Based on accumulated personal experience of many years spent in the bush, we have noted down some simple advice for those going on safari or to Africa in general. If you have ideas that you would like to see here, please email us your suggestions to enquiries@safarigear.co.uk

Clothing

As a general rule, clothes that are worn loose are the most comfortable. Bear this in mind when ordering your clothes and if in doubt about sizing, go for the larger size.

Collared shirts are recommended as they protect the neck from sunburn.

If you are spending some time in the bush (e.g. on game drives, bush walks, fishing etc.) it is worth considering a long sleeved shirt, such as our Ultimate Safari Shirt. Quite often the game drives start early in the morning when there is a slight chill in the air. When it gets warmer the sleeves can be rolled up. To protect your arms from sunburn the sleeve can then be rolled back down again.

Combination trousers or skirts are excellent in the bush as they can be worn both during the day and in the evening thus saving space when packing.

For the ladies it is definitely worth considering a sports bra for game drives. Most game drives are a bumpy experience to say the least.

Shoes

A good pair of walking boots will support the ankles in uneven ground and protect your ankles from snake bites as well. A pair of sports sandals may be worth taking for the more relaxing moments.

Packing

When packing for a safari it is tempting to pack for every eventuality - don't! Take essential stuff and pack as light as possible. Unless you're taking a beach break don't bother with stuff like personal stereos, laptops etc. Take a book or two for the inevitable waits, torch for the darker moments, and consider packing as per our Packing List below (please remember it is only a guide!).

1. Camera equipment \& films

Take as much film (or media storage) as you can. You won't believe the sights and experiences you will have in Africa! The quality of light there makes for some fantastic photography and the general rule is to take about twice the amount of film you initially thought of. We recommend a minimum of three films per week spent in the bush.

A good quality camera is worth its weight to carry, but if you take an SLR do take a good zoom lens to capture the more distant pictures.

Also be aware that opening Velcro camera cases on safari may scare away the very animal you are trying to photograph!

2. Medical

Consult your GP and take all the necessary medical supplies required for your trip, but it is also worth carrying the following:

• Rehydration Powder
• Diarrhoea Medicine
• Plasters, Antiseptic Cream
• Strong SP Sun Cream, After Sun
• Spare Toilet Roll (believe us, you may need this!)

3. Documents

Apart from carrying your passports etc., it really is worth getting your documentation (visas, etc) in order before you leave. A good tip is to put all your documents in a zip-lock waterproof documents folder to avoid them getting wet or stained. Also it means they are visible and accessible to you immediately on your trip out.

Packing List

• Wide brimmed Bush Hat
• 2 long sleeved cotton shirts
• 2 or 3 T-shirts
• 2 pairs of shorts
• 2 pairs of long trousers / slacks
• Underwear and socks (woollen if poss., as cotton socks rub)
• Swimming costume
• Good walking shoes (running, tennis, docksiders, veldschoens - 2 pairs are fine)
• Tracker Jacket / Sweater for morning and evening game drives (May - August)
• Very warm clothing for June and July (nights can drop to freezing)
• 'Smart-casual' outfit for staying in city hotels
• Good quality sunglasses (tinted fashion glasses are not good in strong light). If you wear contact lenses, we recommend that you carry a pair of glasses in case of dust irritation
• Personal toiletries, insect repellent, anti-malaria prophylactics, lip salve, high factor sun protection cream, personal medication
• Basic medical kit (aspirins, plasters, Imodium, antihistamine, antiseptic cream, aids kit)
• Binoculars
• Camera equipment, plenty of films and extra camera batteries
• A good torch with a strong beam and spare batteries
• Travel Documents, Tickets, Visas, Passport, Insurance, Money etc.
• Multi-tool/ Swiss army knife (packed in hold luggage)
• Water bottle
• Small rucksack/bumbag
• Sewing kit
• Light foldable rainjacket
• Zip-lock bags for document waterproofing
• Expanded medical kit for long safaris (re-hydration salts, bandages, imodium, sterile first aid equipment, after-sun cream)

On Safari

• DO - always take a hat and wear it! The uninitiated will burn very quickly without one and we recommend a hat with a broad brim. Foldable easy to pack ones are superb for taking on safari.
• DON'T- drink water unless it is bottled, otherwise you may have to use those diarrhoea tablets! Take our Aquapure Traveller along for the equivalenty of 300 litres of bottled water.
• DO - Take our Aquapure Traveller along for the equivalenty of 300 litres of bottled water.
• DON'T - have ice in your drink for the same reason, unless you are sure it is filtered.
• DO - travel light on your game drives or bush walks. You will regret carrying too much when it gets hot and sticky. Don't forget the spare toilet roll!
• DON'T - get out of the vehicle on a game drive unless the guide says you can. People die every year from this mistake. Animals don't associate humans with vehicles unless they get out of them!
• DO - carry water with you wherever you go. It can get very hot in the bush and a regular intake of water is essential.
• DON'T - go on a safari drive or walk without applying sun cream to exposed skin. Trust us; you WILL burn if you don't!
• DON'T - skimp on cheap sunglasses. The sun is fierce in Africa and your eyes need to be well protected. Bear in mind when you choose a pair that you may be sweating a fair bit.