It’s almost time for your African safari to Londolozi, and it’s around this stage when you’re starting to wonder what to pack, especially if you are a first time safari goer.
In order for your safari experience to be as enjoyable as possible, we have put together a small list of essentials to assist you. The Golden Rule to remember is that safari should always be more about comfort than style, however it is very possible to do both! Whether you are arriving in the heat of summer or visiting during the cooler winter days when morning temperatures can still be very low, an awareness of what to expect will aid you in bringing along worthwhile items and leaving behind the things that don’t matter as much.
First things first…
What is the weather like on safari?
The weather is a variable which nobody can control, however the seasons do tend to follow a fairly reliable pattern.
The first thing to remember is that regardless of the seasons, layers of different items of clothing are the real trick to being comfortable on safari.
March through May is temperate as the season changes from summer to the start of winter and the days are mild and warm with the nights becoming cooler. Temperatures drop slightly as the sun goes down so we advise a light fleece or long sleeve shirt, particularly for the evenings. At this time of the year you will still be comfortable in shorts or a dress, however long pants are preferred for the evenings.
June and July (can get surprisingly cold) are mid-winter in South Africa and can be some of the best months for game viewing. During this season midday weather is warm and balmy, while the evenings and early mornings are cold, especially on a moving open Land Rover. In winter the temperature does drop, especially as the sun goes down, so we suggest bringing a warm down jacket, beanie and scarf for the morning game drives. In the middle of the day the temperature remains pleasant enough for short sleeved shirts, however as the daytime starts to fade, so does the temperature.
For the months August through November the weather is temperate and signals the change of season from autumn into summer. There is the occasional gust of wind during these months and so items such as eyedrops are worthwhile to combat fine particles of dust in the eyes.
With the months December through March being the height of our summer, these are the hottest months. The days can get to upwards of 35 degrees celsius and in the late afternoons there is the chance of an impressive African thunderstorm owing to the build up of heat and humidity. Short sleeve shirts, vests and shorts are the order of the day, and it is critical to bring along sunscreen and a wide brimmed hat to protect yourself from the African sunshine. Ponchos are provided on the vehicle for wet weather, however a light raincoat or jacket is advised should the temperature drop off after the rain.
A Londolozi safari is about engaging all the senses and participating in the journey, so that you come away charged, enlightened and ready for the next adventure.
Winter Packing List
Winter at Londolozi is our dry season. One can expect little to no rain, chilly mornings and evenings (9°C) and warmer conditions during midday (25°C).
The essentials:
- A sun hat or two (preferably wide brimmed)
- Sunglasses
- High SPF suncream
- Binoculars (if you have, otherwise rent here)
- Camera Gear (see specifics below)
Clothing:
- A warm down jacket
- Wind breaker / light jacket
- A beanie and scarf for morning drives
- A pair of warm gloves for morning drives
- A few long-sleeve shirts
- Long pants
- Cotton shirts or vests
- One or two warm jumpers
- Thermal undergarments (for those that feel the cold)
- Walking shoes, sandals and boots
- Warm socks for morning drives
- Bathing suit
- Winter evening wear
- Active wear (if wanting to use our gym)
Summer Packing List
Summer at Londolozi is our lush, wetter season, although all-day rainfall is rare. One can expect warmer mornings and evenings (18-22°C) and hot, humid conditions at midday (35°C).
The essentials:
- A sun hat or two (preferably wide brimmed)
- Sunglasses
- High SPF suncream
- Binoculars (if you have, otherwise rent here)
- Camera Gear (see specifics below)
Clothing:
- Lightweight shorts and t-shirts
- Summer dresses for the ladies
- A light long-sleeve shirt (if you are wanting to avoid the sun)
- A warm jacket / rain jacket /utility jacket
- A pair of long pants
- Walking shoes, sandals and boots
- Summer scarf
- Summer evening wear
- Active wear (if wanting to use our gym)
Make sure you are safari chic by packing a few essential items – click here to see the 5 items we deem essential to the ‘safari look’…
Photographic Packing List
Photography is a passion at Londolozi and we do our utmost to ensure that our guests capture exceptional images whilst on safari with us. For a more in-depth packing list head to 10 Must-Have Items to Include in Your Camera Bag, but in the meantime we suggest bringing:
- A camera
- Zoom and wide angle lens
- Batteries
- Memory cards
- Lens cleaning kit
- Lightweight tripod
- GoPro
- Rain protector
We understand that this equipment can be a bit cumbersome so if you would prefer to rent it during your stay at Londolozi then CLICK HERE to prebook your camera gear.
Other Information:
What are the Malaria risks?
We are in a very low-risk malaria area at Londolozi. Please consult your doctor or pharmacist for further information on prophylaxis. In all camps, and on game drives, we offer mosquito and insect repellent as well as mosquito nets around the bed in your suite.
What is supplied in the rooms?
It might be helpful to know that we do have a daily laundry service, and supply the following in our suites: universal adaptors, a hairdryer, slippers, gowns and bug spray. On each game drive you will be given a cold glass bottle of water to ensure you stay hydrated on your adventure through the reserve.
What about guide books?
Each camp has a variety of bird, mammal and reptile books if you would like to read up further on the animals you see whilst on safari. A Bird and Mammal checklist will be provided in your suite to take out on safari with you. Additionally we recommend downloading our iBook Range for some pre-safari reading. In particular the Guide to Wildlife Photography will help photographic enthusiasts understand how to take truly outstanding wildlife photographs.
