Preparing for any family vacation can be an overwhelmingly stressful experience. Some aspects of the trip need to be set up months in advance, like flights or hotel bookings. And the few weeks before you travel overseas can be a hectic whirlwind. Packing for an African family safari will seem even more daunting than most vacations because you already know you won’t be able to pick up something you forgot at the corner store.
Hence, you’ll need to ensure your family has everything they’ll need for a safari vacation while still being very smart with luggage size and weight. Most bush aircraft allow a maximum of 33 pounds of luggage per person, including camera equipment and other carry-ons. That’s not very much. You’ll need to pack very carefully, especially if you’re hiking Kilimanjaro, trekking across a savannah, or hoping to bring home some unique collectibles.
So what are some essential items that will not only come in handy on an African family safari but are must-haves? This article highlights our view of handy must-haves on your African safari packing lists to streamline your journey preparation.
1. Necessary Travel Documents
Fact: Going on a vacation is an exciting and amusing experience. And it’s even more thrilling when visiting another country on another continent.
And while you can’t leave home without a passport and visa, there are sure to be other requirements specific to the country or countries you visit. We recommend double-checking, first with your tour operator and, second, doing your own online research on the host country’s website, especially if you’re on an African family safari.
And be sure to confirm the following vital details before traveling::
- A valid passport with an expiration date of at least six months after your return and four empty pages (2 pages front and back).
- A valid visa: For Tanzania, you can apply for a visa upon arrival, but we strongly recommend obtaining the visa on the Tanzanian government website. Not only can travelers expect long lines, but depending on the entry port, the length of stay allowed may vary, and the fee may vary from USD 50 to USD 100, payable in cash only. However, obtaining a Tanzania eVisa online is a straightforward process. The website offers important information for the traveler, including current entrance requirements, health restrictions, and other essential travel advice.
- Check each country’s (including your own) Covid-19 requirements and restrictions.
- Always travel with copies of your travel and medical insurance policies.
- Print all travel itineraries.
- Credit cards and US dollars in cash. ATM machines can be scarce once you’re out of major cities.
And keep in mind that different travel destinations have additional requirements. Safari destinations may require extra paperwork and permits, depending on the national parks you intend to visit.
As mentioned, we recommend contacting a reputable tour operator who can help you keep it clarified and in order. Take the guesswork out of it.
2. Necessary Medication and a First Aid Kit for Your Family
You understand your families needs the best. You are aware of their allergies, personal requirements, and current medications. And, of course, you need to bring these necessities with you, especially prescription medications, on your African safari vacation, as you’ll be unable to correct the oversight once you’re there.
Fortunately, many safari camps, hotels, and lodges are well-equipped to offer first aid and medical emergency assistance, but personal medication will be on you. On top of that, it’s always wise to include antiseptic creams, pain relievers, fever reducing anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen, aspirin, or acetaminophen for your comfort, safety, and well-being.
We recommend eye drops while on safari. The air can be hot and dry and full of dust and really irritate your eyes. Also, it’s a good idea to bring anti-diarrhea medications and electrolyte replenishment supplements in your family first aid kit. Pack your kit with bandages, hand sanitizers, gauze, scissors, and Q-Tips cotton swabs for cleaning. And you can trust us on this. To stand in awe and appreciate the African bush’s beauty and magic, you’ll want to be covered head-to-toe in a strong insect repellent.
3. Necessary ClothingÂ
So what is suitable attire for an African family safari? Well, it will depend much on your safari destination and travel season. But it’s always advisable to have a mix of clothes and be able to pull long sleeves over a tank top and a heavier jacket over that when needed. Sometimes the days are hot and dry, and the nights incredibly cold. Pack light-weight clothing, t-shirts, long and short sleeves, shorts, and long pants.
You’ll want to pack neutral colors to fit in with your surroundings. Blue and black clothes are highly discouraged as they attract tsetse flies. And you’ll want breathable long-sleeve apparel for your family for protection from mosquitos in the evening and too much sun during the day.
If you plan to visit the magnificent coastal region of the continent, be sure to include a swimsuit. Make it conservative and not too flashy. Most African cultures require modest attire.
4. Necessary Protective Gear
An African safari vacation, by definition, means that you will spend a lot of time outdoors. And for the most part, you’ll need daily sun protection.
Ensure you carry sunscreen for your face and body, sunglasses, additional lip protection, and a comfortable hat that can protect your face and neck.
Most East African countries are equatorial, and you’ll want to wear sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30, preferably 50. Be sure your sunglasses afford enough UV protection for comfort and eye safety from the sun’s harsh UV rays.
Conclusion
The sheer epicness of an African family safari means that it will come at some expense of your time, money, and attention. You and your family will travel to a faraway continent, a rare occurrence, and you’ll want to get it right. Do your research, listen to expert advice, and prepare well in advance. You will have done your part to create an outstanding experience for your family and memories that you will all cherish.
Remember, the time of year, your family’s expectations, and the mode of transport for each location will be factors in how and what you pack. It’s worth working with an expert tour operator for general travel guidance and packing restrictions per person for each leg of the safari. We hope this helps your family pack what you’ll need and need only what you can find in your cases!
Thank you for reading.
