Packing for a safari is mostly about packing light and sensibly. Camps do your laundry, light aircraft limit your luggage, and you need far less than you think. Here is what actually matters.
Light aircraft require soft-sided holdalls, not hard cases, and limit the weight, often to around 15kg and sometimes as little as 12kg. The good news is that most camps do laundry, so a few changes of clothes are plenty for a trip of any length.
Think greens, browns, khaki and beige. Avoid bright colours and white, which shows the dust, and steer clear of dark blue and black, which can attract tsetse flies in some areas.
This catches people out. In the dry season the mornings can be genuinely cold on an open vehicle, then it warms up quickly, so layers and a warm fleece or jacket are essential. Add a hat, sunglasses and good sunscreen for the heat of the day.
If you are travelling in the rains, pack a light waterproof and some quick-dry clothes. The showers are usually short, but they can be heavy.
Binoculars are the single best thing you can bring, and turn a good sighting into a great one. Add a decent camera, insect repellent, any personal medicines, a head torch and a refillable water bottle.
Smart clothes, since camps are relaxed and casual. Too many outfits. Hairdryers, which are often provided. And anything valuable that you would hate to lose.
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