What to bring on Safari?

Safari Clothing

Winter (Dry Season) – June to September

I recommend clothing for cool and warm weather (light shirts, t-shirts or polo-shirts, fleeces, jackets). It is usually cool during the night and in the mornings/evenings but can get quite warm during the day. The morning and evening game drives can be between chilly at the beginning/end (dress in layers). Natural/bush colors would be good for game drives and bush activities. Avoid white and any bright colors. I would also avoid black and blue as they attract insects.

Summer (Rainy Season) – October to May

I recommend light clothing for warm and hot weather (light shirts, t-shirts or polo-shirts). It is usually quite hot during the day and mild at night. But there can be the occasional chilly day. Natural/bush colors would be good for game drives and bush activities. Avoid white and any bright colors. I would also avoid black and blue as they attract insects.

Preferred colors: khaki, olive, green, beige, brown, ….
Avoid: Bright colors, red, white, yellow, blue, black, …

Note: For the evening dinners and around the lodges all colors are OK. But as mentioned above I would not wear black or blue.

Rain and Cold

Winter (Dry Season) – June to September
Please bring at least one warm flees or sweater and a good warm jacket as it will be quite chilly in the mornings and evenings on the game drive vehicle. Bring a pair of gloves and a warm scarf. A woolen beany (cap) for the chilly mornings is a good idea.

Summer (Dry Season) – October to May
Please bring at least one warm flees or sweater and a good rain jacket as it rains quite often during that time and it can be a bit chilly in the mornings and evenings on the game drive vehicle.  A woolen beany (cap) for the chilly mornings is a good idea.

Preferred colors: khaki, olive, green, beige, brown, ….
Avoid: Bright colors, red, white, yellow, blue, black, …

Sun
You need a hat or a cap in the hot African sun (hats are better as they cover the ears, too). Do not forget your sunglasses. I also recommend you bring sun cream (SPF30+) and some insect repellent of your choice.

Shoes
You should bring at least two pairs of closed walking shoes (in case one pair gets wet). Walking in the bush with open shoes or barefoot is not a good idea.

Binoculars
I recommend to bring a set of binoculars per person. If you have booked the Green Mamba 1 (my safari vehicle) then I will provide binoculars for each person guest on  game drives. Please contact me in case you would like me to help you selecting a set of binoculars to purchase for your visit.

Camera
If you have booked the Green Mamba 1 (my safari vehicle) then I will take pictures for you. If you are a keen photographer or if you want to get close-up shots of animals yourself the I recommend to bring a camera with a long lens. Please contact me in case you would like me to help you selecting a camera to purchase for your visit.

Power Adapters
Bring a power adapter for South Africa. I recommend to bring along a power-strip from your home. That way you only need to plug in only once with an adapter and then you can plug in all your devices (phones, computers, cameras, …) into the power strip.

Dietary Requirements
Would you please let me know if any of you have any special dietary requirements.

Drivers Licenses
Please do not forget your driver’s license in case you intend to rent/drive a vehicle.

Laundry Services
Laundry services are available in most lodges/hotels:
– Thanda Safari Lodge and Villa iZulu (free of charge)
– Thanda Tented Camp (extra charge)
– Pakamisa Private Game Reserve (extra charge)
– Serene-Estate Guest House (extra charge)
– Fugitives Drift (extra charge)
– Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse (extra charge)
– The Oysterbox Hotel (extra charge)
– Thonga Beach Lodge (extra charge)

Temperature and Weather
Have a look below in case you would like to know more about temperature and weather in KwaZulu Natal/South Africa:

Summer (Rainy Season) – Core: November to March
Days: Very warm and hot (30C+ /90F+)
Nights: Mild to warm (around 20-25C / around 70F)
Morning/evening game drives: cool to hot
Rain: Frequent
Cool days: Rare
Cold nights: Rare

Winter (Dry Season) – Core: June to August
Days: Mild to warm (around 20-25C / around 70F)
Nights: Cool (around 5-10 C / around 40-50F)
Morning/evening game drives: cold to warm
Rain: Rare
Cool days: Frequent
Cold nights: Frequent

In between – September to October and April to May
Can be either way 🙂

 

Travel Advise: https://sperka.info/travel-time-advise/