Safari Packing Essentials

In the first photo starting from the top left corner: 

• Iphone accessories for photos: I am obsessed with my octopus tripod and Huawei tripod selfie stick with remote controller (thats how I get all those photos of me in the wild while travelling alone).
• An SLR camera with a good zoom lens. Get a good lens as you will be far from the animals, I will recommend a 400mm lens. But don’t forget to actually see the game with your eyes instead of through your lens. 
• A windbreaker warm jacket for the cold mornings and evenings, I love my UNIQLO ultra light down jacket with a hoodie that packs in a small pouch easily. High-end camps will have ponchos in the vehicles too. 
• A book for plane rides, and in between game drives. I also download movies and series on my Netflix app before I travel. 
• Universal travel adaptor.
• Playing cards. A lot of camps have them and other entertainment like board games. But I keep mine with me as sometimes we have long layovers at airports. 
• Headphones, needed when watching my movies on Netflix.
• Sunglasses.
• Lip balm, this is a must as the sun and wind will make your lips dry, chapped and it will hurt if you dont apply lip balm. You could also buy one with sunscreen. 
• Travel neck pillow. Mine is Cabeau Evolution S3 - Memory Foam Neck Pillow with Seat Straps.
• Long socks. I love those in the early morning because of the cold, and in the evening to protect me from mosquitos. I just roll them down when it is hot. 
• Mosquito repellent. Most high-end camps will have it but just in case you have a preferred brand. I didn't apply one night and I had 18 bites, so please apply!
• Sunblock, the sun is really strong during the day and you are in an open safari vehicle. 
• Layering is key when on safari, as temperatures will range from hot during the day to chilly at night, so bring tshirts, long sleeves, and fleece or jumper.
• Scarfs, you will look fashionable, but it also a multi-use object; protects your neck from the wind and cold, head wrap to keep you hair under control, protects your head from sun and dust, covers your shoulders from the sun...etc.
• Medication: Other than the ones you take regularly, I like to have with me pain killers, allergy drugs, laxatives, mild sedatives, antibiotics, nausea drugs, and cold and flu drugs. Dont forget the Malaria pills, and the Yellow Fever vaccination. Yellow Fever vaccinations are valid for life now, please take your certificate with you (the yellow certificate in the photo). Some African countries are Malaria free, but I always take them; better safe than sorry.
• Hat, wide brimmed hat or a baseball hat will do.
• Closed shoes. You will need hiking boots if you are going on a walking safari, otherwise I recommend just closed shoes. 
• Swim suite. Most high-end lodges have swimming pools so dont forget to bring yours. 

 
Others: 

• Luggage: a soft side medium-sized duffel bag (I prefer a water-repellant shell just in case it rains) and a small carry-on for any extras. Remember that the max weight you can take on small planes is 15-20kg (including the carry on and your camera). Dont be alarmed, most camps have laundry included in the price so you will re-use some clothes or mix and match. Another tip: if you are flying in and out the same city for your safari trip, then going to the beach, you can store some luggage at the airport while in the bush. 
• I am so happy that fanny packs are in fashion now, so I have one with me on safari to put my essentials like glasses, lip balm, medication, gum...etc.
• Bandanas: protects your nose and mouth from dust. I use my scarfs but I saw people using bandanas too.

Tips:

• Don’t wear dark blue or black because they attract tsetse flies. Stick to neutral shades.
• When packing use packing cubes. I never travel without them as they keep the clothes compressed and tidy, also its easy to remove cubes from the bag into the wardrobe. 
• Some African countries banned plastic bags so make sure none of your toiletries are packed in Ziplock bags.
• Binoculars will be provide at the camp so i never get one with me. BTW high-end camps like Singita will have everything you need like mosquito repellents, scarfs, tote bag, binoculars, hair dryer, flash light, water bottles, ponchos, hot water bottle...etc. 
• Check out this store for safari products, i especially love the Mara&Meru™ Safari Voyager bag.