A safari in the winter can be a chilly affair...

Despite Africa's legendary sun-filled days in South Africa's winter months, from June to September, a safari can get more than a bit nippy and require some warm clothing, especially in the early mornings and evenings. 

Our guests sometimes get caught out by South Africa's winter. While the days are sunny and warm with average mid-day temperatures as high as 28 deg C, at night it can be 10 deg C! Add a couple of degrees less for the fact that Pungwe is located in a slight depression alongside a drainage line, and you begin to understand the need for hot water bottles at this time of year!

While those lower temperatures may not seem unusual for our European and American visitors, when you head out into the wilderness each morning as the sun comes up in an open safari vehicle the wind-chill factor can make things feel chilly. Don't worry, though, because by 09h00 the sun finally warms things up nicely. However, as it begins to set at around 17h00, the temperature can drop quite drastically. 

 Which makes packing for a safari during the winter months quite challenging. Don't panic, though, because the secret of a successful African adventure at this time of year is layers. 

Thanks to technology and the advent of lightweight thermally efficient clothing, keeping warm isn't the issue it used to be. So, a set of thermals (top and long bottoms) won't take up much room in your bag and will feel like a second skin under your clothes. They're invaluable on a winter safari, so a definite "must pack" item.

Woolly socks are an absolute must, as are closed shoes like trainers or hiking boots, long pants, long-sleeved tops, jerseys or sweaters. A puffer jacket is the icing on the cake as it's light as a feather and folds up to next-to-nothing but is incredibly warm. Add a warm beanie, a scarf and gloves and you're set. 

The key to packing for a winter safari is to go for comfort and practicality and clothes that aren't so form-fitting that they prevent the layering process.

In the mornings, put the clothes you want to end up in towards the end of the safari on first and add your layers accordingly. On your afternoon/evening game drive the process is reversed as you set off in cooler clothing and add the layers on as you go. This makes a backpack a useful item on your game drives as this is where you put the clothes you take off in the mornings and carry the clothes you're going to need in the afternoon/evenings. 

At Pungwe you've got the added advantage of wonderful, warm blankets on the open safari vehicle and, if you'd like one, a hot water bottle for the early morning game drives! Sunglasses are another lifesaver in the winter as they stop the early morning chill from making your eyes water too much!

Of course, in between game activities it's shorts and T-shirts time, so don't forget to bring some. And a pair of flip-flops or sandals. When you return to camp for dinner of an evening you're already prepared for the chill and have the added advantage of the campfire to keep you feeling warm. 

Turning in for the night is a pleasure in the winter months when there are fewer insects, and you can snuggle down under the wonderful fluffy duvet with additional warm blankets if they're needed. As you pop your feet into bed they'll be greeted by a hot water bottle that's already warmed things up for you!