8 Packing Tips for an African Safari Vacation

On May 24, 2010, In Family Safaris, Safari Safety, By Sandy Salle

Packing for any trip, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a week-long trip, isn’t the most relaxing way to spend your afternoons and nights prior to your departure. The stress of forgetting something important or packing too much is always on the back-burner of your mind. But now, you’re days away from departing on your next big trip: a 10 day safari vacation in Africa. And the sheer thought of packing sends your stress levels sky rocketing.

But with the right packing tips, the only emotion you’ll feel in the weeks, days, and seconds prior to your trip to Africa is sheer excitement!

Rest assured that with the below packing tips, you’ll be relaxed and ready for your trip of a lifetime in the few weeks leading up to your departure.

Packing tips

1. Know the climate: Because you don’t want to over-stuff your bag with unnecessary items, ask your safari travel agent what the climate will be like in the country(s) you’ll be visiting in Africa.

Ask the following:

  • Is it winter time or summer time?
  • Is it the dry season or the wet season?

This should give you a better idea of what to pack in terms of heavy clothing or lighter attire.

2. Clothing: Whether you plan on partaking in walking safaris, canoe safaris, or game drives during your stay in Africa, long-sleeve shirts and pants are essential to prevent bugs, small scratches (walking safaris), and sunburns.

If you are traveling to Africa in the summer months, a rule of thumb is to bring light-cotton clothing, and if you’re traveling to Africa in the winter, bring heavier items in addition to a few lighter items so that you can remove layers if necessary.

For each item you choose to put in your suitcase, ask yourself:

  • Is it comfortable and semi-casual / casual?
  • Is it a neutral color? (Bright colors and white alert the animals; therefore, stick to basic colors such as khaki, tan, brown, off-white, forest green, etc.).

Because it depends on the time of year you travel to Africa and the duration of your trip, here are a few suggestions / guidelines to keep in mind while packing clothing:

  • 2 pairs of long, casual pants.
  • 2 – 4 pairs of shorts.
  • 7 – 10 shirts (a mixture of long-sleeve and short-sleeve).
  • 2 sweaters for chilly evenings / mornings.
  • Thick jacket (only if you are visiting in the winter months).
  • Hiking boots for walking safaris and game drives.
  • Flip flops or waterproof shoes for canoe safaris (only if you are traveling in the summer should you pack flip flops).
  • 1 cocktail dress / light-weight suit ONLY if you have plans to attend an event that requires this attire.
  • 1 – 2 bathing suits.
  • 1 light rain jacket.
  • Clean underwear, socks, and undershirts for each day. Some accommodations offer complimentary or non-complimentary laundry services. Check before packing.

3. Sun and Bug Protection:

In addition to wearing long-sleeve shirts and pants to prevent bug bites and sunburns, you will also need some other items for proper preventative measures:

For Bugs: One bottle of bug repellent and a bug repellent designed to treat clothing.

For the Sun: Sunglasses with high UV protection, sunscreen (SPF 15 or 30) for your face and body, and a wide brim hat.

4. Documents:

If you are a U.S. citizen, South Africa doesn’t require you to have a visa. It’s crucial for you to have at least two blank pages per entry into South Africa for entry stamping. It’s also a requirement that your passport be valid for six months after date of travel.

Before you leave for your trip to Africa, make two copies of your passport and driver’s license. Take your original documents and a copy of your passport and driver’s license and give the other copy of these items to a responsible and readily available individual at home. Also leave a copy of your itinerary with this person so that they can contact you if an emergency should arise.

5. Money / Credit Cards:

Most establishments accept international credit cards as a standard form of payment. Major international credit cards such as VISA, MasterCard, American Express, and Diners Club are accepted throughout the region, with VISA being the most widely used. In addition, ATMs are easily accessible in all major cities.

The U.S. dollar is accepted at many safari accommodations.

6. Toiletries (pack all liquid / powder toiletries in a sturdy, plastic zip lock bag):

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste.
  • Shampoo and conditioner.
  • Deodorant.
  • Hair brush.
  • Disposable shavers.
  • Face / body lotions.
  • Aloe (to soothe any sunburns).
  • Tweezers.
  • Body soap.
  • Makeup.
  • Hair ties.
  • You may bring your hairdryer and appliance chargers, but be sure to bring appropriate adaptors. Check with your safari travel agent for a list of appropriate adaptors.

7. Additional Accessories:

  • Pen and notebook.
  • Camera, lenses (if needed), and extra batteries / charger.
  • Reading glasses or any other type of glasses. Contacts can often get dry and can be irritating to your eyes.
  • Reading materials or field guide books.
  • Binoculars.
  • Wet wipes.
  • Anti-bacterial hand sanitizer for traveling.

