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What to bring for a safari holiday

BY READERS DIGEST

2nd Dec 2021 Travel

What to bring for a safari holiday
A safari holiday will provide an unforgettable opportunity to view many animals in their natural habitat.
The untouched surroundings and beautiful wildlife will provide a trip of a lifetime.
However, it is important to remember that this isn’t your average getaway, and you will need to bring along various essentials for a safe, enjoyable trip. While your chosen tour operator will provide a specific rundown, you can gain an insight into the items you will need beforehand. Read these tips on what to bring for a safari holiday.

A duffel bag

You will need to ditch large suitcases when travelling on safari. As you will likely climb aboard a small aircraft in Africa to reach your destination, the luggage weight is limited. For example, it is 33lbs per checked bag per person when heading on safari in East Africa, and it is 44lbs per person in Southern Africa.
A soft duffel bag is a smart option, as it is lightweight. If your luggage has wheels, it can add between eight to 12 pounds, which means you will not have as much room for clothing, footwear, and other essentials.

Lightweight, Earth-toned clothes

Most tour operators will recommend packing lightweight, earth-toned clothes for a safari. Tan and khaki hues are ideal choices, especially for a game walk. However, if you want to book one of the many Tanzania safaris available, you can likely wear shorts and jeans in various colours, as you will likely travel safely in a safari vehicle. However, avoid wearing bright clothing, which will cause wildlife to shy away. It would help to learn more about the safari tours and what you need to wear by talking to experts. 
There are some items you would be wise to pack, too, such as a fleece or windbreaker for a chilly game drive at night. Also, you will need a hat, scarf, or gloves for chilly temperatures and a bandana you can dip in water to cool down during warm weather.
Other items you will need include:
  • A comfortable pair of trainers or walking shoes (again, avoid bright colours)
  • Long or mid-sleeve cotton shirts
  • Bathing suit
  • Underwear
  • Socks
  • Antihistamine tablets
  • Anti-nausea tablets
  • Basic first aid supplies (such as plasters, OTC medication, antiseptic cream)
  • Sun cream with an SPF 20 or higher
  • Wet wipes

First aid supplies

A first aid kit is a must-have when on safari, as it can protect your health during travel. Going on safari in Africa will increase your risk of bites from various insects, including mosquitos, which may lead to malaria. Keep a reliable insect repellent with DEET in your bag to use when on safari. Also, visit a doctor before travel to receive prescription malaria tablets.
Other items you will need in your first aid kit include:
  • A comfortable pair of trainers or walking shoes (again, avoid bright colours)
  • Long or mid-sleeve cotton shirts
  • Swimming clothes
  • Underwear
  • Socks
  • Antihistamine tablets
  • Anti-nausea tablets
  • Basic first aid supplies (such as plasters, OTC medication, antiseptic cream)
  • Sun cream with an SPF 20 or higher
  • Wet wipes

High-quality binoculars

Make the most of your safari experience by bringing a high-quality pair of binoculars with you. It is often recommended to bring 8x40 or 8x42 options, as they are general-purpose binocular specifications that are perfect for mammal and bird viewing. It is one item you will be glad you placed in your backpack.
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