Essentials On Your African Adventure

Below is a list of essentials and extras that we recommend you bring with on your adventure to Africa. South Africa is on par with any other first world country and almost all of the items listed here will be available locally. Should South Africa be your first point of entry, we recommend that you buy most of the items locally before the start of your trip.

Baggage on safari should be carefully considered as over packing is normally a big problem. International flights have a high luggage allowance (normally 20kg/person) but on many of the smaller planes and safari vehicles the amount of luggage you can bring is limited, and you can end up paying a lot of money for being over-weight. One soft-sided bag and one smaller piece of hand luggage per person is recommended, weighing not more than 20kg on small Southern Africa charter flights (Some airlines have a restriction of 10kg/person). You may have to pay for an extra seat on a charter flight if the luggage is heavier than 20 kg. This allowance includes camera equipment.

Please contact your Eye See Africa representative should you have any questions regarding any of the items listed here.

What to wear

  • Blouses/shirts with long sleeves (even in summer – they will protect you from the sun and from mosquitos)
  • Preferably khaki, green, beige and neutral colours
  • T-shirts, shorts or a light skirt for warmer days
  • Cap or hat for protection against the sun
  • Good pair of sunglasses
  • Scarfs and Buffs are always great for protection against the sun
  • Fleece or sweater and a warm jacket for game drives (necessary even in summer)
  • Sandals or flip flops (for showers and boats)
  • Jeans, cotton pants or safari trousers for evenings and cooler days
  • Some hotels and country clubs require gentlemen to wear a jacket and tie and women to be suitably attired for dinner
  • Comfortable hiking or walking shoes (Avoid heavy boots and rather opt for trail running shoes)
  • Light compact rainjacket is a good idea if you travel in rain season
  • Swimsuit as most hotels and lodges have swimming pools

MEDICAL ITEMS & VACCINATIONS

  • Sun block With SPF of at least 15
  • Insect repellent (Can be bought locally when travelling to Southern Africa)
  • Small medical kit (not essential when travelling to South Africa)
  • Contact lens solution & extra set of disposable lenses if wearing contact lenses
  • Anti Malaria tablets (If travelling to Malaria areas)
  • Motion sickness tablets if going on a boat
  • Prescribed medicine (enough to last your trip) – keep packed in your hand luggage in case of baggage delays

There are no mandatory vaccinations required to enter South Africa unless you have come from a Yellow Fever country in which case you should present your Yellow Fever certificate on arrival. Travellers on scheduled airlines whose flights have originated outside the areas regarded as infected (or who are only in transit through these areas) are not required to possess a certificate. If the flight originated from within a Yellow Fever endemic area a certificate may then be required.

Please consult your doctor about any other vaccinations that may be a good idea to have before you travel.

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OTHER ESSENTIAL ITEMS

  • Binoculars and a camera are a must
  • International adaptor (Will be available at all major airports when arriving in South Africa)
  • Petzl headlight always practical for walking in the dark
  • Cellphone
  • Chargers for your cell phone, camera, video camera, etc
  • Specialized batteries for small electronics and cameras
  • Flashlight
  • Personal toiletries
  • Credit and ATM cards – check to see if your bank has international ATM locations to avoid high fees and let your bank know you’ll be traveling abroad before you leave
  • Driver’s license
  • Eye See Africa printout of reservations
  • Travel journal and a favourite book to read

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DOCUMENTS

  • Passport & correct visas. Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Southern Africa and have at least 2 completely blank opposite pages
  • Copy of your passport being kept in a separate place than your passport
  • Unabridged birth certificates of children when travelling with children to South Africa
  • Flight tickets (You will also have an online copy attached to your ESA itinerary)
  • Yellow Fever certificate where necessary
  • Any vaccinations certificates needed for travelling to certain parts of Africa (No certificates needed for Southern Africa)
  • Copies of prescriptions for personal medication
  • Copy of travel insurance policy.

Eye See Africa offers all clients complimentary financial protection through our SATSA affiliation. Only services booked and paid for through Eye See Africa are covered. Our complimentary protection doesn’t cover medical expenses, lost luggage, air fares or cancellation fees and curtailment costs in case of medical reasons preventing you from travelling. We therefore recommend that you take out additional cover in this regard.

Most major credit cards will include travel insurance if the card is used for payment. You should however check with your card issuer in this regard. Additional cover can be booked through various online travel insurance sites in your country of residence.