My First Big Dilemma in the Savannah: The Perfect Suitcase for Your Safari
I
f there’s anything I’m more passionate about than traveling, it’s sharing how to do it in the best way. A safari in Africa has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life. I admit that, at first, I faced a completely new packing dilemma: what on earth do I pack for a safari?
I’d had some close encounters, like an elephant safari in Sri Lanka . But since then, I’ve explored countless reserves and national parks in Africa’s top safari destinations , including Namibia , Kenya , Botswana , and South Africa . After several trips, I’ve refined my safari packing list to perfection.
When you’re going to live and explore “The Bush” (the savanna), my best advice is: choose comfort above all else . But be careful, comfortable doesn’t mean sloppy. A safari chic style is easily achieved with comfortable layers that will keep you warm on early morning safaris at dawn and cool during hot afternoons at your lodge.
Botswuana
South Africa
Zimbabwe
Use my packing ideas as a starting point, but adjust them according to the weather and season of your own trip. For example, in the Maasai Mara we had beautiful weather in late March, although March to May is the rainy season in much of Kenya. At the peak of the rainy season, most parks (especially in the highlands and coastal areas) can be problematic due to the heat, humidity, and continuous rain. Generally, June to October and January-February are peak season and offer the best weather for an African safari.
My basic guide for any trip
What to Expect on an African Safari: The Rhythm of Adventure
Regardless of the safari destination you choose, most game drives have a similar pace that you should consider when packing:
Morning Game Drive:
They usually start very early (around 5 or 6 AM) and return around 11 AM. Early in the morning, it’s quite cold, so you’ll want to wear plenty of layers and remove them as the sun warms things up. Some lodges even provide hot water bottles in the vehicles to keep you nice and warm. After exploring for a few hours, your guides might arrange breakfast or coffee/tea in the savanna before heading back to your camp, usually before the heat of the day intensifies.
Evening Game Drive:
Afternoon drives begin while the sun is still warm (around 4 PM), but the temperature drops quickly, especially at sunset. Most afternoon safaris last a couple of hours and culminate with the famous “sundowners” (sunset drinks) and snacks before returning to camp. You’ll definitely need layers for the afternoon, as the wind and the drop in temperature can make it feel quite chilly.
Baggage Considerations:
Mastering the art of packing for an African safari is a skill you hone with experience. To make the most of your adventure, especially if your itinerary includes domestic flights in small planes —a common way to access the most exclusive reserves—understanding the specifics of luggage is crucial.
These small planes have strict weight and size limitations to ensure safety and efficiency. The golden rule is: pack light and opt for soft-sided luggage . Most safari airlines limit baggage to 15 kg (33 lbs) per person , including carry-on luggage and a camera. It’s vital that your bag is a soft duffel bag or canvas bag, as hard-sided suitcases simply won’t fit in the cargo holds of these aircraft. The ideal dimensions for these soft bags are typically 60 cm x 45 cm x 30 cm (approximately 24″ x 18″ x 12″), which usually equates to a capacity of around 70 liters.
My selection of Duffle Bags
Una bolsa de viaje tipo duffle es esencial para un safari exitoso, ya que su diseño flexible facilita el transporte y almacenamiento en vehículos y avionetas. Es importante que la bolsa sea suave y tenga una capacidad adecuada, generalmente 70L, para cumplir con las restricciones de equipaje y asegurar una experiencia cómoda durante tu aventura.
My main recommendation is to always check the exact baggage limits with your travel agency or airline before you travel. Preparing in advance will prevent any problems when boarding.
If you happen to have overpacked or plan to visit other destinations that require different luggage after your safari, many airports offer luggage storage services . This way, you can safely leave your extra belongings and pick them up at the end of your safari adventure.
Remember: Traveling with the right luggage is part of the experience. It will allow you to move freely, enjoy yourself without worries, and focus on the majesty of wildlife.
What to Pack for an African Safari:
The Tones of Adventure
When choosing your safari wardrobe , think neutral and earth tones . These colors not only blend in better with the natural environment, but they’re also practical. Dark colors attract heat, and it’s crucial to avoid blue or black clothing , as these attract tsetse flies (if you’re in an area where they’re common, such as parts of Tanzania or Uganda ).
In addition to these safari-specific considerations, I invite you to visit my homepage for my essential travel checklist . There you’ll find a comprehensive guide with all those practical items that will come in handy at any destination and make your airport journey much smoother. Because preparation is key to an unforgettable adventure!
Un buen sombrero es tu mejor aliado para los safaris. Diseñado para protegerte del intenso sol africano, un sombrero adecuado combina estilo y funcionalidad. Con materiales ligeros y transpirables, asegura comodidad durante largas jornadas al aire libre. Su diseño de ala ancha ofrece sombra y resguardo, mientras que su ajuste firme lo mantiene en su lugar incluso con el viento de la sabana.
Un buen sombrero es tu mejor aliado para los safaris. Diseñado para protegerte del intenso sol africano, un sombrero adecuado combina estilo y funcionalidad. Con materiales ligeros y transpirables, asegura comodidad durante largas jornadas al aire libre. Su diseño de ala ancha ofrece sombra y resguardo, mientras que su ajuste firme lo mantiene en su lugar incluso con el viento de la sabana.
If your adventure takes you deep into the jungle for a fascinating gorilla trek , there’s one essential accessory you can’t forget: your protective gaiters . They’re indispensable for keeping your clothes clean and dry, protecting you from mud, moisture, and the dense vegetation along the trail. Here’s a small selection for you, to ensure a comfortable and worry-free experience:
Las polainas protectoras son imprescindibles para quienes se aventuran en el trekking con gorilas. Diseñadas para cubrir y proteger tus piernas, te resguardan de la densa vegetación, el barro y posibles insectos. Su material resistente y ajustable asegura comodidad durante largas caminatas en terrenos exigentes, garantizando una experiencia segura y sin distracciones en la selva.
Leave a Reply