Imagine the thrill of climbing into a game drive vehicle just as the African sun peeks over the horizon. The morning air is crisp, birds chirp and flutter through the trees, and somewhere in the distance, a lion’s roar sends shivers down your spine. This is safari magic at its finest. And we’re here to help you get ready to experience it with the ultimate South African safari packing guide.
South Africa: A safari paradise
South Africa stands out as a premier safari destination for good reason. With its incredible diversity of wildlife and breathtaking landscapes, it’s no wonder this magnificent country tops so many travel wish lists! Before we dive into our ultimate packing guide, let’s get you excited about where you might be heading. Our team at Expat Explore has put together a list of the top safari destinations in South Africa.
Related: Read about how one of our travellers started solo and ended up as a family in South Africa.
Top game parks in South Africa:
Kruger National Park
The crown jewel of African safaris! This special part of Africa was first protected in 1898 and later became Kruger National Park in 1926, making it one of the oldest and most respected national parks on the continent. Covering an area roughly the size of Wales, this vast wilderness is home to the iconic Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo) alongside giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, hyena, and more than 500 bird species!
But it’s not just the spectacular wildlife that draws countless visitors, Kruger also protects remarkable archaeological and cultural sites, including San rock art and Iron Age ruins, offering a deeper connection to the land and its long history.
Pilanesberg National Park
This unique park was formed by volcanic eruptions over 1.2 billion years ago! Today, it offers some of South Africa’s most spectacular scenery alongside incredible wildlife viewing opportunities. Look out for the Big Five, cheetahs, hippos, and crocodiles all against a backdrop of breathtaking rock formations.
Eastern Cape Safari Parks
Fancy a touch of luxury with your wildlife spotting? The Eastern Cape boasts some of South Africa’s most exclusive private game reserves. Think sunrise game drives followed by gourmet breakfasts in the bush, and evenings around the campfire sharing stories (hopefully!) of the day’s encounters with leopards, rhinos and elephants!
East African safaris that should not be missed
While we’re head over heels for South Africa, we’d be remiss not to mention its East African neighbours! Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park gives you front-row seats to the great wildebeest migration; over two million animals on the move in what’s often called the greatest wildlife show on Earth. You can also expect to see lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, cheetahs, and a variety of other wildlife here.
And Kenya’s Maasai Mara? Those endless plains dotted with acacia trees are exactly how you’ve always pictured Africa! Kenya is another East African safari destination that offers incredible sightings of the Big Five alongside zebras, giraffes, wildebeest, and cheetahs.
Related: Discover the 10 Best outdoor activities in South Africa not to miss!
What to pack for a South African safari:
1. Light, neutral coloured clothing
Ever wondered why safari-goers always seem to wear those khaki outfits? It’s not just about looking the part! Neutral colours like khaki, beige, and light browns help you blend into the environment without disturbing wildlife. They also hide dust (which you’ll encounter plenty of!) and won’t attract insects like brighter colours can.
Avoid wearing bright red, yellow, purple or white, not only will you stand out like a sore thumb to animals, but white gets dirty in seconds! Dark blues and black can attract tsetse flies in some regions, but thankfully these pesky insects aren’t common in Kruger.
Our safari insider tip: If you’re hopping on small flights or safari vehicles, there might be luggage limits. You may be restricted to one soft bag around 20kg. Best to double-check ahead of time so there are no surprises!
Related: Ready to immerse yourself in more of South Africa’s top experiences?
2. Layer up
Did you know that even in the height of African summer, dawn game drives can be surprisingly chilly? The temperature swing between early morning and midday can be dramatic! Pack layers that you can peel off as the day warms up. A light jacket or fleece is perfect for those magical sunrise moments.
Long-sleeved shirts aren’t just stylish, they’re practical protection against both the sun and mosquitoes. Combine these with shorts or lightweight trousers during the day, then switch to jeans or longer trousers for evenings around the campfire.
If you’re visiting during winter (May-September), don’t underestimate how cold those morning and evening game drives can be! It’s always a good idea to pack a warm hat, gloves and an extra fleece layer just in case.
Our safari insider tip: Most safari lodges offer same-day laundry service for an additional fee, so you can pack less than you think!
Related: Find out 10 interesting facts about South Africa that may surprise you!
3. A light-weight, waterproof rain jacket
“But I thought Africa was dry?” We hear this all the time! While South Africa does have distinct wet and dry seasons, a sudden afternoon thunderstorm can happen even in the “dry” months. In places like Kruger National Park, summer is typically the rainy season, with short afternoon showers being pretty common. That said, even during the dry season, the weather can surprise you with the occasional drizzle. A packable rain jacket takes up minimal space but can be a lifesaver!
Our safari insider tip: Some lodges provide ponchos during unexpected rainfall, or use closed-top safari vehicles during the wet season, but never count on this. It’s best to bring your own rain protection.
