JD African Safaris

African Hunting Safaris

Hunting Safari Packing List

We know the frustration of leaving something behind you really wanted to bring, so for your convenience, we have compiled a hunting safari packing checklist to help you remember those required and comfort items to help keep your hunting trip worry-free.

Be aware the more remote your location, the more difficult it is to acquire forgotten items.

This inclusive list is provided for your convenience and considers both males and females, hunters and observers. So, obviously, some items may not apply to you. An asterisk (*) next to an item indicates it is required.

This checklist should serve as a guideline only; you may wish to add/delete items, so we’ve also included a downloadable form for you to use in our Helpful Links on our Resources tab.

 

IMPORTANT PAPERS / DOCUMENTATION

  • Driver’s License: Make a copy to leave at home just in case you lose it on the trip
  • *Passport: Make several copies to keep with you – you will be asked to present this document several times especially when clearing firearms.
  • *Rifle Permit: Make several copies to keep with you – you will be asked to present this document several times especially when clearing firearms.
  • *Airline Tickets: Make a copy and leave with a home contact should you have an emergency.
  • *Letter of invitation from the hunting safari outfitter:  Make several copies to keep with you – you will be asked to present this document several times especially when clearing firearms.
  • Enroute Hotel Reservations: Make a copy and leave with a home contact should you have an emergency.
  • Cash: Enroute expenses, tips (PH, trackers, dining, hotel, etc.)
  • Credit Card: Enroute expenses (travel, dining, hotel, etc.)

HUNTING GEAR

  • Rifle:
    • Plains game: Normally any bolt-action rifle you would use for North American deer
      hunting is adequate for most game. Good choices are .30-’06, .300 WM, 7mm
      Mag, etc. Exceptions would be for the very largest plains game species like Eland
      where .338 or .375 would be advisable.
    • Dangerous game or large animals.  We suggest a minimum of .375 H&H.  Note: while you can bring a rifle with a muzzle break, it is
      not recommended.
  • Ammunition: Bring premium ammunition-with hunting bullets (not target bullets). This is not a
    place to try and save money – bring high quality ammunition that you are confident
    in.
  • Binoculars: Suggest bringing a pair that is a good compromise between weight and
    magnification. As these will be your constant companion, the lighter ones will be
    preferred while hiking. A good and padded neck or body harness is also an
    excellent accessory.

APPAREL – On-Safari clothing

Consider wearing items that will glide through brush. You might find extra pockets convenient, such as, those in cargo pants. Color/pattern recommendations: Forest or olive green, or Mud (gray/green) color for South Africa, Zimbabwe and Mozambique; Sand or Khaki for Namibia. Check with JDAS for camouflage limitations; some locations prohibit military patterns. In addition, most camps do laundry every day, but because clothes are usually line-dried (no dryers) it could take some days to dry depending on the weather. Therefore, recommend at least 4 changes of clothes.

  • Shoes: Walking shoes or hiking boots for hunting. Depending on the terrain, you may want ankle support. (Will make recommendations upon request)
    • New shoes: Make sure you have broken them in to prevent unwelcomed blisters.
    • Old shoes: You might also consider bringing an extra pair of laces. Should they break, it may be difficult to find a replacement.
  • Socks Cotton or wool socks and liners; bring at least 5 pairs. Socks should not be white or bright colors.
  • Pants or shorts: Bring what you are comfortable wearing. Be advised wearing shorts during hunting may result in scratches from thorns and brambles.  If you’re tough, game on!
  • Shirts: Hunting, hiking, or any shirt you are comfortable with.
  • Tee shirts: Optional. Wear under hunting shirt or as your shirt.
  • Hat: You may want to wear something to protect your skin, and assist in camouflage.
  • Sock Protectors / Gators: If you’re wearing shorts, then consider bringing some if you want to preserve your socks from burrs and thorns. Recommended for some parts of Zimbabwe and South Africa.  Also depends on time of year going.
  • Outerwear: Depending on when and where you are going, you may need outwear, such as: coat, jacket, gloves, rain gear, etc. JDAS can advise you before you go.

APPAREL – Leisure Clothing

After a day on-safari, you’ll want to get a shower and change into something clean and comfortable at the end of the day. Whatever you like to wear lounging.  If you plan to integrate some non-safari activities like shopping or nightlife into your trip, bring clothes for that too.  Be sure to check the weather forecast before you go.

