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What should I pack?

A practical pair of walking shoes is highly recommended to bring on your safari. As vibrant colours and patterns are known to startle many animals and birds, subtle, neutral colours including browns, greens, tans and greys are most appropriate to be worn on game drives during your safari adventure. Summer clothing such as short sleeved t-shirts and shorts or khakis are appropriate for warmer days. Although the beaming sun is hot in the middle of the day, mornings and evenings are cool after the sun goes down. It is recommended you come prepared with clothing that you can layer, and at least one warm jacket and full-length pair of pants. It may be useful to bring a light rain jacket and other water-resistant gear for days when there are heavy rains.

Other essential packing items it is advised that you come prepared with include:

  • Sunscreen with SPF between 30-50 – as the sun is powerful and has the potential to cause great damage such as heatstroke or sunburn.
  • A small flashlight – At night time it can be very dark, and you may need to navigate without light to view your surroundings.
  • Binoculars – Binoculars are useful to help you spot animals on game drives that are hiding in the brush and not within view to the naked eye.
  • A small first aid kit – may be handy, packed with items such as small band- aids, antibiotic ointment, pain reliever, immodium, cipro from doctor, etc.
  • Camera with batteries – Come prepared to capture all of your unforgettable moments and be sure to pack batteries and a charger so that you won’t miss out on any surprises that nature might come up with.
  • Necessary toiletries – Shampoo, soap, toothpaste, wetwipes etc. are useful toiletries to bring as you may need them while you are traveling
  • Insect Repellent – DEET over 50% is recommended to keep mosquitos and other insects away from you, an added precaution to take although mosquito nets are typically provided at the accommodations you will be staying at.

Other items you may consider packing:

Lip balm, other sun protection such as a wide brimmed hat, sunglasses, your bathing suit, a sufficient amount of all other necessary clothing – underwear, shorts, trousers, t-shirts, long sleeved shirts, sleepwear, a money belt, hand sanitizer, electrical adapters for all your electronics (Electricity in East Africa is 240 Volts, alternating at 50 cycles per second. If you travel to East Africa with a device that does not accept 240 Volts at 50 Hertz, you will need a voltage converter. It is recommended that you carry a three-pin square adapter (type G) to charge any electronic equipment, as plug sizes may vary from the type your equipment uses.), flip flops and sandals to wear when you are lounging around the pool or shower, Tylenol or ibuprofen etc.

Talk to Alym - Travel Consultant

Amanda Marks is a founder and director of Tribes Travel. She believes travel opens hearts and minds.

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