Packing list

We recommend a number of items for a trip to Southern Africa. We have compiled a packing list for you with the most essential requirements.

Please check also our FAQ.

Clothing (use layers)

Hiking boots
Slippers or rafters (hiking sandals)
Raincoat/windbreaker
Long pants or zipper pants
Shorts
T-shirts, long and short sleeves
Pullover / fleece jacket
Underwear and socks
Hat and gloves (Only in the winter: end of May to early August)
Towels
Swimwear
Snorkel gear (only for Mozambique or Malawi)
Plastic bag for dirty laundry
Laundry detergent

It is advisable to pack the clothes in plastic bags against the dust.

Care and protection

Good sunscreen cream (factor 30-50)
Lip balm with sunblock
Head cover, cap or hat
Insect repellent (with DEET) (you can buy Peaceful Sleep spray locally in most supermarkets)
First aid kit (painkillers, bandages, diarrhea inhibitors etc.)
Toothbrush & toothpaste
Hairbrush
Vaccination booklet (check the necessary vaccinations on the website)
For contact lens wearer: spare glasses
Malaria Prophylaxis

Practical

Passport (at least 6 Months valid after returning home) + paper copy or scan (pdf)
Debit Card / Credit Card
Travel Insurance Card
Cash – good to have some back-up cash (USD/EUR/GBP etc.) before arriving in Africa. You can get local currencies at the ATM
Daypack for excursions and walks
Sunglasses
Binoculars
Flashlight and / or headlight (a mini Maglite type AA with white bright LED (s) is recommended)
Spare light for flashlight and batteries
Field bottle / water bottle
Something to read (books, travel guide, e-book etc.)

Food & Coffee

A coffee maker is not included in the equipment (e.g. a Mokka Express is useful)
There is no need to bring your own food unless you are on a special diet

Electronics

Mobile phone
Camera with spare batteries or second battery and memory card(s) – separate storage for the files is recommended in case when you lose your camera
Charging cord 220V and / or 12V for film camera / battery charger (lighter plug)
World plug (an adapter is widely available in stores locally)
A drone can be nice but it’s not allowed to use drones inside the National Parks

For the 4×4 car and rooftop tent

Small repairs can be fixed with duct tape and tie wraps (both available locally)

Travel bag, suitcase or backpack

In general, the advice is not to take too much luggage with you. Maximum. 15 kg per person in soft bag(s). We do not recommend taking hard suitcases with you as they might not fit into the car. The storing space in the 4×4 cars is limited when traveling with 4 people in 1 car and soft bags are easier to pack. An extra cover for a bag or backpack against dust is also useful.

NB baggage rules for South Africa oblige the traveler to travel with a bag or suitcase with 1 flat side and without loose straps or protrusions. Baggage that does not comply can be refused. An option is to get your bag ‘wrapped’ in plastic at the airport.