Packing Right for Hunting in Africa: Your Complete Guide

Preparing for a hunting safari in Africa can feel overwhelming, but when it comes to clothing, the task is actually easier than you might think. This is Africa, not Alaska – but that doesn’t mean you can leave your warmer clothes at home altogether.

The best safari clothing doesn't require massive insulation and rainproofing, but you do need to be aware of the large temperature differences.

Climate and Temperature Differences

Many people think that Africa is always hot, which is only partly true. Although daytime temperatures in high season can reach +35 degrees, it can vary greatly:

Cold nights and mornings: During the winter months (May to August/September) in southern Africa (such as South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Zambia), nights can be close to or even below freezing. For example, the coldest temperature recorded in Zimbabwe was −15 in the Matobo Hills in July.
Conclusion: Definitely pack to withstand cold nights at camp and chilly, early mornings in the hunting vehicle.

Material Choice – The Superiority of Cotton

In Africa, cotton often works best.

There are several reasons for this: The climate is dry, and the material is well-established and common across the continent. This is especially convenient considering the laundry service that is almost always included at the camp.

Since laundry is often part of your hunting trip, you can often get by with just two sets of clothes. When you get home from the hunt in the evening, you leave your clothes in the laundry basket, and the next day they are washed, ironed and neatly folded on your bed. A convenience you will quickly get used to!

You can find cotton clothing from TAG Safari (produced in Zimbabwe for the African climate) at Afrikanska Kompaniet.

Colors and Safety

Colors are an important aspect to consider when hunting in Africa.

Neutral colors: You should always wear clothes in neutral colors like beige, brown, khaki, and olive green. These colors blend in best with the bush.
Avoid dark: Avoid dark colors such as black and dark blue, as these can attract tsetse flies in some areas.
Camouflage ban: Please note that camouflage is banned in many African countries and may not be worn by civilians. Always check this with your hunting organizer.

Always Check: Africa is vast and the variations in weather and wind can be significant. Always check with your hunting host what is recommended for your specific hunting area and the time of year you are traveling.

The Complete Packing List

We have divided the packing list into different sections to make your planning easier.

1. Clothes

Shirts (Long Sleeve) : A pair of long sleeve shirts (lightweight cotton).
Shirts (Short-sleeved): One or two short-sleeved shirts for warm days (note that you will best protect yourself from the strong sun with a long-sleeved shirt).
Pants: Two pairs of durable hunting pants.
T-shirts/Polo shirts: For warmer days at camp.
Shorts: Two pairs of shorts. Note that Africa is full of sharp bushes and thorns, which means that some people prefer to wear long pants despite the heat.
Underwear: Two to three washes are usually enough thanks to the laundry service.
Base layer: One in merino wool for cold mornings.
Pajamas: Long pajamas are highly recommended if you are traveling during the cold period (winter months).
Socks: Sturdy warm socks for cold nights/mornings, as well as thinner socks for hiking.
Something to wear at camp and dinner: Comfortable, clean pants and a more casual shirt/piqué for dinner and socializing.
Warm sweater/Fleece: A warm sweater or fleece jacket when you sit and enjoy an evening drink by the fire.
Jacket: A warmer, quiet & padded canvas jacket for the morning hunt.
Rain jacket: A lightweight, packable rain jacket (necessary in some areas).
Headgear: A cap or a safari hat with a wide brim.
Swim shorts

2. Shoes and Protection

Leather boots: Your primary, well-worn hunting boots (See guide: Choose the right boots – why Jim Green is the first choice ).
Flip-flops/Sandals: For the shower, pool area and camp.
Gaiters : Good protection against grass, seeds and insects.

3. Electronics

Charger: For mobile phone, camera, etc.
Adapter: For international power outlets.
Extension cord: Worth gold if you need to charge multiple devices at the same time.
Tablet/Laptop: For entertainment.
Flashlight/Headlamp: Very important.
Satellite communication: (If you are traveling to very remote areas.)

4. Equipment

Cartridge Holder & Belt: A sturdy belt that can handle the weight of the cartridge holder.
Binoculars & Binocular Strap: High quality.
Gun Strap & Gun Case: Durable and reliable.
Notebook and Pen: To keep a hunting journal.
Daypack: Small, quiet backpack for carrying water, extra ammo and binoculars.
Sunglasses

5. Documentation and Insurance

Passport: Original and a copy (keep the copy separately).
Travel insurance: Check coverage.
Evacuation insurance: A necessity for hunting in remote areas.
Liability insurance: Check hunting liability insurance (e.g. via the Swedish Hunters' Association).
ICE document: A document with all the details: medications, allergies, contact information for relatives, passport number, blood type, etc. (In Case of Emergency).
Vaccination passport
Documents for weapons: (See guide: Traveling to Africa with your own hunting weapon ).

6. Medicine & First Aid

Personal medications.
Standard first aid equipment (bandages, painkillers, stomach medicine, rehydration).
Sunscreen
Eye drops (nice if you hunt in very dry areas)
Malaria medicine if you are traveling to an area where malaria is present
Check your vaccinations and what applies to the specific place you are traveling to.
Plasters for any abrasions
Mosquito spray