VIP Vacations Inc.

Please find the many tips and suggestions for your Safari below.  I have personally purchased the below items and have them all listed on the VIP Vacations Amazon Store under Travel Essentials. https://www.amazon.com/shop/vipvacationsinc

If you are trekking with Gorillas or simply doing the standard safari in East Africa, here are several tips and tricks that I used for my vacation to Tanzania, Kenya. and Rwanda.

When you do an East African Safari, the small bush planes require each passenger to use certain luggage and weights. East Africa is 15KG or 33 lbs.  Furthermore, South Africa’s safari weight limits are 40lbs but have similar type of luggage specifics. Additionally, they require “soft bags” with no wheels. The bags can get extremely dusty and dirty, so it’s best to stick with a dark green or brown is a good idea.  Also stay away from the color black as black attracts the Tsetse fly. It is best to avoid wearing black. 

I suggest this duffel:

It is vital to use compression cubes (this was a life saver for space and organization)

Many of the camps and lodges have electric outlets but there might be 1 or 2 only.I highly suggest getting a universal travel adapter with multiple areas for USB’s and USB C’s such as this one:

Many of the camps provide sunscreen and bug spray but I highly recommend bringing these wipes and using these wrist bands:

Additionally, spray your clothing a few days before you leave with Permethrin (which will stay on your clothing for 5 washings too)

Because there is a lot of dust on the game drives, it is a good idea to have a lightweight scarf to lift over your mouth/nose and it can help protect against the sun too.

Lightweight sun-blocking shirts also will come in handy.

The game drives happen early in the morning and/or right before sunset and even though it is Africa, it can get chilly.  Layering your clothing is key.  I suggest this shirt in different colors:

While you are out on your game drive or trying to minimize the weight in your bags, I highly recommend keeping your phone around your neck to easily take photos and never worry about dropping it on those bumpy game drives.

While you are out on the game drive, it is always good to have spare chargers for your phones.  I use this one and while the phone is around my neck, it can even charge (no hands and no cords)

To save on extra weight, you don’t need to bring binoculars or flashlights as many of the camps/lodges provide those.  You also don’t need to bring your own metal water bottles, and the camps and lodges will provide you with your own and you can keep these too.  I suggest you also pack a small medical kit with Band-Aid’s, Tylenol/Ibuprofen, Immodium,  hand wipes, and any medication you might need. 

I also suggest taking a comfortable light weight/rain resistant jacket and a comfortable hat.  I had a backpack and a cross body in a khaki color and would suggest bringing a darker brown/dark green or grey one instead.   (they didn’t weigh my cross body either and I kept our passports/visa’s/bug wipes, sunglasses, battery pack and other essentials in the crossbody and used it every day)

All of the items can be found on our Amazon store in the travel essentials category: https://www.amazon.com/shop/vipvacationsinc