Solely Packing Record for South Africa You Want!

Let’s minimize to the chase right here folks – South Africa is simply a type of bucket listing international locations you HAVE to go to!

Little recognized truth arising, however South Africa was truly the primary nation I visited as a backpacker exterior of Europe on the tender age of 19!

It blew me away then and this nation has continued to blow me away on each subsequent journey I’ve made since!

From superb shoreline and wonderful browsing opps, to unimaginable safaris and wildlife recognizing experiences (sure I’m taking a look at you penguins!), proper by means of to a captivating cultural narrative and wealthy traditions, South Africa nearly has all of it.

Oh and that’s with out mentioning the wonderful metropolis of Cape City, the place you can simply spend per week or 2 and nonetheless not see every thing!

So from Desk Mountain to Kruger Nationwide Park, the Durban seashores to the great wine areas, right here’s the one packing listing you’ll want on the subject of being totally kitted out for the final word South African expertise…

Oh and in the event you’re searching for an ideal tour in South Africa too, then take a look at these great options!

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Preserve Baggage Weight Down!

Earlier than I get onto the precise guidelines of what it is best to pack to your journey to South Africa, I needed to put in writing a fast few tricks to cowl some particular questions you might need.

First up, this packing listing is designed to be light-weight i.e. it’s supreme for backpackers, but additionally for anybody else heading to this nation who doesn’t need to haul huge suitcases round.

For those who’re transferring about South Africa, which you undoubtedly ought to by the best way, then lugging huge luggage on and off buses or flights is solely no enjoyable, so this packing listing is designed to be sure to have every thing you want, for each inch of this nation, with out being too weighed down!

And in the event you handle to condense your stuff down properly, then this entire South Africa packing listing under ought to match right into a 40-50l backpack (or a medium suitcase).

I by no means take something larger, even after I’m travelling for six months at a time, so that you’ve bought no excuse!

This 50l Atmos backpack from Osprey makes an ideal choice and could be brilliantly accompanied by some good packing cubes!

Sure these guys are the reply to all of your packing issues my mates, and if you wish to compress your gear to take up much less area, in addition to have it properly organised, I extremely counsel you get some!

I completely love packing cubes and personally would by no means think about heading off to Africa, or certainly wherever, with out them!

Packing for a South Africa Safari

So whereas we’re with regards to maintaining the baggage weight down, it’s value mentioning that the primary guidelines under does element every thing you want in the event you plan to safari in South Africa too, which I extremely counsel you do!

The principle general recommendation right here is to deliver layers which might be skinny, however that also defend you from humidity, harsh UV rays and bugs and so on.

A thin, light waterproof / windproof jacket shall be very useful when packing for a safari at daybreak or nightfall and, as all the time, I like to recommend clothes with a number of pockets so you’ve quick access to issues like tissues, digital camera, sanitiser, snacks and so on.

It’s possible you’ll even need to take into consideration a heat hat and socks relying what time of 12 months you might be visiting this nation.

A silk sleeping bag liner may also be helpful, particularly in the event you having fun with any multi-day safaris on a finances, most of which contain tenting.

And irrespective of whether or not you’re tackling an enormous journey safari in a distant park, or only a day exercise near Cape City, an lively digital camera just like the Go Pro shall be supreme with its waterproof, compact and sturdy attributes.

And in case you are nonetheless searching for your good safari journey in South Africa, don’t neglect to take a look at these recommended options, which provide you with a great deal of flexibility over dates and parks.

Packing For Your Flight to South Africa

It’s additionally value taking a while to consider what to put on on a flight over to South Africa.

Ensuring this stuff tie in as a lot as attainable with the guidelines under will enable you to hold your packing mild as you received’t be doubling up or carrying pointless belongings you received’t put on once more till the flight dwelling.

Fairly merely, layers are key.

You by no means know the way scorching or chilly a aircraft may be and if you wish to get some sleep, comfortable clothes is king.

