Travel Documents & Essentials:
- Passport and visas (if required)
- Copies of passport, medical insurance policies, and other important documents (these can also be left with us at our office, and we can save your electronic documents if you send them to us in advance)
- Cash for visas, drinks, gifts, tips, personal items, and as a backup to credit cards.
- Credit cards – Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted (Amex less so) and can be used to draw local currency at ATMs.
- Valid yellow fever certificate or waiver (if required)
Equipment:
- Binoculars
- Photography equipment
- Spare batteries for photographic gear
- Spotting scope and tripod or window mount (optional)
- SD cards, chargers, adapters
- Flashlight/torch/headlamp (preferably rechargeable)
- Alarm clock
Clothing:
- Bright colours and white are not advisable on safari while camouflage clothing is not recommended for travel in African countries.
- Long-sleeved tops and long-legged pants
- Hiking boots
- Comfortable walking shoes (sneakers)
- Sandals
- Rain gear
- Windbreaker
- Cap/hat
- Beanie for cold weather
- Swimming gear
- Buff for sun protection
- Scarf or neck warmer
- Sunglasses
- Change of clothes in hand luggage in the unlikely event of lost luggage
Personal Care & Health:
- Toiletries
- Medication, including anti-malaria drugs if applicable. Pack important medication in your hand luggage in the unlikely event of lost luggage.
- Basic medical kit (aspirins, plasters, antiseptic cream, antihistamine cream and tablets, anti-diarrhoea tablets, anti-nausea tablets, etc.)
- Sunscreen and lip sun protection (SPF 30 or higher)
- Moisturising cream
- Insect repellent
- Wet wipes and tissues
Field Guides & Birding Apps:
- Sasol Illustrated Birds of Southern Africa. Sinclair, I., Hockey, P.A.R. & Tarboton, W.R. 2002, 3rd Edition, Struik Publishers, Cape Town. An excellent field guide for identification purposes, recommended for intermediate to advanced birders.
- Robert’s Bird Guide to Southern Africa. Chittenden, H. 2007, John Voelcker Bird Book Fund. This comprehensive field guide covers over 950 Southern African bird species and is linked to the legendary Robert’s Birds of Southern Africa, the definitive reference book on the region’s birds since 1940, currently in VII edition.
- Birding apps: Roberts Bird Guide (second edition), SASOL Birds of Southern Africa, or BirdPro South Africa
A Note on Luggage:
Luggage restrictions may apply on your safari. Check with your agent for:
- Specific luggage limits for your itinerary
- Options and costs for excess luggage
Be aware that domestic flights often have lower weight allowances (20-23 kg) for both checked and carry-on baggage compared to international flights. Contact us if this might affect you; we can offer solutions.
