Whether you are going on an expedition or exploration in the most popular African safari countries (Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe) or on smaller ones (Rwanda, Uganda,Zambia) . Planning  for a safari in Africa is easy when you know what to take along and include in your luggage. This list of gadgets, clothing and necessary items should be included in what you have to pack to make your trip smooth and successful. They will be your life savers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Luggage and bags: The fact that you are going on a tour doesn\u2019t mean you have to carry overload or excess luggage especially when those things you pack are  unnecessary . A large duffel size bag  with soft sides or traveling box with a backpack or small box  is just enough for a short trip of one to two weeks except you packing for longer stays or a family. I usually encourage travelers to go with bags \/boxes that are easy for them to lug around without help. You can add a waist purse or sling bag to this, this can conveniently hold your money wallet, id cards and passport. Organise your items for easy access and by their type, that way you know where everything is, you can use packing cubes or smaller bags (make up purse, toiletry bag, wallet, laptop bag, pouches) for easier packing. Pack liquids and contents that can easily spill in water proof cases, put your safari clothing on top for easy access, iron all your clothing before traveling and fold them properly so they don\u2019t take up space. In case you are transiting, carry your essentials save prohibited items in your carryon \/hand luggage as you won\u2019t have access to the rest until you get to your destination country. On international flights , most travelers can carry up to one to three  23kg luggage with a hand luggage (7-12kg) depending on airline or type of class ,however on local or bush flights, you might be restricted to 15kg soft luggage (duffels,backpacks) on some flights hard baggage (leather or plastic boxes, suitcases)   is not allowed , so you see why it\u2019s ideal to carry just the right luggage or risk your items getting left behind. <\/li>
2. What to wear: Always dress appropriately for the trip bearing in mind the African culture and season of your visit. However the following items are the basic : Tops or T-shirts preferably with sleeves, a hoodie jacket useful at nights and during the cold weather , a rain jacket\/protector for the rainy seasons, sunshades, safari hats to protect your head and neck from heat preferably with neck cord, so they are not easily blown away by wind, swim suits , swim suit cover ( to protect the sensibilities of others especially the indigenes), night wear or pyjamas, toweling robe, Underwear, (panties, bras, boxers, singlets) sports bra gives more support when on safari tours, warm sweaters, light blanket, long gowns. Ensure you pack  non bright colors such as nude, grey, brown or green , for the safari. For example, tsetse flies are attracted to  dark blue  and black colors  , they are a serious  irritation and cause your trip to be a night mare. Pale or white colors can get dusty or dirty easily. Leather jackets and boots if you will be doing skydiving, necessary to protect you from the strong winds, enough pair of socks (to be worn most times). Bandana or head ties to keep sweat from face, handkerchiefs or face towels to wipe face, khaki pants or sturdy trousers or jeans. Comfortable  shoes for walking, hiking, mountain climbing (Not so tight or too large), preferably  sneakers  and boots, a pair of slippers and sandals. Except you have a fancy occasion to attend  , there is no need for high heels.      Note: Leave your fancy wear for Special occasions (dinners, soir\u00e9es) or after the safari, safari tours are tasking , as you will be on the move always, sometimes camping on the tour, so dress comfortably whether night or day. Pack just the essential material and enough to last you throughout the trip , in case you staying longer days and need laundry services, the hotels can provide such services or ask your host for assistance though they come at an extra cost. You can save cost by hand washing your tops and underwear  if you intend to reuse them. Do not wear camouflage or military type of clothing, just to avoid getting into trouble with the real military. Respect the rules. <\/li>
3. Gadgets :Phones with extra memory card, universal adapter , mobile chargers, laptop if you intend to work, power banks for charging your devices,ear pods, head phones, portable speaker for your music and listening pleasure. Flashlights, Mosquitoes nets and zipped sleep in bags for outdoor camping, selfie sticks , strong binoculars giving you a wider and closer range of wildlife sighting, Dslr cameras ,underwater cameras or phone cameras with intense focus for capturing every beautiful moment and your travel experience, snorkeling or diving equipment if you intend participating in either activity (life jacket, oxygen tank, face mask), otherwise you rent. Don\u2019t forget extra batteries for your gadgets. <\/li>
4. Medicines : The list of over the counter and prescription drugs can\u2019t be exhausted, but if you know you are susceptible to some illnesses or conditions, it\u2019s better you visit your doctor before a trip to ensure you are in good shape or get refills on your drugs. Extra care is to be taken for pregnant women, nursing mothers and kids. However they are not usually encouraged to go on trips that involves much physical activities. The following drugs might help, Sunscreen cream to protect from the harsh rays of the sun especially if you have a sensitive skin. Mosquito or insect repellents , tiger balm for insect bites, hand sanitizers, antiseptic ointment, tea tree oil also works fine, wrist sea bands, You can also get prescribed drugs just before traveling to be prepared ahead such as anti malarial drugs, antibiotics, pain killers\/relievers , antihistamines (for itching and skin allergies), methylated spirit for cuts and wounds, inhalers (for asthmatic patients), contact lens solution , sea band for nausea relief, antacids for heart burn and acid reflux, eye drops, cold and flu drugs, bandages and plasters.,<\/li>
