Bring lightweight, breathable clothing. Daytime attire should be light and comfortable; traditional “safari clothing” is fine but not required. For the evening at lodges and tented camps we suggest casual evening wear with a light jacket or sweater. Long sleeves and long trousers in light-colored fabrics help prevent insect bites. Include items to protect against the harsh tropical sun. Use camping dry sacks for any items that you want to remain dust-free.
This list is not comprehensive but includes items we suggest along with clothes and toiletries you would normally pack (underwear, toothpaste, etc.). Adjust the number of items according to the length of your trip.
Don’t forget your camera for those once-in-a-lifetime shots and binoculars for seeing the magnificent wildlife, birds, and even the flora in close-up detail!
Clothing and Equipment.
• Sturdy shorts.
• Cotton pants.
• Long and short sleeved shirts.
• Light sweater and/or jacket.
• Hat with brim.
• Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers.
• Bandanas.
• Sunglasses that block UV rays.
• Swimsuit (if staying in a lodge with a pool).
• Small container of liquid laundry detergent for hand laundry.• Headlamp (and spare batteries).
• Camera (and spare batteries and/or car charging cord).
• Binoculars.
• One liter reusable water bottle.
Personal First Aid Supplies. Consult with your physician as necessary.• Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher).
• Lip balm with sunscreen.
• Hand wipes or hand sanitizer.
• Insect repellant.
• Hydrocortisone cream for itching (check for sun sensitivity).
• Aspirin, ibuprofen, or Tylenol. Ibuprofen is also an anti-inflammatory.
• Moisturizing cream.
• Band Aids.
• Tropical antibiotic.
• Antibiotic, such as Cipro.
• Pepto-Bismol tablets for stomach problems.
• Feminine protection.
• Contact lens wearers also bring a pair of glasses for back-up.
For Standard Camping Safari only (not needed if staying at lodges or tented camps).
• Sleeping bag rated to 40° F (5° C) (rental available for $30).
• Small quick-drying towel and washcloth.
• Sandals or flip-flops (for showers).
Snacks.
You will eat well on safari! Safari lodges and tented camps offer a wide assortment of excellent western and traditional African dishes with plenty of fresh fruit and sweet desserts. If you are camping with SENE you can expect nutritious and delicious meals prepared by one of our trained camp cooks. You may bring snacks for the safari drives if you have favorites, but since you will be well-fed at meal times that may not be necessary.
Water.
We include bottled water in all our safari vehicles but because we are trying to eliminate single-use plastic water bottles we invite you to bring your own reusable water bottle. You will be able to fill up your reusable water bottle with purified water for drinking at every lodge and camp during your safari.