cking for an African safari is quite different to most other trips you’ll take. Navigating rural roads or open plains in an open-top 4×4 vehicle means that you’ll get exposed to unpaved roads, experience varying temperatures, and a possible cloudburst of rain. Temperatures can change dramatically throughout the day making layers essential. Pre-dawn and sunset game drives are often chilly but quickly heat up as the sun rises. If your itinerary includes flights in a bush plane between different parks or camps, you will need to pack extra light to comply with charter flight baggage restrictions (no more than 33 pounds/15 kg). Don’t forget! You will want to leave room for the souvenirs you might spot on the way. It is also a good idea to have a small backpack to carry your essentials (water, sun screen, bug repellent, camera, etc…) on the bush rides.
When choosing your luggage, a soft-sided duffel bag is always better than a rigid hard-shell case. Duffels are easier to fit into narrow overhead compartments or into the back of a safari vehicle – and they’re more likely to withstand the wear and tear of life in the bush. Also always pack your valuables, especially your camera, in your hand luggage.
Pro Tip:
If there are two parts to your trip, consult with Kotia Safaris as you may be able to pack a separate duffel or backpack for the safari section and leave a second duffel or suitcase with the hotel back at base. This keeps things light for your bush flight to Safari while still allowing you to pack your scuba gear for your second week on the beach in Zanzibar.
Safaris are casual affairs. The best clothes are loose-fitting, lightweight, hide dirt, and dry quickly. Multiple layers and a good fleece or jacket will help you stay warm in the early mornings with the flexibility to shed as it gets warmer to then add as it cools down again. You will want to wear long sleeves and pants in the evening to protect yourself from biting insects.
When it comes to colors, pick tans, olive, brown & khaki as they are the best colors to wear. Khaki is a safari favorite as it is cool, camouflaged and hides dirt well. Do not wear white or bright colors while on safari as it disturbs the animals…and no camo! Only the military is allowed to wear camo. Additionally, If you are in the tsetse fly country, avoid wearing blue as it is an attractant for these insects.