Going for an African safari is perhaps one of the top items on any adventure enthusiast's "must-do" list. If you're amongst the lucky few who are soon going to realize this long cherished dream, make sure you're adequately prepared so your journey into the wild doesn't turn into a nightmare.
While you gear yourself up for a few days of eerie quiet broken only by the howl of an animal here or hum of a bird there, sleeping in tents with minimal luxuries, getting up at the crack of dawn to catch the magnificent fauna in action, there is another, less thrilling part of a safari vacation that needs to be taken care of if you're to enjoy this union with nature and that's – packing!
Now before you start groaning "not again," let me tell you that packing for a jungle safari is unlike packing for any other trip because of the unique nature of this type of adventure. While you may not be required to carry a lot of heavy duty gear like you would on a camping on a hunting trip, there are certain essentials that you should not leave home without when embarking on a jungle safari.
First, you have to pack appropriate clothes for a trip of this kind. Khakis, shorts, and t-shirts are what you'll probably live in most during a safari. But it's a good idea to bring a few pairs of trousers and long-sleeved shirts so there's minimal skin exposed to animal and insect bites and even the sun. Pants and shirts also come handy when you have to wade your way through thick bushes and as evening wear when the temperature dips.
It's important you wear only muted shades like brown, beige, tan, khaki, etc. because bright colors can attract animals. Wearing white is a no-no as well.
Next thing you need to pack is a good, sturdy pair of walking boots. Again the same rule applies here – the less exposed you are to animals and bugs, the better. So, no open toes, no sandals, no slippers – even if you're not planning to step out of the jeep.
Weather can be a bit unpredictable at times at these places and you may encounter some rainfall, so be prepared with an umbrella and a waterproof jacket.
Carry a wide brimmed hat or scarf and sunglasses to protect yourself from intense sunlight. However, this may not be enough and you should bring a strong sunblock of SPF higher than 30 and always carry it along with you wherever you go.
The other essential gear that goes into your bag include a bug or mosquito repellant, first aid supplies, a guide book of the place you're visiting, wet tissues or wipes, a flashlight, a good pair of binoculars and of course a camera to capture nature at its best.
Most Safari operators will ask you to bring a soft-sided adventure luggage and some don't even allow large rucksacks due to limited space on their vehicles. It's best if you brought an expedition duffle that meets your Safari operator's guidelines and carry a separate excursion backpack that travels with you all the time.
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About the Author:
Hailing from the exotic islands of Hawaii, Andrew loves sun, sand, and surfing. A business owner by profession, Andrew frequently leaves his secure world behind to live on the edge for a few days.His favorite activities include camping, sailing, fishing and he has accumulated vast amounts of knowledge about the do's and don'ts of adventure luggage, outdoor travel and more.His wife and four-year-old son often accompany him on his trysts with nature.
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