Ultimate African Safari: Family Packing List & Expert Planning Guide

Embarking on a family safari to South Africa and Zambia is truly a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that requires meticulous planning and thoughtful preparation. From choosing the right clothing to understanding local health precautions, every detail contributes to a seamless and unforgettable experience. This comprehensive guide shares our family’s journey, offering insights into what we packed, how we prepared for international travel, and essential tips for your own extraordinary African safari.

Your Essential African Safari Packing List: What to Bring

Packing for an African safari, especially when connecting between bush lodges, often comes with strict luggage weight restrictions. We were limited to a maximum of 44 pounds (approximately 20 kg) per person, which meant every item needed to be chosen thoughtfully. Our strategy involved each family member taking a rolling carry-on suitcase and a backpack, a combination that proved incredibly efficient for navigating airports and smaller safari planes.

One aspect that significantly simplified our packing was the common practice at safari lodges: complimentary, same-day laundry service (or for a nominal fee). This amenity is a true game-changer, allowing you to pack fewer outfits. For game drives, we each packed two complete outfits, rotating them daily while the other set was being laundered. This meant we always had fresh, appropriate clothing without overloading our bags. Additionally, having access to laundry facilities at our VRBO in Cape Town and friends’ residence in Johannesburg further eased our packing burden throughout the entire trip.

Safari Clothing Essentials: Blending Comfort and Style

When curating our safari wardrobe, our aim was to strike a balance between classic “safari style” and ultimate comfort. Since we were visiting South Africa during their winter months (June 19 – July 6), layering was paramount. Mornings and evenings in the bush could be quite chilly, with temperatures dropping into the low 40s°F (around 4-6°C), necessitating sweaters or light jackets. However, as the sun ascended, temperatures would comfortably rise to 65-75°F (18-24°C).

We focused on a palette of neutral colors – tans, khakis, browns, whites, and greens – to blend seamlessly with the natural environment. Bright colors are generally discouraged on safari as they can attract unwanted attention from insects or potentially startle wildlife. Comfort was undeniably key, as game drives involve several hours of sitting in a vehicle. We also packed a few versatile casual outfits for city excursions in Cape Town and dinners, ensuring we were appropriately dressed for every occasion.

For a complete visual guide and direct links to everything we packed, including specific items for each family member, browse my curated Amazon Africa Safari List and my Africa Safari LTK Collection.

Other Indispensable Safari Gear

• High-Quality Camera & Accessories: Photography is undoubtedly a highlight of any safari. Brandon wisely brought a professional-grade camera, perfect for capturing breathtaking wildlife photos and videos with exceptional clarity. While I used my phone for additional videos and unique angles from a different part of the vehicle, having those high-quality images from a dedicated camera for printing and framing is truly priceless. Remember extra memory cards and spare batteries!
• Binoculars: While many safari vehicles provide binoculars for shared use, having your own pair significantly enhances the experience, allowing for uninterrupted viewing of distant animals. We brought kid-friendly binoculars for our children, which they loved having, alongside a nicer pair for the adults. They’re essential for spotting elusive creatures camouflaged in the bush.
• Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from the intense African sun. I embraced the safari theme with my stylish leopard-framed sunglasses, while Brandon relied on his prescription pair. For kids who might not wear sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat offers excellent protection.
• Sunscreen: The sun in Southern Africa, particularly in the bush where shade can be scarce, is incredibly powerful. Consistent application of sunscreen on all exposed skin is crucial. We found travel-size sunscreen sticks convenient for faces and lotion for the body, ensuring comprehensive protection.
• Swimsuits: Surprisingly, most lodges and accommodations we stayed in boasted refreshing pools. Swimming amidst the sounds of the bush, sometimes with baboons or even elephants roaming nearby, offered an unexpectedly epic and memorable experience. Don’t forget yours!
• Flashlights: A reliable flashlight is more useful than you might think. Our rechargeable flashlights came in handy on several occasions: during early morning or late evening game drives to spot nocturnal animals unfazed by light, and crucially, during a scheduled power outage in Zambia. They provide a sense of security and practicality.
• Power Adapters: Essential for charging all your electronics, cameras, and devices. Southern Africa uses specific plug types (Type M and Type C/F in South Africa). We definitely needed these South Africa Power Adapters at every location to ensure our gadgets were always ready. Consider a universal adapter with USB ports for added versatility.
• Over-the-Counter Medications & Basic First Aid: A well-stocked travel medicine kit is a non-negotiable. Although we didn’t use many, it provided immense peace of mind. We carried Tylenol (including children’s chewables), Dramamine Less Drowsy for motion sickness on bumpy roads, Pepto-Bismol and Tums for digestive issues, Benadryl for allergies or unexpected insect bites, Melatonin to aid with jet lag, and Nuun tablets for maintaining hydration in a new climate. Consider also antiseptic wipes, band-aids, and any personal prescription medications.

