If you’re a seasoned traveller with an upgraded plane ticket and a loyalty program luggage allowance, you may have become used to overpacking and coming home with a lot of unworn attire in your suitcase.
If you’re undertaking your first flying safari and covering multiple reserves or destinations by light aircraft then your packing will need to be a much more considered affair, not just for style but for flexibility comfort and ease!
Most light aircraft or helicopter transfers mean you will be limited to a soft-sided bags only (more on that in another post), a circa 20kg weight limit and temperatures that ranges from cool early mornings to sun drenched hot days and back again!
Here’s how to curate a travel wardrobe that’s equal parts in effective, effortless and elegant.
Start with the Fabrics!
Opt for natural, breathable, and low-impact materials:
- Organic cotton tees (I love Pact) max 2/3 of each sleeve length – short, long and vest will be ample.
- Linen trousers, shorts & shirts (Aspiga has a fab range).
- For winter some soft and stretchy running tights in a natural breathable fabric will keep you covered but not too hot in midday temperatures
- An oversized Scarf (recycled cashmere from Poetry for the win) to use for day or night is a multi-purpose item.
- A lightweight waterproof jacket for those summer showers (although most lodges will have waterproof ponchos on the vehicle for game drives).
- A few layers – a lightweight knit for summer and a recycled heavy weight fleece for winter.
These fabrics breathe well, pack small, and wear better over time- no synthetics needed. Stick to a limited neutral palette of beige, olive, khaki and brown for the ultimate mix and max.
Top Tip – When packing roll don’t fold!!
Pack with the Journey in Mind
A soft-sided duffel or safari holdall, no hard sides and ideally no wheels!
I love the very aptly named:
- Baboon to the Moon in Crocodile green
I personally use:
- The Thule Chasm in Deep Khaki (also comes in super safari shades of Olivine or Sand)
Also availabe with matching packing cubes, an invaluable tool when packing light!!
The Smart Mid-Trip Trick
If you’re staying at two or more lodges, put a laundry load in as soon as you arrive at the second camp. Most high-end safari lodges offer next-day laundry inclusive in your rate which means you can pack half as much. There are even some laundry services run by local community projects providing much needed local employment, so you can wash and wear guilt free.
Don’t Forget the Firepit Looks
Safari isn’t all neutral cargo and khaki. Pack 2 chic but comfortable evening looks that you’ll feel good wearing after a day in the bush:
- A light and airy silk or linen wrap dress (I’m in love with the rust colour at Rise & Fall!)
- A slinky safari toned jumpsuit
- A crisp white shirt dress with gold hoops and tan sandals and don’t forget the obligatory headwear – silk scarf or floppy straw hat.
- Leopard print is ALWAYS a good idea.
Necessary Accessories
Sunglasses – An absolute must for protection against the midday glare but also invaluable in a dusty situation. Sungods Sieras tick the sustainability box, as well as being available in a polarised option for maximum protection and a desert sand colour way to compliment your safari style.
Hat – If you’re a cap lover check Varley but for a packable Panama style you can’t beat the fully foldable travel hats from local Henley business and brilliantly named The Scarf Giraffe
Sensible Shoes – if you think you’ll be taking part in a walking safari, sensible boots are an absolute must and Timberlands always on point if you think you’ll be mostly in a game viewing vehicle than a comfortable closed shoe is also required for jumping out for those sundowners and weather proof is always good, so something like Hoka’s Gore-Tex Transports in Dune “foot” the bill (see what I did there!)
Sustainable Toiletries & Extras
Check the small print (or ask me!) but with most luxury lodges the toiletries are a highlight with brands like Africology, Charlotte Rhys or Tata Harper, all with a focus on sustainability, local ingredients or biodegradable packaging.
NB: You MAY want a stronger conditioner if you hair is as unruly as mine!
I would also hold off on harsh generic repellents and use what is provided locally as they tend to be more suited to the environments and its beasties.
- A leatherbound journal for noting your sightings, or if your surroundings inspire your creativity. (I’m dropping Xmas hints about Smythsons new leopard print number!
- Binoculars – Again most lodges supply these but if you’re a seasoned safari-goer having your own (so you don’t have to share) is a worthwhile investment and you can personalise with a stylish strap.
- Camera – There is SO much to say on this subject that there will be plenty more posts but if you’re bringing any camera the most important thing to remember is a spare battery and SD card!!
