Safari ready: 5 essentials for your African game drive.
A safari game drive is unlike anything else: from off-road adventuring and thrilling animal encounters to witnessing the art of tracking and sipping sundowners while overlooking the African plains. It’s also a reminder that the wild is, well… wild. From the moment you climb aboard the game-viewing vehicle and the engine rumbles to life, you embark on a rugged, heart-pounding adventure that brings you up close to nature in all its beautiful and untamed splendour.
To ensure you’re well prepared for this experience, we’ve put together a list of five important things to bring along on your game drive.
1. Sun Protection
Even in the winter months, temperatures on safari can reach mid to high twenties in degrees Celsius (up to 80 degrees Fahrenheit). You’ll be spending three to four hours out in an open-air vehicle per drive, so protecting yourself from the African sun is vital. Sunburn is not what you want as a souvenir.
Sunscreen
Before every game drive, be sure to put on a high SPF sunscreen and bring it along in case you need to reapply.
Hat
A hat is your best friend on safari. Choose a practical one (ideally wide-brimmed) to protect your face and neck. There are times when your ranger will step on the gas to get you to a sighting or to keep up, for example, with a pack of Wild Dogs on the hunt. When this happens, you don’t want your hat flying away, so make sure it fits snugly and can be tightly secured.
Sunglasses
Two features Africa is blessed with are clear, brilliant blue skies and sunshine. That makes packing a pair of sunglasses a must. As an added bonus they help keep dust particles out of your eyes.
2. Clothing Layers
Temperatures in the African bushveld can shift quite drastically from brisk, early mornings to scorching hot days, to cold nights that are heightened by the wind-chill factor from an open game-viewing vehicle. Having some extra clothing on hand means you can slip on or pull off layers as needed to stay comfortable throughout the drive.
For summer months, a jumper or jacket and possibly a thin scarf should suffice. In winter, bring along warmer options such as a fleece, thicker jacket, beanie and even gloves depending on how sensitive you are to the cold. Your safari lodge will also have blankets available and provide ponchos or waterproof jackets in the case of rain.
3. Binoculars
African wildlife can be elusive, and some captivating sightings can happen at a distance. A pair of binoculars will allow you to appreciate every detail and feel even closer to the amazing animals you come across.
4. Camera
Don’t forget to pack your digital camera (or smartphone with a good camera) to capture unforgettable moments. From a leopard resting in a Marula tree at sunset, to a baby elephant trying to keep up with mum or a striking Lilac Breasted Roller perched on a thorny branch—an African safari offers countless opportunities for that perfect photo.
For photography enthusiasts, a DSLR camera with a telephoto lens between 100mm - 500mm is ideal for wildlife (with the longer lens being better for birds). If you don’t have a camera or aren’t able to travel with one, speak to Golilo and we can look into hiring the right equipment for you.
5. Backpack
Now that you’ve got all your essentials together, you’re going to need a way to carry them. A small, light-weight backpack that you can keep with you on the vehicle is a great way to store your items and have them close by throughout the drive. A comfortable backpack is also useful should you decide to do a walking safari activity. Your lodge will provide you with drinking water bottles so make sure to bring that along in your bag, to keep hydrated.
With all the above gear packed in, you are now ready to head out on your game drive adventure. Being prepared means you can relax, stay comfortable and focus on immersing yourself in the wonderful sights and sounds that are unique to an African safari.
Get set for your safari
Whether it’s traversing the Okavango Delta’s watery wonderland or exploring the breath-taking South African bushveld, Golilo is here to help you plan the perfect luxury safari that’s tailored to your preferences.