Safari Travel Tips | February 10, 2024
Here are some preliminary packing tips and medication ideas. Please check with your doctor on what is right for you. Nothing is required.
Specialists disagree on the details, but you’re generally advised to avoid red and white clothing (as well as anything Day-Glo) while on game drives because it can attract insects or make you more visible to certain animals. Instead, go for clothing in shades of khaki, brown, and olive, which help you to blend in with the environment and hide dust and dirt, and pair it with some sneakers with a decent tread (on most safaris, you don’t need serious hiking boots). Biting insects like tse-tse flies are attracted to striped patterns of royal blue and black, so don't wear this combination if possible. You’ll also want to pack plenty of layers since it can be chilly in the early morning, and blazing hot a few hours later. Don't forget a hat to help keep your skin protected under the harsh midday sun.
Camouflage or military-inspired clothing is prohibited when traveling in Zimbabwe.
Don't forget your passport, ATM card, credit cards (note that AMEX isn't widely accepted), and some U.S. dollars for meals that are not included, tips (more about that as we get closer), and souvenirs, etc.
Here's what I plan on bringing.
On the plane I will wear my stretchy jeans, layered tops, puffy jacket and sneakers or boots (still deciding which, you will want to have good tread)
Convertor/Adaptor/Phone/Camera and cords. I may bring a power strip
Sunblock and bug spray with deet
2-3 pair sunglasses
Hat with string and one lightweight hat
2-3 buffs or bandanas
2-3 pair lightweight quick dry long pants in Safari shades
4-5 various tops (tank, short sleeve and long sleeve)
Underwear, sport bras, socks etc
Bathing suit and flip flops
2 long lightweight sundresses with my jean jacket
1-2 lightweight short sundresses (can also be used for bathing suit cover up or nightgown)
Lightweight gloves or mittens
Small packable backpack and raincoat
Prescriptions/Toiletries/Antibiotics from your doctor/Advil etc
Teva style sandals
Cozy pants for camp
Lightweight jacket with pockets, safari style (I happen to have one)
Binoculars
Small flashlight/head lamp (or app on your phone)
My goal is to just travel with carry on!!
We have all been sharing immunization information. My recommendation is to speak with your doctor. I received Hep A & B and rabies a few years ago, I'm up to date on my tetanus, covid and flu shots. I plan on getting the shingles, pneumonia and a Typhoid booster. Some are getting a polio and measles/mumps/rubella booster (I'm not sure yet, my doctor was not up to date on that). Some are bringing Malaria pills (I'm unsure, I may use lot's of bug spray and cover up).
If you have anything to share let me know and I will make sure it gets to everyone!
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