That is very true given flights to South Africa from North America, Europe or Australia / New Zealand are lengthy haul, so I’d definitely advise sporting belongings you really feel comfy in.

I all the time put on leggings on long-haul flights and love these natural bamboo fibre ones from Boody, which I now by no means journey with out.

I pair them with both a skinny cotton high or costume (relying how a lot protection you need) after which additionally take a sweater and a shawl on the aircraft for further cosy layers.

The travel wraps from Sholdit, which have hidden safety pockets are good for journey adventures and I like mine!

Compression flight socks are additionally a should in my e-book on the subject of lengthy haul flying as they enable you to keep away from the opportunity of DVT and I pair these with a lovely eye mask and ear plugs to make sure I get some good zzz.

A journey pillow may also enable you to right here and I like this one from MLVOC, because of its reminiscence foam, high-sided design.

FYI, a journey pillow may also turn out to be useful in the event you’re taking any lengthy car journeys in South Africa too… which you undoubtedly will!

In any other case, if leggings aren’t your factor, then loose-fitting denims or comfortable cargo pants may be a superb choice. Pairs these with a t-shirt and skinny sweater on high.

Small Necessities Equipment for Journey Days

I all the time journey with a small bag of necessities after I take long-distance flights.

Usually it is a small, plastic ziplock bag (so it passes airport safety liquid checks) with toothbrush and toothpaste, floss, small facewash, small moisturiser, lip balm, tissues, moist wipes, spare underwear and compression flight socks all tucked inside.

However it’s not simply on the flight to South Africa I’d use this.

Nope, given the long-distance car rides that are a elementary a part of journey on this nation, I discovered it very useful to maintain this small important package packed and able to go along with me all through the journey.

As a substitute of packing it away, as I usually do after I arrive in a vacation spot, maintaining this small pack of necessities consistently topped up and included as a part of my hand baggage in South Africa was so useful for after I needed to catch long-distance buses or drive lengthy distances.

Figuring out I may all the time brush my enamel, or have bathroom paper useful, was a game-changer and I strongly suggest you having the same, necessities package with you in South Africa too.

Final South Africa Packing Record

And so lastly right here it’s – my merchandise by merchandise guidelines for precisely what to pack and put on in South Africa…

Garments

1x Skinny Waterproof / Windproof Jacket

As a result of it’s up to now south, this nation can truly get colder within the autumn and winter months, and Cape City could be very windy at nearly any time of the 12 months!

As such, taking a thinner jacket to guard you from wind and rain showers, and that you may layer on or off when being lively, makes a whole lot of sense.

I like the North Face Venture 2 which can also be supreme for any climbing or mountain time you would possibly get pleasure from in South Africa as properly.

2x Thick Hoodies / Sweaters / Fleeces

Once more key to maintaining hotter within the excessive altitude areas of the nation, in addition to on any daybreak or nightfall safaris, you’ll undoubtedly need some thick, cosy sweaters in your South Africa packing listing.

A superb thermal one, like this Columbia thermal fleece is properly suited to the job as it’s designed for lively journey and is ideal for climbing and tenting.

2x Skinny Lengthy-Sleeved Tops

Good for cooler days or when climbing / travelling, skinny long-sleeved tops are additionally good when you want to layer as they are often worn beneath thicker jumpers.

Selecting a superb pure fibre like cotton or bamboo is an efficient alternative for finances vs put on, as these materials are extra sturdy and clothes constituted of them received’t must be washed as a lot.

Selecting darkish colors shall be higher for safaris too and they received’t present up the filth as a lot!

7x Singlets / T-Shirts

Select tops that match the trousers / leggings / shorts you select to pack and think about quick-dry choices.

T-shirts are good for protecting shoulders and providing extra solar safety within the harsh warmth that you just’ll discover in South Africa in the summertime months.

