What should you pack for a safari in South Africa?
C’est bon, tout est prêt, vous avez vos billets d’avion, l’itinéraire des vos vacances et réservé un superbe 4X4 complètement équipé. Mais avant de partir à l’aventure, il vous reste une dernière épreuve : successfully packing for your safari in South Africa
It's easy to imagine you speechless when faced with your empty bag and the eternal dilemma: is it better to travel light or take your entire wardrobe with you and be prepared for every eventuality?
To help you answer these questions, Africantrip has prepared THE LIST of essential items to pack in your suitcase for a safari in South Africa.
1) Take into account the season and the regions you will be visiting
South Africa is one of the largest countries on the African continent, with a surface area of over one million square kilometres, more than twice the size of France. As a result, there are considerable temperature disparities between the north and south of the country. During the southern winter, from May to August, temperatures can drop to around 6°C at night.
If you're travelling in the north of the country between June and August - during the austral winter - and you're doing a safari in Krueger Park, for example, you'll need to remember to pack a good jumper for the evening. During the day, even in winter, temperatures remain pleasant (around 18°C).
If you're taking the Garden Route in the south of the country, don't forget to pack your swimming costume and get out your summer gear - from November to March, it's the South African summer!
2) Pack light but covering clothing
Short-sleeved T-shirts are ideal for the day, but don't forget long-sleeved T-shirts and light canvas trousers for the evenings. This will protect you from mosquitoes. There is still malaria in some parts of South Africa, and mosquitoes are also vectors of dengue fever and chicungunia.
Health infrastructures are well developed in South Africa. If you have any health concerns, we advise you to contact the consulate.
3) Camouflage clothing
And yes, to have the best chance of getting close to the animals, it's best to avoid bright colours. For your safari, choose comfortable clothes in neutral colours. This will maximise your chances of encountering one of the big five.
For more advice on how to see as many wild animals as possible, read our blog post on the subject here:
4) Small, useful items that make all the difference
You know them well: they're tiny, take up little space in your suitcase but make all the difference.
- A headlamp: essential for getting around the campsites at night
- Mosquito repellent: essential, especially when you're leaving the big cities
- Crème solaire et lunette de soleil : le soleil brille quasiment toute l’année en Afrique du Sud, et vous passerez beaucoup de temps à l’extérieur en pleine nature. Nous vous conseillons donc fortement de vous tartiner de crème solaire et de ne pas oublier vos lunettes de soleil
5) Electronics and connected devices
Yes, a safari in South Africa is the perfect opportunity to disconnect and discover new sensations, but we often need to stay in touch with our loved ones.
Don't forget to take an electrical adapter, or you can buy one on site. Here's what the local plugs look like:
You could also use an external battery!
6) Cameras, binoculars ...
Aspiring photographers, this is your moment! A safari in South Africa is the perfect opportunity to buy the lens you've been eyeing for so long.
7) Comfortable shoes
Light, comfortable walking shoes or trainers are essential, especially if you plan to go on walking safaris (possible at Kamoka Camp).
Don't forget comfortable sandals for relaxing at the end of the day.
8) Useful documents
Your passport of course 😊 and don't forget to check that you don't need a visa, depending on your nationality.
Your driving licence
Don't forget to take a photocopy of all your identity documents in a separate pouch.
Now you're ready for adventure! African trip hopes these tips have helped you pack for your safari in South Africa! Don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions, and check out our frequently asked questions.
