what to take on safari?

[parietal]

we have a big safari holiday booked this summer - taking the 12 and 15yr old to see animals and get outside Europe.

what do we need to pack? So far my list has binoculars and sunhats.

what footwear? - Tevas or trainers or hiking boots (we won't be doing more than 1-2 hrs walking in a day)

anything else I should remember?

Warm clothes! They take you out super early in the morning and at sunset, when it can be chilly. Layers are key. And a warm hat. If you're going in our summer, it will be winter in the southern hemisphere, so mornings and evenings might be cold.
Trainers covers a wide variety of shoes! I'd say proper trainers would be OK, but fashion ones less so. Depends how much walking is involved. Some trips will have some, some will have none. But you'll want something fairly sturdy.

Definitely layers and also think about what colours you are wearing. White is not a good idea as it can easily be seen and black and navy attract tsetse flies.
I just bought everyone some green/brown tops and walking trousers and a fleece was really useful when it got cold at night/early morning.

Early mornings are chilly. Long sleeves/trousers/socks and walking boots to avoid insect bites. Lightweight, quick drying layers, large brimmed hat, sunglasses and good camera/binoculars. You may be limited to one soft bag each.

Insect repellent and antihistamine (pills and cream).
Agree with layers
A good camera
Non brightly coloured clothes
Card games, books or something to do in between drives
Definitely closed shoes, and long socks

We didn’t do any walking on Safari, it was all just in the jeep. We were advised not to wear camouflage but I can’t remember why (not to do with not being seen).

The no camo is to do with not impersonating the military I think.

Take layers - don't underestimate how cold it can get, charging cables, battery packs, plug adapters, toiletries, snacks, entertainment for the down time, hat, insect repellent, torch, tissues - you'll need them if you witness any wildebeest snap a leg but not die yet

I love a safari but don't think I could hack another migration.

Download films etc before you go, in case WiFi is shit.

Take your heart. You’ll love it.

@BillyNoM8s that’s it, you’re right.

We were very tired with the early starts in the morning and pool in the afternoon. Time passed very quickly.

Immodium... hand wipes and sanitiser gel.. it may have changed but away from the main centers / hotels there were alot of pit toilets !

I’ve PMd you.

A good camera with a long lense, tetse fly repellant, mosquito repellent, food first aid kit (painkillers, Imodium, rehydration salts), tons of suncream

Oh and do a hot air balloon if you get the chance and have the means. I did over the Masai Mara and it was incredible. Not terrifying, as I had envisioned.

Make sure you get all your jabs done in plenty of time, and depending on where you're going to, you will need to start taking your malaria medication before you go.

layers, mozzie spray, hats, fleece. do not make them all natural colours on purpose - browns/greens though, you will get the piss taken out of you - you can wear any colour you want.

Binoculars. Camera. ID books - we like to note where we have seen birds and animals. Torch for evenings.

Where are you going?

"you can wear any colour you want."

No. We were told to wear muted colours, not camo because only the military are allowed to wear it in some countries.
2 people who wore red & yellow were given khaki capes that had probably never been washed. They didn't do it again.

Definitely not a good idea to wear white if you ever want it clean again. The dust can get everywhere

Depends where you are going. A safari in SA will be different to one in Kenya.
You can buy long socks that repel ticks for walking.
Take earplugs if you’re light sleepers and are staying in tents.

“you can wear any colour you want”
No. The rangers expressed their strong disapproval of a previous guest who’d worn pink.

Midlifechic did a couple of blogs about this after doing a Kenya safari earlier in the year: details here and here