Packing for an African safari is one of the most amazing, unforgettable, unique and a true wildlife experience. With the vast areas of forests, savanna, mountains, gorges, deserts and fresh what bodies inhabited only by animals.
A camping safari in Africa means taking along with you the essentials that one is likely to need on any African holiday. Of course there are some must things that are always not forgotten like the passport, airline ticket, immunization cards and some cash because they are the immediate things needed. But what about the ones that are needed in the field?
The packing process is not only challenging because of the weight restrictions for the charter flights, but also knowing what to exactly pack, the appropriate shoes and clothing for bush walks, the gears needed to trek gorillas in Uganda or hike up the Rwenzori mountains of the moon can all be daunting.
Remember that going to Africa for a camping safari is somewhat so different to most other trips. It means driving on dusty roads in an open-top jeep, sleeping in tents amidst the impenetrable jungles and movement to different landscapes, some of which have very high temperatures and others with the lowest temperatures even in negatives.
So packing for an African safari can be a challenge especially to the first goers, or even sometimes the seasonal travelers depending on what they are to do. However, if you ever face such a question, not knowing what to bring to Africa, here is a simple guide for a camping safari in Africa.
Travel documents
Of course here we are referring to the passport, airline tickets, travel insurance and the itinerary. These seem so obvious but missed, they may delay the whole trip. They are the immediate things required on a safari to Africa, so don’t endeavor to forget them.
Prescribed medicine.
In almost all medical precautions for an African safari, it is very advised that the travelers see their personal doctor before departure. This is to give the trotters chances to discuss with the doctor what they are likely to get infected with and get prescribed medicines. On any African tour, don’t forget to carry the prescribed medicine in your hand luggage however much it could be.
Camera and binoculars
This being an African safari, be certain of encountering with most of the world’s most beautiful wildlife, unique cultures, vast ever changing landscapes and many other features that are simple beautiful to the eyes. A camera will enable you take photos of the memories, who would love to take a photo during that moment when he meets with the mighty silverback? For the binoculars are essential in optimum wildlife viewing on a safari.
Clothing and toiletries
This is so obvious that no one can forget to park clothes, but taking the right clothes is what challenges. Being that laundry services are not part of the services included in a package, you need to carry clothing that will be enough for the safari and still in the range of the aircrafts weight restrictions. Ensure that you carry casual and comfortable clothes, both heavy and light ones because Africa’s weather changes all the time. Note that in Africa it’s culturally not ethical to put on skimpy dresses, shorts and skirts. You also carry some beddings that you feel might be needed to complement the ones available.
Preventive pharmaceuticals
These also include the “meds” that would be needed in a first aid kit in case of small injuries and petty infections like headache, diarrhea, heartburns, and indigestion. Don’t forget to carry insect repellents, hand sanitizers, anti-malarial tabs and others you might feel important for the African trip.
Odds and ends
Remember to carry with you a flashlight as some parts of the continent don’t have electricity, and it would be super black inside the tent in the middle of the night. A rechargeable torch is more recommendable. Also travel with a nice journal to note down the features that excite you beyond so that you dint forget them when finally back home.
The last thing any traveler should not miss going with on any African safari, it’s the sense of humor, patience and some common sense. These are very vital characters that help in camouflaging within the new community so easily.
With all those packed, a safari in Africa can never be a mess.