Crafting Your Safari Wardrobe: What to Wear on a Game Drive

One of the most common questions when planning an African safari, especially for families, is “What exactly should we wear on a game drive?” Prior to our trip, I struggled to find practical guides, particularly for kids, that provided actionable advice and direct links. Our primary directive was to avoid bright colors. Consequently, I opted for a predominantly neutral palette – tans, khakis, browns, whites, and greens – for everyone. My goal was a cohesive “safari style” that was also incredibly comfortable and allowed for easy mixing and matching throughout the journey.

The concept of packing layers proved to be the absolute key for game drives. African winter weather, particularly in the bush, experiences significant temperature fluctuations within a single day. For early morning drives, we’d all start bundled in light jackets or hoodies. As the sun rose and the day warmed, these outer layers would come off. Conversely, for evening drives, we’d begin in lighter attire like short sleeves or tank tops, and then add our jackets and hoodies as the sun set and the air grew crisp.

• Boys’ Safari Attire: Our boys prioritized comfort and durability. Their typical game drive outfit included a comfortable t-shirt, layered with a button-up short-sleeve cargo shirt. Bottoms consisted of either lightweight cargo pants or cargo shorts, paired with thick socks and sturdy hiking shoes. A bucket safari hat provided sun protection, and a hooded sweatshirt was always on hand for cooler temperatures.
• Girls’ Safari Attire: Our daughter, Brookie, had versatile options. She often wore a cute khaki cargo dress with khaki leggings underneath for warmth and protection, or lightweight cargo joggers paired with a cozy shirt or tank top. For layers, she had a pullover or a button-up sweater. Her footwear included thick socks and hiking boots, topped off with a stylish straw hat for sun defense.
• Women’s Safari Attire: My wardrobe emphasized comfort without sacrificing style. I favored lightweight cargo jogger pants, versatile tank tops, and practical button-down shirts or a pull-over hoodie. A lightweight jacket was crucial for layering. Thick socks and supportive hiking boots were essential for uneven terrain, complemented by a straw hat. For non-game drive days, my most comfortable pair of white sneakers were perfect for exploring lodges and cities.
• Men’s Safari Attire: Brandon’s safari gear focused on rugged functionality. He wore tracker pants or kinetic shorts, paired with either a long-sleeve button-down shirt or a short-sleeve button-down shirt. For insulation, he had a soft-shell vest. Footwear consisted of thick socks and waterproof Nike Duck Boots, all protected by a wide-brim hat.
• Hats for Everyone: Hats are indispensable on safari for sun protection and for completing the classic “safari style.” We all opted for wide-brimmed hats to maximize coverage: boys’ safari hats, Brookie’s safari hat, my straw hat, and Brandon’s wide-brim hat.

Reiterate: For a comprehensive list with direct purchasing links to every item we wore and packed, consult my continually updated Africa Safari Amazon List and my exclusive Africa Safari LTK Collection.

A surprising addition to our clothing arsenal that we acquired while in the bush were cozy beanies. We quickly discovered that a beanie was incredibly beneficial during the brisk mornings and late evenings, especially when the game driver accelerated to reach an animal sighting, and the cool wind was biting. They offered an unexpected but welcome layer of warmth.

Health and Wellness on Safari: Battling Bugs and Illnesses

Prioritizing health is crucial for any international travel, especially to regions with specific health considerations. For our journey to Southern Africa, which includes areas with malaria risk, we scheduled a pre-travel consultation at a Passport Health USA Clinic in Dallas approximately three weeks before our departure. This consultation allowed us to discuss potential health risks, receive necessary vaccinations, and obtain prescription travel medications.

Specifically, we were prescribed antimalarial medication, which we began taking two days before entering the bush and continued for seven days after departing the malaria-risk areas. This preventative measure is vital. We also carried medication for Traveler’s Diarrhea, a common travel ailment, though fortunately, our family remained healthy throughout the entire trip and never needed to use it.

Despite our fears, we were pleasantly surprised to encounter almost no mosquitos or other biting insects during our time in the bush. Nevertheless, preparedness is key. Each morning before getting dressed, we applied Deet Mosquito Repellent Wipes to all exposed skin as a precautionary measure. While we didn’t experience any bites, we were also equipped with After Bite Cream, just in case any itchy encounters occurred. Always consult with a healthcare professional regarding specific health recommendations for your travel destination.

I genuinely hope this detailed guide answers all your questions and inspires you to plan your own once-in-a-lifetime family adventure to South Africa and Zambia. To see even more behind-the-scenes content from our incredible journey, check out my Instagram Story Highlights: Africa 1, Africa 2, and Africa 3. You’ll find a wealth of fun videos, pictures, and location insights I shared while we were there.

xoxo,