{"id":53535,"date":"2016-08-25T03:00:18","date_gmt":"2016-08-25T10:00:18","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/travelfashiongirl.com\/?p=53535"},"modified":"2023-05-28T10:08:08","modified_gmt":"2023-05-28T17:08:08","slug":"what-to-pack-for-safari","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.travelfashiongirl.com\/what-to-pack-for-safari\/","title":{"rendered":"What to Pack for Safari: These are 10 Things You Absolutely Need"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Packing for an adventurous\u00a0trip to Africa can be quite the challenge especially when your plans include a safari. Find out what to pack for safari – these are ten things you absolutely need!<\/p>\n

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What to Pack for Safari<\/strong><\/h1>\n

Written By:\u00a0Kerri Geene<\/p>\n

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Packing for an African safari is a little different than other vacations. While you don\u2019t have to dress head\u00a0to toe in technical outdoor clothing, you should be mindful of nature\u2019s elements and plan ahead.<\/p>\n

The following advice is based on my experience while touring through Amboseli National Park and Masai\u00a0Mara National Reserve in Kenya. You can read more about our trip to Kenya here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Keep these practical pointers in mind when planning\u00a0what to pack for safari in Africa:<\/strong><\/p>\n

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\"what-to-pack-for-safari\"<\/p>\n

Hand Wipes<\/a> | Icebreaker Merino Tee<\/a><\/p>\n

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You will get Dirty<\/h2>\n

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You will get covered in dirt, A LOT of dirt. I mean up your nose, in your hair, and under your\u00a0fingernails. The roof and windows on the safari vehicles are open for the elements and you\u00a0should plan on being in a cloud of dust for most of the day.<\/p>\n

Bring hand sanitizer and some wipes to freshen up before meals when you are on\u00a0the move. Baby wipes<\/a> are always a savior!<\/p>\n

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\"what-to-pack-for-safari\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Shop Sizes 2-16:\u00a0Amazon\u00a0<\/a>|\u00a0REI<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0Columbia<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0Zappos<\/a><\/p>\n

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Pack earth toned clothes<\/h2>\n

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Referring to point one above, when you’re planning what to pack for safari you’ll want to wear clothes where the dirt blends in.<\/p>\n

Before the trip, I purchased an awesome safari jacket<\/a> in olive green (similar to\u00a0this one<\/a>)\u00a0that was lightweight and great for layering. I\u00a0also liked that it had sleeves that could be rolled up or down as the temperature changed on the\u00a0savannah.<\/p>\n

Khakis, olive greens, tans or browns, and clay are the best colors to add to your travel capsule wardrobe<\/a> to blend in with the\u00a0terrain. In addition, neutral tones like those are also best when on safari because brights can draw too much attention\u00a0from\u00a0wildlife.<\/p>\n

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These are the best travel pants for women<\/a> and perfect for safari, too!<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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\"what-to-pack-for-safari\"<\/p>\n

Merino Wool Crew Sock<\/a> | Waterproof Hiking Shoe<\/a><\/p>\n

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Bring shoes and socks that can take a beating<\/h2>\n

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Pack flat waterproof shoes<\/a>\u00a0that won\u2019t let the dirt and\/or mud penetrate and can be hosed or wiped off\u00a0easily. When we took a walk around camp, my socks<\/a> and sneakers would get filthy like I just\u00a0played a softball double header. Packing cubes<\/span><\/a> make the perfect shoe bags to protect your luggage from dirty shoes. <\/span><\/p>\n

My coral colored Smartwool socks<\/a> went well with the red dirt\u00a0and I also had a pair of tan socks which masked the dirt well.\u00a0Invest in wool socks in earth tone colors that wash and dry easily. Do NOT pack\u00a0white socks.<\/p>\n

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Learn more about how to choose the best hiking shoes for women<\/a>!<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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\"what-to-pack-for-safari\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Baseball Cap<\/a><\/p>\n

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Bring a hat<\/h2>\n

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Hats are a necessity. You will want to keep your hair covered and pulled back in a ponytail or\u00a0bun so it doesn\u2019t get tangled in the wind and full of dirt from the road. You will also want the\u00a0shade protection from the sun as you will be very close to the equator.<\/p>\n

Consider packing baseball cap<\/a> and\/or a packable wide brimmed sun hat that lays flat in your\u00a0suitcase as you plan what to pack for safari.<\/p>\n

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Here are a variety of travel hats and hair accessories<\/a> for different trips!<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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\"what-to-pack-for-safari\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Non-Wired Sports Bra<\/a><\/p>\n

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Wear a sports bra<\/h2>\n

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The locals refer to the roads as a free African massage. After one ride in Africa you\u2019ll know why.<\/p>\n

Vehicles in Kenya and other countries will cover all terrains, crossing over boulders, down the embankment of a dry\u00a0riverbed, over deeply rutted roads and huge potholes. The main roads are in poor to abysmal\u00a0condition as well.<\/p>\n

To get to the Masai Mara, the #1 tourist attraction in Kenya, you will be on a bumpy\u00a0dirt road for 50km, over an hour and a half. It\u2019s just as adventurous and thrilling as some jeep\u00a0tours I\u2019ve paid big money for.<\/p>\n

