What to Pack: African Safari Gear List

Preparing for your first African Plains Game Safari can be intimidating, but there’s no need to worry. The truth of the matter is that packing for a hunt in Africa isn’t all that difficult. We have worked together with our P.H.’s on a checklist for your upcoming hunt.

Pre-Hunt Checklist

Valid Passport (South Africa requires your passport to be valid for an additional 30 days after your return date to the USA. No exceptions.)
Airline ticket.
Proper weapon documentation.
Email the date and time of arrival to your P.H. for pickup at the airport.
Inoculation (if needed in the area you are hunting).
Deposit paid and confirmed.
Traveler’s checks and enough cash for gifts, tip, etc.
Travel Insurance.
See Tips for US Hunters Traveling to Africa.

Safari Clothing

Keep it simple. Bring a few changes of light hunting clothing (most places will have a daily laundry service). Odds are you will be riding in the back of a truck on a high rack to and from hunting areas, and that can get chilly. So bring a good jacket along. During the day, temperatures should be pleasant.

2 pairs of light hunting pants
2-3 hunting shirts
2-3 pairs of socks and underwear
1 pair of insulated underwear (tops and bottoms) *we recommend Merino wool
Light jacket for stopping wind
Wide brim hat or cap
Good ankle boots/shoes that are very comfortable (you don’t need heavy mountain boots)
Comfortable shoes for lounging at the lodge
Light stocking hat and gloves
Light rain gear

If you are hunting from May to August, be sure to bring some heavier clothing as well as temperatures can occasionally drop below freezing. If you are hunting during this time add the following items:

1 pair of insulated hunting pants
2 pairs mid-weight socks
Insulated coat

Personal Gear

Camera with extra batteries
Personal toiletry items including any medication you need *we suggest non-electric shavers
Chapstick
Anti-malaria medication (Ask your Agent or PH)
Good sunscreen lotion
Good moisturizer
Insect Repellant
Rangefinder
Good binocular
Good books to read
Flashlight and/or headlamp
Electric plug converter(s)

Firearms and Ammunition

Hand weapons (pistols & revolvers) as well as automatic weapons are prohibited. A good, sturdy, lockable case is a must to prevent damage to the weapon. A weapon license as well as a weapons owner’s certification is important. We always recommend a .375 H&H as a good rifle for hunting in Africa.

Rifle (talk to your Agent or PH about calibers)
Ammo (40-60 shells should be adequate for a typical hunt)
Gun case with locks
Soft gun case

Archery

Bow (talk to your Agent or PH about poundage requirements)
Arrows and good broadheads (2-3 dozen arrows should be adequate for a typical hunt)
Bow case with locks
Soft bow case