What do I Need to Pack?
What do I Need to Pack?
Although it may seem fairly simple to pack for backpacking holiday, you will find that packing is well… not that simple.
Spread everything you are planning on taking, out on your bed. Then put half of it back in the cupboard and take the other half with you and you will probably still find at the end of your trip that there are things you didn’t use. Try and think of it this way… the more space you have, the more awesome souvenirs you can take home!
The bottom line is to pack clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty, that are easy to wash and dry and don’t need to be ironed. Consider leaving it behind after your trip and if you can live without it, it is the right item to take on your Overland adventure!
Africa Travel Essentials:
* A Backpack or soft duffel bag. Suitcases are not suitable for Overland travel.
* A small daypack
* Sleeping bag (if required).
* Roll mat or self-inflatable camping mattress (if required). Bring a spare patch and some glue!
* Sleeping sheet (to use inside your sleeping bag for extra insulation or on top of your sleeping bag in warm conditions)
* Head torch and spare batteries.
* Sun glasses
* If you wear contact lenses, bring spares. Also bring glasses as you might find the dusty dry conditions hard on your eyes.
* If you wear glasses, bring a spare pair.
* Mosquito net if you are planning on sleeping under the stars.
* Washing line – look for a pegless one – they are brilliant!
* Towel
Toiletries:
* Your normal toiletries
* Insect repellent
* Sunscreen
* Hat
* Lip balm
* Contraceptives
* If you use any regular medication, please ensure you have enough to last you for the entire tour plus an extra week, just in case.
Africa Outdoor Clothes:
* Open shoes (flip flops/sandals/jandals)
* Comfortable walking/hiking shoes.
* Bathing suit/swimming shorts
* Light cotton tops/t-shirts/sleeveless tops.
* Sarong, you will find these very practical as they can be used as a towel, a skirt, a sleep sheet, you name it.
* Available all over Africa.
* Lightweight long-sleeved tops for game drives or safaris (this will protect you from mosquito’s & sunburn)
* Cargo pants/track suit pants for evenings and cooler days
* Shorts/light skirt/dress
* Lightweight waterproof jacket
* Sweater or polar fleece (the nights can be cool)
* Socks
* Underwear
* One set of smart clothes for a night out
Photography:
* Camera with relevant batteries and chargers
* Memory cards large enough as you may not be able to get them anywhere else
* Film for your camera
Small First Aid Kit:
Clients are required to bring their own basic first aid kit which should contain:
* Pain killers – ie: paracetamol
* Rehydration sachets for diarrhoea
* Anti diarrhoea medication
* Antihistamine tablets or cream
* Antiseptic cream, e.g. Betadine, Savlon
* Plasters, sterile dressing pads
* Eye drops
* Tweezers
* After sun treatment
Overlanding Africa is THE place to find out about what’s involved in Overlanding, get an idea of what type of African overlanding is possible and book the best possible trip to suit you. Go straight to the tours or use our guide to get started. Overlanding offers Budget African Safaris, Africa Overland Tours, Camping Safaris and advice for backpacking Africa. Overlanding & budget safari South Africa