Make your ride more tolerable by wearing a sports bra<\/a> whenever you are\u00a0being transported. Also, take some motion sickness meds beforehand if you are prone to\u00a0car sickness.<\/p>\n

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Learn more about how to get a bra that fits<\/a>!<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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\"what-to-pack-for-safari\"<\/p>\n

Anti-theft Cross Body Bag<\/a> | Secret Bra Stash<\/a><\/p>\n

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Leave your expensive handbags, jewelry, and watches at home<\/h2>\n

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You may have paid an exorbitant amount for your safari vacation but you want to make sure\u00a0you don\u2019t look like a million bucks when you arrive. Don\u2019t be a target for unwanted attention. As you choose your travel clothing and decide exactly what to pack for safari, make sure you don\u2019t dress in a flashy manner.<\/p>\n

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Use these tips<\/a> to protect your valuables.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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I put my watches, engagement ring, and wedding band in a safe back home and opted instead\u00a0for an inexpensive watch and a simple silver wedding band that was my Grandmother\u2019s.<\/p>\n

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An\u00a0anti-theft travel bag<\/a>\u00a0is great to have for any trip. I use a Traveleon cross body bag\u00a0that is slash-proof and resistant to pick pockets and even has RFID blocking pockets. Also consider\u00a0adding items like a <\/span>money belt<\/span><\/a> or <\/span>Secret Bra Pocket<\/span><\/a> to your packing list. <\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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\"what-to-pack-for-safari\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Urination Device<\/a><\/p>\n

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Be prepared for minimal bathrooms<\/h2>\n

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The Masai Mara covers 1,510 square kilometers (938 square miles) but there are no public\u00a0bathrooms to be found inside the park or on “bathroom” stops on an overland journey.\u00a0When nature calls you will have to resort to finding a\u00a0bush.<\/p>\n

If you are staying in a camp within the reserve, don\u2019t plan on returning to use the\u00a0restroom. You may be many miles away when you have to go and the bumpy roads will make\u00a0holding it punishing.<\/p>\n

Knowing this, it helps to be armed with wet wipes, toilet paper and, for some gals, maybe even a\u00a0Go-Girl<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Insider Tip: If you are undecided on what parks to visit and the thought of no bathrooms\u00a0horrifies you, opt for Amboseli National Park. Here, there is an observation point that had three\u00a0toilet stalls in good working order.<\/p>\n

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Expecting your monthly visitor during your trip? Find out menstrual cup pros and cons<\/a>!<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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\"what-to-pack-for-safari\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Waterproof Jacket<\/a><\/p>\n

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Bring a rain jacket<\/h2>\n

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We were in Kenya in late October and the short rains had started, whereby, it rains later\u00a0afternoon\/early evening. Come prepared with a rain jacket<\/a> that can also be worn in the\u00a0morning when it is a bit chilly. This is one item\u00a0not to forget as you decide\u00a0what to pack for safari.<\/p>\n

Keep in mind the roof and windows of the safari vehicle are open as you are driving\u00a0around the park so look for a rain coat that can serve as a windbreaker as well.<\/p>\n

Remember to choose neutral tones especially for items that are highly visible such as a jacket.<\/p>\n

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Here’s a full round up of the best waterproof jackets<\/a>!<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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\"what-to-pack-for-safari\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Tablet and Smartphone Portable Charger<\/a><\/p>\n

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Bring power backups to charge your devices<\/h2>\n

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If your accommodations are in a tent then you will have limited to no plugs to recharge your devices. We had two phones, two laptops, a camera, a kindle, and a portable battery source to charge almost daily.<\/p>\n

When you do locate an outlet you will want to have a power strip that can charge\u00a0multiple devices at once like this Belkin SurgePlus USB Swivel Charger<\/a>.<\/p>\n

For power on the go bring along a rechargeable power pack to power up your camera, e-readers, and phone. A lot of devices can be charged through a USB port.<\/p>\n

When shopping for a universal\u00a0plug adaptor look for one that has USB charging ports built in and you will be able to charge\u00a0multiple devices at once.<\/p>\n

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Take a look at our round up of portable power bank chargers<\/a>!<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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\"what-to-pack-for-safari\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Headlamp<\/a><\/p>\n

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Bring a source of light<\/h2>\n

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And our final tip for this list\u00a0on what to pack for safari, reminds you to pack light! But a headlamp<\/a> is the light we’re referring to in this instance.<\/p>\n

Walking around camp at night lighting is poor so I recommend downloading a flashlight app to\u00a0your smartphone if you don\u2019t already have one. This eliminates packing an extra item such as a\u00a0flashlight.<\/p>\n

When you’re planning\u00a0what to pack for safari\u00a0will also want to consider a headlamp. Inside your tent the light switches likely\u00a0won\u2019t be next to your bed and if you get up in the middle of the night you will want to see\u00a0where you are going.<\/p>\n

Plus, the ability to charge electronics is limited on some trips so you don’t want to count on your phone especially when you want to be hands-free (like when you’re eating)!<\/p>\n

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Find out why a travel headlamp<\/a> is one of our top travel essentials!<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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The safari experience is one of a kind and hopefully, this advice will help you arrive at camp prepared for an adventure of a lifetime.<\/strong><\/p>\n

What are your tips on\u00a0what to pack for safari? Share in the comments!<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

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For more safari packing tips, please read these:<\/strong><\/p>\n