Whether you’re gearing up to capture wildlife through your camera lens or planning a stylish and comfortable bush break, being prepared ensures you make the most of your safari adventure. This guide offers expert tips, a comprehensive safari packing list for women, and eco-friendly gear recommendations to help you pack like a pro.
1. Photography Gear: Best Camera for Safari Photography
A safari experience will be a life-changing event. It’s like nothing else on earth, no other experience can come close or compare. So why would you not want to take the opportunity to capture every amazing moment of it?
Capturing the beauty of Africa’s landscapes and wildlife is a highlight of any safari. Tanda’s own wildlife photography expert Marlon du Toit shares his advice on how to gear up for stunning photos. His most important tip? Keep it simple!
We are fortunate that in today’s day and age, we have so many options when it comes to camera choices.
The first and most accessible camera is your phone. Yes, you heard that right. Phones today are incredible devices and are capable of capturing photos and videos of the highest quality. Even if you have a capable camera, you should still take time to get to know your phone.
Take time to go through a few tutorials on the subject, learn a few tips and tricks, get to understand the functions on your phone in order to take great content on safari. Want to take it a step further? There’s some amazing third party photography apps, as well as editing apps to make sure you get the best out of the experience by using the camera that’s always in your hand.
Next up, an actual camera. Over the past 6 years semi professional and professional mirrorless cameras are smaller, lighter and jam-packed with technology. Some come with a lens attached, and others give you the option to choose your own set of lenses. You can either purchase your own equipment, or even rent them. Rentals are great because you can get a camera that professionals would use, as well as a useful set of lenses, without the burden of buying them and possibly not using them again, until the next safari. If however you find you enjoyed the photographic experience, you can always look at purchasing the gear after the fact.
Great camera brands to consider are Sony, Canon and Nikon.
Best Cameras:
- Entry-level: Canon EOS Rebel T7 or Nikon D3500 for beginners seeking affordability and quality.
- Advanced options: Sony Alpha a7 III or Canon EOS R5 for seasoned photographers desiring high resolution and versatility.
- Compact: Panasonic Lumix ZS200 for lightweight, travel-friendly photography.
Best Lenses for Wildlife Photography:
Must-Have Accessories:
- Tripod or monopod for stability.
- Extra memory cards and batteries.
- A durable camera bag to protect your gear on bumpy game drives.
Fortunately, many of the safari camps are rather used to photographers. Some of the vehicles are well equipped to help, and the guides are often knowledgable on the subject, allowing you the chance to ask them questions to take better photos. The vehicles will often have support systems like bean bags, and the likes.
Certainly do bring a few extra batteries along, as well as extra memory cards. The last thing you’d want is to run out of cards or battery while the action is happening. The could happen in places like East Africa where it’s not uncommon to spend the bulk of the day in the field and on safari.
Where do all the images go? Bring a laptop and some additional storage, such as a portable external hard drive. That way you have space to save all of your lovely photos!
And last but not least, get to know a photo-editing app such as Adobe’s Lightroom before you leave. It’s a great app to edit your photos, to make them look a little nicer and to share them with friends, family and on social media.
For more details, check out Marlon’s comprehensive camera gear setup in this blog.
2. Safari Packing List for Women: The Essentials
The African bush often entails chilly, early mornings, warm afternoons, and cooler evenings. These essentials will ensure you’re comfortable for your safari trip:
Clothing:
- Lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen that are moisture-wicking. Choose neutral tones (think khakis, beiges and greens) to blend into the surroundings and keep you cool.
- Long-sleeved shirts and trousers for protection against sun and insects.
- A warm layer like jacket or fleece for chilly evenings and a comfortable pair of socks.
Footwear:
- Sturdy safari shoes, such as lightweight hiking boots or comfortable walking shoes.
- Flip flops, slides or sandals for lounging around the pool and heading to dinner.
Accessories:
- Lightweight, wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses for sun protection.
- Lightweight scarf, which can double as a blanket or sunshield.
