What Should Be On My South Africa Packing List?
Are you gearing up for a trip to South Africa? If so, you’re probably wondering what to pack. Well, never fear – I’ve got you covered. In this post, I’ll share my South Africa packing list with you, so that you can be sure to have everything you need. From clothes to accessories, this list has it all! So read on and start packing – your dream vacation awaits!
Is South Africa worth visiting?
If you’re looking for an African adventure brimming with natural beauty and wildlife, South Africa is definitely worth a visit. From the iconic Table Mountain to the sprawling Kruger National Park, there’s no shortage of stunning landscapes to explore. And if you’re lucky, you might even spot some of the Big Five animals in their natural habitat.
There’s something for everyone in South Africa, from the bustling city of Johannesburg to the gorgeous Cape Winelands whether you’re an avid nature lover or simply looking for a unique travel experience, South Africa is sure not to disappoint.
Ultimate South Africa Packing List
But before you can start enjoying all that South Africa has to offer, you need to pack your suitcase. And that’s where this South Africa packing list comes in handy. I’ve put together a comprehensive list of everything you need to pack for a trip to South Africa, from clothes and shoes to essential accessories. So all you need to do is print out this list and start packing – your dream vacation awaits!
Travel Documents
Passport
For those traveling from the United States, you need a passport that is valid for at least 30 days (but I would make sure you have 6 months because most countries require this and if you are traveling through them, you will need that much time) with 2 consecutive blank facing pages.
For the United Kingdom, you need a passport that is valid for 6 months. Please check your country’s requirements, as they differ from country to country and can change.
Visa (if required)
A visa is not required if traveling from the United States for 90 days or less visit. Check here to see if your country is exempt from needing a visa to visit South Africa.
Tickets
Be sure and bring all tickets including plane, train, & tour tickets. Check to see if you need physical copies or if digital copies will work. I make a digital copy of all tickets and receipts for tickets and store them on an iCloud platform that I make available offline on my phone and/or iPad so that I have access to them if needed.
Insurance documents
Hopefully, you will never need insurance documents, but if you do, make sure you have a copy of your travel, health, auto, and any other insurance documents relevant to your trip.
Money/credit cards
Notify the credit card companies of the cards you are taking on the trip. This will help ensure that your credit card will work internationally.
I also take some money in the local currency. I have run into situations where I have needed it. Usually, I take $100-$200 unless I know I will need additional funds for tours, tips, etc…
You can exchange currency at many banks, like Wells Fargo and Bank of America. I do this online and have the money shipped to my house or a local branch. AAA and some other services also offer currency exchange.
Driver’s license (if renting a car)
Take your Driver’s license if you plan to rent a car. Also, verify whether you need an international driver’s license. Some countries/rental car companies will require an international driver’s license and it is best to get it before you travel.
Map and Guidebook
With internet service becoming more and more prevalent maps and guidebooks are not as needed. Check before you travel to ensure that GPS apps work and that you have cell service if you plan to use these apps.
First-aid and Toiletries
Prescription Medications
Be sure to bring any prescription medications you have in their original prescription bottles and have a copy of the prescription in digital form on a cloud service. Also, check before you arrive to see if a prescription for malaria medication is recommended. At certain times of the year and in certain destinations, it may be highly recommended.
First-Aid
When packing for your trip to South Africa, be sure to include some essential first-aid items in your suitcase. From bandages and antiseptic cream to painkillers and insect bite relief, having these items on hand will help you deal with any minor injuries or health issues that might arise during your travels. Plus, it’s always better to be safe than sorry!
Some other first-aid items that you might want to consider packing are diarrhea medication and motion sickness pills.
Toiletries
You will need any toiletries that you use regularly. These may include nail clippers, a nail file, a toothbrush, toothpaste, a razor, shaving cream, lotion, makeup, and my favorite, hair conditioner. Most hotels will provide soap and shampoo.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen is important if you plan to be on safari, especially in an open-air vehicle. We have been on a safari truck that had no roof. Also, you may find yourself at the beach or on a boat excursion. The sun can be very intense during the summer months.
Bug spray
Bug spray will be very important during the summer and around areas with water. Mosquitos are your greatest chance of contracting malaria or another disease while you are there.
Clothing
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to what to pack for a trip to South Africa, as the country’s climate can vary greatly depending on where you go. However, there are a few essential items that everyone should pack regardless of where they are visiting in the country.
My best tip is to bring along layers of clothing as the weather can be unpredictable, especially in the mountains, and the safari drives tend to be at dawn and dusk when the temperature can change quickly.
Clothes for different types of weather
South Africa is for casual dressing, so no need to bring dressy clothes unless you have a special occasion you are attending while you are there. I would make sure you have t-shirts, shorts, jeans, sleepwear, swimwear(if you have a place to swim), long-sleeved shirts, a jacket or sweatshirt, underclothes, and socks.
