As usual in summer, our phones are buzzing with last minute questions about final arrangements, and the office is bustling with reconfirmations and final document mailings. We are (proudly) renowned for thoroughly preparing travelers for their adventures with our individually customized “Essential Travel Details” including lists of what to pack for your safari as well as any extra items needed in the cooler winter months. We were all recently contemplating the most essential items in our own (soft-sided) safari bags, so we’re sharing some our favorites here:

As they say – sharing is caring, so if you have any special safari travel tips, hacks, or indispensable items in your luggage… do share!

Victoria

• I always bring a lightweight scarf. It’s an extra layer on the plane, dresses up an outfit in the evenings and protects against the sun on game drives if necessary.
• My favourite hair conditioner/anti frizz.
• Small tote bag for shopping 😉.
• Notebook – I like to write down all the animals and birds I see.
• Sunscreen stick to keep in my day bag
• Paperback book – I always think it’s handy to have an actual book. I leave it at the lodge/camp when finished – they often have a library where you can leave a book and take a book!

Vanessa

• A Kikoi always comes with me when I travel as it can be used to keep me warm or cool depending on when you travel.
• I always take my favourite slimline power bank for those long days out on game drive so that I can charge my phone for taking pictures.
• Two pairs of sunglasses, incase you lose or break a pair.
• Bring a lock in case the safe is too small for all my valuables, then I can still keep my stuff secure.

Susan

• Chapstick with sunscreen is invaluable especially if you are doing any sort of water activities.
• A buff to keep the sun off your neck and to pull over your nose and mouth on dusty game drives.
• My nylon mini shoulder bag is very handy in the airport and on game drives to keep your sunglasses, wallet, ChapStick and anything else you need easily at hand.

Anouk

• I love my Osprey transporter (65 L) duffle bag and Osprey daypack – they’ve travelled with me for the past 10 years and still going strong! Zips still work great, water proof, and plenty of compartments to stay organized.
• My I-pad always comes along for the ride. I upload it with books to read set in the destination I’m traveling to, take photos with it, and write my travel notes.
• I second Vanessa’s sarong as an essential item to bring, especially in the African summer – just wet it, shake it out and you stay cool as a hippo.

Diane

• One of those envirosax bags that are easily packable but can expand to carry up to 20 kgs – perfect for carrying home souvenirs.
• Flip flops which are easy, lightweight footwear that always seem to come in handy
• Small Journal or Notepad to record observations and sighting and things to remember (the old-fashioned way vs. a phone)

Yvette

• My prescription sunglasses. Without them, I might as well stay home 😃.
• I have finally found the last duffle I am ever buying – from Lands’ End. It is perfect in every way, as is the small baggallini that has been going out on game drives with me for years.
• My tablet. Even a MacBook Air in its protective case becomes heavy and tiresome after a day, and laptops don’t always fit inside the room safes.
• Thin plastic poncho in case of light rain on transfer days. They’re so big you can carry all your luggage underneath.
• I found my 6’ Statik Universal Magnetic Charge Cable extremely handy. One cable with 3 different connectors.