Ten Essential Items to Pack for Your Safari

 

Going on a Safari is an adventure you won’t soon forget! But it wouldn’t be an adventure if it wasn’t somewhat challenging, and if this is your first safari, you may want to consider some essential items to include on your packing list. Here are ten items you’ll want to take along to make your Safari safe, fun, and manageable.

Sunscreen!

You’ll likely be exposed to a lot more UV rays than you think. Taking sunscreen with you is a good idea to protect your skin—even if you’re in a vehicle during your Safari. Bring along a comfortable cap, sunglasses, and sunscreen to comprehensively cover any exposed areas of your face, neck, shoulders, and legs.

Travel Documents

You never know when your travel documents might be asked for by officials while you’re on your Safari. In fact, some lodges may even prevent you from entering unless you have everything on hand. Depending on your policy, renters insurance might cover theft while travelingso it’s important to keep these documents with you before you embark on your safari adventure.

Water Flask and Sugar Source

Choosing a Safari as your travel option means making sure you always have water and an energy boost with you. Safaris can dehydrate you fast, not to mention drain your energy. A fair amount of water carried in a flask allows you to stay hydrated and fill up whenever you come to a rest stop. A few sweets in your backpack will also allow you to replenish energy for those times you feel a little flat.

Powerbank

Being able to charge your devices while on Safari is a huge convenience. Powerbanks allow you to carry around a small rechargeable battery to keep your phone or tablet in working condition. You can also use extensions to charge your digital camera so that memories don’t get lost in time should you see anything interesting.

Bug Prevention

Most Safari organizers will tell you that mosquitoes and flies are rampant where you’re headed. Make sure you pack the appropriate repellents into your bag and try to choose repellents that are easy to apply on the fly. Creams, roll-ons, and sprays can be the difference between enjoying your Safari and absolutely hating it!

Appropriate Clothing Options

Don’t presume the weather will always be hot. Make provisions for rainy weather, cold evenings, and also strong winds. Pack clothing that covers all of these possible weather conditions so you’re not caught off guard.

First Aid Essentials

A small first aid kit with some essential items is a must when going on Safari. Make sure your first aid kit consists of antiseptic spray, bandaids, gauze, a small roll of tape, cortisone cream, and any allergy medication you might need. Also, keep a spare bottle of water for medical purposes, which can be used for rinsing and dabbing wounds if necessary.

While it’s recommended that you pack a first aid kit that’s more comprehensive than this, the items mentioned above are essentials that you should take with you while you’re in the wilderness. Keep this kit on hand so that you and your companions are safe at all times.

A Convenient Lightsource

Much of your Safari can and will be enjoyed at night. Having a good torch will allow you to spot things you would have otherwise missed. A rechargeable torch is also a good idea, as it can keep working using your power bank if it dies out. A torch is also a good way to communicate with someone far off and signal for help if you’re stuck far away from rangers.

A Sharp Knife

A good knife has a myriad of uses. You can use it during a medical emergency, when removing splinters, splitting wood, cutting cords, or even for food preparation. This is especially true if you’re planning to really rough it up on your safari trip. Opt for a multipurpose knife or one like a Swiss Army Knife, which has multiple tools at your disposal.

A Good Map App

Download a decent Safari map app for your phone so that you can keep track of routes, rest stops, and areas of interest. These apps are invaluable for those times you might get lost, and they’re also great for finding areas where animals or rare plant life may be spotted more readily. A lot of Safari map apps also give you tons of information on birds, wildlife, and even the local history of the area you’re visiting.

Wrapping Up

Whether you’re a bird lover, an animal fanatic, or simply a keen adventurer, make sure you pack all essentials when going on a Safari. Remember that the wilderness of Africa is very different from those of other parts of the world, so speak to your travel organizer and know what to expect while on Safari.