Most camps that we transport clients to, provide the following:

• Shampoo, body lotion, body soap, towels and face cloths, and insect repellent.
• A torch/flashlight for each tent
• Bed clothing and Mosquito nets
• Drinkable Water (and other drinks) – so you won’t need to bring water filtration tabs.
• 1st aid material is also available in each camp.
• Same-day laundry service is offered in all our camps and this is included in the cost of the safari – so you do not need to bring your whole wardrobe. However, please note that the camp staff will not wash underwear.
• All our camps are situated in remote areas and we generate our own electricity, to provide lighting in the tents. Electrical plug outlets are not available in the tented rooms with African Bush Camps so it is not possible to use appliances such as hairdryers or electric shavers.

Most people make the mistake of taking along too much clothing. Take along comfortable, casual and semi-casual, “wash and wear” clothes that will fit into the bush as well as to relax in, at your lodges or hotels.

In the summer (October to April), temperatures can be very hot (40 Celsius or 104 Fahrenheit). You will feel most comfortable in shorts and T-shirts during the day. You will appreciate long sleeved shirts and pants to avoid sunburns, they will also protect you from mosquitoes in the evening. Temperature may drop sharply at nights: also pack a jersey, pullover and warm jacket, you will enjoy sitting by the campfire at night.

If you plan your safari in the winter (May to September), when the temperatures range from 23 – 28 degrees Celsius (73-83 Fahrenheit). during the day, but early mornings and evenings can be very cold (temperatures can go as low as 2 – 10 degrees Celsius). Be sure to have adequate warm comfortable clothing includes a warm jacket, especially for the early morning game drives. Do not forget a rain jacket. Bandanas, cotton scarfs and a sarong or pashmina may be very useful as well.

Optical & electronics

• Binoculars (ideally 1 pair for each participant, or 1 per couple)
• Your camera (200 mm lens and longer) and/or video camera, films, memory cards, batteries and charger – please see our camera advice
• Plug adaptors – Southern African outlets have 3 round prongs (with 1 bigger than the other 2) or 2 small round prongs. Power goes 220/230 volts AC 50 Hz. Generally, the 110V video chargers work safely on the 220V supply.
• 1 torch or flashlight and spare batteries if you like to have yours (while you rest in your camps, one will be provided in your tent)
• Small compass if you like to use one.

Travel accessories

• Pen for immigration formalities
• Locks for luggage
• Money belt
• Calculator (or use your cellphone) for currencies
• Travel alarm clock
• Mini sewing kit

• 1 multi-purpose knife (not to be packed in your hand luggage to avoid confiscation at the airport )
• A canteen or water bottle
• Ziplock & other plastic bags (to pack camera, toiletries, wet/ dirty clothing, muddy shoes, non-organic garbage, …), especially if you go on canoeing safaris
• Lighter/waterproof matches

• Mosquito/bug repellent
• Suntan lotion/ Sunblock (lots of it)

• Sunglasses with polarized lenses
• Reading glasses (if you wear contacts bring glasses as it can be very dusty)
• Contact lens solution & extra set of disposable lenses

First Aid Kit

We have First aid kits in the camps, but if you travel otherwise you may like to carry your own kit, and also you must include your own malaria tables and personal medicines.

• Malaria tablets (very important if you travel to Hwange National Park, Victoria Falls, Mana Pools, Okavango Delta, or other malaria-prone areas)
• Painkiller, Ibuprofen, Cold/flu tablets, Allergy remedy
• Motion sickness tablets
• Heartburn remedy, Anti-diarrhoea medicine, Re-hydration salts
• Antiseptic cream, anti-histamine creams
• Some people take a basic antibiotic in case
• Sterile needles (in case you need an injection and don’t trust the hygiene conditions)
• Prescribed medicine (enough to last your trip).
• Basic First Aid kit with band-aids & moleskin – though we have the necessary in the camps.

• Passport valid for at least 6 months, and the required visas
• Air tickets & vouchers
• Travel insurance
• Emergency phone number and contact details
• Credit cards, traveller checks and/or cash in currencies
• Additional form of photo ID (e.g. driving license),extra passport photos, photocopy of passport, visa and travel tickets to carry separately from your travel documents
• Vaccination certificates (if required), medical history and copies of prescriptions.

When travelling on normal scheduled international flights, the luggage limit is usually 20kgs per person. On light aircraft transfers, there is a 20 kg per person limit on luggage. This is for safety and space reasons. Please note that this 20 kg includes any cameras, camera bags and associated equipment. No hard suitcases or bags with wheels can be transported as they physically cannot fit into the aircraft. We insist on a soft carry-on (instead of a suitcase) with the following maximum dimensions: 80 cm by 30 cm.

If it is necessary to bring extra baggage, we can usually “sell” you an extra seat, allowing you to bring an additional 70kgs (154lbs). The cost of this extra seat varies depending on your safari. The luggage limit is taken very seriously by charter companies. Additional luggage can result in an extra aircraft being used and charter companies reserve the right to charge at least US$600 per person. Ideally, you will carry 1 large travel bag and 1 hand luggage bag only – amounting to a total of 20 kgs.