Shoes:
On my last trip, I only took two pairs of shoes for two weeks while I was in South Africa, both were comfortable hiking/walking shoes and sneakers. Depending on your itinerary, you may also want to bring sandals or flip-flops. However, please keep in mind that you are often walking in the same place as animals, which means you may be walking through the stuff they have left behind.
Hat
Take a hat to wear when you are out in the sun and on Safari. I usually take a baseball hat or bucket hat.
Accessories
These accessories are important additions to your South Africa Packing List.
Travel Plug Power Adapter
When traveling to South Africa, you will need to make sure you have a travel plug power adapter that can be used with the outlets in the country. The standard voltage in South Africa is 230 V, and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.
You should also be aware that some places in South Africa use three-pin plugs while others use two-pin plugs. If you are not sure what kind of plug to use, it is best to ask at your hotel or accommodation before you arrive.
Sunglasses
Sunglasses are a must as you will spend a lot of time outside, and the sun can be pretty intense in South Africa.
Cell phone and charger
A cell phone may come in handy, and I found the places we stayed to have fairly good internet service. I would check with your provider about possible international charges before you make the trip. And of course, you will need a charging cord or charger for the phone. All but one of the hotels we stayed in had USB-C charging available in the rooms. See below for apps suggested for your cell phone.
Camera
I love to capture pictures of animals and scenery, so I have this Nikon camera with a 60x zoom. If you bring a camera, be sure to bring a battery charger and extra memory cards.
I also have a GoPro camera that I love for capturing video!
Water Bottle
We choose to take a water bottle that filters out stuff that might not be good for us from the water. Currently, we have LifeStraw bottles, and I really like the size, weight, and effectiveness of the filter in these bottles.
Binoculars (if you’re into birdwatching or wildlife spotting)
Binoculars are great when the animal is just a little too far away to see it well. This small compact pair is inexpensive and will do the job on safari.
Journal (to document your amazing trip!)
I usually take a small notebook where I can jot down the things I don’t want to forget!
What to take on an African Safari
When going on safari in South Africa, it is important to think about what you will need to stay comfortable and safe. A small backpack is essential, as you will want to be able to carry all of your belongings with you while on the move.
Layers of clothing are also key, as the temperature can vary greatly throughout the day, and many times your safari will take place at dawn or dusk when the animals are most active.
A hat and sunglasses will help to protect you from the sun, while sunscreen and bug spray are a must to keep you safe from harmful UV rays and insects.
Binoculars and a camera are essential for spotting wildlife, and snacks and water will keep you fueled during your adventure.
For Your Flight
No matter where you’re flying to in the world, there are a few items that are essential for any international flight. To make sure you’re comfortable and prepared for your trip, be sure to pack noise-canceling headphones (or earplugs), an eye mask, and a travel pillow.
You’ll also want to bring along a light jacket, in case the plane gets chilly. And don’t forget your snacks and water! Staying hydrated and fed will help you feel your best during a long flight.
Lastly, be sure to pack your phone and USB charging cable so you can stay connected even while in the air. Optional but you may find useful are books, magazines, and movies/tv-shows downloaded to your phone or tablet.
Apps to Download Before Visiting South Africa
There are a few key apps that you’ll want to download to your cell phone before heading to South Africa. The first is an airline app, such as the one for American Airlines or South African Airways. This will come in handy when checking in for your flight, managing your booking, and keeping track of any changes or updates.
Another essential app is a hotel app, such as the one for Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Expedia, or Booking.com. This will allow you to easily search and book hotels, as well as check in and out of your room.
You’ll also want to download a GPS app, such as Waze, to help you navigate the country.
Finally, be sure to download a nature reference app, such as iNaturalist, so you can identify the many plants and animals you’ll see on your trip.
What Not to Bring to South Africa
When traveling to South Africa, there are a few items that you should leave at home. First of all, don’t bother bringing any formal clothes – the locals dress quite casually, even in business settings.
Secondly, it’s important to be aware of the dangers of wild animals; even though there are laws in place to protect them, it’s still best to avoid confrontations by keeping your distance.
Finally, be careful with your valuables; while violent crime is not as common as it once was, pickpocketing and petty theft are still problems in some areas. By following these simple guidelines, you can help ensure that your trip to South Africa is a safe and enjoyable one.
The Wrap-Up: What Should Be On My South Africa Packing List
This is just a basic list for your South Africa Packing List– be sure to add or remove items as necessary based on your own needs and preferences. But with this list as a starting point, you can be sure that you won’t forget anything essential for your trip to South Africa. So start packing and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!
