What should I pack for an Africa overland tour?

Luggage

When embarking on one of our overland tours that uses an overland truck, it is important to note that your baggage is restricted to a single backpack and day pack, weighing no more than 23kg in total. Bringing an excess of luggage can hinder your experience, in general you have packed excessively if you are unable to lift your own luggage. Those who require additional baggage allowance may make a request but it is important to bear in mind that we cannot guarantee that we will always be able to accommodate large or excess baggage, given that this is a safari tour and our trucks have been specifically designed with storage lockers. For this reason, we do NOT allow Samsonite-style suitcases, as they are not suitable and don’t fit in the lockers provided. As wheelie or trolley bags possess a solid frame, they cannot be stored in the same manner as backpacks or duffel bags. Our lockers are roughly 35cm square and 80cm deep so keep this in mind when choosing a travel bag.

Most of our Kruger and Garden Route tours don’t have such strict luggage restrictions. You can bring hard suitcases but please make sure that your bag/suitcase does not weigh more than 20 kg.

We do advise that you check your pre departure document after booking a tour as this has more details pertaining to your trip. You can also ask your consultant for advice.

General packing list

The first step in packing for your Africa overland tour is to research your tour. Understand the type of tour you’re taking and the activities involved. Consider the duration of the tour and the weather conditions in the areas you’ll visit. For instance, if you’re going on a safari tour in the dry season, you’ll need to pack differently from a tour that involves hiking in the rainy season.

Clothing

When it comes to clothing, the rule of thumb for an Africa overland tour is to pack light comfortable clothes. Here are some clothing items to consider:

• Light and Breathable Clothes: Most parts of Africa are hot and humid, so it’s essential to pack light clothes that will keep you cool and comfortable. Pack t-shirts, tank tops, shorts, and skirts made from breathable materials such as cotton, linen, and bamboo.
• Warm Clothes: While most parts of Africa are hot during the day, the temperatures can drop significantly at night. Therefore, it’s essential to pack warm clothes such as a fleece jacket or a hoodie to keep you warm at night.
• Rain Gear: If you’re traveling during the rainy season, pack a rain jacket, a poncho, or an umbrella to keep you dry.
• Swimwear: If your tour involves swimming, pack swimwear such as bikinis or swim trunks.
• Comfortable Walking Shoes: Pack comfortable walking shoes such as sneakers. Most of our tours don’t require fancy hiking boots, comfortable walking shoes should suffice. Avoid packing new shoes that haven’t been broken in.

We have compiled a packing list to make your packing experience easier. (Note this is based on doing an overland tour longer than 7 days.)

• 2 or 3 shorts/skirts
• 1 jacket/anorak
• Tracksuit/pullover
• 2 pairs of long pants/jeans
• 2 pairs of walking shoes/boots/trainers
• 1 pair of sandals
• 3 or 4 T-shirts/short sleeve shirts or sundresses
• 2 or 3 Long Sleeve Shirts
• Smart casual change of clothes
• Swimwear
• Underwear & socks
• Sun Hat – preferably that covers the back of your neck.
• Raincoat
• Kikoi/sarong
• Beanie and gloves if you're travelling in winter
• Toiletries such as toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, shampoo, and a towel and facecloth.
• Most tours provide toilet paper, but it’s essential to carry your own in case of emergencies.
• Baby Wipes or Wet wipes are useful
• Medical Kit - Pack essential items such as painkillers, antihistamines, antiseptic cream, and plasters.
• Insect and mosquito repellent
• Sun block & after sun lotion
• Sunglasses
• Biodegradable laundry detergent
• Pair of gloves if you are gorilla trekking
• Vaccination certificates (if applicable)
• Small sewing kit
• Clothes line and pegs
• Small scrubbing brush
• Small padlock for your luggage locker in the truck
• Torch and batteries
• Camera, extra batteries, and a memory card to capture the beautiful scenery and wildlife.
• Electronics such as a phone, a power bank, and a charger. 
• Plug Adapter
• If you wear glasses or contact lenses it is advisable to bring a spare pair along.
• Water Bottle – most of our trucks are fitted with purified water filters for access to filtered water.
• Sleeping Gear - Sleeping bag and pillow – if booking an overland camping tour. (this information is not applicable on our Kruger Tented Camp Safaris).