What to Pack for Your Safari

Packing for an African hunting safari is relatively simple. At Garland Hunting Safaris, we recommend travelling light and bringing practical, comfortable clothing suited to days in the field and relaxed evenings in camp.

A daily laundry service is provided during your safari, so there is no need to overpack. Laundry service may not be available on arrival and departure days or while transferring between camps. And remember, leave a little extra room in your luggage for the African souvenirs you may collect along the way.

Weather & Seasonal Conditions

The Eastern Cape experiences a varied climate, and conditions can change considerably between early mornings, midday and evenings.

The warmer hunting months, particularly April and September, can range from pleasantly warm to hot during the day. During the winter months of May through August, mornings and evenings can be cold, with temperatures warming considerably as the day progresses.

Layered clothing is the best approach. A cold morning in the hunting vehicle can quickly turn into a warm afternoon while walking in the veld, so being able to add or remove layers will keep you comfortable throughout the day.

We recommend checking the weather forecast shortly before your departure and contacting us if you are unsure what clothing will be most suitable for the time of year you are visiting.

Recommended Hunting Clothing

• 1 pair of comfortable, well worn in walking or hunting boots
• 1 pair of comfortable shoes for around camp
• 3 - 4 pairs of good quality hunting socks
• 3 - 4 sets of underwear
• 2 - 3 pairs of long hunting trousers
• 1 - 2 pairs of hunting shorts for warmer months
• 3 - 4 comfortable hunting shirts
• 1 warm hunting jacket
• 1 warm sweater, fleece or jumper
• 1 lightweight waterproof or rain jacket
• 1 pair of warm gloves for winter hunts
• A cap or wide-brimmed hat
• Comfortable casual clothing for evenings in camp

For hunting clothing, we recommend natural, muted colours that blend well with the Eastern Cape environment, such as dark khaki, olive green, brown or suitable camouflage patterns. Comfortable, quiet clothing is always preferable in the field.

Recommended Hunting & Personal Gear

The following items are useful additions to your safari packing list. Not all are essential, and your Professional Hunter will have much of the necessary field equipment available:

• Binoculars
• Camera or smartphone for photographs
• Spare memory cards or suitable storage for photographs and video
• Lens-cleaning cloth for binoculars and cameras
• Flashlight or headlamp
• Sunglasses
• High-SPF sunscreen
• Lip balm
• Insect and tick repellent
• Small daypack for carrying personal items while hunting
• Shooting sticks, if you prefer to use your own
• Personal hunting or pocket knife, packed in your checked luggage and in accordance with airline regulations
• Spare batteries, power banks and chargers as required
• Personal toiletries
• Prescription medication and other personal medical requirements
• Spare prescription glasses or sufficient contact lenses
• Taxidermy and shipping instructions if you have a preferred taxidermist

Firearms & Ammunition

If you are bringing your own rifle, ensure that you have all required firearm documentation and that your firearm and ammunition are packed according to current airline and South African regulations.

Depending on your requirements, you may wish to bring:

• Your rifle and suitable ammunition
• Approved firearm and ammunition cases
• A rifle cleaning kit or pull-through
• A soft rifle case for use during the safari

Electronics & Power

South Africa operates on approximately 230V electricity at 50Hz. International guests should bring a suitable travel adapter for their electronic devices.

South Africa commonly uses Type M electrical sockets, although other socket types may also be encountered depending on the accommodation. A universal international travel adapter is therefore recommended.

Please check that your electronic devices and chargers are compatible with South African voltage before use.

Health & Personal Items

First aid kits are available in our camps and hunting vehicles. However, we recommend bringing any personal medication or medical items you may require during your safari.

Useful items include prescription medication, basic personal remedies, insect and tick repellent, sunscreen and any other products you regularly use.

Please refer to our Health & Medical Information section for further guidance.

Final Checklist Before Leaving Home

Before departing for South Africa, we recommend completing one final check to ensure you have all your essential travel documentation:

• Valid passport that meets current South African entry requirements
• International and domestic flight confirmations
• Travel and medical insurance documentation
• Prescription medication
• Copies of important travel documents
• Emergency contact and insurance details
• Firearm import permit and supporting documentation, if travelling with your own firearm
• Proof of firearm ownership where applicable

Pack Light. Hunt Comfortably.

With daily laundry service and a relaxed atmosphere in camp, there is no need to bring an excessive amount of clothing or equipment. Focus on comfortable, practical gear that will serve you well in the field.

If you are unsure about what to pack for the specific time of year you will be hunting, please contact the Garland Hunting Safaris team before your departure. We will be happy to advise you based on the expected conditions and your individual safari itinerary.