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If you’re traveling to Africa, take a look at this itinerary and read my below tips on how to pack. Whether you’re traveling overland on safari or are flying in between destinations, these Africa travel packing tips will help alleviate some stress!

 


Africa Travel Packing Tips


 

 

Reader Asks:

 

I have been looking over your website for the last few days which I discovered while searching for clothing to take on my trip to Africa this May/June.

At this point I am so distressed about what to take for clothing and shoes. I have heard SO many different opinions, and I think with the diversity of our trip itinerary and the time of year we are going, a lot of the information/suggestions are conflicting.

Also, for some of our inter-country flights, we are on small planes with strict weight restrictions on our luggage and carry-ons (33 pounds max for both!). I loved your safari packing list, but maybe you would have some other suggestions based on our itinerary, which I have listed below.

I really appreciate any help or advice you can lend me, this is a trip of a lifetime and I don’t want to worry about being comfortable with my wardrobe or realizing I forgot the one thing I want!!

 

Day 1: Day Layover in Amsterdam

Day 2-5: Cape Town, South Africa

Day 6-7: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Day 8-15:  Various Locations in Botswana
Chobe National Park
Okavango Delta
Camping on the edge of the Kalahari

Day16-20: Zanzibar, Tanzania

Day 21-30: Overland Safari on mainland Tanzania
All over the Serengeti
Ngorongoro Crater

 

 

 

This packing list is perfect for that trip: Safari Clothing Packing List. I actually had all those places in mind when I created this list! My overland trips in Africa have both been in Winter: May and August. You need to have clothes you can layer because it can get very cold at night.

 

 

womens-safari-clothing

Shop Sizes XS-3X: Columbia Womens Arcadia II Rain Jacket

 

What to Wear

 

To be honest, this is a trip where you want a very warm outdoor type jacket since you’re camping at Serengeti and the crater can be freezing! Plan to layer your jacket + fleece or hoodie +  warm long sleeve top.

Thermal leggings to sleep are also a good idea along with merino wool socks. Also, pack a scarf and  gloves just in case you get cold at night. Find out why merino wool is one of the secrets to packing light!

Don’t underestimate the drop in temperature! I lost my Triclimate Northface jacket after camping in the Ngorongoro Crater and I was so bummed with the cold. It had been perfect and really cute in the ice blue color!

 

Here are more waterproof jackets to choose from!

 

 

womens-safari-clothing

Shop Sizes 2-16: Amazon REI | Columbia | Zappos

 

Travel Outfits

 

For the most part plan your outfits around two things: some city (jeans in Cape Town) and mostly camping layers.

Also, keep in mind the only time you’ll be threading through the wilderness is in the Okavango Delta when you’ll probably appreciate some cargo pants (or similar) and trainers as the brush can be thick.

Otherwise, you’re in the comfort of a vehicle when on safari so comfy jeans or leggings are perfect.

 

These are the best leggings for women that travel as voted for by our readers!

 

 

africa-travel-packing-tips

 

In Zanzibar, it’s pretty relaxed so a flowy maxi dress or summer dress is good and if you don’t bring one, buy one there! There is amazing souvenir shopping.

 

 

africa-travel-packing-tips

Sea to Summit DryLite Towel

 

Traveling by Overland Truck

 

The rest of the time, if you’re stuck in an overland truck – comfort is the best thing when you’re sitting for 12 hours at a time on bumpy roads so a strong sports bra is a must!

 

 

 

Don’t forget your headlamp for camping at night and travel towel so it can dry quickly when you’re constantly on the go.

The one thing I wish I had on my overland trips is a female urinary device because the only bathroom breaks you get are in the bush. Finding adequate coverage can be a challenge so you might get comfortable with flashing your bum at the other women on the trip.

 

 

Osprey Farpoint 55L | Compass Rose Packing Cubes

 

Luggage

 

For luggage, check out the Osprey Farpoint 55L. It’s kind of perfection. I use it with the compass rose packing cubes. I found it easier to lug a soft bag than a suitcase as everyone’s gear gets piled up under the truck.

 

Read my review on the Osprey Farpoint to find out why it’s the best travel backpack!

 

Don’t worry so much about the baggage weight. My bag never goes over 30lb using the guidelines suggested on the site. If you aim to pack light you shouldn’t be overpacking.

 

 


Do you have any additional Africa travel packing tips?


 

Want more Tips on how to pack for Africa? Check out the following:

 

Suggested Travel Resources:

 


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