8. Medications: If you are in a malaria-prone region, be sure to bring necessary antibiotics / medications to prevent against the disease. Your doctor can advise you on / prescribe you with malaria prevention medications.

For muscle soreness, headaches, and other small aches and pains, bring Tylenol / Advil, anti-diarrhea medicine, and bug bite soothing cream.

Did you find this post helpful? If so, let us know in our comments section.

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Reptile Spotlight: The Gaboon Viper

On January 18, 2010, In African Wildlife, Family Safaris, Honeymoon Safaris, Safari Safety, By Sandy Salle
Considered one of Africa’s deadliest snakes, the gaboon viper is one of three vipers in the African giant viper group—the other two of the group include the puff adder and the rhinoceros viper.
As a native to Chimanimani, Zimbabwe, I’ve seen many of these gorgeous, yet frightening snakes throughout my years growing up in the region. These snakes are also primarily found throughout central Africa in the dense rain forests.
Weighing in at an average of 18 lbs., and growing up to 7 ft. in length, you would think these snakes would be obvious to spot. They’re not. Their ability to mesh in with the surroundings often makes this deadly snake an unseen predator.
Interesting facts:
• Equipped with some of the largest fangs of any snake, the gaboon viper’s fangs can grow up to 2 in. in length.
• The gaboon viper’s brown, triangle-shaped head has a shocking resemblance to a fallen leaf, which allows it to blend perfectly into the rainforest floor. In addition to its head, the gaboon viper’s body is thick and comprised of colorful geometric shapes and hues including brown, black, white, purple, and pink.
• When going in for the kill, the gaboon viper waits completely still and very patiently for their prey. These reptiles will eat smaller animals such as mice, rats, frogs, and birds, but have also been known to eat much larger prey if they can handle it. Their venom is deadly and is injected to kill.
• The gaboon is a nocturnal ambush predator that waits patiently beneath leaves in the dark for the perfect time to strike its unsuspecting prey. Although they only hunt at night, the gaboon can attack at any time of the day if threatened—often, if a human is attacked it’s because they stepped on a sleeping gaboon.
• Other names the gaboon viper goes by include the butterfly adder, swampjack, and forest puff adder.
• The gaboon viper gives birth live—an average of 20 offspring at a time.
• Gaboon vipers are usually calm and only attack when agitated.
 
Photo from Fitnesssafaris.com

Photo from Fitnesssafaris.com

Considered one of Africa’s deadliest snakes, the gaboon viper is one of three vipers in the African giant viper group—the other two of the group include the puff adder and the rhinoceros viper. 

As a native to Chimanimani, Zimbabwe, I’ve seen many of these gorgeous, yet frightening snakes throughout my years growing up in the region. These snakes are also primarily found throughout central Africa in the dense rain forests.

Weighing in at an average of 18 lbs., and growing up to 7 ft. in length, you would think these snakes would be obvious to spot. They’re not. Their ability to mesh in with the surroundings often makes this deadly snake an unseen predator.

Interesting facts:

  • Equipped with some of the largest fangs of any snake, the gaboon viper’s fangs can grow up to 2 in. in length.
  • The gaboon viper’s brown, triangle-shaped head has a shocking resemblance to a fallen leaf, which allows it to blend perfectly into the rainforest floor. In addition to its head, the gaboon viper’s body is thick and comprised of colorful geometric shapes and hues including brown, black, white, purple, and pink.
  • The gaboon is a nocturnal ambush predator that waits patiently beneath leaves in the dark for the perfect time to strike its unsuspecting prey. Although they only hunt at night, the gaboon can attack at any time of the day if threatened—often, if a human is attacked it’s because they stepped on a sleeping gaboon. 
  • Other names the gaboon viper goes by include the butterfly adder, swampjack, and forest puff adder.
  • The gaboon viper gives birth live—an average of 20 offspring at a time. 
  • Gaboon vipers are usually calm and only attack when agitated.  
  •  When going in for the kill, the gaboon viper waits completely still and very patiently for their prey. These reptiles will eat smaller animals such as mice, rats, frogs, and birds, but have also been known to eat much larger prey if they can handle it. Their venom is deadly and is injected to kill.
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Cape Fusion Peninsula Tours: Above And Beyond Your Greatest Expectations

On January 8, 2010, In African Safari Tours, Family Safaris, Honeymoon Safaris, South Africa, By Sandy Salle
Cape Point

Cape Point

For many seasoned travelers, a guided tour is not their idea of a personalized and intimate way to spend a vacation day. Some believe that a tour limits their freedom and ability to enjoy other things they want to see and do, while others think that tours are too expensive and would rather explore on their own. Although all of these reasons are legitimate for most “touristy” tours throughout the world, a Cape Town Peninsula tour with Cape Fusion Tours redefines the traditional guided tour.

