Visiting Kruger National Park is always an adventure waiting to happen. Whether you are going as a family, a tour group or enjoying a peaceful and romantic getaway with your significant other. If you are travelling from abroad and visiting South Africa, you may not be familiar with the climate or know what to expect from the terrain in South Africa. So whilst preparing for your exciting trip to the Kruger National Park, we will discuss what you should definitely pack, what would be useful to have with you, and what are small extras if you have the space and loathe being without your usual pleasures to consider bringing along.
Deciding what to bring along to the Kruger National Park depends on a few different points such as the seasonal weather expectations, the duration of your stay and the activities you plan on doing whilst at the park.
Generally for a three to five day stay, the following will are definite must-have items.
Clothing:
• Two pairs of long pants, with an addition comfortable skirt for women.
• Two pairs of shorts
• Two shirts
• Additionally to the two shirts, add one long sleeved shirt.
• One light or medium weight jersey or jacket/pull over.
• A scarf may be useful as the evenings can get chilly
• Something waterproof, like a light rain jacket or a wind breaker is also advised.
• One pair of closed comfortable walking shoes, one pair of casual wear shoes. Perhaps also something warm and comfortable to wear at night on your feet. Something more robust than slippers but with the same level of warm and comfort.
• One pair of sandals or flip flops.
• Swimwear is always advised.
• Bring along a smart evening wear outfit as some lodges may require more formal dress for dinner.
• Underwear and socks should be packed according to ow many days you will be staying plus travelling, and then add two more for safety. For women it is advised to take along a sports bra for comfort on the bumpy roads.
• Pack all of your toiletry essentials, including small and easy purses or pouches to carry emergency stocks as these may not be available.
• South African winters are from April to October. Although the cold season may be mild when compared to other countries, the mornings and the evenings can be particularly cold. During this season it is best to pack warm gloves, scarfs, hats and a heavy jacket or coat.
There are of course also other essentials to consider besides clothing. Remember not to pack too heavily for day tours and safaris, you want to have quick and easy access to the items you need, and it may be a hassle dragging a large or heavy pack with you. Make sure that you are adequately freed up to enjoy moving about, viewing animals and not worrying about items being left unattended. The following list contains the items most often used by travellers.
• All of your travel documents: passports, visas, vaccination certificates, airline tickets and money arrangements ie credit card/travellers cheques etc. it is also highly advisable to make copies of all these documents and email them to yourself so that you always have a copy saved on email.
• A day pack or comfortable bag that can be carried around easily with just the essentials.
• Binoculars
• Camera equipment to your taste. Along with the camera bring along extra memory, you will most likely go through much more than you anticipated.
• Bring adequate sun protection in the form of a hat or a cap.
• Anti-malaria medication if you require this.
• A personal First Aid Kit can be handy although generally not essential as tour guides and lodgings always have the necessary stock and supplies. Do however remember all prescription medications.
• Insect repellent especially if you are visiting during the warmer months (November – March).
• Also in aid of sun protection, bring along moisturiser and sunscreen.
• Lip balm with UV protection
• Travel tissues and wet wipes
• A small flashlight and extra batteries
• A water bottle for hydration, marked with your name.
This covers all the essential items you may need on your trip. Some extra items for added comfort which are not essential but may come in handy will be discussed below.
• Cell phone and camera charger. Along with this you may think about getting a solar powered charger which allows you to fit your charger in and charge via sunlight. Not an essential but definitely useful.
• Bring adaptors for your electrical items, ladies may want to take electric hair items along.
• Bring an extra towel. Preferably one you don’t mind spoiling in case you go swimming outdoors.
• Sunglasses. South Africa is generally very sunny, if you have sensitive eyes, or if you get festive the previous night and find yourself on a hot game drive, your eyes will thank you for the protection.
• Sugary snacks. Sometimes being out and about for long periods can be a little draining. In case you need a little lift between meals, pack something sweet. A nice idea is something like raisins, or any other lightweight, easy to carry snack.
Most importantly of all remember to take your sense of adventure and pack everything to be comfortable. Comfort will make an enormous difference to how much you enjoy your time in the wild!