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Essential Packing List for a Kruger National Park Self Drive Safari
Getting ready for your safari in the Kruger National Park is an exhilarating experience as much as a daunting one. To make the most of this adventure, it's crucial to pack wisely. We've put together a comprehensive guide, ensuring you have all the essentials for a seamless and enjoyable self drive safari.
A Packing List for a Self Drive Safari in The Kruger National Park
| CATEGORY | ITEMS |
|---|---|
| Light and Practical Clothing | Neutral Tones and Light Fabrics (Cotton fabric, t-shirts, pairs of shorts) |
| Long Sleeved Shirts and Trousers (shirts, pair of trousers for colder evenings) | |
| Lightweight Waterproof Jacket | |
| Footwear (Trainers or hiking shoes, sandals) | |
| Wide Brimmed Hat & Warm hat for night time | |
| Swimming Suits for pools | |
| Sun Protection | Sunscreen (SPF 30-50) |
| Sunglasses | |
| Safari Essentials | Camera and Accessories (Charger, spare memory cards) |
| Lightweight Flashlight | |
| Medical Kit (Painkillers, insect repellent, necessary medications) | |
| Anti-Malarial Prophylaxis (Consult doctor, pack as advised) | |
| Entertainment (A good book) | |
| Travel Documents and Money | Passport |
| Insurance details | |
| Spending money | |
| Credit card | |
| Guides and Technology | Guidebooks |
| Camera and charges | |
| GPS or Roadmap | |
| Toiletries | Toilet bag |
| Hand sanitizer | |
| Razors | |
| Shampoo | |
| Soap or Bodywash | |
| Wet wipes | |
| Toothbrush and paste | |
| Moisturizer or after sun | |
| Bug & Mosquito Spray |
Clothing
Escape the safari cliché by opting for neutral tones and light fabrics, especially breathable cotton. Anything light and breezy will be appropriate for the heat in the summer, but make sure to pack a jacket or two for the winter for those early morning game drives. Pack around three t-shirts and shorts, avoiding colors like white, red, and dark shades that can distract animals, even though you are in a vehicle.
The summer in the Kruger National Park can get extremely hot during the day but at night the air does cool. If you are sitting outside or cooking outside warmer long sleeve clothes will come in handy. If only to ward off the odd curious bug.
A good pair of trainers or hiking shoes is sufficient for game drives. Include a pair of sandals for comfort around the camp sites or pool. Heavy duty hiking boots are only really required for organized bush walks, which can be organized from the camps as an
activity.
Sun Protection
Sun protection is a must. The African sun can be deceptive in it's strength, especially if you are traveling from a country where you may not be used to a lot of outdoor time. Choose high SPF sunscreen (30-50) to guard against the potent African sunshine.
Pack sunglasses to shield your eyes from midday glare, especially while driving. The animals can pop out on to the road quite quickly so it pays to be able to see them clearly,
Safari Essentials
- Camera and Accessories
- Lightweight Flashlight
- Medical Kit
- Anti-Malarial Prophylaxis
- Entertainment
Malaria
Some parts of the Kruger National Park are known to be Malaria hotspots, so please advise your Doctor or GP that you are traveling and they will prescribe the best solution for you and your travels
Travel Documents and Money
As a tourist you are required to carry foreign identification while in South Africa. At the gates and camps of the Kruger you will be asked to provide your passport, so make sure this document is easily accessible while traveling.
When carrying money, as with any travel destination. do not carry all your money in one place and do not just carry on format of payment. Make sure that you have some emergency cash around, but also card available for larger payment. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash in your vehicle or on your person.
Guides and Technology
Is GPS necessary for traveling through the Kruger National Park? You will not need GPS to navigate The Kruger National Park. All the roads are well signed and a paper map can be obtained at all shops at the gates and at the Rest Camps.
Most important, make sure you note down how long it takes to travel from one destination to the next. Check the travel time, check the map and plan your trip. It takes a long time to travel between camps, so make sure you leave enough time to reach your destination. The speed limit in the Kruger National Park is 50km/h on the tar roads and 40km/h on the gravel roads. Plan your trip at 25km/h to account for game viewing and frequent stops.
Toiletries
You will need to bring all of your won travel essentials for the bathroom and toilet. Towels are provided in the rooms and chalets but not for camping. Make sure to bring bug and mosquito spray
Self Catering Option & What to Pack
Most of Kruger is self catering but this comes in various options. Check your booking to make sure what is provided for you:
- Restaurants and shops are available at selected rest camps
- Some units provide cutlery but not all
- All units and camp sites have BBQ facilities
- Most sites provide shared kitchen facilities
| CATEGORY | ITEM |
|---|---|
| Cooking & BBQ | Camping plates & Utensils |
| Food | |
| Wood | |
| Firelighters | |
| BBQ Tongs | |
| Coffee French Press |
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Do I need heavy-duty hiking boots?
Unless you're doing a walking safari, a good pair of durable trainers is sufficient.
-
Is anti-malarial medication necessary?
Yes, the Kruger National Park is in a malarial area, and consultation with a doctor for prophylaxis is recommended.
-
Are there medical facilities in the park?
Most lodges and rest camps have basic medical aid kits, but it's advisable to pack specific items you might not be able to get in South Africa.
-
Can I bring electronic devices?
Yes, bring your camera and accessories, but be sure to pack a power bank for recharging during the trip.
DRONES ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THE KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
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Johann Nortje
Author, Wild About Hoedspruit Co-Director
Johann brings two decades of expertise in technology seamlessly interwoven with a passion for tourism. His career reflects a drive for the confluence of development and conservation projects across the African continent.
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