Preparation and packing for any holiday is important but never more so than when you visit remote areas in Africa. Once on safari you will find it very hard to pick up that odd item you thought your partner had packed! What follows is by no means an exhaustive list but is designed to point you in the right direction.

1. Layers – long and short sleeve shirts and trousers

2. A warm fleece or jumper

3. A lightweight waterproof jacket

4. Comfortable but sturdy shoes

5. Flip-flops

6. Swimming costume (Bathing suit)

7. A hat or baseball cap

8. Sunglasses

9. Sunscreen – a must!

10. Toiletries – most camps will provide shampoo, shower gel and soap

11. A small torch

12. Spare batteries, plug adaptors and charging equipment

13. A good pair of Binoculars (8×40/8×42 is recommended)

14. Books or a fully loaded Kindle / iPad for siesta time

Most camps and lodges will have a small medical and first aid kit, but we recommend bringing your own supply of essentials – cough medicine, plasters, vitamins, aspirin and paracetamol, and anything else you use on a regular basis.

Camera Equipment (for the enthusiasts)

1. A telephoto lens (200/300mm)

2. Flash and fast film (400 ASA) for night photography

3. Lots of film (64,100,200,400 ASA) if using an SLR camera

4. Spare memory cards for digital cameras

5. Camera cleaning equipment and a good dust proof bag

6. Bring spare batteries as although you may recharge your batteries at the camps, charging capacity can be limited

Dress Code

Conservative casual clothing is acceptable throughout Zimbabwe, though it is recommended that revealing clothing be avoided. Camouflage clothing is not recommended for travel in southern African countries (camouflage or military-inspired clothing is prohibited when travelling in Zimbabwe).

When on safari, light layers of clothing in neutral safari colours of green, khaki and beige are the best items to bring with you, as well as a warmer jacket or fleece for the colder evenings. A hat is also a must have! Bright and dark colours like yellow, red and purple are discouraged, or sometimes not allowed (on a bush walk) if you are going on safari.

Luggage

Please check with your airlines for the specific luggage restrictions relevant to your flight schedule. Many international airlines have a baggage allowance of 20kgs or more per person and commercial airlines generally permit two (2) pieces of checked luggage per person. The carry-on bag must be of such dimensions and weight as set by the airlines.

Luggage Restrictions on Internal Flights

Please be advised that on light aircraft flights, luggage is limited to one SOFT duffle bag per person with a maximum weight of 15kg/33 lbs. No hard-shell bags are permitted.

Electricity

In Zimbabwe, the standard voltage is 230 V, the frequency is 50 Hz and current and outlets are square 3-pin plugs. You can use your electric appliances in Zimbabwe, if the standard voltage in your country is in between 220 – 240V (as is in the UK, Europe, Australia and most of Asia and Africa). If the standard voltage in your country is in the range of 100 V – 127V (as is in the US, Canada and most South American countries), you will need a voltage converter in Zimbabwe.

Gratuities

Gratuities are not compulsory or expected; rather it is a reward for excellent service. If you are pleased with the service you receive, you are more than welcome to tip your guide or the staff. Tipping is usually done at the end of your stay. You may tip the staff individually, give the tip to the manager to distribute or do both. Tips can be made in USD, GBP or EUR.

Gratuities suggestions:

1. Safari Camp lead guide: $10 – $15 per person per day

2. Transfer drivers (e.g. in cities or between airport and hotel/lodge): $2 per person per transfer

3. Porter: $1 per bag

4. Ranger or any “ancillary” guides on ad-hoc basis for a specific activity: $3 – $5 per person per activity

5. General Camp staff (put in a central box in each camp’s main area): $7 – $10 per person per day

6. Waitstaff in a city restaurant: 10%-15% (large group may incur automatic service charge, please check)