An African safari is like no experience you will ever have again. Despite having travelled almost constantly for the past year and a half, my safari in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania remains one of the most exciting and uplifting events of my life. Imagine giraffes striding across the main road before you’ve even reached the National Park. Think about how fast your heart would beat if you woke in the night to the sound of a lion’s roar through the thin mesh of your tent. Picture yourself standing on the back seat of a jeep, your upper body leaning out through the roof, feeling the African sun on your skin and the breeze in your hair as your guide chases after hunting cheetahs. It really is incredible.
If you’ve never had the chance to visit Africa, I’d strongly recommend you consider it for your next trip. If you’re reading this post because you already have a safari on the agenda, I hope it helps you prepare. It’s important to remember that, while you will be taken care of by your tour company, the savanna is a place fraught with potential danger. Some of the world’s deadliest animals reside there, from the obvious (lions, hippos and threatened elephants) to the insects that spread malaria and sleeping sickness.
That’s where a well-thought-out packing list comes in handy. With suggestions from the people at Port Lympne Safari Park, here are some tips on what to take.
–
Zip-off Trousers
Zip-off trousers will never be stylish (especially if you try the one-leg look above…), but you’ll be glad you bought them. Due to the fluctuating temperatures in Africa, you’ll want layers with you. Leaving the camp at 6 am, the weather can be pretty chilly, but you’ll want to be wearing a lot less by lunchtime. Don’t make the mistake of assuming it’s constantly hot in Africa. Even with leggings on under my combat trousers I was shivering by a camp fire the night we stayed on the rim of Ngorongoro Crater.
–
Light Hiking Boots Or Walking Sandals
Your footwear should be comfortable since you’ll be on your feet for a long time each day. As you might imagine, most of your time will be spent in a jeep, so there’s minimal walking involved. However, you need to be prepared for any eventuality. You might find yourself hiking to a lookout point or navigating small patches of forest to get to the campsite washrooms. It’s best to play it safe and wear something light, comfortable and sturdy.
–
High SPF Sun Cream
Get the highest SPF sun cream you can find and apply it often. The sun is very powerful in Africa and sun protection should be one of your main priorities. It’s easy to forget when you’re mostly covered up and not baking yourself on a beach, but you’ll probably be outside for a few full days in a row, so it’s more important than ever to protect your skin. A bush hat and some good sun glasses are also a good idea.
–
Insect Repellent and Marmite
Many safari camps will have insect repellent, but it’s always worth taking your own, especially if you’re travelling during the rainy season. Itchy insect bites are annoying, but, more importantly, mosquitoes and tsetse flies are the vectors of malaria and sleeping sickness. Tsetse fly bites also sting more than you’d imagine. An additional tip to avoid them is to not wear black or blue clothing, as this attracts them. I’m also a firm believer that a daily helping of marmite on your toast keeps biting insects at bay!
–
Torch
If you’re camping, as many people do on safari, a torch is a necessity. Head torches are the best as they keep your hands free. It’s a scary prospect going to the bathrooms in the black of night knowing there’s a very real possibility that a wild elephant or wildebeest is only feet away, so it’s definitely an advantage to have the chance to check first with a light beam. Often, you’ll also get up before sunrise, which will mean eating breakfast, using the washrooms and packing up camp before daylight comes. Make sure your torch has good batteries too.
–
Entertainment
Bring an e-reader or a paper book with you. There will be some quiet times in the evenings and you will probably have to travel quite far before you reach the safari park. My safari to Lake Manyara, the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater included transport to and from Moshi, where I’d been staying. It was at least a few hours’ drive, and more in between each of the parks. A small pack of playing cards is also a great way to bond with other tour groups.
–
Zoom Lens Camera
This is one of those times when you will kick yourself if you don’t come prepared with a good camera. Of course, there’s an argument for living in the moment and not being distracted by technology, but I actually found that the zoom and LCD screen on my camera enabled me to see much more than I would have by eye. Your guide should have spare pairs of binoculars for you to borrow, but there’s something much more satisfying about capturing those magical moments and knowing you can come back to them later. As well as a good camera, bring as many fully charged spare batteries as you can. There probably won’t be many opportunities to charge them. Your jeep may well be equipped with a charger that runs when the engine’s on, but you don’t want to have to wait in line behind the rest of your group. Camera cleaning equipment is also very useful as the savanna can get very dusty.
–
First Aid Kit
You really shouldn’t ever travel without one, but when you know you’ll be out in the wilderness for a few days, it’s common sense to pack the basics. Don’t forget your anti-malarials, if you’re taking them, as well as any prescribed medication, birth control, allergy treatments, spare contact lenses, antiseptic wipes, ibuprofen, bandages and plasters.
