There are few traveling experiences on earth that compare with, or are as exciting as, an African safari. You will find yourself miles from civilization, in wild places surrounded by bush and wild animals, white-hot skies, dust-coated thorn trees, and… very few amenities.
Safari camps are primitive at best (unless you go the luxury African safari route and, in that case (in my opinion anyway) you will miss out on a great deal of the fun and adventure.
The very basic amenities of safari campsites in the heart of Africa are part of the charm and otherworldliness of a genuine safari, but this also means that you need to do a little planning ahead.
Safari camps are primitive at best (unless you go the luxury African safari route and, in that case (in my opinion anyway) you will miss out on a great deal of the fun and adventure.
The very basic amenities of safari campsites in the heart of Africa are part of the charm and otherworldliness of a genuine safari, but this also means that you need to do a little planning ahead.
There are some items that are simply essential to your comfort. Here are 10 of them in no particular order:
1. Raincoat jacket with hood
This can also double as a warm jacket as they are lined with toweling cloth. You will need a raincoat for those sudden African summer showers that catch you off guard. They don’t last for very long but, unprotected, you can get drenched to the skin within minutes. These raincoat jackets are also lightweight and can be crammed into a smallish side pocket on a backpack
1. Raincoat jacket with hood
This can also double as a warm jacket as they are lined with toweling cloth. You will need a raincoat for those sudden African summer showers that catch you off guard. They don’t last for very long but, unprotected, you can get drenched to the skin within minutes. These raincoat jackets are also lightweight and can be crammed into a smallish side pocket on a backpack
2. Warm things
African summers are sweltering hot and even the winters are dry and warm but don’t be fooled, the nights can get pretty cool in summer and extremely cold in winter. So, when preparing for your African safari, be sure you pack both warm and cool clothes. When on safari, the basic rule of thumb is to travel light because you’re going to be on the move a lot. So, for warmth, a single fleece pullover will do, coupled with a lightweight down-lined jacket for those really cold nights around the campfire.
African summers are sweltering hot and even the winters are dry and warm but don’t be fooled, the nights can get pretty cool in summer and extremely cold in winter. So, when preparing for your African safari, be sure you pack both warm and cool clothes. When on safari, the basic rule of thumb is to travel light because you’re going to be on the move a lot. So, for warmth, a single fleece pullover will do, coupled with a lightweight down-lined jacket for those really cold nights around the campfire.
3. Summery things
Be prepared for the hot African days – even in winter. Shorts, t-shirts and open sandals are essential gear. Oh, and don’t forget the swimming costume. Some of the more upmarket safari camps have swimming pools, or you might get the opportunity to take a quick dip in a river (look out for the crocodiles!).
Be prepared for the hot African days – even in winter. Shorts, t-shirts and open sandals are essential gear. Oh, and don’t forget the swimming costume. Some of the more upmarket safari camps have swimming pools, or you might get the opportunity to take a quick dip in a river (look out for the crocodiles!).
4. Sunglasses
You will need a pair of these, summer or winter. The sunlight in Africa is sharp and bright all year round and can be pretty harsh on the eyes, especially out in the bush away from smog and pollution where the air is really clear and fine. So a pair of sunglasses will cut out most of the glare. Invest in a good pair – Polaroids, for example, as you want to be sure to still be able to view the wild game in the distance clearly.
You will need a pair of these, summer or winter. The sunlight in Africa is sharp and bright all year round and can be pretty harsh on the eyes, especially out in the bush away from smog and pollution where the air is really clear and fine. So a pair of sunglasses will cut out most of the glare. Invest in a good pair – Polaroids, for example, as you want to be sure to still be able to view the wild game in the distance clearly.
5. Binoculars
Definitely essential for game viewing. The thrill of watching a pack of lions sunning themselves on the banks of a river far below in the valley through a pair of binoculars is indescribably exciting and rewarding. Be sure to have your own personal pair, even if you are traveling as a couple or with a group of friends. Nothing is more annoying on an African safari than missing out on the action just because you have to pass around and share a single pair of binoculars!
