Some hot tips on what to bring and what to leave behind!

Packing the perfect safari bag is an art form - one that many guests need help with, so us to dip into our well of packing experience and share some valuable nuggets of advice with you on what you'll need while in camp and what to expect from the elements out here in the Manyeleti... 

Rule Number One - the bag maketh the safari! No matter whether you're flying across the world to come and visit us or making the short drive from Johannesburg, choosing a lightweight yet hardy travel bag that offers enough space without weighing a ton is the way to go. Get the bag right, and the rest falls nicely into place.

We generally recommend duffel bags as the shape of choice. They're practical and easy to carry and most importantly, they are soft sided and able to squeeze into small spaces. 

What to pack

So, you have your bag - now it's time to put stuff in it! When it comes to clothing there are some easy guidelines to follow...

Let's start with colours... opt for neutral, earth tones like khaki, beige, brown and grey as these blend in effortlessly when you're out on our open safari vehicles. You can add in some muted blues and pastels but try to stay away from white as much as possible, even though it looks amazing it makes you stand out while on game activities. 

Whatever you bring, make sure it's comfortable and fit for purpose. We don't care if you're not the most sartorially elegant traveller in the world - as long as you feel at home and can relax and enjoy the adventure. Remember you'll be climbing on and off safari vehicles, going on exciting walks in the wilderness and enjoying morning coffee and sundowners out in the wild... So high heels and haute couture can be left at home!

What's the weather like?

The seasons here are the opposite of what many are used to in the northern hemisphere. Spring runs from September to November, summer from December to February, autumn from March to May and winter from June to August. 

Autumn and winter are the driest months, with the annual rains arriving usually around October and November. This is when the heat builds up. Once the rains arrive, it gets hot and humid, with spectacular storms that have to be seen to be believed! 

If you're visiting in our summer months (December to February), the temperatures are at their peak. This doesn't mean it doesn't get cold, though, especially when it rains. So, it's always best to bring a lightweight, weather-proof windbreaker-type jacket and a sweater or two. We have rainproof ponchos on our vehicles for added protection in the event of rain!

In winter the early mornings and evenings are cold - sometimes bone-chillingly so. So you're going to need protection on game activities in the form of a beanie-style hat, gloves and a scarf, as well as a fleece or puffer-style jacket, long pants and closed shoes or boots. Thermals are a good idea too.

In autumn and winter the days are wonderfully warm and sunny, so you'll have the strange experience of putting everything you brought with you on for the morning drive, taking it off layer by layer as you go and then needing to change into shorts and sandals from mid morning to mid afternoon, before layering up for the afternoon/evening drive and dinner under the stars! 

Mix up the layers

The mix and match, layered approach really works. Choose items of clothing that offer a variety of outfits and that can be easily layered to add warmth where necessary. Even in the peak of summer it can get chilly in the early mornings, so make sure you have a lightweight sweater or jacket on hand. Long-sleeved shirts are also a great idea as they offer protection from the sun and biting insects too, and add warmth under a top layer.

Here's a rough guide of clothing items to include in your packing list:

Any time of year:

Three of four tee-shirts

A couple of long-sleeved shirts

Two or three pairs of shorts and/or cargo pants

Two pairs of long pants

A lightweight wind-breaker or weatherproof jacket

A couple of lightweight sweaters

Hat

Sunglasses

Thongs/flipflops

Closed walking shoes

Rugged sandals/open walking shoes

Autumn/winter

Fleece or puffer jacket 

Beanie hat, scarf and gloves

Thermal under garments

Warm socks

Walking boots

On winter mornings and evenings we give you blankets on game drives to help keep you warm, and at night there will be hot water bottles in your beds to keep the cold at bay and lots of extra, super fluffy blankets! 

Cosmetics, toiletries and personal items

We have basic amenities like soap, shampoo and conditioner, as well as insect repellent, which means you can keep your toiletries bag to a minimum. You'll need sun screen and a good moisturiser as well as any medicines you will need during your trip. It's always a good idea to make copies of any prescriptions just in case you are asked about any scheduled medicines you may have.

Getting it in the bag...

Everyone has their own way of packing, but there are some universal hacks that are perfect for getting your gear into your safari bag with room to spare.

First of all - it's a good idea to lay out everything you want to pack on a flat surface like a dining table or your bed and have a good, hard look at it. Ask yourself if you absolutely need every single thing you have earmarked for packing and do a last-minute "purge" of unnecessary items.

Then it's time to start packing. You can put shoes in plastic Ziploc-style bags (or recycled shopping bags) to keep them separate from clothing. It's up to you how you fold your clothing. We love rolling items as it helps with space and also reduces creasing to a minimum. 

Sometimes it's a good idea to either double bag or wrap your toiletries bag in a recycled shopping bag to prevent any possible chance of leakages. When you're flying, remember that baggage handlers don't always treat bags with the respect they deserve!

Camera gear and other essentials

Try to find carry-on bags and day bags that are practical, roomy and easy to carry, with easy to access compartments for your travel documents, devices and personal items. Backpacks can be a good option in this regard and are great for taking on game activities with essentials like additional clothing/jackets, water bottles, hats etc. 

Don't forget your camera, and a good pair of binoculars is always a good idea! A torch is always useful too.

We have a bank of plugs in our lounge area for recharging, but it's always sensible to pack your own adaptors and all the charging gear you need for cameras and your digital devices/smartphones.

If there's anything you're not sure of, we're always on hand to answer questions and help solve problems, so just pick up the phone or drop us an email. 

Happy packing!