–
Funky Accessories
In addition to these essential items, I’m also a very big fan off animal print attire. If you can’t go to town with it when you’re on safari, then when can you?! These multipurpose headscarves are perfect for keeping hair out of your face, sweat out of your eyes and, if need be, dust out of your mouth…
–
Above all, remember to have fun and savour the moment. It’s a privilege to be able to see these animals, some of which are highly endangered, in their natural habitats. As one sign at Lake Manyara said, ‘Remove nothing from the park except nourishment for the soul, consolation for the heart and inspiration for the mind.’
Marmite keeps bugs from biting? Really? If there are any insects out there that bite people, they will invariably find my husband and bite him. He’ll try anything. Might need to try Marmite! :)
Katherine Belarmino recently posted..Why I Want To Go On An Eight-Day Emerald Waterways River Cruise Through Europe
It could be a myth, but when I was in Tanzania for a month I got bitten on the first night, bought marmite the next day, had it for breakfast every day after that and didn’t get bitten again! I even stopped using repellent because they weren’t coming anywhere near me! So, either the marmite worked or the mossies tried my blood and didn’t like it, then spread the word to their friends…!
Ha, I can understand why insects wouldn’t bite you after you have eaten marmite. I hate that stuff too and if I was an insect I would stay well clear of everybody who has eaten it too. :-)
tammyonthemove recently posted..Icebreaker Dress Give-Away
I love the stuff! And now I’ve been in Oz a while, I’ve learned to love Vegemite as well! :)
Love the Marmite tip! Hoping to finally go on safari next year so will bear that in mind (any excuse to eat more Marmite, to go with the G&Ts I get down me to ‘prevent malaria’).
Lucy recently posted..In pictures: Essaouira sunsets
Haha. And here was me thinking all along it was red wine that prevents malaria. Still, I haven’t caught it yet, so it must be working… ;)
Great tips – I love the zip off trousers. My wife hates them! But they really are convenient.
Dan recently posted..Mosquito Diseases
I really don’t think they’re that bed. And you’re right. They’re practical! I more or less lived in mine when I was backpacking…
This was great! It will be great on my upcoming safari. I am so excited and nervous at the same time.
Glad I could help. Just be excited. There’s nothing to be nervous about. I’m sure it’ll be safe. My safari was an incredible experience. Have a great time!
Great tips! I find that I bring a lot of these along when I’m on safari, but have not tried the Marmite yet. Love the shot of the wildebeest at the beginning of the post – they are such fascinating creatures.
Dave Cole recently posted..Monday Morning Photo – Religious Azulejo in Setubal, Portugal
Thanks Dave! Honestly, try the Marmite. I swear by it!
I’m desperate to go on a safari (hopefully next year) so this is so useful!! x
Scarlett recently posted..Carrie Bradshaw is a dick
Glad to help a bit! I hope you get to go on one. It’s honestly one of the most incredible experiences you can have!
I love the suggestions and advice, Arianwen. A safari is so huge on my wish list (bucket list). It was funny that listed a First Aid Kit then two pictures later was a lion :) My first concern and priority is to keep me from getting sunburned with my very fair skin that proned to bad things happening…if you know what I mean.
Mike recently posted..Our Soviet Van, Stuck in a Mongolian River!
I get burnt easily too, so I completely agree with you! I would hope that no one is at risk of a lion bite on safari, as I’m not sure the first aid kit I recommended would be able to deal with it…!
Wow! Marmite as insect repellent. That’s news to me! I’m gonna try it out. Where did you get your Marmite in Tanzania?
Vivian @ Amani Afrika recently posted..2015 Kilimanjaro Full Moon Summit Series
Yikes, this was a really long time ago! I was living in Moshi and they had Marmite in one of the supermarkets! I had marmite and bread from a local bakery every morning. I hope this little trick works for you too! But make sure you take other precautions too :)
You bring me a lot of informations to repel mosquitoes. Some of them are very useful. I will try some of these tips, You can also find mosquito kiler information in http://topmosquitokiller.com/, it is as same as your blog. You are both wonderful.
Hi Arianwen,
I know this is an older post, but just wanted to say ‘you nailed it here’! You pack for a Safari like you’ve lived here in Africa your whole life!! That’s a compliment!
My in-laws farm in Sabi, so we meet lots of tourists visiting the Kruger Park. They mostly have trouble with the right clothing and end up buying a new wardrobe in town and of course sunburn.
I love your tip on Marmite!
Thanks for this great roundup!
Astrid
Astrid recently posted..Best Canned Food for Survival
Aw, thanks Astrid! That’s nice to hear! I’ve seen a few posts where people recommend animal print designer clothes. I’m definitely more for comfort and practicality! It’s like when people wear heels and makeup for long-haul flights. Each to their own… but I know I’m right ;)
Great. I also like trip. You could find some ways to repell mosquitoes and other insects.
Hitman recently posted..Top 5 Best Mosquito Killer