Big 5 safari

What to Pack for your Big 5 Safari

Get Ready for a Big 5 Adventure

Light, Cotton Clothing

Whether on a walking or guided Big 5 safari, or on a self-drive, you want to be comfortable and cool. Lightly-coloured, cotton items are the best choices when it comes to your safari outfit. However, avoid white clothing as it attracts the animals and will just get dirty.

Long-Sleeved Shirt and Pants

You will need these items for night drives when it gets cooler, and also to ward of those pesky mosquitoes and other insects. They are also recommended for walking safaris for extra protection against bushes and trees.

Raincoat

If there is stormy weather on the horizon before you embark on safari bring a raincoat or waterproof jacket along. You will also be grateful for the added protection when driving (or walking) through a light drizzle or heavy fog.

Closed Shoes

For added protection and comfort, a pair of sturdy sneakers is the way to go. For walking safaris opt for something tougher and more durable like a good pair of hiking boots.

Warm Clothing

Pack jerseys (sweaters) and jackets for cool or wet weather. The temperature also drops significantly after the sun sets, so it is a good idea to take something along for night drives.

Sun Protection

Temperatures soar in summer, and even winter days are mild to warm in many places. Protect your skin and eyes by packing a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses.

Binoculars

Field guides have well-trained eyes that will spot wild animals far and wide. To ensure you get a good glimpse of whatever is lurking in the distance, pack a pair of binoculars. This item is particularly essential for bird-watchers, who may have to skim skies and high treetops for the birds they want to see. National parks and game reserves stretch endlessly towards the horizon, and many animals blend into their environment, so having your binoculars ready will help you spot more animals.

Camera

You’ll want to take lots of photographs during your safari, so remember your camera to capture all those spectacular wildlife encounters. Ensure your charger is packed as well, so you can recharge when you get back to your camp or lodge, and prepare yourself for the next game drive.

Flashlight

On night drives, flashlights (torches) are useful for surveying dark shadows beneath bushes and around corners. Your field guide will most likely also have a high-powered flashlight to help pick out animals in the dark, especially the smaller, shy creatures like aardvarks.

First Aid Kit

Some parks and reserves are malaria areas. Find out whether you need to take any form of medication before arriving at the lodge or camp where you will be staying. For the safari itself make sure you take any medication you may currently be using and any other important items such as your inhaler if you have asthma. The rest of your kit should contain the usual items such as plasters (bandages), gauze, antiseptic cream, scissors and gloves.

Water

Due to the heat and length of some drives it is important to stay hydrated. Pack a bottle or two of water. This is particularly important during the day, and during walking safaris which are more physically exertive.

Wildlife Checklist

If you are set on seeing specific animals, make a list of what you want to see and ask your guide about them. They will know the best places and times to look and help you work your way through the list. Research the area before you make your list so that you know what animals live in the region and what their habits are, so that you have realistic expectations and don’t look for leopards during the day, the Big 5 in Mozambique, rhinos in the Kalahari or springboks in the Kruger Park.

Backpack

You will need a place to put all these items, so make sure you have a light yet sturdy backpack. When self-driving you will have extra space for these items, but not on a guided or walking safari. Find out if your guide already has any of these items. If s/he does you will be able to lighten your pack, which is particularly recommended on a walking safari which can get hot and tiring.

What are you waiting for? Prepare your Big 5 safari and get packing today!

Originally published on Safari Big 5

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