This is somewhat subjective but as a standard list we would advise you bring the following:
- Small daypack (at least 20 litres to carry water, jacket, food etc while trekking)
- Mosquito repellent (containing at least 50% deet)
Clothes
- A lightweight and breathable waterproof jacket
- At least 1 lightweight warm jacket, fleece or jumper for chilly evenings.
- A rain jacket
- At least 1 lightweight Safari style shirt with long sleeves
- At least 1 lightweight pair of outdoor style trousers (zip off ones are handy)
- Spare t-shirts, shorts, trousers and shirts (you can get laundry done in most places)
- A comfortable, well broken in, lightweight pair of hiking boots for use of trekking and safari‟s (also useful to wear in the evenings when you need to cover up)
- Walking shoes and/or pair of sport sandals.
- Swimwear
- A good sun hat with at least a peak to cover your face
- Sunglasses
Sun protection (A good waterproof one that won‟t run off you when you sweat)
Toiletries to last the duration of your stay
Medicine
It is advisable to move with some handy medicine that can save the day when you fall sick while on safari. Prescription drugs and Malarials for your stay + 3 extra days worth (make sure they are labeled in case you are stopped at customs)
First Aid Kit
It’s important you can look after yourself while on safari so a small first aid kit should be carried containing:
- Anti-histamine cream and tablets (As a combination Benadryl cream and Cetirizine tablets are a good bet)
- An anti-fungal cream such as canesten (both for feet and personal parts)
- A combination of cloth plasters (not plastic ones) to cover cuts and scratches
- An iodine based disinfectant for cuts and scratches
- A small role of tape-such as zinc oxide to ensure plasters will stick
- A small field dressing, or sterile dressing
- Any burn cream or jell
- Aspirin or paracetomol and ibuprofen
- A pair of tweezers and a needle and thread
- Anything else you may have used in the past (things flare up in hot countries more)
- You could carry Imodium and Lomotil for diarrhea and sickness but only take these if you have to travel that day. Current thinking is that it is better to get the bad stuff out of you rather that block it in!
Gear
Other advisable items
- Binoculars (8×28 or 10×20 would be perfect)
- Camera with a very good zoom (you will not always be able to get very close to big game and a small camera with a bad zoom will offer disappointment) Money belt or waist bag for money and passports Hard plastic clear 1Litre water bottle such as a Nalgene
- Bandana
- Head torch (very useful if you experience a power cut or to walk around outside at night)
- 2 large elastic bands or cycle clips to seal your trousers over your boots during rain forest walks
- Large Zip-lock bags for keeping camera‟s, phones, money and clothing dry
Other ideas and tips
- Photocopy or scan the first 2 pages of passports and flight tickets and leave them with someone reliable at home.
- Valuables need to be insured for the duration of the trip. Better still, leave them at home!
- Only bring the bare essentials of what you need with you. I.e. remove credit cards and other cards from wallets and purses, or don‟t bring them with you.
- Check with your airline to reconfirm flights and arrival times and ensure any changes are sent to your tour operator