Your Safari Day Bag - Essential Items To Pack

Preparation is essential for making the most of your safari adventure. Picture yourself on a game drive, immersed in stunning wildlife, only to realize you forgot an important item at home. To ensure you're fully prepared for every adventure, we've compiled a guide on what to pack in your safari day bag to help you have a seamless and enjoyable experience, without any unnecessary stress or inconvenience.

Binoculars
We highly recommend bringing a pair of binoculars, and recommend a pair with with 8x-10x magnification. Having a pair of binoculars will greatly enhance your wildlife experience, allowing you to observe animals from a distance and spot details that may not be visible to the naked eye. A pair of binoculars are a key item to pack in your safari day bag.

Camera and Accessories
Pack a camera with a good zoom lens, extra memory cards, and spare batteries. A monopod or a bean bag is also useful for steady shots, as are dust brushes and lens cleaning equipment.

Sunscreen and Lip Balm
The African sun can be intense, even during early morning or late afternoon game drives and on overcast days. Pack a high-SPF sunscreen and lip balm to protect your skin and lips from UV rays.

Hat and Sunglasses
While out on a game drive, it's important to protect yourself from the strong sun and dust. Open air vehicles provide great visibility but also expose you to the elements. A wide-brimmed hat and a neck gaiter can offer excellent protection, keeping you comfortable and safe.
Additionally, polarized sunglasses can reduce glare and provide protection for your eyes, ensuring that you can enjoy the experience without any discomfort. These simple accessories can make a big difference in your enjoyment of the game drive.

Windbreaker/Rain Jacket
Being out on a game drive you are exposed to the elements, so having a lightweight windbreaker or rain jacket is a good idea. Weather can be unpredictable, and a lightweight, waterproof rain jacket ensures you stay dry and comfortable during unexpected showers. Get one that rolls up into a small pouch that you can keep in bag for easy access when needed.

Fleece Layer & Warm Hat
As mentioned, it's important to be prepared for the chilly temperatures during game drives, especially in the early morning and evening. Packing a lightweight fleece layer and a warm hat is essential to staying comfortable and enjoying the experience. Being cold can really take away from the enjoyment of the drives, so it's crucial to stay warm. Keeping these items in your bag will allow you to stay warm and content when the temperature drops.

Insect Repellent
Insects and flies can be a bit of a nuisance on a game drive and it is a good idea to carry a repellent that you can apply as and when you need it.

Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is crucial, so make sure you bring a reusable water bottle and ensure it’s filled before heading out. The Porini Camps and some other safari camps offer guests complimentary water bottles, check with your safari consultant before travel.

Guide books or Field Guides
Your safari guides are experts in identifying animals and birds, but bringing a wildlife or bird guide book can further enrich your safari experience. A guide book can help you identify various species of animals, birds, and plants, and it can also serve as a checklist for you to mark off the species you have seen. Additionally, the guide book provides fascinating facts about the wildlife you encounter, allowing you to learn more about the incredible creatures in their natural habitat and deepen your understanding and appreciation of the diverse wildlife found on your safari adventure.

Personal items
Any personal medication, as well as hand sanitizer, wet wipes and tissues.

Notebook and Pen
A small notebook and pen in your day bag can come in handy for jotting down notes, sightings or sketching. With a notebook and pen on hand, you'll always be ready to capture those fleeting thoughts and memories.

Take a look below or print out our Safari Day Bag Packing List as a guide on what to pack in your day bag.

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Safari Packing List

Download our packing lists as a Guide to help you prepare and pack for your safari.

Must haves:

• Long-sleeve shirts and trousers for evenings and also insect protection

• Short-sleeve shirts and shorts for warmer days

• A waterproof, lightweight jacket to cover up if wet or windy

• A fleece for cooler mornings and evenings

• A wide-brimmed hat and polarised sunglasses for sun protection

• Comfortable, lightweight walking shoes or safari style boots