South Africa Safari Packing List | John X Safaris

What to Pack for your Hunt

The following list is only a general guideline of what to bring on safari..

The Eastern Cape in South Africa boasts a fairly moderate climate, making for comfortable hunting conditions throughout the year.

Early season: February – April
Average temperatures range from approximately 65°F to 100°F in the southern and northern regions.

Mid-season and winter: May – August
Average temperatures range from approximately 32°F to 85°F in our northern areas, while the southern regions seldom experience frost or temperatures below 40°F.

Late season: September – October
Average temperatures range from approximately 65°F to 100°F throughout all our regions.

There is a daily laundry service except for the days of arrival and departure and when camps are changed from south to north and vice versa. Plan to dress in layers and pack light ensuring you have the basic comfortable clothing and equipment, but not too much as most folks always feel they had packed far too much on their first safari.

Clothing

Practical clothing suited to the conditions.

1 Pair of good walking boots (Always worn-in)
1 Pair of comfortable camp shoes
4 Pairs of good socks
4 Sets of underwear
3 Pairs of long hunting pants (Dark Khaki/Olive Green/Cammo)
2 Pairs of short hunting pants (Summer hunts –Mar – Apr, Sept - Oct)
4 Hunting shirts (Dark Khaki/Olive Green/Cammo)
1 Hunting Jacket (Dark Khaki/Olive Green/Cammo)
1 Warm sweater or jumper
Casual wear for the evenings
1 Pair of gloves
1 Raincoat/Waterproof jacket
Cap or Hat

Extra Gear / NOT All Mandatory

A selection of additional gear that may be useful during your safari.

Binoculars
Shooting sticks if you prefer your own. Your PH will have a set available too
Camera/s
USB flash drive or SD card for copying your PH’s pictures
Camera/Binocular lens cleaning cloth
Flashlight/Head Lamp
Pocket/Hunting Knife
Sunglasses & Sun Block SPF 50 & Chapstick/Lip Balm
Small Backpack for daily equipment while hunting (e.g. cameras, extra ammo)
Rifle with Sufficient Ammunition UNLESS Renting
International plug set - Conversion to South Africa 220 V. SA uses type M and C plug adapters
Insect Repellent - Tick repellent preferably containing DEET
Extra prescription glasses/contact lenses if required
First aid is on hand in camp and in all hunting vehicles, but it would be wise to bring your own requirements along
Spare batteries/charger if required
Rifle cleaning kit/Pull Trough set UNLESS Hiring
Prescription drugs if required
Toiletries
Baby/Wet wipes for the ladies on safari
Rifle soft case
Taxidermy tags if you have your own Taxidermist/Shipping Instructions

Final Check List

Take a moment to review your gear and documents before departure

Passport (With valid pages and at least 6 months validity prior to expiration)
Air Tickets
Rifle Import Permit Application and relevant documentation if required UNLESS Hiring.

Travel Arrangements

Let's get those flights booked and your safari underway.

South Africa is one of the most stable countries in Africa and its first world infrastructure of roads and scheduled flights make getting around a pleasure.