| Safari Preparation
Guide |
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CLOTHING & PERSONAL EFFECTS (PLEASE TAKE THE MINIMUM): Most people make the mistake of taking along too much clothing. Take along comfortable, casual and semi-casual, "wash and wear" clothes. Bright colours and white are not suitable for game viewing. Please avoid clothing resembling army uniform (ie: camouflage clothing).
This list below is purely a guideline, and will depend on the duration/length of the safari as well as month/season travelling. Additional warmer clothing may be required during June/July/August:-
1-2 pair/s of smart/ casual trousers
3-4 pairs of shorts
7 Shirts/ T-shirts (any combination)
1 light cotton dress/sarong for the ladies
1 jersey for the evenings (April to August)
1 tracksuit (April to August)
1 windbreaker/ rain jacket (December to March)
1 warm jacket (May - September: winter nights can be very cold!)
1 pair of walking/ running shoes
1 pair of sandals/ thongs/ rafting or canoeing shoes
Underwear and socks
1 swimming costume
1 sun hat
1 towel
CANOEING SAFARIS: Essential to have a pair of rafting or canoeing shoes. A long sleeved shirt will provide protection from the sun. We also recommend a pair of gloves and a sarong.
IMPORTANT: -
You should dress appropriately when crossing borders (no bare feet, bare chests, no bikini tops, no sunglasses or hats); visiting markets, villages, towns and when travelling in the vehicle.
Also remember the following:-
1 litre waterbottle (essential) » 1 torch + batteries (essential)
1 roll toilet paper
Bath soap, Toothbrush/toothpaste
Shampoo & hair conditioner
Deodorant
Comb/ hair brush, nail brush
Razor & blades (preferable battery operated shaver)
Suntan lotion/ Sunblock
Lip balm
Hand cream & Moisturising Cream
Insect repellent
Tissues or disposable moist tissues (eg Wet Ones)
Washing powder, plug for sink
Washing line (length of cord) pegs
Plastic bag (to pack wet/ dirty clothing)
Sunglasses
Spectacles (if worn) - some people have trouble with contact lenses & dust
Pen for immigration formalities
1 note book
Multi-purpose knife (eg Swiss army knife)
NB: small sports/ kit bag for excursions as mentioned under “Luggage”
PERSONAL MEDICAL KIT: A typical kit might contain the following:-
Plasters
Aspirins/ paracetamol
Anti-diarrhoea pills and laxatives (consult your pharmacist for advice)
Throat lozenges
Antiseptic cream
Insect bite cream
Eye drops
Anti-malaria tablets (refer MALARIA section)
Any other medicines & toiletries you regularly use
Energy bar drink for canoeing safari
Rehydrate powder/ sachets
MAPS & FIELD GUIDES: recommend buys:-
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
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.
Take along sufficient films and a spare battery for your camera. You
are advised 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
and in many cases, payment is expected. Some cultures believe that the camera steals their soul and
you should be respectful and understanding.
VIDEO CAMERAS: Many people take video cameras on safari. The power supply in
Zimbabwe is 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).
You should consider taking along enough batteries and recharging equipment with
a cigarette lighter adapter.
BINOCULARS: When visiting wildlife areas it is essential that you have a pair of binoculars for
your personal use, in order to benefit fully from the safari
WATER: Water is a precious commodity in Africa. Please use water sparingly. Please do not waste water (eg when brushing teeth, unnecessary washing of hair, lengthy showers etc).
FOOD & DRINKS: you should 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
most camps. Mineral water, soft drinks & alcoholic beverages may
not be included but may be purchased en route from local bottle stores or supermarkets.
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