5. Travel documents : International passport or travel id card, visas or entry permits, health certificates, medical insurance, host details , emergency contacts, travel itinerary (reservations, bookings, locator form, tour guide  or driver numbers). You can either have some of these details in  printed hard copies or soft copies saved on your phone but should be easily accessible. <\/li>
6. Food and drinks: Dried processed snacks (nuts, candy bars, chocolates, cassava flakes, coconut chips, cookies, biscuits) bread, butter, tinned foods and soups (sardines), cereals, dried milk , energy drinks, pet sodas, protein bars, chewing gums, alcohol drinks in small quantities are ideal to pack to keep hunger pangs away, hydrate and nourish your body and save you cost especially if you are on a budget so you won\u2019t be buying pricey food being sold to tourists or if you are the type that needs constant energy refills. Be careful not to overload your system and be careful of what you eat to prevent food poisoning, frequent urination, diarrhea , vomiting . There may not be enough stops on safari tours to be taking toilet breaks. Activated charcoal powder or capsules, to help neutralize harmful toxins in your body. Lastly have recyclable takeaway packs,containers, plastic spoons and a water bottle for storage. Do not litter , go green and be environment friendly. <\/li>
7. Money : Cash (in US dollars) Credit or debit cards (visa, master card) .Though each African country have their local currency , you will find out that idollars  seem to be the official acceptable currency which You can change to the local currency for paying guides and drivers, tipping  purposes and buying souvenirs , but most vendors will prefer to collect in  dollars, just ensure you get a good bargain. However , tourists contribute to the survival of the citizens and improvement of the Local African economy , so in your negotiations don\u2019t be too pricey.  Go with enough cash but always keep it in a safe place and close to you, when going out , ask if your hotel have safe keeping so you can carry small cash around and not attract pick pockets. Before making an online payment when using an unknown wifi or untrusted internet source,  you can download a strong vpn  before doing the transaction using to prevent hackers having access to your payment login details and passwords.  Use official establishments like banks, bureau exchange offices, hotels to do your currency exchange . Your tour guide can provide more information. Use only dollar notes that are produced after 2009, older notes are not acceptable. <\/li>
8. Personal items and Toiletries: Contact lenses, recommended eye glasses, condoms and contraceptives (for couples or just in case),  Lip balms, lip gloss, lip sticks , a small make up bag, massage oils, menthol, Moisturizers, tooth brush and tooth paste, hair combs or brush, styling gel, wigs, shower cap, hair bonnet, hair conditioner, hair and fashion accessories, moderate jewelry, deodorants just for personal hygiene , when going on the safari tour, strong perfumes or scents  are discouraged as the animals find them offensive and the scents can be overpowering atimes. Bathing soaps, shower gels, bath bombs (for luxurious baths ) , wet wipes, tissue , menstrual pads , travel pillows, nose masks , water proof bags to store your wet items or prevent your other items becoming wet. <\/li>
9. A Language phrase book: It is good to communicate with the native speakers in their own language , so this phrase book will come in handy. For example, in Swahili , Start with the basics like jambo (hello), kwa heri (goodbye) and asante (thank you), this will earn you some smiles of appreciation from the locals for attempting to speak their language and making the effort to communicate with them.  You can use your phone to look up this instead and save them for later use. <\/li>
10. Entertainment: Though there are lots of things to do to keep you busy, you can visit the local markets, villages, enjoy the night life  (with company of course), there are other times you just feel you want to rest and take a break. A day lounging at the beach side or relaxing in the hotel might seem boring or lonely especially if you are a solo traveler , but you can keep yourself in high spirits and entertained by engaging in your favorite activities . Bring along a pack of cards, beach ball to play catch, or even a travel journal, the latter  is for memory\u2019s keep sake to help you keep memoirs of your journey and travel experience. You can write in your travel stories  during or at the end of the day and record the captured moments, it acts  as a form of travel diary and help you relive the special moments , keeping them fresh in your memory. <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    A . What to pack in your back pack or hand luggage <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What to put in the smaller bags\/backpack\/waist purse: These are items that go around with you when you are to board a flight or on a tour except on short trips not far from your  accommodations like a short walk. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1. Before travel: Wipes, money, passport and travel insurance, your host details\/lodging contact, extra shirt or trouser if you tend to sweat a lot or what you are  wearing becomes soiled, extra pad if you are on your menstrual period, phone , camera ,snacks, batteries. Expensive gadgets and valuables. <\/li>
    2. On tour : These items can be added to the previous ones as liquids won\u2019t be allowed in your carry on luggage during flight . Bottled water with or without straws, liquid medicines, drugs  and toiletries. <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

       B. What to put in bigger traveling bag<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        1. Shoes and Enough clothing <\/p>\n\n\n\n

       1. Liquids, creams, gels, perfumes and non solids. <\/li>
       2. All other items not in your hand luggage. <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

          This packing list is also ideal for tours around the world or general overseas travel. 
          
          ~ Travel Queen <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Let\u2019s go A-Saaaaaaaaafaaaaaaaaarrrrrrriiiinnnnnnnggggg<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          #travel #safari<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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