Definitely essential for game viewing. The thrill of watching a pack of lions sunning themselves on the banks of a river far below in the valley through a pair of binoculars is indescribably exciting and rewarding. Be sure to have your own personal pair, even if you are traveling as a couple or with a group of friends. Nothing is more annoying on an African safari than missing out on the action just because you have to pass around and share a single pair of binoculars!
6. Wet Wipes & Bog roll
(For those not in the know – toilet roll)
Don’t laugh; a bog roll is an essential piece of safari kit. I never go on safari without it. You can use it to take care of all types of emergencies: Sudden calls of nature in the bush (yes, oftentimes there is no toilet), leaky nose, sticky hands, sun-glass cleaners, serviettes, etc. While you’re at it, include a pack of wet wipes to clean sweaty hands and dusty faces. Wet wipes are also great for wiping some cool moisture across a hot brow on a stiflingly hot African summer’s day.
7. Personal health kit
On your African safari, you are going to be miles away from the nearest civilization (as in shops), so there are some essential health items you will need to pack. These include:
(For those not in the know – toilet roll)
Don’t laugh; a bog roll is an essential piece of safari kit. I never go on safari without it. You can use it to take care of all types of emergencies: Sudden calls of nature in the bush (yes, oftentimes there is no toilet), leaky nose, sticky hands, sun-glass cleaners, serviettes, etc. While you’re at it, include a pack of wet wipes to clean sweaty hands and dusty faces. Wet wipes are also great for wiping some cool moisture across a hot brow on a stiflingly hot African summer’s day.
7. Personal health kit
On your African safari, you are going to be miles away from the nearest civilization (as in shops), so there are some essential health items you will need to pack. These include:
- headache pills
- anti-malaria pills (in applicable regions)
- anti-nausea and anti-diarrhea pills
- band-aids
- suntan lotion
- lip balm
- water purification tablets
- And last, but definitely not least - insect repellent. Anyone who has ever been on safari in Africa knows what an irritating nuisance bugs can be, especially mosquitoes!
8. Sun hat
Do not underestimate the heat or the power of the African sun. If you spend hours in it with your head unprotected, you may very possibly get extremely ill and end up with sunstroke. You may be especially susceptible if you come from colder, Northern Hemisphere countries such as Europe.
A simple precaution, such as wearing a hat or cap, will make all the difference. Flexible, soft-brimmed hats are best, as these can be squashed into your luggage or even a pocket. If you’re going on a game trail or hike, don’t leave without one
9. Hiking boots
A good pair of comfortable hiking boots worn with socks is absolutely essential, not only for game trails or hikes but for general wear in the bush. Ankle-high boots will give you good support when walking through rough terrain and thorny grass. Make sure your boots are comfortable and worn in before going on safari.
10. Digital camera
You are definitely going to take hundreds of pictures on your African safari, so be sure to remember to take extra batteries and memory sticks for your camera, or a power bank for your smartphone. Have your camera or phone ready for use at a moment’s notice when wild game is spotted.
Do not underestimate the heat or the power of the African sun. If you spend hours in it with your head unprotected, you may very possibly get extremely ill and end up with sunstroke. You may be especially susceptible if you come from colder, Northern Hemisphere countries such as Europe.
A simple precaution, such as wearing a hat or cap, will make all the difference. Flexible, soft-brimmed hats are best, as these can be squashed into your luggage or even a pocket. If you’re going on a game trail or hike, don’t leave without one
9. Hiking boots
A good pair of comfortable hiking boots worn with socks is absolutely essential, not only for game trails or hikes but for general wear in the bush. Ankle-high boots will give you good support when walking through rough terrain and thorny grass. Make sure your boots are comfortable and worn in before going on safari.
10. Digital camera
You are definitely going to take hundreds of pictures on your African safari, so be sure to remember to take extra batteries and memory sticks for your camera, or a power bank for your smartphone. Have your camera or phone ready for use at a moment’s notice when wild game is spotted.