South African Safari Packing List

Written By Renee Kusler

When most people think of packing for a trip to the African continent, they imagine a suitcase full of khaki and camouflage clothing, safari hats, binoculars, and huge hiking boots. 

*It is not the 1980’s and we are not going to the set of Out Of Africa!

 Please don’t spend thousands of dollars buying outfits you will never wear again. 

Just bring your regular outdoors hiking clothes or workout clothing with plenty of layers for early morning chill, afternoon heat and evening breezes. 

The colors of your clothing don’t matter that much when you are sitting in a jeep.  It is recommended to wear more muted colors, but the animals know you are there whether you are wearing camouflage or orange or purple.  They hear the jeep AND they can smell you.  (some of you more than others :-) )

 

Having said all that, am I bringing binoculars and a ridiculously wide brimmed hat?  YES!  However, I am leaving my heavy Colorado hiking boots at home and just bringing some sturdy sneakers (trainers). 

 It is colder than you think

I learned about the morning chill of African Safari’s the hard way.  I expected heat all the time, but when I jumped in the jeep at 6am with my little hoodie over my t-shirt, I realized I was going to freeze.  This Florida girl was huddled up in a corner trying to stay warm as the jeep zoomed through the misty cold air toward our destination.  Now I bring several layers of long sleeve shirt, fleece, jacket, a hat and gloves.  I peel them off as the sun rises and the mist dissipates.

 

A pair of trousers with a zippered pocket or a jacket with a zippered pocket to safely store your phone on the bumpy jeep is recommended.  There are some places where NO ONE is going to get out of the jeep to rescue your phone!  (ie. Near a Hippo)

My South African Safari packing list:

  • Sun hat

  • Sunglasses

  • Sunscreen

  • Bug spray

  • Binoculars

  • Long sleeve shirt

  • Sweater or hoodie

  • Light Jacket

  • Warm hat or beanie

  • Gloves (if you are a wimp like me)

  • Trousers with zip pockets

  • Workout clothes

  • Sneakers or Tennies

  • Socks for hot days

  • Socks for cool mornings

  • Pajamas

  • Swimsuit

  • Shorts

  • T-shirts

  • Plug adaptor

  • Phone charging bank (if your battery is pathetic like mine)

  • Nice clothes for going out in Cape Town

 Make a stop in Cape Town

If you are going on safari in South Africa, don’t skip a visit to Cape Town!  Cape Town is located at the southernmost tip of Africa and boasts exquisite scenery, beautiful beaches, adorable penguins, iconic Table Mountain, winelands, and historic gardens.

Cape Town is also a bustling city full of amazing restaurants and exciting nightlife. Be sure to explore the natural beauty, the culture, the gastronomy, and the wine.

My South African friends humbly request that you do not wear your safari gear around Cape Town.  You’ll look ridiculous.  This is a modern city where people wear normal clothes.  The only lions, giraffes and hippos you will see are in the tourist shops! 

 So, throw some normal everyday clothing into your suitcase and maybe some nicer outfits for that wine tour or fine dining experience that Cape Town is famous for!

 If you think I am missing anything, please shoot me an email and let me know!  renee@travelyourwaywithrenee.com

If you want to pack for your OWN South African adventure, set up a call with me and we can book you the trip of a lifetime.

Renee Kusler
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