Africa

Safari Essentials for the Wilderness

Your Guide to Africa

Wilderness Blogger

11/17/2022

Suggested safari packing list

Long, warm afternoons. Crisp early mornings. Thrilling game drives. Clear nights under a sky full of stars. When it comes to preparing for an unforgettable safari, packing light and practically is the name of the game. Your wardrobe and gear need to strike the perfect balance between comfort, style, and utility. Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or setting off on your first African journey, this packing guide will help you pack all the essentials for a safari with Wilderness – ensuring you’re ready to embrace the wild in style while staying sun-safe, dust-proof, and rain-ready.

Suggested clothing: light, comfortable, and practical

Here's what you'll need

  • Lightweight, breathable fabrics: Safari clothes for women and men should be made from natural fibres such as cotton or linen, as these materials allow your skin to breathe and help regulate body temperature. Synthetic fabrics may trap heat and moisture, making you uncomfortable in the summer heat.
  • Neutral-coloured clothing: Earthy tones like khaki, beige, olive green, and brown are ideal for blending into the environment on safari.
  • Layering pieces: Pack a light fleece or long-sleeved shirt for the early morning game drives, as temperatures can be surprisingly chilly. These pieces can easily be layered over your daytime clothes and stowed away as the day heats up.
  • Sun-protective clothing: Long-sleeved shirts, pants, and wide-brimmed hats are great for protecting your skin from the African sun. Some clothing is specially designed with built-in SPF for additional protection.
  • Packable rain jacket: We love a rainstorm in Africa, but they’re not always fun to get caught in, so having a lightweight, waterproof jacket is wise.
  • Swimwear: Essential for warm afternoons between game drives.
  • Bandana or buff: Especially in dusty, drier regions, a buff helps keep dust off your face, and doubles as sun protection for your neck.

Safari essentials from the Wilderness Store

Packing for a safari is a little different from packing for an ordinary holiday. Though we encourage you to pack light, these are a few non-negotiables you’ll be glad to have on your safari packing list.


 
From hats to quick-dry safari shirts, to explorer rain pants and jackets, the Wilderness online store apparel is sustainably sourced and guide-approved, designed for any adventure.

 

You’ll also need sturdy yet soft safari luggage for flights between camps with Wilderness Air, as well as a lightweight tote or safari backpack for all those smaller things you need while out and about on game drives and other activities.

 

Naturally, we’ve thought ahead, and together with our friends at Sealand, created a limited-edition collection of handmade upcycled gear to suit every kind of wild. Available in three colourways, each bag is sturdy and weather-resistant, made from recycled nylon waste, built to be resistant to ripping and tearing, and guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Wilderness shop

Get your safari essentials and gear

Wilderness Store
  • Laundry: Keep in mind that laundry services are available at Wilderness camps, making it easy for you to pack light. Weather permitting, laundry is typically returned on the same day or within 24 hours. That said, in regions experiencing unseasonably dry conditions, guests are encouraged to do only essential laundry, to help conserve water.
  • Suggested footwear: Comfortable and durable, your choice of footwear for safari is crucial, where you'll likely be walking over uneven terrain or spending long hours on your feet.
  • Sturdy walking shoes: If you’re planning on a walking safari or hike, a pair of good-quality walking shoes is essential. Ensure they are broken in before the trip, to avoid blisters.
  • Lightweight sneakers or sandals: For the time spent at your camp, or during less rugged activities, comfortable walking shoes or sandals will come in handy. Make sure they have a good grip in case of wet or slippery surfaces.
  • Importance of sun protection on safari: The sun in Africa can be intense. Keeping yourself protected from sunburn and heatstroke is paramount.
  • Broad-brimmed hat: A hat with a wide brim will protect your face, neck, and ears from direct sunlight. Many safari-goers prefer packable hats that are easy to store in a day bag.
What To Pack Safari Wilderness Safaris Essentials
  • Sunglasses with UV protection: The glare from the sun, especially in open areas or near water, can be intense. Invest in a pair of polarized sunglasses with UV protection.
  • Sunscreen: A high-SPF, broad-spectrum sunscreen is essential. Look for waterproof options that will stay effective even if you sweat or encounter rain.
  • Lip balm with SPF: The sun and wind can dry out your lips quickly, so make sure to pack a moisturising lip balm with added sun protection.

 

Essential safari gear

 

Summer or winter, your safari is all about observing wildlife in its natural habitat and being able to see and capture details up close.

 

  • Binoculars: A good pair of binoculars is a game-changer on safari, allowing you to spot animals from a distance and observe them more closely. Look for compact, lightweight options with a magnification range of around 8x or 10x.
  • Camera (and extra memory cards): If you're keen to capture the incredible moments you’ll encounter, a camera is a must. Whether it's a DSLR, mirrorless camera, or a quality smartphone, pack extra memory cards and batteries, as you’ll be snapping away more than you think!
  • Waterproof drybag: This is great for protecting your gear from the elements. A small drybag can also help keep out the dust, which is a common issue on open game vehicles.
Wilderness Travellers Couples Landscape

Health and personal care items

Keeping yourself healthy and comfortable on a safari should be a priority. Here are the personal care essentials to pack:

 

  • Insect repellent: Malaria and other insect-borne diseases can be a concern in some safari regions during the summer months. Pack an effective insect repellent, ideally one with DEET, to protect yourself from bites, particularly in the evenings.
  • Hydration solutions: The heat can quickly dehydrate you, so make sure to keep your Wilderness water bottle full and bring it along on your game drives.

Make a difference with Pack for a Purpose

You can support Children in the Wilderness (CITW), the flagship programme of our Impact strategy’s Educate pillar. Leaving some space in your luggage to bring essential supplies for children living in communities near our camps. CITW’s primary aim is to bridge the divide between communities and wildlife, empowering young learners with the life-skills and know-how to become future guardians of Africa’s precious wilderness areas.
 


See the items you can bring, in partnership with Pack for a Purpose, to children in over 60 countries.


 
The most needed items include book bags and school stationery, solar lanterns and any educational tools. Personal hygiene products are also greatly appreciated as are items like soccer balls, flattened for packing. Drop off your donations at your Wilderness camp and make room for safari souvenirs!

PACK FOR A PURPOSE

As you prepare for your safari, remember that comfort, practicality, and protection are key. With your bags packed with the right gear, you can fully immerse yourself in the beauty and thrill of the African wild, knowing you’re ready for whatever the journey may bring. Safe travels and happy exploring!

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