Packing for safari

Packing for a Safari

Chances are very high that during your safari or adventure, you will at some point be flying on a smaller aircraft, with specific baggage limitations. To add, this is not merely an EPJ rule, this is across the board for all safari goers. The thing to remember is that overwhelmingly, camps and lodges do same day laundry, nearly always included in the cost of your adventure. Many clients today have drip dry clothing as well, for the convenience. You see where we are going here. Light is right. 🙂

Depending on the destination, it might be 20kg (44 pounds) is the maximum weight for your check in luggage on a smaller plane. In some places, the maximum weight may come down to 15kg (33 pounds). Duffel (soft sided, no wheels) bags, like the Epic North Face red ones (which you’re automatically provided with pre trip) in the photograph below, are essential. Hard suitcases are generally not suited to the cargo holds of  smaller aircraft and might have to be off loaded from that transfer if the plane is full. Of course this weight excludes your backpack/carry on bag with your camera and lenses and personal items.

We will advise you on clothing for the particulars of the season for your destination. In Southern Africa it can get very cold at night late May to August, especially in places like the Okavango in Botswana. Layers are important, as the days can still warm up into the high 20’s celsius (low 80″s fahrenheit). The good thing these days is that clothing technology is such that fleeces and jackets can still be incredibly warm while weighing so little. No matter the season, hats, sunblock, trail or walking shoes, light, long pants for evenings and if you have sensitive skin, your own favourite insect repellent. The aircraft in the photo below is a Cessna Caravan, a “bush taxi” and a favourite and supremely reliable mode of transport, especially between camps in Africa. The Caravans typically seat about 10 – 12  passengers. You’re in the very best and most capable of hands in your travels, with highly experienced, quality bush pilots.

You will rarely have to pick up your bag yourself, other than from the carousel at international arrivals, even then there is usually someone to help out. In the camps, staff will get your bags to and from your tents, or rooms at the lodges. It’s a well drilled routine for the places we use at Epic. Packing for a safari is an exciting part of the process. Just don’t overdo it. While in the chill of places like Antarctica, Patagonia and South Georgia, it’s all about the layers. For Antarctica we will step you through what you need well before you head off. And while you’re here for a taster … some wonderful images from Rob’s trip to the extraordinary abundance of South Georgia a couple of years ago.

#Tips and tricks

Photography:Simon, Brad, Rob

Packing for a Safari

Some of the essentials for your Epic safari or adventure.

Hats – Meerkats optional

Sunscreen – No matter the time of year, the African sun especially, can be very strong.

Camera/Lenses/Memory cards – there’s a meerkat theme here. Adaptors for your phone and battery chargers. The majority of camps and lodges have charging stations in tents and rooms now.

Binoculars. The first thing that all guides pack into their carry on kit.

Dancing shoes like Tracey and Sophie. We WILL get you on the floor.

Jackets/puffer jackets/rain jackets – especially in the cold, dry winters and through green seasons.

Ponchos are provided by many camps and lodges, modelled here (below) by wonderful Gerald and Tania from Mwiba Lodge in Tanzania.

Long sleeves and light long pants are recommended for most places. Pack some shorts for the heat of the day. Into your little kit you might want to include some paracetamol, anti histamines, betadine and anything else you like to travel with for a basic medical kit. For anti malarial medication speak to your doctor about the destination.

#Tips and tricks