For self-driving, there are items you’ll need that are specific to the vehicle and camping setup, but whether you self-drive or fly in and take guided game drives, there are some essential items you’ll need to take in addition to your usual travel kit:
1: Toilet paper: best to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it. Outside of the luxury lodges, many toilets do not have toilet paper. It also comes in useful for plugging holes in mosquito nets, and for firelighting tinder.
2: Roll-on or spray-on mosquito repellant. Jungle Formula brand works very well if you can put up with the smell of it.
3: Mosquito coils & insecticide spray. Kill everything in your tent or room before you head to bed. These are widely available in shops across Africa, no need to bring them with you unless you are on a hectic travel schedule.
4: Long-sleeved tops & trousers to cover up from mozzies in the evenings. Some places can get chilly at night too, especially if you go on a night game-drive in an open vehicle.
5: Crocs or sandals. Let those feet breathe whenever you can!
6: Sturdy shoes. Apart from keeping biters away from your feet at night, they are also good for keeping your feet clean around camp after you have had your evening shower.
7: Head torch(es) and/or small rechargeable lantern-type torches. Small enough to fit in a pocket or have with you at all times at night.
8: Binoculars. A good pair of binoculars can greatly enhance your wildlife viewing.
9: A compact high-power rechargeable torch with both flood and spotlight features. Great for spotting wildlife at night in & around your camp, and on night game drives.
10: Basic first aid kit with tweezers. Everything has thorns.
11: Good camera & lenses are optional, depending on the quality of photos you want to take.
Leave a reply