✅ Essentials Checklist

📄 Documents

✅ Valid passport (6+ months before expiry)

✅ Visa(s) for destination countries

✅ Return or onward ticket

✅ Travel insurance documents

✅ Vaccination certificate (e.g. Yellow Fever)

✅ Copies of important documents (digital & printed)

🧥 Clothing

✅ Light, breathable clothing for warm days

✅ Long-sleeved shirts and trousers (for sun and mosquito protection)

✅ Warm jacket or fleece (cool mornings/nights)

✅ Rain jacket or poncho (especially during wet seasons)

✅ Swimwear (for pools or coastal trips)

✅ Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots

✅ Sandals or flip-flops

✅ Hat or cap for sun protection

🎒 Gear & Accessories

✅ Daypack or small backpack

✅ Sunglasses with UV protection

✅ Reusable water bottle or hydration pack

✅ Quick-dry towel

✅ Travel adapter (check plug types: C, D, or G)

✅ Power bank / portable charger

✅ Binoculars (especially for safaris)

✅ Camera with extra batteries/memory cards

🧼 Toiletries & Health

✅ Sunscreen (SPF 30+)

✅ Insect repellent (preferably with DEET)

✅ Personal hygiene products (biodegradable if possible)

✅ Hand sanitiser

✅ Basic first aid kit (plasters, antiseptic, painkillers)

✅ Prescribed medication (with original packaging)

✅ Malaria tablets (if advised by your doctor)

💵 Money & Communication

✅ Local currency (and small denominations)

✅ Debit/credit card (Visa or Mastercard preferred)

✅ Mobile phone + charger

✅ Local SIM card (optional but helpful)

✅ Emergency contact list

💡 Packing Tips

Pack Light: Most internal flights and safaris have luggage limits (15–20kg). Use soft-sided bags or duffels.

Layering is Key: Africa’s climate varies—dress in layers for easy adjustment throughout the day.

Neutral Colours: For safaris, wear beige, khaki, or green to blend into nature. Avoid bright colours and camouflage.

Leave Valuables at Home: Keep jewellery and flashy accessories to a minimum.

Dry Bags or Ziplocks: Great for protecting electronics or documents during boat rides or rainy days.

Respectful Dress: Some regions, especially religious or rural areas, prefer modest clothing—cover shoulders and knees when in doubt.

🎯 Optional Extras

☑ Travel journal or notebook

☑ Guidebook or phrasebook

☑ Snacks (granola bars, trail mix)

☑ Headlamp or torch

☑ Travel pillow for long journeys

☑ Gifts for hosts or local communities (if visiting villages)