2x Pairs Lengthy Pants / Trousers

Nice for going out within the night, wandering round cities when it’s a bit cooler or wet, or having fun with wine excursions, a few pair of versatile trousers are a should on the subject of what to pack for South Africa.

I feel 2 is an efficient quantity to cowl a variety of actions from metropolis strolling to nature time.

2x Pairs Leggings / Mountain climbing Pants

One among my journey necessities, leggings are so useful for placing beneath trousers if chilly, for climbing or exercising, for being comfy, for further nightwear or for beneath an informal costume within the night.

In case you have room, my recommendation is to take 2 pairs and make them bamboo fibre ones if poss, as these guys are tender, mild, comfy, breathable and hypoallergenic… what’s to not love?!

For those who don’t like leggings, hiking trousers or loose-fitting pants will do as a substitute as they’re additionally good for journey days or in the event you plan to undertake any volunteer work.

2x Pair Shorts

You’re going to wish one thing to put on throughout these scorching days in South Africa, particularly in the event you’re in Cape City in the course of the summer season when hitting the seashore is a should!

1x Gentle Costume / Tunic

Once more, a superb merchandise for metropolis days or seashore days, or each!

A lightweight costume can also be good if you wish to costume up a bit in the course of the night and you may as well put on this over a pair of leggings!

You see, so versatile!

2x Scarves

I all the time suggest a few scarves at any time when I journey as a result of they’re so versatile.

Nice for climbing or making an attempt to maintain your neck heat or sweat out of your eyes, the listing goes on and on!

Journey wraps like this one from Sholdit are additionally supreme for maintaining valuables protected on lengthy bus journeys (care of their secret safety pocket) if you would possibly need to dose off too!

1x Beanie / Heat Hat

Nice for if you’re at altitude or tenting or climbing, a heat hat will hold you amazingly heat.

Throughout cooler safari rides, say at daybreak and nightfall, (as a result of don’t neglect these autos are open-sided!) you’re additionally prone to respect one too!

1x Cap / Solar Hat

One thing to defend your face, neck and ears from the robust UV rays which might be very prevalent in South Africa.

2x Swimwear & Sarongs

South Africa has a few of the most lovely seashores going, so be sure to come totally ready with 2 swimwear choices and a sarong or 2 for that fast seashore dry, light-weight choice!

7x Pairs Underwear

Small and compact, 7-8 pairs will prevent a whole lot of handwashing!

2x Bras + 2x Sports activities Bra

Small and nice for climbing, sports activities bars can be helpful on bumpy safari rides!

I actually love this black, padded one from Nike.

5x Pairs Socks

Ensure you take socks of varied lengths / thickness, together with ankle socks for metropolis days and good, anti-blister over-the-ankle socks for climbing actions.

Sun shades

Make sure that the sun shades you journey to South Africa with supply UV safety.

Nightwear

You’ll be able to all the time double up in your daywear right here to save lots of room!

Sneakers

1x Pair Trainers / Runners

On the whole, safaris in South Africa could be loved with simply trainers.

Boots aren’t actually needed until you’re endeavor some significantly huge walks or are visiting throughout winter right here.

These New Balance black trainers are nice all-rounders.

1x Pair Pumps / Flat Night Sneakers

Both converse or pumps are nice for exploring cities and cities on foot, in addition to pairing with one thing a bit smarter in the event you’re heading out for dinner or going to a wine tasting occasion.

1x Pair Flip Flops / Sandals

Important!

Personally I’d by no means journey wherever with out my Arizona Birkenstocks.

Toiletries

Skinny Toiletries Bag with Hook

A lightweight and skinny wash bag is crucial for maintaining the load in your backpack down.

Hooks are useful for hanging up your washbag in a toilet – particularly if it’s shared.

Shampoo & Conditioner Bars

I additionally go for shampoo and conditioner bars after I journey to save lots of the plastic and hold the area down!

Though they’re a bit dear, they final for ages.

