 pairs of long trousers for evenings in the lodge
1 or 2 casual evening outfits for ladies
Underwear and socks
Pyjamas
Swimsuit
Sports bra (bumpy game drives!)
Other items to remember:
Visas, tickets, passports, money etc
Motion sickness pills
Sunglasses - good quality and providing good UV protection. Tinted fashion glasses are not good in strong light.
Wash kit - lodges/camps will provide fresh towels and many provide shampoo, body lotion, soap and insect repellent.
Wet shave razor
Sunblock/sun cream
Aftersun moisturising cream
Anti-histamine cream
A small personal medicine kit (please take advice from your doctor)
Penknife (not to be kept in your hand luggage!)
A good camera and plenty of film (if available, it is expensive in Africa) or memory cards
BINOCULARS - ESSENTIAL (ideally one pair each)
Torch with spare batteries and spare bulb as these are often unobtainable
Insect repellent
Spare pair of prescription glasses, due to dust and dryness problems experienced by contact users
Converter plug set
Re-charging pack for camera batteries/mobile phones
We strongly recommend that you take a soft bag instead of a suitcase. If you are travelling on internal charter flights during your holiday you must take a soft bag and restrict the weight to 15 kilograms. Please think carefully when packing and check that all your equipment is necessary.
Luggage that goes missing on scheduled flights is beyond the control of Farside Africa, and often the airline concerned too. The airport controls what happens to passengers' luggage from when it is checked in until it is put on board the aircraft. We would like to suggest that you take the following precautionary action: Please pack a small bag with a change of clothes, a small wash kit and a few other essential items that can be taken on as hand luggage. Then pack a second bag containing the rest of your clothing and any other non-essentials that can be loaded in the aircraft hold. If the second bag does not arrive, you will still have your essential items on hand to see you through the first couple of days while the airline recover your baggage.
< back to home page
Copyright © Farside Africa