{"id":4980,"date":"2018-05-31T00:07:34","date_gmt":"2018-05-31T00:07:34","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/?p=4980"},"modified":"2023-04-12T00:29:26","modified_gmt":"2023-04-12T00:29:26","slug":"packing-for-a-safari-essentials","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/packing-for-a-safari-essentials\/","title":{"rendered":"African Safari Packing Essentials"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Packing for a safari sounds like tricky business, but it\u2019s honestly easier than it sounds.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is absolutely no need to waste your money in safari gear that will ultimately wind up collecting dust in your closet. Going on safari doesn\u2019t mean dressing up like Crocodile Dundee (you\u2019re more than welcome to if that\u2019s what you\u2019re into, though!). There are just a few safari essentials you\u2019ll definitely need to bring along, but all in all, it\u2019s pretty easy!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fun fact: The word safari<\/em> means \u201cjourney\u201d in Swahili.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Things to know when packing for a safari:<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before moving onto the packing list, let\u2019s kick off a few myths and set some basic rules that will make packing for a safari a lot easier.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2192 The #1 rule for packing for a safari is to avoid the color white. Game reserves and national parks in Africa are really dusty places. That cute white shirt you brought? It\u2019s brown now.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2192 You don\u2019t need any to buy any special safari clothing. Most of them cost a fortune and will probably never be worn again. It\u2019s possible to pack for a safari with clothing items you already own. I\u2019ve done safaris in light blue jeans and even a dress. I mean, you\u2019re going to spend most of the time in a car or in a lodge, anyway.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2192 Most safari camps will do your laundry for a fee, so definitely avoid over-packing. Four outfits max for a week-long safari is more than enough. The only thing the camps won\u2019t wash are undies, so pack a few travel-sized packs of detergent so you can wash them in the sink.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2192 There is a myth going around that bright colors should be avoided when on a safari, but this is actually not true if you are sitting in a car. If you\u2019re doing a walking safari, then khakis are definitely preferred, but if you are going to be in a vehicle, you can get away with almost any color.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to stay on the safe side (or just really get that feeling that you\u2019re Karen Blixen from Out of Africa), then stick to neutrals. Khakis, dark greens, light pinks, and browns are great colors for a safari outfit palette.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2192 Avoid dark blues and blacks because tsetse flies LOVE them and their bites sting like hell.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2192 Don\u2019t even think about packing camouflage clothing! It\u2019s associated with the military and even banned in some countries like Zimbabwe.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2192 Pack layers of lightweight clothes because temperatures in the bush change drastically throughout the day.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2192 The dress code for safari lodges is pretty casual. You don\u2019t need to bring anything too formal.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2192 You should pack everything up in a durable duffel bag<\/a>. Rolling suitcases are a terrible idea for a safari trip.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2192 If you\u2019re traveling to Rwanda, Uganda, or Kenya, avoid bringing plastic bags. They are illegal in these countries, which is awesome! Pack your toiletries (or anything that can spill) in these reusable zip lock bags<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Onto the list!<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

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AFRICAN SAFARI PACKING ESSENTIALS<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

CLOTHES<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n