Say goodbye to mid-travel spillages and hulking bottles folks, that is the eco-friendly future!

Anti-Bacterial Cleaning soap

Preserve in a ziplock bag to stop from getting cleaning soap slime on every thing you personal!

I counsel an anti-bacterial bar as they’re nice for maintaining you clear in tropical climates the place you’re prone to be sweating a bit!

Deodorant

I all the time pack a natural crystal deodorant as they final eternally (nice in the event you’re travelling for just a few months) and are free from many nasty chemical substances.

They’re additionally the one factor that stops me from sweating within the African warmth!

Face Cleanser, Serum, Toner & Moisturiser

Nice for bringing your pores and skin again to life after any robust solar or dry desert days!

Pure Sunscreen

Select a 30 SPF or greater for these hell-strong rays in South Africa and go natural in the event you can to maintain the chemical substances out of your pores and skin.

Pure Bug Repellent

See my submit about how one can make your personal DEET-Free insect spray, or else there are many ready-made, nice merchandise available on the market – like this plant-based one.

Aloe Vera

This doubles as an ideal moisturiser, soother and aftersun.

Purchase some here.

SPF Lip Salve

Crucial for these robust UV circumstances if you wish to hold your lips wholesome and glad.

Burt Bees are all the time my go-to as they by no means dry out my lips.

Tea-Tree Important Oil

A robust antiseptic, anti-mould and anti-fungal therapy.  

Additionally nice to throw in just a few drops along with your washing and supreme for freshening up smelly luggage / laundry and so on.

Get an organic tea-tree oil in the event you can.

Tiger Balm

A really perfect treatment for complications, sore muscle tissue and bug bites, tiger balm is tremendous versatile and a should on my South Africa packing listing, particularly if the mosquitoes love you as a lot as me!

Paracetamol, Antihistamine, Antiseptic Cream & Band-Aids

The one medication you want to take!

Most different belongings you would possibly want can simply be purchased in South Africa.

Menstrual Cup

One of the best ways to cope with your time of the month when travelling women.

Take a look at the most effective costs for them here.

Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Floss

Razor & Spare Blades

Nail Scissors, Nail File & Tweezers

Cotton Buds / Pads

Hair Bands & Hair Brush

Security Pins & Tweezers

Glasses / Contact Lenses in the event you put on them

Miscellaneous

Eye Masks & Earplugs

Key for sleeping in hostels and on these lengthy South African journey days.

This eye mask from Alaska Bear is tremendous comfortable… go on deal with your self!

Journey Towel

I like to recommend Latrek on the subject of the most effective journey towel as a result of they’re low cost, compact, tender and don’t scent.

Love, love, love mine!

Learn my full evaluate here.

Day Pack

Undoubtedly wanted for climbing, sightseeing and safari days, this Kompressor from Marmot is ideal for the job because it’s tremendous featherweight, waterproof and packs right down to nothing.

Mixture Padlock

Very helpful for locking up luggage and valuables when staying in hostels or on bus rides, these don’t must be costly, simply dependable!

Finest to get a TSA-approved one in case of any problem on the airport.

Filter Water Bottle

Strive to not add to the world’s plastic drawback and think about travelling with a filter water bottle like one from LifeStraw.

Not solely does this imply you possibly can safely and simply drink the faucet water wherever on this planet, however it’s going to additionally prevent the cash and problem of getting to purchase bottled water.

Less expensive and extra environmentally pleasant, the LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle has wonderful know-how that filters out 99.9% of dangerous micro organism and the filter lasts for 4000 litres, which implies you’ll possible solely have to interchange it yearly!

Journey Handwash & Journey Washing Line

Nice for doing emergency washing, equivalent to underwear in a sink, travel handwash is all the time a should after I backpack wherever.

It’s a given on this South Africa packing listing on the subject of rinsing your sweaty lingerie after a superb day climbing – yum!

