What to Take on a Self-Drive Safari

Published June 10, 2011 |

Independently driving into the African bush can be the adventure of a lifetime or a complete disaster. Preparation is key when leaving the amenities of civilization behind. Here is your self-drive safari kit list compiled by seasoned wildlife adventurers.

Clothes, binoculars and camera equipment are obvious items to go on your packing list. The challenges of the African bush go far beyond not having a can opener. Broken down cars, a lack of stores and petrol stations as well as sickness all need to be considered. The effort you put into your preparation will pay off tenfold during your trip. Here’s what you should pack.

Important Documents

Please don’t forget documents like passports, visas, medical insurance, vaccination documents, international driver’s license and vehicle papers. Also, store certified copies of these documents separately in case of loss.

Expect the Worst…

…but hope for the best. Of course you will have relaxing moments by the camp fire, but travelling independently comes at a cost. You need to be able to prepare your own food, fix your vehicle and deal with any other pitfalls along the way. If you don’t solve the problem, who else will?

Another issue to consider is space. You will have one vehicle to carry everything needed for survival in the bush. We have consulted seasoned self-drive experts and compiled a list with 25 essential items for you independent safari adventure. Find this list below and feel free to download and print the pdf-file for your preparations. This way you can face almost all circumstances in the bush…