Going on an African safari and wondering what to bring? I’ve gathered my top safari essentials that I brought or wish I brought when I went on safari in South Africa’s Kruger, Zimbabwe’s Zambezi, and Botswana’s Chobe Nationals Parks.
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Top Safari Essential Items
Going on an African safari is an exciting once-in-a-lifetime experience. It offers the amazing opportunity to witness wildlife in their natural habitat and see the vast lands of Africa. To ensure you make the most out of your safari, it’s best to be prepared so that you can enjoy your experience with comfort, safety, and stress-freely! Here’s a comprehensive list of the top 15 essentials you should pack for your next African safari.
1. Binoculars
This is probably the most vital item to pack: binoculars! They allow you to observe animal that are in farther off distances, and also protects you and the wildlife by viewing them from safe distances. Binoculars with 8x, 10x, or 12x magnification is ideal. I have two pairs of binoculars but choose the one you prefer.
High-Powered Binoculars
These have a strong magnification at 12x and comes with a body harness for hands-free carrying.
With Harness, Optical Solution Features Bak-4 Prisms & FMC Lens for Bird Watching, Hunting, Extended Travel and Cruise
With Phone Adapter Attachment
These also have a strong magnification at 12x, but also comes with an attachment to hold your phone camera to view through the eyehole. Of course you can use the binoculars without the attachment but I thought this was a cool feature if you don’t have a fancy high-quality camera and want some cool zoomed in shots!
for Adults High Powered with Phone Adapter, Tripod and Tripod Adapter - Large View Binoculars with Clear Low Light Vision - Binoculars for Bird Watching Cruise Travel
2. Camera
Capture all the breathtaking moments of your safari with a high-quality camera. Be sure to bring extra batteries, memory cards or its charger and a power bank. These items will make sure you don’t miss any incredible photo opportunities. To photograph wildlife from afar, a zoom lens is extremely useful and will get you those amazing seemingly close-up shots.
Full-frame Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera with 28-70mm Zoom Lens Kit
3. Portable Charger / Power Bank
Keep all your devices charged and bring a portable charger. Safaris often involve being away from any electrical outlets for hours at a time, and a power bank will charge your camera, phone and other electronic devices when needed. I charged my camera endless times to ensure it was charged to keep taking amazing photos of the wildlife.
22.5W 20000mAh USB C in & Out Power Bank Fast Charging, PD 3.0+QC 4.0 LED Display Phone Battery Pack Compatible with iPhone 15, 14, 13, 12, Pro Samsung S21, Google iPad Tablet, etc
4. Reusable Water Bottle
When out in hot climates (such as on safari), it’s important to stay hydrated. Bring a durable and reusable water bottle you can refill up and keeps the water cool when you need a hydrating sip.
Steel Standard Mouth Water Bottle with Flex Cap and Double-Wall Vacuum Insulation
5. Cooling Towel
A cooling towel is a great addition to your safari gear. It is a simple yet effective way to quickly cool down on hot days. Simply wet it, wring it, and place it around your neck or head for instant cooling
Provides 3 to 4 hours (depending on conditions) of cooling relief while enduring outdoor heat and/or high levels of physical activity
RELATED: Top Items to Keep You Cool
6. Dissolvable Soap Sheets
Dissolvable soap sheets are extremely convenient when you’re in need of soap. The public restrooms on safari often don’t have soap, so these are great to stay clean for exactly these moments. Also, they’re super compact and easy to pack and bring with you everywhere.
7. Tissue / Toilet Paper
Some public restrooms on safari may also not have toilet paper, so pack a small tissue or toilet paper. Additionally, if you need to “go” while out on safari, the guide may have to find a safe area for you to where having a pack of tissue will definitely come in handy. This will ensure you’re prepared for any situation and add a layer of comfort to your adventure.
Pair of biodegradable toilet tissue rolls, Coreless rolls take up less space in your pack, 140 single-ply sheets per roll
8. Small Bag for Trash
To keep all your waste in one place and not litter, bring a small trash bag. This will also be helpful when you need to potty and throw your soiled papers away as well. While I was on safari, I unexpectedly had a runny nose so a small plastic bag came in really handy to hold all my tissues.
9. Insect Repellant
On safari, you may go into areas with high mosquito activity. Be prepared with insect repellent which will keep you safe from bites and reduce the risk of any insect diseases (like malaria). I have been scarred both mentally and physically by mosquito bites so I always make sure to bring some with me, especially when camping or lodging out in the African wilderness.
10. First Aid Kit
Whenever traveling, a small first aid kit is essential to treat any unexpected minor cuts or injuries. Pack one that has all the basic necessities such as bandages and antiseptic wipes.
110 Piece Small First Aid Kit - Includes Emergency Foil Blanket, Scissors for Travel, Home, Office, Vehicle, Camping, Workplace & Outdoor
11. Sunscreen & SPF Lip Balm
When out in the African sun, be sure to apply sunscreen with a high SPF to protect your skin from sunburn. Also, don’t forget a lip balm with SPF too to keep your lips from sun-burning and drying out.
Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Water Resistant and Non-Greasy Sunscreen Lotion with Broad Spectrum SPF 70, 3 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Moisturizer Original Lip Balm Tubes, SPF 15 and Skin Protectant - 0.15 Oz, 3 Count (Pack of 1)
12. Backpack
To hold all your safari essentials, bring a sturdy and comfortable backpack. The one I brought on safari was small enough to easily fit on the safari truck with me but also had enough space to hold all my belongings.
13. Hats & Sunglasses
When out on safari, wear a hat and sunglasses to protect your eyes and face from the harsh sun. Some safari trucks will have covers, but the sun’s rays will still be able to reach you, so best to be prepared and bring protection.
14. Comfortable Footwear
Wear shoes or sandals that will last the day! On some safaris, you will be mostly sitting on a safari truck, and there are walking safaris where you’ll be on your feet exploring the lands. In either case, wear footwear that’s comfortable and can last you the whole day.
15. Lightweight Clothing
Pack light-colored earthy tone clothing to blend with environment. When packing for a safari, it’s best to wear colors where you’ll blend in with the environment. Light-colored earthy tones such as beige and olive green will blend nicely. Avoid wearing vibrant and bright colors since they may startle the wildlife or see you as a threat. Additionally, layer your clothing while on safari. Early morning and evening safaris can get chilly so dressing in layers allows you to adjust to the changing weather.
Final Words
By packing these safari essentials, you’ll be well-prepared for an unforgettable safari adventure. Additionally, the key to a successful safari is preparation and respect for the natural environment. Enjoy the journey and the incredible wildlife encounters that await you. Bon Voyage!
