{"id":25222,"date":"2021-02-20T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-02-20T08:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/?p=25222"},"modified":"2025-05-01T16:30:37","modified_gmt":"2025-05-01T15:30:37","slug":"all-terrain-packing-list-trip-africa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/all-terrain-packing-list-trip-africa\/","title":{"rendered":"Your all terrain packing list for a trip to Africa"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Africa is the second-largest continent in the world, with 54 countries spanning across eight different climate zones. You can go from sizzling savannahs to snowy mountains, blazing deserts to dripping jungles, and tropical beaches to breezy cities, which makes packing for your trip to Africa quite a daunting task. But don\u2019t worry – whether you\u2019re travelling in the wet or dry season, or going on safari, snorkelling or hiking, we\u2019ve got you covered with what to pack and what to wear in on a trip to Africa<\/a> in all terrains.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before you start packing<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You already know that Africa is a huge continent and any generic Africa packing advice probably won\u2019t be enough for your specific trip – but it\u2019s a good place to start. If you want to narrow down your packing list for your trip to Africa, here are a few questions to ask.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Where are you going in Africa?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Are you going to the deserts of Namibia, the beaches of South Africa or the great plains of Kenya? The different landscapes will help you refine your packing list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What will you be doing in Africa?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Trekking? Swimming? Going on a safari? There are tons of different things to do in Africa and this will help you figure out whether you need hiking boots, swimwear – or both. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What time of year are you going to Africa?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Whether you\u2019re going in the dry or wet season, this will have a big impact on what to pack for Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long is your trip to Africa?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A short two-week trip will likely have different packing needs to a longer trip over many months. You\u2019ll also need to consider how many souvenirs you\u2019ll want to bring home with you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

RELATED CONTENT: Our 6 Most Memorable Experiences to have in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What to wear on your trip to Africa<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

From deserts to cities, here are some tips on what to wear in different terrains and climates in Africa. If you need more specific advice for your trip to Africa, you can reach out to our friendly Trafalgar team<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to wear in warm weather in Africa<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll mostly find warm weather in Africa, so come prepared with light t-shirts and long-sleeved tops and long, light skirts or trousers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to wear in cold weather in Africa<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Lots of places in Africa can get very cold, especially in the mountains or early mornings and evenings. You should always pack trousers, sweaters, jackets and a raincoat for your trip to Africa. You might also need woolly hats, gloves, scarves and socks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What to wear in rainy weather in Africa<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Whether you\u2019re travelling in the wet or dry season, you should come prepared for rain at any time. Bring a waterproof coat (a light one will be okay for the dry season, but you\u2019ll need something sturdier for the wet season) and a small travel umbrella or rain poncho.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to wear on a safari in Africa<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Ditch the head-to-toe khaki! You\u2019ll only need comfortable, lightweight clothing in neutral colours. Don\u2019t wear bright colours like white or red (it can disturb the animals), and avoid dark colours like blue or black (it attracts Tsetse flies). Bring warm layers for morning and evening game drives, and cool layers for the hot days. It\u2019s also best to wear light, long layers as it helps protect you from the sun and insects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to wear at the beach in Africa<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You can wear your swimsuit at the beaches in Africa, but remember to cover up before leaving the beach and never walk around in your swimwear outside the beach. You might like to bring a sarong for extra modesty and remember, topless sunbathing is not advisable anywhere in Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What to wear in the mountains in Africa<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re going hiking in Africa, you\u2019ll need to get the appropriate gear, depending on the climate. In general, it\u2019s best to bring warm and cool layers that protect you from the elements, and sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support. And don\u2019t forget to bring some thick pairs of socks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

RELATED CONTENT: How to dress appropriately when travelling to Africa and the Middle East<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to wear in the deserts in Africa<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Fancy checking out the deserts from Namibia to Egypt? These beautiful places are also home to some harsh climates, and you\u2019ll need to wear long, light and loose clothing to protect you from the elements. You should also bring hats, sunglasses and a light scarf to wrap around your face and keep out the sand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What to wear in African cities<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Just like the countryside, Africa\u2019s cities are incredibly diverse, from Cape Town in South Africa to Casablanca in Morocco. In general, dress conservatively and cover shoulders, knees and midriffs. You should also check up on the local dress customs for your specific country before you go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

GET INSPIRED BY: African Safari Adventure with Zanzibar Island Escape<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What shoes to wear in Africa<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

No matter where you\u2019re going, you\u2019ll always need closed toe shoes. Make sure they\u2019re comfortable, worn-in and sturdy enough for days of walking. They\u2019ll also protect your feet from dust, insects and other creepy-crawlies. You\u2019ll also need to bring sandals or flip-flops for hanging around the lodge, pool or beach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Essentials to pack for any trip to Africa<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n