  • Shoes / Flip Flops: You’ll want to air out or dry your day shoes from a day of walking, so an extra pair are recommended.
  • Socks:
  • Pants or shorts:
  • Shirts or tees:
  • Nightwear: Most likely you’ll have private quarters, so, whatever you’re comfortable with, if anything.
  • Outerwear: Jackets, coats, vests, rain gear.  Again, check the weather forecast before you go.

HEALTH AND BEAUTY

Recommend travel sizes. Don’t forget many of these items must be in your checked luggage. Be sure to check with your airline what you can include with carry-on.

  • Eye Care: Eyeglasses, sunglasses, contacts. Eye drops, cleansers, etc.
  • Oral Care: Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, dental picks, mouthwash
  • Oral Appliances: Dentures, Retainers, cleaning products
  • Hearing Care: Hearing aids, drops, etc.
  • Medication (Required): Check with your doctor to see recommended medications for the area you will be travelling. Example: Anti-malarial.
  • Medication (Prescription): Sleep aids, heart, asthma, blood pressure, etc.
  • Medication (over-the-counter): Allergy, pain, cold & flu, anti-nausea, digestive, anti-diarrheal, antacids, etc. Vitamins & Supplements
  • Shaving Care: Razors, shaving cream
  • Skin Care Products: Sunblock, moisturizer, facial wipes, cleansers, lip care. Body wash / soap
  • Insect Repellent containing the ingredient DEET.
  • Hair Care: Shampoo / conditioner
  • Hair appliances: Hair dryer, straightener, curling iron. (Don’t forget, you may have little or no access to electric while on-safari)
  • Hair grooming: Brush, comb, styling products: gel, hairspray, mousse
  • Hair accessories Hair ties, bobby pins, pony-tail holders, bandanna, barrettes
  • Makeup: Mascara, foundation, eye shadow, eye pencils, lipstick, etc
  • Nail care: Nail clippers, file
  • Sanitary wipes: Face or body wipes.
  • Hand sanitizers:  Purell or other.
  • Cologne / Perfume: For use off-safari
  • Sanitary Needs: Underwear protection or feminine hygiene products.
  • Medical Devices/Supplies Medical testing devices, monitors, lancets, etc.

ELECTRONICS

Be advised, depending on where you are going, you may have no/little access to an electrical outlet for charging your batteries, so be prepared.

  • Camera: Case, lenses, stabilizers, charger, power cord
  • Cellphone: Selfie stick, charger, power cord, connector cord
  • GoPro: Mounts, charger, power cord
  • Mp3 Player: connector cord
  • Batteries (Disposable): Bring extra! Make sure you go through this list and note how many you will need for all your devices and other equipment.
  • Batteries (Rechargeable): Make sure all your rechargeable batteries have a full charge before you go.
  • Memory Cards: Bring Extra and make sure they fit.  USBs, external memory drive, SD cards
  • Travel Power Adapter: Bring an assortment. Depending on where you are going, the electrical plug-ins may differ. You can find these in department store luggage departments or at drug stores usually near batteries section.

MISCELLANEOUS

  • Neck pillow: Airlines may provide a small pillow during your flight; however, you may find more comfort with a travel neck pillow.
  • Headphones: Although your airline will most likely provide them, you might desire some noise cancellation ones.
  • Snack or Sandwich bags: If you are at a camp where you are in mostly primitive areas, you may not be around running water until you return at the end of the day. If you like, bring a few wipes with you on the hunt in a baggie. As you use them put them back in the baggie and throw it away upon your return to the camp.
  • Reading material: Bring a book or magazine to pass the time enroute or if you “take a day off.”
  • Journal & Pen: You may choose to write down your daily thoughts and experiences.

HOME PREPARATION

  • Hold your mail:  https://holdmail.usps.com/holdmail/
  • Newspaper: Put a hold on your newspaper or ask someone to collect them for you.
  • Get Home Sitter or Pet Sitter
  • Home Security: Notify your home security monitor or the police you’ll be out of town.
  • Notify your bank: Let them know your travel route.

 

We hope you found our checklist to be useful for your safari hunting trip.  We’d be honored if you think of us for your next hunting adventure.  Keep checking back on our Hunting Packages page – we are constantly adding new ones!  Or, give us a call at 706-502-2898.