Skincare & Toiletries:
- SPF 30+ sunscreen and insect repellent.
- Travel-sized toiletries are ideal. Keep in mind that many lodges offer basics like soap and shampoo. Choose eco-friendly or biodegradable products to minimize environmental impact.
- Your favorite reusable water bottle.
3. Tech and Gadgets to Enhance Your Safari
Make your safari adventure seamless with these essential gadgets:
Binoculars for Safari:
Invest in a high-quality pair of binoculars to spot wildlife from a distance. Many animals, especially predators and birds, can be difficult to spot with the naked eye due to the vast landscapes and dense vegetation. A good pair of binoculars makes every game drive more rewarding by revealing intricate details such as feather patterns, animal interactions, or subtle movements. They’re also great for spotting animals perched in trees or hidden in riverbanks. Marlon only uses Swarovski Optik; other recommended brands include Zeiss and Nikon. There are also some great high-quality, travel-friendly options by brands such as Leica and Vortex.
Power Solutions:
- Power banks to keep devices charged on your drives.
- Universal travel adapters compatible with African outlets.
Digital Storage:
- Portable hard drives or cloud storage for backing up your wildlife photos and videos.
4. Eco-Conscious Packing: Leave Only Footprints
Sustainable travel is at the heart of Tanda Afrika’s safaris. A safari can be an immersive, impactful experience that leaves your destination a little better after each visit. Packing eco-friendly gear helps reduce your impact:
- Reusable items: Water bottles, snack containers, and tote bags for shopping at local markets.
- Sustainable brands: Opt for eco-conscious, versatile travel clothing and accessories. Brands like Patagonia offer excellent options for a safari adventure.
- Minimized waste: Avoid single-use plastics by packing biodegradable toiletries.
5. Tips for Organizing Your Safari Packing
Your safari trip may involve a bush flight to your destination – make sure to familiarize yourself with the flight operator’s luggage restrictions and pack lightly:
- Daypack Essentials: Include sunscreen, a camera, binoculars, water bottle and sunglasses for game drives. Having a field guide or notebook at hand is useful for keeping track of the animals and birds you spot.
- Packing Cubes: Very practical for keeping clothing and gear neatly organized, while saving space by helping to compress bulkier items.
- Soft Luggage: Opt for duffel bags or backpacks to meet weight and size restrictions.
6. Bonus Tips from the Tanda Afrika Experts
- Favorite Multi-Use Items: “I always pack a safari scarf or kikoi that works as a sun protector, shawl, or blanket,” says Tanda’s bespoke travel designer, Clare de Haas.
- Personal Must-Haves: Our bespoke travel designer, Jessica Taylor recommends a notebook for journaling or sketching your experiences.
- Stay Comfortable: “Don’t overpack!” says Our CEO PJ Scott. “Luxury lodges often provide toiletries and laundry services, so if you plan well you can cycle clothing.”
Marlon gets to travel a lot and there are a few essential items that he just never leaves home without.
- A good wide-brimmed safari hat.
- Good quality sunglasses, preferably polaroid.
- A great watch. Style on safari goes a long way! Marlon does love his Panerai.
- Good bush shoes. Comfortable shoes that allow you to take to the field with no fuss over thorns or rough terrain.
- His laptop and external storage options. Always with him, always nearby. As a travelling photographer, this is essential.
- Apple Airtags have saved Marlon from losing important items. Place them in your hand luggage, camera bag and checked luggage for extra peace of mind.
- Always have a pen on hand for any forms you need to complete upon arrival or departure.
- Some pre-downloaded movies to keep him busy at the airports and travel days.
Crafting Your Dream Safari
Packing for a safari is about balancing comfort, style, and practicality. With the right gear — whether it’s the best camera for safari photography or eco-friendly clothing — you’ll be ready for an adventure of a lifetime. Tanda Afrika’s curated trips ensure every detail is taken care of, leaving you free to explore Africa’s breathtaking landscapes and wildlife.
Get in touch to start planning your trip today and let us guide you to the ultimate safari experience.