4. Sun protection
The African sun is no joke, even on cloudy days! We’ve seen too many safari-goers with painful sunburns that could have been easily avoided. Pack high-SPF sunscreen and reapply it religiously, even when it doesn’t feel hot.
A wide-brimmed hat is your best friend on safari. It protects not only your face but also your neck and ears. Add quality sunglasses (polarised ones are best for spotting wildlife in bright conditions) and don’t forget lip balm with SPF protection!
Our safari insider tip: Even if you “never burn at home,” the African sun is different, especially when you’re closer to the equator. Take sun protection seriously from day one so you don’t fall victim to the harsh rays and ruin your days!
5. Comfortable walking shoes
Wondering if you need special boots for a safari trip? Good news, you don’t need to invest in professional hiking boots unless you’re specifically booked on an in-depth walking safari! A pair of comfortable closed shoes with good grip will serve you well for everyday game drives and short walks around your lodge.
Don’t forget to pack a pair of sandals too! They’re perfect for relaxing at the lodge between activities or lounging by the pool during the heat of the day.
Our safari insider tip: Break in any new shoes before your trip! Nothing ruins a safari adventure faster than blisters from brand-new footwear.
Related: Find out what you need to know about South Africa’s weather and seasons!
6. Binoculars
Binoculars are your window into the wild. Those tiny dots on the horizon? They could be rare wild dogs on a hunt! A good pair of binoculars transforms your safari experience, bringing distant wildlife right up close. We never head out without ours, and the moments they’ve helped us capture (a leopard hiding in a distant tree, elephants bathing at a faraway waterhole) have become some of our most treasured safari memories!
While some guides carry spare binoculars, these are often shared among many guests. Having your own pair means never missing those magical wildlife moments.
Our safari insider tip: You don’t need to spend a fortune; mid-range binoculars with 8x or 10x magnification work perfectly for safari viewing.
7. Camera & phone gear
Trust us, when you spot your first leopard lounging in a tree or a herd of elephants strolling past, you’ll want to capture every second! Today’s smartphones can take amazing shots, but if you’ve got a camera with a zoom lens, it’ll really shine out here; especially for those far-off or fast-moving animals.
Our safari insider tip: Bring extra batteries or a power bank, game drives can last hours and charging options are limited. You’ll also want plenty of memory (you’ll take way more photos than you think). A small cleaning kit is also a great idea to take with you; dust is part of the adventure, and it loves lenses!
Related: South Africa is the ultimate family holiday destination!
8. A personal medical kit
When you’re out in the bush, it pays to be prepared. Packing a small medical kit is a smart move for any safari! Be sure to include the essentials:
- Insect repellent (seriously, don’t skip this one!)
- After-sun lotion or aloe vera
- Painkillers
- Something for upset stomachs
- Antihistamines
- A few plasters or band-aids, just in case
Hopefully, you won’t need any of it, but you’ll be glad it’s there if you do!
It’s important to note that depending on where you’re visiting, you may also need malaria medication. Some parts of South Africa are malaria-free, while others (like certain regions of Kruger) have a low to moderate risk, especially in summer. Always consult your doctor or travel clinic before your trip.
Our safari insider tip: Pack any essential medications in your hand luggage, and bring a copy of any prescriptions just in case.
9. Something slightly snazzy for evening dinners
Safari life isn’t all dust and khaki! Many lodges have a tradition of gathering for sundowners and dinner, where guests share stories of their day’s sightings. While it’s all very relaxed, you may want to have one slightly smarter outfit for these occasions (especially if you’re going to capture the moment on film). We’re not talking formal wear. A nice shirt or a summer dress with a light scarf is absolutely perfect!
Our safari insider tip: This is totally optional. If you’d rather stay in your comfy clothes, that’s perfect too. After all, safari style is all about what feels right for you.
Related: Celebrate your trip to South Africa with one of its iconic wines – Chenin Blanc!
10. All of your important documents
Before you get swept up in the excitement of packing safari outfits and camera gear, don’t overlook your essential travel documents. These are absolute non-negotiables:
- Passport
- Flight tickets
- Visas (if required)
- Travel insurance
- Medical forms
- Emergency contact information
Make digital copies of all your key documents and store them securely, either by emailing them to yourself or saving them to a trusted cloud service.
Our safari insider tip: Keep a printed copy in a separate bag from the originals. It’s a simple backup that can save you in a pinch if anything happens to your main documents!
Ready for your wild adventure?
With this ultimate South African safari packing guide in hand, you’re all set for the wildlife adventure of a lifetime!
Related: Once you’ve done Africa, head to the USA and discover its top national parks.
Want to experience safari thrills along with the breathtaking beauty of South Africa? Join our South Africa Escape or Kruger Safari and The Panorama Route tours. You will NOT be disappointed!
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