I have often been asked what is best to pack when travelling to Africa, so I thought I would draw up this quick "What to Pack" page.
SOUTH AFRICA CLIMATE:
South Africa is generally sunny and pleasant and the winters are usually mild. Snow mostly falls on the high mountain peaks of the Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. The South African seasons are the reverse of those of the Northern Hemisphere. Despite regional climate differences, South Africa generally enjoys a mild climate throughout the year. The areas with the most significant differences in climate are the Western Cape with its Mediterranean climate (warm, dry summers and wet, cold winters), the northern areas (hot summer days and frequent thunderstorms) and the coastal areas of KwaZulu-Natal (subtropical, all year round beach weather and high humidity). Average temperatures in South Africa can vary widely: Summer: October to March, 15° C (60° F) to 35 ° C (96° F) Winter: April to September, below 0° C (32° F) to 20° C (68° F).
CLOTHES:
South Africa is a very cosmopolitan country and western style clothes are considered the norm. Smart casual is the general dress code of most people. Jeans and t-shirts while travelling around the country are perfectly suitable. While on Safari, you might want to dress to blend with nature. Laundry service is available at most hotels and lodges, but be very clear about when you need your clothes returned. Some hotels may not wash underwear, due to prevailing local traditions. The best advice is to travel light and to pack mix and match clothing.
ON SAFARI:
Convertible slacks (with a zipper to turn slacks into shorts) and long-sleeved shirts are ideal, with a sweater or other layers to shed as the day heats up. A hat with a brim is essential, plus sunscreen and sun glasses. Pale earth colours such as tan or olive are best for viewing wildlife and birds. Solid-coloured safari clothes can be worn once you return home, and are widely available via mail order catalogues such as L.L. Bean, Travel Smith or Cape Union Mart. Comfortable walking shoes, such as topsiders or running/tennis shoes with socks, are recommended over sandals; thorns are everywhere, and socks with your shoes deter mosquito bites. Always include a lightweight raincoat or jacket, and a swimsuit (many hotels/lodges/camps have pools.) Supplex pants and chinos travel better than jeans, which take forever to dry. Please note that bright colors and white are not advised while on safari as they attract insects. White also shows dust. Military style camouflage clothes are often illegal so try not to pack any of these clothes.
RECOMMENDED PACKING LIST:
- A small flashlight with extra batteries
- Malaria tablets; consult your doctor for suggestions
- Adapter plugs & converters for electrical appliances
- Packaged wet tissues ("Wash & Dry" "Wet Ones")
- A tiny calculator for estimating cost while shopping
- Plenty of film, tape, and memory cartridges for your camera + extra batteries or rechargers. Buying film or memory cards while on safari can be difficult.
- Long-sleeved shirts, slacks and socks to protect you from insect bites and sunburn
- Good quality sun glasses, preferably polarized. Tinted fashion glasses are not good in strong light
- Sun hat with a brim
- Shorts/skirts
- Long trousers/slacks
- Underwear and socks
- Good walking shoes (running/tennis shoes are fine)
- Sandals or rubber flip/flops for poolside
- Swimsuit with light cover-up garment
- Warm winter jersey (sweater) for cooler mornings
- Light rain gear for summer months (late November to April)
- If you wear contact lenses, we recommend that you bring along a pair of glasses in case you get irritation from the dust
- BINOCULARS (ESSENTIAL)
- Personal toiletries (basic amenities supplied by many establishments)
- Moisturizing cream & suntan lotion
- Insect repellent e.g. Tabard, Rid, Jungle Juice, Off, etc.
- Basic medical kit (aspirins, plasters, Immodium, antiseptic cream and Anti-histamine cream, etc.)
- Visas, tickets, passports, money, etc.
- Waterproof/dustproof bags/cover for your cameras.
We hope this helps you! Have fun packing!