How To Pack For Your First Safari Adventure

 

Getting prepped up for your first safari adventure can be exhilarating.

But…

It can also be stressful – from listing down destinations to packing up clothes – because you’d want to make this fantastic trip worthwhile.

The least that you’d want to happen when planning for a trip like this is is to leave something crucial behind that would mess up all the fun and excitement. For that same intent, I wrote this article so it could help you plan for a successful adventure and provide you with practical tips on how to make this trip a delightful, unforgettable one.

 

Planning For The First Safari Adventure: Must-have Items You Can’t Be Without

Binoculars

When you start thinking about safari, there will be lots of things that will instantly cross your mind… thousands of zebras grazing across the grasslands, the herd of African elephants near a watering hole, and even lions feasting on a hard-earned kill.

So as you get ready for your African adventure, grabbing a fabulous pair of binoculars would understandably be at the top of your list. I’m sure that you wouldn’t want to miss the opportunity to view the safari’s magic, which is home to different animal species, some you won’t usually see anywhere else in the world. The binoculars will also keep your kids interested & engaged during the rides.

 

Digital Camera

As we all know, wildlife has stunning landscapes, so you wouldn’t want to miss capturing those sceneries in photos. You would also like to take as many pictures as you can when you see a zebra, so the camera is something that you’d never want to leave behind.

It will be nice to have one that is compact & lightweight for ease of packing. If it has superzoom features, too, then that will be more awesome.

 

 

The Right Garments

When planning for a Safari adventure, one of the vital things you need to consider is choosing the best time to travel. Africa has wet, dry, & chilly winters too.

Typically, it is ideal to have your trip during the dry season as this will give you better chances of spotting the animals. But in any case that you choose to travel during the cold season, then packing layers is a must.

Ensure that they are waterproof layers, & pack in a good hat too because if you think about camping in national parks, it can get freezing there.

 

The Right Footwear

For a trip like this, it is best to pack with comfort & functionality in mind.

Be mindful of colors, too, because just like it is for clothing, there are recommended colors for your safari trip.

An excellent example of this is how Zimbabwe bans using a camouflage pattern, which also applies to shoes. You might consider packing for the kind of footwear that is lightweight enough yet comfortable to walk in. Since you would most likely be walking around the hills or exploring the river banks, either way, bringing your sandals or high heels would be a big no-no for your wildlife adventure.

 

Medical Necessities

Just like you would for any kind of trip, your medical needs should be taken into consideration when you’re packing and it should also include well-stocked first-aid supplies. You need to plan this more cautiously as you will most likely have little to no access to essential medications.

Don’t forget the following:

• Paracetamol
• Antihistamines for reactions to insect bites
• Medication for diarrhea
• Cough drops
• Malaria tablets
• Anti-nausea tablets
• Antacids for upset tummies
• Thermometer (especially when traveling with kids)
• Gauze/adhesive bandage
• Rubbing alcohol or antiseptic spray
• Insect repellent with DEET
• Wet wipes

 

Portable Charging Devices

When packing with your electronic devices & their respective chargers, bear in mind that there are country-specific adaptor plugs.

If you’re staying in a place with limited electricity, it is best to bring your portable power bank with multiple USB ports, which is a lot more convenient to use in charging several devices at one go.

Another option is making the most out of that safari sun by bringing a solar battery pack on your trip, so you’re not limited in terms of power supply & availability of charging ports.

 

Adequate Supply of Food & Water

It’s not like you could spot a convenient store around the African bushes for a quick fix if you get hungry during your trip. So don’t forget to bring a bottle of water or a quick snack with you. 😉

That bottled water might come in handy once you start looking for refreshment after that demanding walk uphill. Try packing some yogurt & puree pouches, too, if you’re tagging some kids along.

 

Other Necessities

Here’s a list of other essentials you might want to consider bringing to this adventure:

• You could expect this to be a long drive. To ensure that you’ll be comfortable throughout the whole trip, carrying a small pillow could come in handy to prepare you for some rough roads ahead.
• It would be a smart idea to bring a reliable torch or one of the best quality flashlights.
• Make sure you bring enough cash with you as there will be no cash machines around nearby. Most of these safari sites are remote, so you can expect to travel through small, rural villages.
• It would be a smart idea to bring a reliable torch or flashlight. Who knows if you might need it when walking to your tent in the middle of the night (Or maybe some fun adventure in the dark). Yay!
• Bring a pocket knife along. You might be in for a surprise on how you’ll get lots of neat opportunities to use it and feel like a real outdoor survivor.

 

Final Thoughts on Pack For Your First Safari Adventure

There you go! By the time you reached my final thoughts, I’m sure you already have an idea on how to make that list of whats & whatnots to bring in your safari trip.

Your packing list will vary depending on different factors including your needs, destination, and how much time you’ll be spending on the safari. Still, somehow, I hope this article helped you figure out how to pack light & smart to make this adventure a truly remarkable one.

 

 

How to Pack For Your First Safari Adventure is a feature post