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Is it your first time going on safari in South Africa? Are you unsure what to pack? This is our guide to what you need for a safari in the Kruger National Park.

There are many lists out there telling travellers what to pack, and yet many travellers still get it wrong. Over packing is also a big problem. International flights have a high luggage allowance, but on many of the smaller planes and safari vehicles the amount of luggage you can bring is limited, and you can end up paying a lot of money for being overweight.

What to wear on safari?

Light, cotton clothing in light tones

Many first time visitors arrive in South Africa and stick out because they look like a safari cliché. Choose neutral tones and light fabrics, preferably cotton. These fabrics work best in a hot climate. Pack about 3 t-shirts and 3 pairs of shorts. Do not pack white shirts, they show the dirt up easily and make you highly visible to the animals. Other colours to avoid are red which attracts animals, and if you are going into an area where Tsetse flies are present then you should also avoid the colours blue and black.

For the Ladies

You can pack one smarter set of clothing for if you are staying at a private lodge, but for the most part informal. Much more important however is to pack a good support bra, as game drives can sometimes be a little rough.

Long Sleeved Shirt and Trousers:

Pack a couple of long sleeved shirts and a pair of long trousers. The evenings can be chilly and they are also good for keeping mosquitoes and other insects at bay.

A Lightweight Waterproof Jacket

The temperatures in Kruger can vary greatly. In winter you can be very cold on a morning game drive, but perfectly comfortable in shorts and a t-shirt at midday. The secret is to wear several layers that you can take off or add to as needed.

A Good Pair of Trainers or Hiking Shoes

Unless you are doing a walking safari, there is no need to pack heavy duty hiking boots. A good durable pair of trainers is all that is needed. You might also like to pack a pair of sandals for around the lodge or pool.

A Wide Brimmed Hat

Many first time visitors to Africa underestimate the strength of the Sun even in the late afternoons. Choose a hat that has a wide brim to shade your eyes and the back of your neck. (This is an area most people forget, and where they get sunburnt.)

Sunscreen

Choose a sunscreen with a high SPF or sun protection factor of between 30 and 50. Do not underestimate the power of the African sunshine - the last thing you want on holiday is a bad sunburn or sunstroke.

Sunglasses

It is a good idea to pack a pair of sunglasses as the glare from the sun during the middle of the day can hurt your eyes and give you a headache, especially if you are not used to it.

A camera, charger and spare memory cards

You will want to take lots of photographs so make sure you take plenty of memory cards for your camera. Don't forget to pack the charger.

A light weight flashlight

Packing a small flashlight is always a good idea. Sometimes you have to walk in the dark and being able to see where you are going in the bush is always a good thing!

Medical kit

Pack a small bag or medical kit with some pain killers, any chronic medications (enough for the trip), some insect repellent, any vitamins etc. Most of the lodges and Rest Camps will have a basic medical aid kit; just pack the things that you might not be able to get in South Africa. Take Lip balm and a small bottle of moisturizer.

Anti-malarial

The Kruger National Park is in a malarial area. Please consult your doctor about prophylaxis before your trip and do not forget to pack it.

A good book

Consider packing a book that you will enjoy reading. There will be some leisure time during the middle of the day, or while waiting for a flight when you will be grateful to have a book to read.