Packing must be exciting when you are going on luxury safari tours to Africa. However, you must be cautious while packing for a safari as you can't carry massive luggage with you. Your luggage must include only the necessary items.
Let’s explore the article to find out which items are essential for a wildlife safari in Africa.
Things necessary for an African safari tour
Any person going on luxury safari tours to Africa must remember that packing for a safari not only includes clothes. There are other quirky things you must ensure before travelling to Africa. Let’s find out.
Documents
Many countries in Sub-Saharan Africa check for passport validity. You must ensure that your passport is valid for six months beyond your travel dates to African safaris. Thus, check the passport along with all the required visas involving every nation your safari travels to and through. If you are visiting any place during your safari which requires special permission such as the gorilla trek in Rwanda, make sure you are carrying all the necessary documents for the permit.
Cash
Don't rely on your credit/debit cards in the African bush as you are less likely to find money transaction machines in the middle of the forest. Thus, you must carry adequate cash to meet your needs. US dollars are widely accepted or you can take out local currency from an ATM at the international airport. Thus, it's better to pick an all-inclusive safari package, which leads to minimal cash transactions.
Luggage
The luggage weight is highly restricted on the small aircraft that fly in Africa. It's better to select a duffle bag or rucksack that is devoid of wheels as wheels add extra pounds to the luggage bags. Moreover, if you are going for a gorilla trek don't forget to carry a small backpack.
Clothes
Pack lightweight and minimal clothing. Don't go for bright-coloured garments. Rather, stick to earth-toned clothing such as tan and khaki. As most camps offer laundry services, it's advisable to pack three to four outfits. Also, don't forget to pack a fleece or windbreaker as nights can be chilly. You are likely to feel cold during night game drives.
Accessories
Sunglasses, caps/hats, sunscreen and toiletries are a must! Pack a good pair of walking shoes. If you have opted for a trek, don't miss your hiking shoes at home. You can also carry a scarf or sarong to protect yourself from the heat during safaris. Although the lodges and camps offer toiletries, many people prefer to stick to their shampoos, soaps, face wash, toothpaste and others.
Gear
Hopefully, you don't want to miss the majestic sight of a lion, or two fighting buffaloes. Thus, don't forget to pack your camera and associated equipment. Do carry a power strip so that you can plug that into the lodge or camp outlet to charge all your electronic gadgets at one time. If you have lightweight binoculars, don't forget to take them!
First aid and essential medicines
If you are taking certain prescribed medicines regularly, don't forget to carry those. Besides this, keep first aid items in your backpack during safaris. Additionally, you must carry hand sanitisers and a face mask.
Wrapping Up
Conscious packing will help you enjoy the tour with minimum baggage. If you are searching for luxury safari tours to Africa, you can contact Magical Africa. Magical Africa is an expert in crafting the best safari package tailored to your needs. Visit https://www.magicalafrica.com/ and explore their safari packages!
Author Bio: Maria Wilkins is a travel enthusiast and a wildlife photographer for the last 15 years. She has spent extensive hours in African national parks to study animal behaviour. Here, she guides you on how and what to pack efficiently for luxury safari tours to Africa.
