Clothes
- Neutral colours: khaki, olive, tan, grey. Avoid bright white (dust) and dark blue or black (tsetse flies in some areas).
- Layers: mornings and evenings are cold in an open vehicle, even in hot countries.
- A warm fleece or down jacket, a light rain jacket, a sun hat and a buff or scarf for dust.
- Long sleeves and trousers for evenings (mosquitoes).
- Comfortable closed shoes; sandals for camp.
Gear
- Binoculars (one pair each if you can). They make more difference than a big lens.
- Camera with a zoom lens; spare batteries and memory cards.
- Head torch.
- Universal adapter and a power bank: some camps have limited charging.
Health
- Malaria tablets if advised, insect repellent, sunscreen, lip balm and any personal medicines in your hand luggage.
- A small first-aid kit and hand sanitiser.
Documents
Passport with blank pages, visa or e-visa printouts, yellow fever certificate if required, travel insurance details and copies of everything.
Luggage limits
Light aircraft usually allow about 15 to 20 kg per person in a soft bag with no wheels or frame. Check your itinerary’s exact limit.
Leave at home
Drones (banned in most parks without permits), camouflage clothing (illegal for civilians in some countries) and plastic bags (banned in several countries, including Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania).
