Neutral, layered clothing

Earth tones only, think khaki, olive, beige. Bright colours are a no-no for wildlife, white shows up the dust and navy can attract tsetse flies. Layers matter too: pre-dawn drives are cold, midday is fierce. Quick-dry fabrics are also worth every penny when laundry is limited.

Binoculars

The most underrated item on any safari list. An 8x42 or 10x42 is all you need. While everyone else squints at a distant shape, you'll be watching it breathe. Sort the binoculars before you think about cameras.

Broken-in footwear

Closed-toe, supportive, and worn in well before you travel. New boots on day one of a bush walk are a mistake.. Sandals are for the lodge and your post-safari beach stay, nowhere else.

A proper health kit

See a travel clinic eight weeks out. Malaria prophylaxis, DEET, SPF 50+, rehydration sachets. And travel insurance with medical evacuation cover are non-negotiable. A medevac in remote Tanzania or Botswana can cost tens of thousands of pounds.

A soft-sided bag

Safari transfer flights across East and southern Africa mean strict weight limits and soft bags only. A 40–50 litre duffel is the safari standard. It also forces you to pack light and you can get laundry done on site.

Get these five right, and the bush will do the rest.

To find out more about safari holidays drop me a note today!