What to bring on safari

Essential to go on a safari.

• Valid passport (International arrival) with the expiry date more than 6 months away.
• Valid visa – if required – remember to get a multiple entry visa if you intend to come back to South Africa after visiting Zimbabwe, Botswana, etc.
• One other picture ID (e.g. driver’s license) – it is law in South Africa to carry some form of ID with you.
• Photocopy of passport page to carry in wallet
• Air tickets
• Expense money – ATMs are widely available in South Africa so don’t bring large sums of Euro or US$.
• Recommended inoculations – i.e. Yellow Fever Certificate
• Travel insurance – don’t rely on your air ticket travel insurance. Make sure you have travel insurance that includes hospitalization in South Africa.

Packing for Your Safari – Clothing and equipment :

Travel light. If you are flying in to your safari destination, your luggage must be packed in a soft tog or duffel bag, and limited to 12 kilograms. You should also bring a day pack to carry any essentials you might need whilst actually on safari.

Dressing for Safaris

On safari, most people wear shorts and a T-shirt during the day and put on long-sleeved shirts and long pants in the evening for warmth as well as protection from mosquitoes. Should you be particularly sensitive to the sun a loose cotton shirt is essential during the day.

White is not a suitable color for these activities. Firstly it increases your visibility quotient to the animals you want to get a closer look at, and secondly, it will get dirty very quickly

Fleece or sweater and a windbreaker for game drives, because it is highly possible that you may go out on a hot day, but be faced with a chill evening on your return.  Some areas have a steep temperature gradient, ie. Very hot days and very cool nights.

Remember that layering your clothing will keep you warmer than relying on one thick item.

Clothing To Pack

• 2 pairs of khaki cotton pants (jeans are rather hot)
• 2 pairs of sturdy shorts
• 2 long-sleeved shirts (for sun protection as well as warmth).
• 1 light sweater or sweatshirt
• 1 lightweight, waterproof windbreaker
• 1 or 2 pairs of sturdy walking or hiking boots or running shoes
• 3-5 short-sleeved shirts or T-shirts
• 5 changes of underwear and socks
• 1 hat with a brim (baseball caps might cover your nose but not your ears and neck).

The African sun can be very harsh. Sunburn on safari, in the heat, is not fun.

Essentials

• Toilet kit including shampoo and soap
• Large towel and washcloth; thin, quick-drying
• Tabard insect repellent

Equipment Requirements

• Good quality sunglasses plus a protective case
• Handi-wipes or ‘Babywipes’, maybe
• Stuff sacks or plastic packets; to compartmentalize items within your travel bag
• Repair kit: needle and thread, nylon cord, rip-stop tape
• Personal first aid kit; see further down this list

Optional

• Camera and film or memory card. And batteries. Film and batteries can generally be obtained at the rest camps, but at a price of course, so please be sure to have sufficient supplies for your needs.
• Binoculars
• Paperback reading and writing material (keep weight at a minimum)
• Bird and animal checklist
• Snacks; trail mix, nuts, hard candies
• Extra sweater
• Wool or Leather gloves (if you feel the cold)
• Down vest or jacket (if you feel the cold)

Required on safari

Sunscreen or block. Sun can be very strong a #10 or higher screen will be needed for the first few days if you are pale; #4 or 5 may be adequate thereafter. The African sun is harsh most of the year

• Aspirin or Tylenol for mild pain or headache
• Moisturizer, lip balm
• Imodium for diarrhea
• Topical antibiotic (e.g. Neosporin), for cuts, bites or sores.
• Insect repellent. The principal active ingredient is N, N-Diethyl-Metatoluamide (DEET), an effective repellent will have 75% content or higher. Liquid drops are best for skin application unless your skin is sensitive, sprays may be taken for clothes.
• A-Fil Sun Sticks are best for lips and nostrils.
• Moleskin or Second Skin adhesive pads for blisters.

Personal First Aid Supplies List

Bring a small kit for personal use. Your own experience and preferences will influence your choices. If you take prescription medicines, bring a supply for your entire trip, as these are not available on safari

Please note that you may be very far from any medical facility. For detailed and/or definitive medical advice, please consult your physician. Your medical requirements are your responsibility.

Personal Choice

Cold capsules and/or allergy capsules. Diarrhea prophylactics: Vibramycin, Ampicillin, Bactrim, and Tetracycline, all prescriptive drugs, may decrease or prevent diarrhea when taken in small daily doses. Please consult with your physician. Eye drops, foot powder, spare glasses or contact lenses, and personal drugs, properly labeled, with prescriptive forms.

Feminine protection: may not be readily available for purchase.

Travel Documents

A valid passport is required for your trip; be sure to check the expiry date. It is a good idea to carry a photocopy of the photo page and the entry stamp page of your passport as an additional piece of identification.

YOUR PHOTO COPIES SHOULD BE STORED IN A DIFFERENT PLACE TO YOUR TRAVEL DOCUMENTS.

If your passport is in a hotel safe, or in an embassy for visas, or if you were to lose your passport this precaution would prove invaluable.

Yellow Fever Certificate: check if you need a Yellow Fever Certificate when visiting South Africa. You must get this certificate in your home country.

Visas

It is impossible to track political fluctuations daily, so first check if you require a visa. If you plan to visit another African country and return to South Africa for your flight back home, make sure you have a multiple entry visa.
Please check with us, as well as your own Internal Foreign Affairs Department, passport office, or local travel agent as to what visas you require.

Travel Insurance

It is your responsibility to provide for your travel insurance. Do this before you arrive in Africa since you will be unable to participate in any traveling activities without it.

Photography

Africa is an extremely photo-opportunistic continent from panoramic scenery, wildlife, and birds to people and vibrant ceremonies. Rich color and good low-lighting conditions abound. Always carry enough film, memory sticks, batteries, etc, as it is difficult to get in some remote places. Keep your cameras in a dust-resistant, padded case and out of the midday sun.

A 200 mm (or longer) telephoto lens will prove very useful on safari. In African culture, taking pictures of people without asking them first is considered rude.

Personal Medical Conditions

This is important, so please visit Health Notices and Malaria Information.

Should you have any particular ailments requiring specialized medication, you should ensure that sufficient stocks are carried by you, during your stay.

If you carry prescription medicine, you must have a copy of the prescription.

Also, bring any reading material for your free time while on safari.

Contact Anthony at info@hoedspruitonline.co.za for any more information or safari bookings