Dry Bag

So helpful in South Africa for seashore days and diving journeys, these small and compact guys are nice for maintaining your electrical tools dry if you’re on the coast.

Take a look at this top-rated one for concepts.

Silk Liner & Sleeping Bag

For those who’re doing any tenting in nationwide parks or throughout safari, these will are available very useful.

I all the time suggest a silk sleeping bag liner to maintain you sweat-free and a Snugpak sleeping bag, which packs up actually small and is ideal for journey.

Electricals

Smartphone & Bluetooth Headphones

Taking your smartphone to remain in contact with these at dwelling, checking maps, reserving lodging and importing some pics when you’re in South Africa is a superb thought.

Additionally obtain some audiobooks and music onto your telephone earlier than you permit dwelling – an ideal tip for journey days particularly.

I like to recommend Amazon Audible and Spotify Premium for these functions and wouldn’t journey with out both lately.

Bluetooth headphones are the most effective since you don’t must cope with any wires getting caught up!

Transportable Charger

Transportable energy packs are nice when travelling, particularly in the event you’re out sightseeing all day and frightened about your telephone or digital camera battery lasting.

I like to recommend the Anker Powercore, it’s mild and may cost my iPhone 12 Professional round 3 occasions!

Digital camera

I like my Sony A6000 mirrorless camera, which I used all through my travels in South Africa and past.

Gentle, compact and durable, it’s good for travelling.

A GoPro Hero can also be an ideal thought to assist seize the extra lively adventures you might need on this nation equivalent to climbing or mountaineering.

It’s additionally nice for video!

Lens, Spare Battery, Reminiscence Card, Chargers & Cleansing Cloths

All important for the digital camera and / or the Go Professional,

Adapter

South Africa makes use of European and British model shops, so come ready with a Skross World Adapter that received’t fail you!

Headlamp & Spare Batteries

I by no means journey wherever with out a headlamp and suggest you select a product that makes use of generally discovered batteries and has a pink night time mild perform to keep away from the bugs.

I like my Black Diamond quantity, which has served me very properly throughout Africa, particularly throughout these occasional energy cuts!

Binoculars

You’ll be able to simply get an reasonably priced pair like these Binoteck ones, which are perfect for safari.

Paperwork & Paperwork

Passport & Photocopies

Undoubtedly take a color copy of your passport with you to  South Africa and hold it with you always.

Taking a photograph of your passport and storing it safely in your e-mail account can also be a good suggestion.

Visa Documentation

Relying the place you’re from, in fact, it’s possible you’ll or might not want this.

Immunisation Documentation

At all times good to have with you wherever you journey.

Journey Insurance coverage Coverage

World Nomads affords easy and versatile journey insurance coverage. Purchase at dwelling or whereas travelling and declare on-line from wherever on this planet.

Alternatively, in the event you’re a long-term traveller, digital nomad or frequent distant employee in search of journey well being cowl, take a look at Safetywing’s Nomad Insurance policies.

Credit score Playing cards and Debit Playing cards

Ensure you have a present account and debit card that doesn’t cost you for transactions or ATM withdrawals in South Africa irrespective of how a lot you withdraw or spend.

The simple strategy to spend overseas with actual alternate charges, no markups and no sneaky transaction charges, I all the time journey with my Sensible card.

It really works similar to a debit card and hyperlinks simply with Google and Apple pay. Seize yours here.

Hidden Money in Small Skinny Purse

Take some USD in addition to Rand with you that can be utilized in case of an emergency.

Flight Info

Sadly, sooner or later, it’s going to be time to go dwelling *sob sob *

PIN IT TO PINTEREST!

And there it’s, my final South Africa packing listing and the one one you’ll ever want!

Designed to be sensible, whereas maintaining issues mild, I hope I’ve coated all eventualities with this merchandise by merchandise guidelines

Have any questions on what to put on in South Africa?

Did I miss something out on this packing listing?

Please drop any feedback into the field under and I’ll get again to you…