subject: Luggage, Clothing And Personal Effects To Carry While On Safari [print this page] The cardinal rule of going on safari is - be prepared for the unexpected. Sadly, while this may tempt you to pack every piece of clothing, first-aid and medicine under the sun, luggage restrictions will not allow you to do so.
Here is a quick guide to packing for safaris. Most of the high-value items here can be obtained at flea markets or thrift stores, so there is no need to go broke just for this one experience.
Bedding:
Sleeping bag and pillow - blanket or warm sleeping bag for the winter
Luggage:
1 large bag or non-reinforced rucksack containing your major items
1 piece of hand luggage, which you can carry with you in the vehicle. If large, this may double up as an overnight bag for short trips during your safari
1 waist pouch for money and camera
Clothing:
While taking along clothing on a safari, be practical and minimal. Safari officials recommend carrying cotton or wash-and-wear clothing, in muted colors - no whites or bright colors - to ensure safety in viewing range of wild animals. Army-colored clothing is forbidden.
To figure out how much clothing and toilet items to carry, ask your safari officials two things -
1.How frequently you will be going outside the house -separate Tshirts for each outing during the day
2.How frequently you will be able to do laundry
Here is a typical list of clothing to carry:
6-7 T-shirts
2 pairs of pants
3-4 pairs of shorts
1 set of evening wear, to be chosen according to the season
1 pair walking shoes - trainers or Converse are a good idea
1 pair open, easily dried shoes to be used in watery areas
Underwear
Nightwear
Beachwear - swimsuit and sun hat
In cool weather(April to August), you will need a jersey, tracksuit or hooded jacket. For winters (May to September), come prepared with a warm jacket. In the rainy season, from December to March, you will need a waterproof jacket.
Toiletries:
Cleaning supplies - soap, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste and toothbrush
Hand sanitizer, tissues and wet wipes
Toilet paper
Shaving supplies - preferably electric shavers
Deodorant
Sunblock
Moisturizers, creams and lip balm
Insect repellent and antiseptic
Supplies for hand-washing clothes
Sunglasses - photo chromatic lenses for spectacle-wearers. Please note that contact lens wearers may have to resort to spectacles thanks to dust.
Bag for wet or unwashed clothing
Pen and paper
In spite of my warnings about the "unexpected", by now safaris are a safe and enjoyable experience, with minimal danger as long as you follow instructions. Tanzania has been blessed with a wealth of natural diversity - from the crater in the Ngorongoro to the plains, hills and woodlands of Serengeti, housing millions of wildlife specimens whether big or small. The essentials that have been outlined here will keep you going for as long as your safari lasts, so don't stress too much about it and just go out there, and enjoy.
by: Gen Wright
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