Trip to Africa

[LunaTheCat]

I have just booked a trip through Africa.. 10 nights by train from Pretoria to Zimbabwe and then 7 nights Botswana safari
i am beyond excited,
‘the train trip will include safaris in Kruger and Zimbabwe but dinners are quite formal.. men dinner jacket so will need to pack some dresses.
Small safari planes let you pack 20kg max
What would you take?
so far

• walking boots walking safari
• decent socks.. wool
• shorts for camp
• 3 silk or cotton dresses for dinner on train.. an be easily hand washed and hung dry
• A couple nice tops can be worn over dress to change look dress
• a couple merino t shirts .. ditto can be easi;y washed and dried
• longsleeved light shirt to stop mosquitos
• undies
• sumscreen, insect repellant
• a warm jumper cooler evenings
• some long pants .. joggers to wear other jeeps/walking to protect against flies and mosquito's
• a pair sneakers
• a waterproof jacket
• need Birkenstocks and walking boots
• thinking Le pillage long handled bag lg for plane but wou;d I be better smaller backpack day trips

I am unsure what footwear to take dinners train I have bunions feet so need to be comfortable, light and a bit dressy Anybody else any other ideas. i feel so incredibly lucky to be doing this

When are you going?

September.☺️

Wow, what an amazing trip! I've been to Zambia twice on safari but could never go in Sep/Oct as the heat would kill me 😁

Footwear - one pr lightweight walking shoes or trainers, one pr flip-flops or sliders, one pr of nicer sandals.

I would take two different types of antihistamines (ask the pharmacist) for bites <bitter experience>

The Ultimate Packing List for Your African Safari

Take more than one pair of sunglasses and not £££ ones.

Wow what a trip! I’ve been lucky enough to travel a lot in Africa - not often luxuriously and definitely not where dinner jackets are needed!! But I’d say - soft sided bags are a must for the safari planes (north face duffels are great - I’ve had a medium and small for 20years and still going strong). Also wide brimmed hat as sun is ferocious, polarised lenses sunglasses and a big blanket scarf (gets cold on early/late game drives). Wide leg trousers, jumpsuits, cargo trousers on safari instead of shorts. Long sleeved shirts. Get non crease material and lodges will do washing quickly for you - take less rather than more.

That's not a bad list but I've never needed a raincoat or a woollen hat. A light scarf can be useful - sun shade, tie your hat on if the jeep picks up speed or warmth early/late.

A lot depends on whether you're on game drives or walking safaris. I cant do long walks so i stick to game drives. And I prefer skirts and only need sandals which are both fine for drives. (Though I'd say trousers or shorts plus walking shoes probably necessary for a walking safari.) Another thing to beware of is that the jeeps are quite high so you need a big leg up to get in (no pencil skirts 😄).

I have travelled extensively in Africa and done low budget to high budget safaris.
Have a look at Aspiga as they have lots of suitable dresses. Cheesecloth also packs well and looks good.
Many safari lodges will do washing for you so you can often pack lighter than you think.
I always pack a snood or bandana for my hair on actual safari as keeps my hair under control and dust off it. And definitely invest in some good binoculars.
Yes you need a soft bag for the plane and I also take the Longchamp.
Check whether you need anti malarials obviously.

Long trousers - get lightweight long walking ones! Is "other jeeps" meant to be "over jeans"? I'd bring one pair jeans max if you want them for any city time or on the train but definitely not on safari. I've always been given a blanket in safari vehicles so never needed warm trousers on game drives.

I've got a few dresses in safari colours (olive green, brown) which I usually bring with me - they're great for wearing around camp with sandals and an overshirt, or dressing up nicely with a nice scarf and jewellery. Means you don't need to bring too many outfits which are only useful for dinner. Your trip sounds amazing btw!

I went on safari in SA/Zambia once in August and it was really cold. - and I mean cold! at night. The temps would drop to around 0 or a few degrees above.
The morning safaris went out around 6am and were really chilly until the sun rose. It would be mid 20s by the middle of the day.
You are going slightly later and not as far south so it might be warmer but I'd still add a few more warmer layers or a thick fleece personally.

Thank you for replies. I posted after a few 🍷 and then regretted immediately.. so many people are struggling and I felt as though I may be being tone deaf!
I have dreamed of safaris since being a child . I have just turned 60 and have worked extra hrs ( and more to come) plus have used some savings… I should be saving retirement but your a long time dead!

Emanwenym
Thankyou for the guide.
They also had a link to “pack with a purpose”.. adding things local communities.. there will be room to take some things children.

How absolutely stunning OP. I am thinking it's Rovos Rail?

September isn't boiling hot (well not according to us) and the nights will most likely still be a bit cool.

You have a very thought out list already and I would just add in some sandals that would work with your formal wear.

Take more than one hat. You will be able to buy another but you don't want to get caught short if one blows away (yes we have lost one on safari). You get those packable ones which should save on space.

Longchamp is a good shout, whatever bag you decide on, make sure it has a zip closure for when out and about.

Have the most fabulous time.

Yes, it is Rovos Rail.
The company I booked with found another woman to share with me.. we will know each other well at the end!

I'd consider taking a micro down jacket that packs down small for evenings.

Rohan are experts in travel/trekking clothing.6

For footwear on the train I’d suggest a pair of smart flats / ballerina type. No point wearing heels on a train and these take up less space. For safaris the idea is not to wear bright colours so white, khaki etc is good. Just don’t arrive with a bunch of brown and green outfits which scream tourist and never buy anything that you wouldn’t wear at home. Jeans and a khaki or navy jacket or pullover are fine, and bring a warm scarf for morning game drives.

I'm not sure that a bright white t-shirt, j blue jeans and a navy pullover would be my first choice for a walking safari in tsetse fly country!

Please enjoy your holiday OP - it sounds like the trip of a lifetime and you've worked hard for it! Just appreciate it all the more because it's an incredible opportunity, don't feel bad that not everyone has the same. If you spend much time in towns you may feel quite confronted by the wealth differential. It may be worth thinking in advance how you'd like to approach it.