Essential safari gear

4. February, 2012 African Travel No comments

What to pack ::

  Comfortable wash-and-wear clothing is most useful. The right safari clothing will give the best experience of your adventure in Africa; jewelery should not be part of this collection. Jackets and ties are only required in certain hotel restaurants and golf clubs. All hotels and most lodges offer quick laundry services, usually done within a couple of hours. It is not necessary to bring a separate change of clothing for each day and evening, and it is recommended that you keep luggage to a minimum.

What to take along ::

  - Anti-malaria prophylactics
- Sunblock
- Sunglasses
- Comfortable walking boots
- Sandals
- Binoculars, camera and accessories (remember spare batteries)
- Casual lightweight cotton, khaki or neutral coloured clothes for safari
- Fleece or sweater and a warm jacket for game drives or cool evenings
- Shorts & cotton T-shirts
- Swimming costume
- Wide brimmed hat
- Personal toiletries, sun barrier creams and lip creams
 

Maps & Field guides?

::

  We recommend the following:-
- Michelin Map No 955 – Africa Central & South, Madagascar
- Robert’s Birds of Southern Africa – G L Maclean
- Newman’s Birds of Southern Africa – Kenneth Newman
- Field Guide to Mammals of Southern Africa – Chris & Tilde Stuart
- Southern Africa Mammals – Robin Frandsen

Videos & Photography ::

For photography of birds and animals a 300mm telephoto lens is recommended. Films & batteries are only available in larger cities and tend to be expensive. We recommend that you take along sufficient films and a spare battery for your camera. Participants must not take photographs of border posts or military/ police posts as this can lead to an unpleasant situation and even arrest. In most parts of Africa it is considered respectful to first ask permission before taking a photograph of the locals (eg the Masai in Tanzania) and in many cases, payment is expected. Some cultures believe that the camera steals their soul and we request your respect and understanding in their beliefs.Many people bring video cameras on safari. The power supply in the countries that we will be visiting are mostly 220-240 volts. It may be possible to recharge the video camera off the battery of the vehicle through a 12 volt cigarette lighter socket (this will be at the discretion of your safari guide & will not be allowed if there is a risk of draining the batteries). We recommend that you take along enough batteries and recharging equipment with cigarette lighter adapter.

Food & Drinks ::

Please bear in mind that in certain areas it is not possible to obtain fresh fruit and vegetables. In summer (September – April), fresh produce will only keep for 2/3 days. Teas and coffees are readily available while in camp. Mineral water, soft drinks & alcoholic beverages are not included but may be purchased en route from local bottle stores or supermarkets. Please take along a bottle of your favourite drink/liquor.A continental breakfast consisting of cereals, bread, jams, tea, coffee and powdered milk is served in the mornings. Lunch is usually a cold picnic. Brunch with eggs and bacon is sometimes prepared when in camp. Dinner is a hot meal often prepared

Facilities ::

Facilities (eg showers and toilets) in the remote areas that we shall be visiting are somewhat primitive and at times non-existent. PLEASE COME PREPARED! At times we will stay in camps with facilities (eg hot & cold running water, showers, toilets etc), at others we will bushcamp (providing our own facilities). Participants are usually very quick to adapt themselves to the conditions of the safari.
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