Here’s what you’ll get on a Peninsula Scenic Tour through Cape Town with Cape Fusion Tours:

Cape Point

Cape Point

The opportunity to learn from a guide, who is arguably South Africa’s best, Pam.

Based in Cape Town, Pam is equipped with an endless knowledge of the region, its suburbs, the beaches, the historical heritage, the Winelands, and the Garden Route, and is a treat to anyone’s itinerary. With an obvious passion for food, wine, history, and her love for Cape Town, Pam ensures her tours are exceptional affairs, which are often the highlight of travelers’ itineraries.

A low cost rate for an invaluable experience. Because Cape Fusion Tours is passionate about sharing the beauty, rich history, and cultural heritage of Cape Town with all who visit, they believe it’s important to be affordable to all. In addition to a great price, you can also rest assured that your family is safe and free to enjoy their vacation in its entirety.

capefusion3A journey from Cape Point to the south-westerly point of Africa, the Cape of Good Hope. Cape Point is a peninsula where the Atlantic Ocean and Indian Ocean meet and is a large focus for conservation efforts. Now a nature reserve, this peninsula is home to the highest sea cliffs in the world, two coastlines, a plethora of exotic flora, exceptional wildlife, an eco-friendly boardwalk, sprawling beaches, and gorgeous walking trails. A tour through this area brings out the hidden secrets and elements of the peninsula and opens your eyes to things you otherwise would have never known about had you explored on your own.

 

Boulders Beach

Boulders Beach

The rare and truly exceptional opportunity to observe a residential penguin colony on Boulders Beach.

Perfect for all ages, Boulders Beach is the ideal place to observe one of Africa’s most outstanding species, the African penguin. On a peninsula tour you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the penguins, their heritage, and even swim with them! Unique to South Africa, the African penguin is a delightful treat to observe as they are very social and playful creatures.

The chance to observe Cape Town’s magnificent wildlife. Some of the most popular wildlife to see in Cape Town includes baboons, bontebok, ostriches, an abundance of bird life, and the southern right whales. On the peninsula tour, you’ll not only be able to observe these animals in the wild, but you’ll also learn quirky facts about them, and perhaps even get up-close-and-personal with some.

The opportunity to visit Simons Town historical naval base. Whether you’re interested in learning about the exciting history of this naval town, sunbathe on one of the many beaches, or observe penguins in their natural habitat, Simons Town offers something for everyone and a guided tour through the area allows you to experience it all.

capefusion5Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Established in 1913, this 528 hectares estate works to conserve the flora indigenous to South Africa and is a haven for nature lovers. Located on the eastern slope of Table Mountain, stunning flowers, shrubs, and fynbos (a coastal vegetation species) make up the fascinating Kirstenbosch gardens. With a backdrop of sharp mountains, fields interlaced with streams, paths, and walkways, the Kirstenbosch estate is home to arguably the world’s most unique botanical gardens.

Experiencing everything Cape Town, South Africa has to offer can be quite a challenge without the guidance of a knowledgeable guide. Although it’s very possible for travelers to explore Cape Town on their own, the fact that there is so much to see and do can be overwhelming for visitors who realize that it’s nearly impossible to do everything on their own. Because a trip to Cape Town is a once in a lifetime opportunity, wouldn’t you want to be able to see it all and understand the deep rooted history and cultural heritage behind Cape Town’s legendary existence?

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Client Testimonial from South Africa Family Vacation

On October 14, 2009, In Family Safaris, South Africa, By Sandy Salle

My clients, the Sirois family, just returned from their African safari vacation to South Africa, where they traveled to Cape Town, the Garden Route and went on safari.  Here’s what they had to say:

The Sirois family having a Cape Malay cooking lesson

The Sirois family having a Cape Malay cooking lesson

Thanks to Hills of Africa we had a very unique and personalized experience on our visit to South Africa. We would never have been able to find all the wonderful places we visited without their invaluable advice. We even learned to cook a traditional Cape Malay meal in a home in the Bo Kaap District of Cape Town! Tour books don’t come close to what they did.
We had a fairly rigid time line and lots of things we wanted to do. They put together a fabulous itinerary that not only allowed us to fit in all the things we wanted (touring, shopping, wineries, safari, etc…) but also gave us some flexibility to add things along the way. They booked us with hotels, game reserves and tour guides that they KNEW would be top notch. Hills of Africa met all our expectations and more. We can’t wait to go back.

The Sirois family having lunch in Kalk Bay, Cape Town

The Sirois family having lunch in Kalk Bay, Cape Town

I love Africa, I love planning vacations to Africa, and I think it really shows.

Have you been to Africa?  What were your lasting impressions of your trip to Africa?

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