In this post we discuss how to pack for your African Fly in Safari Tour™. The luggage compartments on the light aircraft we use on our Fly in Safari Tours have very specific luggage compartment dimensions. Most of the luggage compartments of light aircrafts are standardized and located on the outside of the aircraft. These compartments are not very high and wide, hence the restrictions.
It is strictly prohibited to bring any hard suitcases, or suitcases and bags with wheels or hard frames on a light aircraft safari flight because they cannot be squeezed into tight spaces, or manipulated to fit. The only time you will be allowed to waive the restrictions, is when a larger sized private aircraft is booked, for a smaller group. This can potentially create added packing space. Even then, there might be some restrictions, depending on the private group size, and the size of aircraft used as it all depends on the dimensions of the luggage compartment.
To accommodate our guests that book our signature style Fly in Safari Tours, we include laundry services at the camps for the soul purpose that you don’t need to pack a clean set of clothes for each day, but only 3 – 4 sets. With daily laundry services included, you can pack as light as possible.
It is very important to note, if you bring a hard suitcase, or a suitcase or bag that doesn’t comply with the restrictions, our pilot is almost certain to refuse it, and this will mean added expenses for the guest. When its physically impossible to pack an oversized suitcase, there is nothing we can do, but to charter an extra aircraft. This is not practical.
We completely understand that sometimes, travellers are on longer trips that also visit other countries or continents after the safari, so they need to bring more luggage, and in this case, we can offer support. If you have no other way but to bring more luggage than allowed on a Fly in Safari Tour, then we can arrange for luggage storage and the provision of a soft bag to pack only what you need. A soft bag with the perfect dimensions can be purchased from us before your tour, and we can ship it to you.
With all that said, the dimensions allowed are still pretty decent, and normally range between 12 – 15 kg’s per bag. We provide the exact dimensions, so guests can take advantage of using the maximum size bags and still pack just about everything they need. You are also allowed a small daypack as hand luggage on your safari flights that are kept on you in person on the safari flights. The 12 – 15kg allowance includes main luggage and hand luggage. In your hand luggage you will keep things such as money and passport, camera, valuables etc.
Keep in mind we also provide a lightweight and high-quality water bottle on our privately guided trips (in your gift pack), so no need to pack a water bottle. All drinks, meals and snacks are included on our privately guided tours.
If you do order a bag from us, we also attach a luggage tag with the company name for quick identification, and easy transfer to your room.
Below is a list / guideline of what to pack for your Fly in Safari;
What to pack for your Safari?
- Three to four sets of comfortable casual clothing
- Do not forget to put a lock on your bag
- T-shirts and shorts
- Shirts/Blouses with long sleeves (even in summer, they will protect you from the sun and from mosquitoes)
- Safari trousers or jeans for evenings and cooler days
- Fleece / sweater / warm jacket for game drives (necessary, even in summer). Best is to use light layers and remove as needed, rather than heavy bulky clothing
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sun block, lip balm, sunglasses, hat and insect repellent
- Binoculars (not compulsory, but recommended to enhance your wildlife viewing)
- Camera (extra memory card & battery for avid photographers)
- Light, compact raincoat is a good idea for the summer (October to April)
- Swimsuit (towels provided at safari camps)
- In the winter months (May-August) bring beanie, gloves, scarf, warm jacket for the morning and evenings as it can get very cold before sunrise and after sunset. Layers of clothing are most practical for the fluctuating day/night temperatures. Warm Jacket does not need to be a heavy jacket appropriate for snowy winters as it’s unlikely to go below zero degrees Celsius.
- Dull, pastel and/or neutral colours are more suitable for safari; white is not practical. It is best to pack hardy, durable clothing.
- Passport with efficient blank pages
- Flight tickets
- Travel insurance details (Insurance Company, Emergency contact number, Policy number etc.)
- Photocopies or photos on your phone of important documents (passport, travel insurance, flight details etc.)
- Cash & Credit Cards (Visa & MasterCard widely accepted in Africa)
- Personal Medication & Prescription Glasses and / or contact lens solution
- Toiletries such as toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant etc. Soap, body/hand lotion and shampoo are provided at all the accommodations, but if you prefer your own, you are welcome to bring it along.
- Camera, batteries and extra memory cards
- Travel plug / international adapter
**On all our guided Fly in Safari Tours we give our guests a very nice giftpack that will normally contain a safari shirt (during summer months) or jacket (during winter months). We specifically gift our guests with these items because they can be worn on your trip and they are lightweight and very appropriate for the type of safari you will do.
Luggage dimensions allowed on light aircraft flights
The maximum dimensions of the soft bags are as follows: 25cm (10 inches) wide x 30cm (12 inches) high and 62cm (24 inches) long. Please keep in mind that baggage compartments on most light aircraft are only 25cm (10 inches) high, so the pilots must have the ability to manipulate the bag into the compartment.
The following is a list of accessories are commonly found at most safari camps:
- Amenities in each room such as body wash, shampoo & conditioner, hand soap, lotion
- Gowns and slippers
- Umbrellas for the rainy season
- A small safe for valuables