Southern Africa Packing List
Notes
- More packing advice >>
- Extra luggage can be left in a locked storage room at your hotel for no charge.
- Valuables can be left in a safe deposit box at your hotel (typically $1/day).
- It's best to leave all jewelry at home.
- Print a copy of your reservation and place it inside your checked baggage for identification purposes while you are traveling.
Clothing
Your clothing should be lightweight, breathable, hand-washable, and quick-drying.
- Shorts, mid-thigh or longer
- Long pants (zip-off pants are very useful)
- Short-sleeved shirts
- Long-sleeved shirts
- Undergarments, socks
- Sport bras for women (roads can be bumpy)
- Rain jacket and pants or rain poncho
- Sun hat with brim and chin strap
- Bandana (for dust, washing, etc.)
- Belt
- Pajamas
- Swimsuit (and cover up for women)
- Sweater, jacket, windbreaker
- Clothes line, sink stopper, detergent
Footwear
- Sturdy, comfortable walking shoes, closed toe, preferrably waterproof
- Tennis shoes, sandals, dressy shoes, and/or flip flops
- Comfortable, breathable socks
Baggage
- Suitcase or duffel (20kg/44lb max for internal flights)
- Day pack for daily activities and easy access (rain cover is nice)
- Waterproof plastic bags for storing clothing and gear (ziplocs work)
- Packing cube, compression bag, clear toiletry bag for airplane
- Money belt, security pouch, document organizer
Luggage Restrictions
It is advisable to adhere to the luggage restrictions for both scheduled international, domestic and charter flights: 20kgs (44lbs) on domestic flights, and 20kgs (44lbs) on international flights.
Light aircraft transfers in Botswana have a 15kg luggage restrictions in soft, squashable bags PLUS 5kg of hand luggage. Travelers coming for safaris are advised not to bring hard suitcases as they will not fit on light aircraft. The luggage can have wheels as long as the top of the bag can be squished (a duffel with wheels, for example). You can also bring a soft bag plus a separate wheeled carrier as long as both are within the weight limit. People with overweight luggage will be charged for an extra seat the airplane (about $180).
Electronics
Store electronics in sealed water-proof bags (double bagged if possible).
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Camera, lenses, filters, memory disks (you will not be able to download)
- Video camera, tapes/disks
- Tripod
- Cell phone
- Batteries
- GPS (for Geocaching)
- Alarm clock
- Calculator (for currency conversion)
- Electricity adapter
Safari
- Strong binoculars
- Quality camera with long lens
- Wide brimmed hat with strap
- Animal and bird guide books
- On your safari, take along any items you need for the day in a separate day pack: sunglasses, camera and video (lenses, batteries, disks, tapes), binoculars, water, snacks, bandana, hat, wet-wipes, hand sanitizer, etc.
- Camping safaris: Sleeping bag
Toiletries
- Soap
- Shampoo, conditioner
- Shaving supplies
- Nail clippers, file, brush
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
- Deoterant
- Moist towelettes (handi-wipes)
- Hand sanitizer
- Lotion (Badger foot balm is also helpful)
- Hairbrush, comb, mirror
- Small towel and washcloth
- Toilet paper
- Facial tissue
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm with sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Q-tips
- Sewing kit
- Feminine products
- Cosmetics
First Aid
You really only need one first aid kit in your travel group, so coordinate with your travel companions.
- Ibuprofin, Aceteminophen
- Bandaids/plasters
- Disinfectant, antiseptic cream, antibiotic ointment
- Gauze bandages and tape
- Throat losenges
- Vitamins
- Diahrea medicine
- Antihistemines
- Ace bandage
- Melatonin, Acetazolamide, or other sleep aid
- Malaria pills (talk to doctor)
- Antibiotics (talk to doctor)
- Prescription drugs (talk to doctor)
Documents
- Document organizer
- Passport
- Visas for all countries as necessary
- Airline tickets, e-tickets (make sure name on ticket matches name on passport)
- Copy of AWR travel itinerary
- Medical insurance card
- Address book
- Business cards
- Make copies of passport, visas, drivers license, airline tickets/schedule, travel itinerary, credit cards (front and back), travelers checks' numbers, frequent flyer numbers, travel insurance, and emergency contact information. Leave a copy with someone at home and put a copy in a travel companion's luggage and email them to yourself (or Google Docs).
- Yellow fever certificate and vaccination records
Beach
- Swimsuit and cover-up
- Beach sandals
- Reef shoes (for sharp rocks and coral)
- SCUBA/snorkel equipment (mask, snorkel, fins, wetsuit)
- Underwater camera
Other
- Sunglasses with straps
- Eyeglasses, contacts, solution
- Binoculars
- Pocket knife
- Notebook, pencil and pen
- Playing cards, games, crossword puzzles, books, frisbee, football, kite
- Energy bars, hard candy, snacks, and comfort foods
- Duct tape (can be wrapped around water bottle)
- Matches or lighter
- Cash, travelers checks, credit cards (including some small bills, U.S. dollars must be newer than 2002)
- Guide books, maps, language books
- Umbrella, particularly useful in the rainy season
- Salt, pepper for bland food, flavoring for coffee
- Water bottles and Camelback (useful on bumpy roads)
- Steripen, water filter, iodine or chlorine dioxide purification tablets
- Bottled water is also available for purchase at hotels and markets
Kids
- Games, toys, books
- Swim toys
- Gifts for local children
Gifts for Guides, Local People
- Shoes, t-shirts, hats, warm clothing
- Nerf football, frisbees
- Candy, energy bars
- Pens, school supplies
Packing for the flight
- U-shaped neck pillow (blow-up)
- Books, magazines, e-reader
- Toiletries (3 ounces/container, 1 quart clear bag)
- Snacks
- Water bottle (empty through security)
- iPod, MP3 player and headphones
- Cell phone
- Eye shades, ear plugs
- Melatonin or other sleep aid
