Safari Trek Kit List

Whether you are travelling overland or staying in a beautiful lodge an African Safari will be one of the best experiences you can have in your lifetime. You can use this packing list as a guide to getting the right gear for you to take. Everything you will need for watching the sunrise and set on the amazing wildlife.

Essentials

Sunhat
Beanie
High factor sunscreen
Sunglasses
Binoculars
Animal/guide book
Wash bag
Travel Towel
Document Wallet
All purpose soap
Dry wash
Bath/Sink plug
Insect repellent- Deet based
First aid kit (with sterile needles and blister pads)
Head torch (remember to take spare batteries)
Water bottle/bladder
Water purification and neutraliser
Travel adaptor
Multi tool
Dry bags

Clothing

Travel Clothing is designed to be lightweight, wrinkle-resistant, quick drying and tough. Most are designed to have a high sun protection factor built in, added ventilation and secret security pockets. Layering the clothing will allow you to wear them on their own if it’s hot or several pieces at once if it’s cold.

Underwear
Lightweight Trousers
Convertible Trousers
Shorts
Long Sleeve Shirt
Short Sleeve Shirt/T-Shirt
Lightweight Fleece
Lightweight Waterproof Jacket
Sarong

Sleeping

Getting the right sleeping bag for a multi destination trip can be difficult. Temperatures can range from really hot on the desert plains to freezing cold at high altitude. Find out what the coldest temperature is likely to be and choose a bag that will cater for that temperature. Remember a Silk Liner will add about 5C to your bag and keep it clean. It’s also small and lightweight and great to sleep in on its own if the weather is warm. A self inflating sleeping mat like a Thermarest is ideal for sleeping on as they offer ground insulation, they pack down small and are lightweight and really comfortable. Don’t forget to take a repair kit in case of unexpected punctures. The bulkier foam ones are good if storage space is not an issue.

Sleeping bag
Sleeping bag liner
Pillow case
Mosquito net

Carrying

The choice of which bag to take on you travels is diverse. You can choose from front loading packs that usually come with their own day pack, a wheeled bag for versatile transportation or a duffle bag if you have lots of kit to carry. Whichever you choose make sure it fits you and your travel needs.

Travel Pack / Travel Luggage
15-20 litre day pack (if your main pack doesn’t come with one)
Raincover
Padlocks
Dry bags

Footwear

Look for a pair of sturdy walking shoes that will be versatile as well comfortable and a pair of good walking sandals. A multi purpose pair of shoes is ideal for walking safaris and for keeping your feet warm on cooler evening. Sandals are what you will probably get the most wear out of so make sure they are just as sturdy as your shoes. As with all shoes and sandals, make sure you leave plenty of time to choose the right pair for you and your feet as blisters can be painful and unnecessary. As geeky as it sounds, socks are great to wear with your sandals in the evening to stop anything nasty biting you. Don’t forget your flip flops for the end of the day and in the showers.

Walking shoes
Sandals Socks
Flip Flops