What to Pack
When coming on safari, here are some things you will need to remember to bring with you.. The below safari essentials list is provided as a general guide, but is not comprehensive. Where possible your luggage should be kept to a minimum due to the weight / space restrictions on aircraft. As your airline for details.
Travel Documents
Passport, Airline Tickets, Credit Cards, Insurance Info, Emergency Info, Photocopies of Important Documents, Cash for Tips & Miscellaneous Purchases
Safari Gear & Travel Accessories
Our guests often ask us for advice about what safari essentials to pack for a safari adventure. Here are the key items that we recommend:
- Binoculars (7x40 or similar) and a binoculars strap for comfort
- Plug adapters and electric converters » our properties have electricity, so you can charge video camera batteries etc, however, you may also need to bring a voltage converter as the current is 220 Volts at 50 HZ
- Small waterproof bag or backpack for carrying personal items
- Flashight or headlamp with spare batteries and bulbs
- Video camera and memory cards » don't forget the lenses (and lens cleaning kit), film, flash, charger, batteries and cables
Clothing
When packing, remember that Gwango properties normally provide next day laundry service, which means that you may not need too many changes of clothing. Try to avoid brining anything white or bright as these colors will warn animals of your presence.
Daytime temperatures are warm throughout the year so we recommend light tan clothing. However, during the winter months (May to mid August), nights and early mornings can get chilly, so a warm jacket is essential. Depending on where you will be staying with us, you may be going on bush walks, so please make sure you have comfortable walking shoes. Please note that it is illegal to wear camouflage clothing in Zimbabwe. Here is a basic packing list that will be a useful starting point:
- 3 long sleeved cotton shirts (sleeves can be rolled up and down)
- 2 pairs of shorts
- 2 pairs of trousers, consider zip-off trousers that convert to shorts
- 2 tee shirts to wear under your shirt on a cold morning or evening
- 3 pairs of socks
- 2 good pairs of walking shoes (hiking boots are not necessary, most of our walks are over fairly easy terrain and hard rugged soled hiking boots are very noisy)
- A good wide brimmed hat or baseball cap (good for when there is wind and on game drives)
- A jacket for the mornings and evenings (one that makes no noise)
- Ziploc bags to protect valuable equipment, like your binoculars or camera, from dust sand and water, make sure the bags are big enough to hold items in their original cases to offer added protection
- Medications, contact lenses, sun block, lip balm, a shaving kit, skin cream, a toothbrush, toothpaste, fingernail clippers and insect repellent (to put on your hands and feet in the evenings)
- A spare pair of any prescription glasses
- Bring your own small medical kit, including band aids, malaria pills, some disinfectant spray or gel and aspirin, or your own preference in pain killers, as well as antacids, and doses of antibiotics
- Please take soft bags as these are easier for packing in the safari vehicles
- Luggage tags
- Sunglasses