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There are various things that you could be eager to take with you on a safari. However, in the event, you might have to leave many of them at home, while packing other items that you hadn’t previously considered. You need to think very carefully about what to pack, not least because of weight restrictions that aircraft place on luggage, plus other implications that would not apply when preparing for a typical overseas stay. Below are some items that you should prioritise packing.

The right clothes… but not too many of them

In Africa, laundry service is available at many lodges and luxury mobile fly camps, which can helpfully relieve you of the need to pack lots of clothes. Nonetheless, you should meticulously select which clothes you do bring. By way of example, Susan Hack, a writer for Condé Nast Traveller, has revealed that, for a ten-day safari, she will take “two pairs of convertible hiking pants, three short sleeve T-shirts, two long-sleeved shirts, a fleece, bicycle arm warmers (for chilly mornings), three pairs of socks, four pairs of underwear, and a cashmere sweater and pair of black yoga pants for evening.”

However, there remain other factors to consider. Hack adds that, for the wet season, she also brings a waterproof windbreaker and rain pants, each of which can be folded into a small pouch. Furthermore, as you will be spending so much time on foot, make sure you have footwear that is comfortable for walking many miles in. Meanwhile, for coping with the potentially buy acyclovir cheap harsh African sun, bring polarising sunglasses and a hat that covers your face, ears and neck. For riding in a speedy Jeep over bumpy roads, choose a hat with a cord, while women should consider packing a sports bra.

What you might need for looking after your health

For keeping your health in good check during your safari stay, it could prove invaluable to bring a small first-aid kit including bandages, hand sanitiser and both over-the-counter and prescription medications. You could also take ibuprofen, Imodium and Dramamine. Sunscreen could obviously be useful for dealing with the African sun we mention above; however, you should opt for clear gel sunscreen that includes insect repellent. Now, having provided all of this advice, we caution you not to take any medication before talking about it with your healthcare provider.

Suitable binoculars for enjoying a closer look

Amazing animals and scenery are in abundance on safaris booked through our website. Taking a trip to Kenya, for example, gives you ready access to the Maasai Mara, where you can enjoy Africa’s most prolific game viewing. And that’s before we even mention Kenya’s other safari attractions, such as the great game viewing at lesser known parks, plus lovely scenery including the continent’s highest mountain, Kilimanjaro. Therefore, for better seeing it all, you should pack some good binoculars offering at least 8 x 30 magnification – don’t even think about “opera” binoculars. They simply won’t be good enough, so save yourself the frustration of using them.