Do you want to go on an African safari? Here’s the definitive Africa packing list. It is complete with everything you’ll need for a fantastic safari. So you’ve already planned or drawn-out your Africa vacation itinerary, booked your hotel and purchased your plane ticket. It’s true that travelling to Africa is thrilling.
A journey to Africa is a dream for many people. Discovering the continent’s hidden gems to getting up and personal with the wildlife in some of Africa’s top national parks. Even with all that excitement, knowing what to pack for Africa isn’t always easy, especially if you’re the first time. So, in this piece, I’ll provide you with the whole Africa packing list. It includes everything you’ll need for an unforgettable safari.
‘A small group of African Elephants in different ages is moving in the plains of Serengeti.Location: Serengeti National Park, Tanzania. Shot in wildlife.’
Table of Contents
Backpack
Before you consider what to bring on an African safari, you must first consider where you will store your belongings. In the case of an African safari, it is preferable to use an anti-theft travel backpack. There are several backpacks on the market, and the one you choose depends on your specific needs.
Packing Cubes
When it comes to preparing for a vacation to Africa, packing cubes are a game-changer. They’ll keep you organized. If you need something from your backpack, you won’t have to unpack everything just that one pair of misplaced socks. The ideal way to use them is to assign bottoms to one cube, tops to another, and gadgets to yet another. Also to keep your belongings organized, packing cubes will allow you to travel light.
Passport Holder/Travel Pouch
This is a small cross bag that you wear around your neck. You can put your passport, also your phone, money, credit cards, and other small goods with you wherever you go. Make sure to include this Travel neck pouch in your backpacking Africa packing list. It will ensure the protection of your travel items while travelling through Africa.
Travel Insurance
For minor ailments, you can receive treatment from public or private hospitals in East African countries. It can be simple and inexpensive. But, if something major happened to you in a remote location and you had to go to an expensive hospital, you’d be in serious debt. This necessitates buying of travel insurance. I highly recommend World Nomads because you can buy or renew your policy online. The fact that it is available in over 160 countries is an added bonus.
First Aid Kit
While travelling to Africa or any other part of the world, accidents are unavoidable. Though we can’t always control them, it’s better to prepare for them. This is why you should include a first aid kit in your Africa packing list. Pack pain relievers, plasters, malaria tablets, vitamins, and other medications that you might need. Put it all in your First Aid Kit. It should all fit in your backpack.
Locks approved by the TSA
Don’t forget to bring a lock with you on your journey to Africa to secure your belongings. Also, if you want to get past airport security, make sure you choose one that is TSA approved. This TSA-approved lock is ideal for use in Africa.
Personal Water Filter for Travel
In some places of Africa, clean water may still be a luxury. Even if some argue that travel water filters aren’t 100 per cent effective at removing germs in the water. It’s still a good idea to have one on hand. It’s good for those very distant places where the concept of “clean water” seems far-fetched. Drinking water straight from the tap in Africa is not as safe as it is in Europe or America. This travel water filter will come in handy when hiking or backpacking through Africa.
Mosquito Repellent
Oh, we have a lot of them “mosquitos” in Africa, or at least in a lot of African countries. As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure! Keep this insect repellent on hand to avoid contracting malaria. Note that while most hotels provide mosquito nets, it is always better to be cautious than sorry.
Camping Tent
There are no better camping spots on the planet than those found in Africa. Camping on this magnificent continent is something you must do. A tent can be quite beneficial if you are travelling on a budget. It also provides a camping experience. If you don’t already have a camping tent, get a waterproof and lightweight tent, to make it easy to transport.
Laundry Bag
Let’s face it, most of the hotels and hostels you’ll be staying at won’t have washing and dryer. And who wants to mix clean and soiled clothes? So, before you leave for Africa, bring your tiny laundry bag.
Towel Made of Microfiber
An OGI MiBcrofiber Travel Sports Towel is the finest towel to bring to Africa. It’s compact enough to fit comfortably into your safari backpack. It dries rapidly and is antimicrobial.
Beach holidays in Kenya. [Discover Africa Safaris]
Sunscreen
I’m sure you already know, but I’ll tell it again. Bring your Sun Bum Original Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion with you. The weather and the sun are both enjoyable and refreshing until your skin begins to respond. Sunscreen is also a must-have if you’re travelling to nations like Egypt.
Heel Balm
You might find your feet very dry or even cracked after a long safari in the heat of the day. Even after a long city walk your heels may dry, and that’s when a decent Foot Cream will come in handy to help you out.
Toiletries
This may seem self-evident, but since you must create a checklist, I had to include it in my Africa packing list. Toothbrush & toothpaste, facial wipes, shaver, tissue, comb, body cream, and deodorant are just a few of the items you’ll need. These are some of the more obvious elements, but depending on your needs, you can add more.
