Going on safari is one of those once-in-a-lifetime things that most people who love travel do at some point. Because of this, you want to make the most of your trip. Sure, you need to make sure that you go to an incredible location, like the Hinterlands of South Africa or untamed northern Kenya, but you also want to make sure that you have the right equipment to enjoy your trip. Making the most of your safari should be a top priority.

But what kit should you choose? It can be a difficult task for amateurs, especially if you’ve never been on safari before. Let’s take a look at some of the items you should bring with you.

Antimalarials 

Although getting malaria while abroad is unlikely, it’s not impossible, especially for Westerners. People of European and Asian descent are less resistant to malaria than the African population and, therefore, are more likely to contract the disease if bitten by a mosquito. Remember, all it takes to become infected is a single bite, so taking antimalarials is essential.

Antimalarials should ideally be taken before you set off to your target destination. There is no vaccine for malaria, but antimalarials provide the additional boost your immune system needs, should you become infected. Usually, you can fight off the infection without even realizing that you’re sick.

A Suitable Adapter 

While it might sound nice to go away on safari and leave all your technology at home, it’s not quite the same in practice. Simple things, like organizing flights, hotels and taxis become a lot more difficult if your phone runs out of charge.

Plug sockets in many African countries use different standards to those in Europe, the UK, or the US, and so taking adapters is essential. Standards sometimes aren’t consistent within particular African countries, and so you may want to take a variety of adapters with you.

Binoculars 

While you might have fantasies of coming within a few feet of “the big five,” the chances are that if you do see these megafauna, it’ll be from a distance. Wild animals are skeptical (and often scared) of humans.

Going on safari without a pair of binoculars would be irresponsible. Binoculars help you make out details in the distance, allowing you to view elephants, lions, giraffe, hippos, and zebra all from the safety of your 4×4.

The things to look for when buying binoculars (if you don’t have any already) are price, magnification, and field of view.

Sunscreen

The plains of Africa lie only a few degrees south of the equator (and in the case of Kenyan safaris, right on it). Because of this, those on safari should wear ample sunscreen to avoid UV radiation. Radiation from the sun can damage DNA, especially prolonged exposure, bumping up your risk of melanoma, a type of skin cancer.

Remember, you’ll be outside for hours at a time on safari. Safaris usually last all day because of the difficulty in observing animals in their natural habitat. Animals won’t show up just because you’re there, so you’ll be traveling all day, much of the time in open-top vehicles.

Dust-Proof Bags 

Things can get pretty dry during the dry season. Dryness leads to an abundance of dust which can get everywhere, including in your luggage. Dust in your luggage is not only a nuisance but can also damage your equipment, including expensive electronics.

The good news is that there is a solution: waterproof bags. Waterproof bags, it turns out, not only keep water out (not something you’ll have to worry about on the savannas of Africa) but also tiny dust particles too. So, keep your cosmetics, electronics and other valuables safe from dust by taking the right carrying bags with you.

Proper Attire 

Sartorial splendor might be the aim of the game in swanky European resorts, but in the depths of Africa, function takes precedence over form.

• Hats. Your hat is probably the most crucial piece of clothing that you’ll need on safari. While peaked caps provide a modicum of protection for the skin on the face, particularly the nose area, it’s better to choose a hat which protects the ears and the back of the neck too. The bigger, the better.
• Layers. Although we tend to think of Africa as a hot place, it’s like anywhere else in the world and experiences variation in temperature throughout the day. Some days are warm during the noon hours and much cooler in the evenings. Ideally, you’ll want to pack layers, an underlayer, trousers, zip up jumper and a jacket.
• Sunglasses. When the sun is overhead in the middle of the day, it can be bright – dazzling even. Just like your skin, your eyes need protection, especially if you’re driving through a sandy area with a high albedo. Take sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection.

A Camera With Optical Zoom 

While digital cameras, especially those on phones, have come a long way in recent years, providing all kinds of useful effects and processing options, you need a real camera for a safari trip, one with an optical zoom. Although animals can sometimes walk right up to your vehicle, the majority of the time they will keep their distance, meaning that you’re only able to observe them from afar. If you try to use digital zoom to take high-fidelity shots of distant animals, you’re going to be disappointed. It’s much better to use an optical zoom, preferably with a zoom lens up to 300mm.

No, optical cameras aren’t cheap, but you’ll certainly get much better shots that way.

Mosquito Repellent 

Although Africa is a warm and wild continent, it does have some drawbacks, particularly all the creepy crawlies. If insects aren’t your thing, then you might want to pack some insect repellent. Not only does it prevent midges from harassing you as you drive along, but it can also help keep mosquitoes away.

So there you have it: everything you need for a successful safari. Have you got everything on this list? Have you ever been on an African Safari before? If so, what was your number one must have item? Let us know all about it in the comments below!

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