WHAT TO WEAR & PACK
South Africans are generally laid back when it comes to clothing, so there is no need to haul out your best silks and diamonds when heading for our shores unless you’re attending a very prestigious event.
Bring cool, light, and comfortable clothes for summer because summer temperatures can get well into the 30 °C range in some areas.
Also, bring an umbrella or raincoat during summer as this is when most of the country gets rain. In areas like Gauteng and the North West province, thundershowers are common. A light jacket or wrap is a good precaution. Don’t forget a swimsuit.
The winters are generally mild, comparing favorably with European summers. But we do get some days when temperatures dive, especially in high-lying areas such as the Drakensberg, so be prepared with jerseys and jackets. In addition, Cape Town gets its rain during the winter season, so bringing rain gear along is advisable.
Always bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunblock, as the sun can be intense, even in winter.
Walking shoes are a good idea all year-round, with warm socks in the winter.
If you are doing business in the country, business attire (suit and tie) is generally called for in the corporate sector, but media, for example, dress more casually.
For game viewing, neutral-toned items are advised, but there’s no need to go overboard. A good pair of walking shoes is also advisable. Camouflage clothing and/or accessories are NOT acceptable.
For the evening, if you are dining at an upscale restaurant or seeing a show, smart/casual attire is recommended.
Leave some room in your suitcase for South African clothing. Information on local designers can be found on the internet. Look out for local labels like Hip Hop, Stoned Cherrie, Maya Prass, Ebok, and many more.
WHAT TO PACK
Please note that these are just suggestions and depend on the month/season travelling. Warmer clothes are required for travelling in June/July/August.
People often ask us to recommend things we think they should bring when going on a safari. Through our own and previous guests’ experiences, we have compiled a list of those items we have found to be useful and necessary.
- 1-2 pair(s) of smart/casual trousers
- 2-3 pairs of shorts
- 4 shirts/t-shirts (any combination)
- 1 light cotton sundress for the ladies
- 1 pair of walking/running shoes
- 1 pair of sandals/crocs etc.
- 1 swimsuit
- 1 hat
- sunscreen
- water bottle
- mosquito repellent (with DEET if possible); can be purchased at the resort.
- light jacket/cardigan for the evenings (depending on the season of travel)
Our summer months are from the end of August to April, with the hottest period from October to February. One should expect rainstorms or drizzle on any of these days. However, it hardly ever rains continuously, and generally, the rainstorms last only an hour or so. We provide rainproof ponchos for guests to use on the vehicles during game drives and sufficient umbrellas for guests to use at the lodges. Our winter is from May to July, with the coldest period being towards the end of June and July. We provide fleece blankets for guests on the vehicles during game drives.
ADDITIONAL PACKING GUIDELINES
It may, at times, be very cold during the early morning and evening safari. Therefore, a warm fleece jacket, a scarf, and a warm hat will be needed. A pair of warm gloves may also be an added advantage.
You may also want to bring a warm tracksuit to wear instead of a dress or light trousers.
Try to keep the colors of your clothing as neutral as possible to blend in with the environment. Khaki colors and browns or greens are generally the best. Darker colors and colors that are very bright tend to attract unwanted insects such as mosquitoes and other bug-type visitors.
You should bring a comfortable pair of walking shoes for use during bush walks or when off the game drive vehicle and a pair of sandals or flip-flops to wear around the lodge. Mealtimes are generally informal, so dressing up in formal clothing for dinner is optional. If you wear prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses, bring a spare pair in case yours get mislaid or broken. Also, ensure that you have sufficient lens cleaning solution as the outdoor environment may, at times, become extremely dusty, which could require frequent cleaning.
You should also bring a video or digital camera, a good pair of binoculars, enough memory cards for your camera (or film for those who still prefer to use film), plug and charger for your camera equipment. Don’t forget a powerbank just in case you run out of power at the wrong moment. Should you want to send emails or photos home to friends or family, you should bring your laptop or personal computer. We have wireless internet spots at some of our lodges. We also have a dedicated computer set aside for guests at all our lodges.
All our rooms are supplied with basic amenities such as soap, shampoo, and body lotions. You may, however, also want to bring your favorite items with you. We have a reasonably priced 24-hour laundry service available for guests at all our lodges.
There are curio shops at all of our lodges, so purchasing most of the items listed above is possible should any of them be forgotten. Please travel with minimal luggage. We suggest using only ONE suitcase, if possible, as inter-land airline baggage restrictions are less weight than international flights.