Walking safari clothing and equipment

Safari dress is casual and your wardrobe does not require any “special purchase” items. Most people wear shorts and a t-shirt during the day and long sleeved shirts and long pants in the evening. If you are particularly sensitive to the sun, wear a loose, long-sleeved cotton shirt during the day. In a few areas, it can get quite chilly at night. It is preferred that your daytime clothing be in neutral colors to blend in with the surroundings. 

GENERAL SAFARI CLOTHING:

  • 1 warm sweater or fleece jacket
  • 1 lightweight waterproof jacket or parka
  • 1 pair walking shoes, tennis, or running shoes
  • 1 bandanna (many uses)
  • shade hat with wide brim or baseball cap
  • 1-2 pairs of sturdy cotton shorts
  • 2 pairs of lightweight cotton pants
  • 1 skirt or dress slacks for hotel evenings
  • 2 long-sleeved shirts
  • 1 pair sandals, Tevas, or rubber thongs (great for camp showers)
  • 4-6 short-sleeved shirts or t-shirts
  • plenty of changes of underwear and some warm socks for evening.
  • 1 bathing suit (optional)

GENERAL SAFARI EQUIPMENT

  • 1 duffle bag
  • 1 small padlock to lock suitcase or duffle
  • 1 daypack
  • wide-mouth plastic water bottle, minimum 1 qt. Capacity
  • toilet kit including biodegradable shampoo and soap
  • plenty of sunscreen
  • flashlight (head lamps are great) with spare batteries
  • nylon stuff sacks or plastic bags to organize clothes, laundry, and other items in your duffle
  • pocket knife
  • thin, quick-drying washcloth ( a small towel is provided)
  • binoculars, essential for good wildlife viewing

WALKING SAFARI SPECIFIC ITEMS

  • A sturdy daypack with some back support that can carry two one liter water bottles, extra clothes for wind or rain, cameras and binoculars.
  • Lightweight hiking boots or “approach” shoes that are comfortable
  • Gaitors, preferably short ankle height, to prevent dirt and grass seed from getting in your boots and socks
  • 3-5 pr extra socks, lightweight wool socks are ideal
  • Extra one liter water bottle or water bag such as a “Camelback”
  • Walking sticks or poles (optional)
  • Moleskin and second skin for blister treatment.

OPTIONAL ITEMS

  • camera, film, and spare batteries.
  • paperback reading and writing material (keep weight at a minimum)
  • travel clock or watch
  • snacks: trail mix, nuts, hard candies, decaf beverages, powdered electrolyte replacement drink mixes such as Gatorade
  • clip-on book light

In hotels, you may find 240 volt AC/55-cycle current—you will need to bring an adaptor for your appliances.

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