Clothing & Equipment

Clothing Checklist

A lightweight safari jacket that can be worn alone or as a shell for layering. Good tight cotton or synthetic weave that can stand up to thorns and brush. Water repellency is recommended. A heavier jacket if you are hunting certain regions of South Africa in the middle of their winter. Temperatures can reach freezing during the night and mornings can be very cold on the safari truck. (OSCS safaris will recommend the best options for your trip).
Fleece or packable lightweight down pullover/jacket. Can be worn alone or as a layer on colder nights.
Safari type vest. If you like them, bring them. I have brought in past trips but found I rarely used it.
2 long sleeve shirts either button-down or pullover. I prefer button-down collared safari shirts, they can be opened and sleeves rolled up when temperatures go from cool to warm. Collars can be lif ted to protect the neck from the sun.
2 short-sleeved button-down collars are. Good for hot days and can be opened for vent and collar lif ted to protect the neck from the sun.
3 t-shirts. Good for very hot days and can be used for layering on cooler days or nights.
Bring an extra shirt for travel (short or long sleeve).
3 pairs of pants, I recommend multi-pocket cargo style. I usually take one regular pair to travel in and two pairs with zip off legs. They can double as shorts on very hot days and can be zipped back for the evenings. This reduces the need to pack an extra pair of shorts.
5 pairs of underwear and 5 pairs of socks. You can get by with three but I always take a couple of extra just in case.
Baseball style cap (you will get one from the outfitter) or a safari-style hat is a must. It will protect your eyes and face from the sun and also keep your head warm in the evenings.
A warmer fleece hat if travelling during Africa winter months for cold morning and evenings. Can also keep your head warm... if sleeping in a tent.
Pair of gloves - lightweight but will keep your hands warm in the mornings and evenings on the back of the safari vehicle.
Leather belt to hold your pants up as well as other things like your ammo pouch, knife etc.
Sandona. It can be used for multiple purposes; a handkerchief, sweatband, hand cloth, and even a tourniquet. I never go into the bush out without one.
Light scarf for the ladies, it will keep you warmer on the vehicle and can be used as protection from the sun.
2 pairs of lightweight hikers (boot or shoe). Bring a pair that will stand up to the bush and a second pair for backup that you can travel in. Comfortable running shoes can serve as a backup to your hikers and are practical for around camp or lodge.
Safari gaiters. Steekgrass and Klitsgrass will deposit nasty little burrs in your socks and shoes when walking through the bush. The safari gaiter will save you a lot of grief and discomfort. They range in price from around $20 - $50.

Equipment Checklist

Wash & shave kit. Soap & shampoo most lodges will have but if you are going on an 'Old School'camp safari good to have towel. Same as above - will only be needed on an 'Old School' safari. Or to keep in your backpack when hunting.
Sunglasses, extra contact lenses (if you wear them), eyeglasses (plus spare), reading glasses (if you need them)
A good pair of binoculars
Camera and extra batteries or charger.
A soft gun case, one that you can easily pack with your regular luggage. It is not necessary but I recommend it to protect your gun when travelling and hunting from the safari vehicle. The hard case used to transport your gun on the plane will not be practical for daily use.
Ammo pouch or Safari Ammo belt (also known as cull belts) can be purchased from some of the suppliers listed. (Cabelas. Optics Planet. Midway USA. African Sporting Creations. Trader Keith's and search on eBay)
Rifle sling. You may be carrying your rifle all day.
Earplugs when you sight in your rifle or for shooting in the field.
Flashlight. I bring a very small one when in the field ('Outback ripper' flashlight) and have a larger one for camp. The Outback is extremely small and durable and can be purchased on Amazon. Don't forget extra batteries.
Small backpack to hold your binoculars, ammo, a small first aid kit, medication, camera and even some toilet paper when going out on your hunt.
A multi-purpose tool such as a Leatherman or a Swiss army knife - both is good for miscellaneous repairs etc. Don't
forget to bring the right hex or star wrench for your scope mounts/rings. Just in case they get loose or need adjustments.
Small folding knife. I do not recommend bringing a large fixed blade hunting knife, your tracker or skinner will field dress the animal. and a knife will not do you much good against a lion. I bring a folding knife in a leather belt sheath for camp use when on an 'Old School' safari.
Small roll of duct tape and a small tube of fast setting glue (Gorilla or Crazy glue). Things can break on a safari. Small first aid kit. Guarantee that a thorn will get you.
Bug spray, sunscreen and body lotion (skin can get dry from the sun and dust). Voltage adaptor/converter for the country you will be travelling to.
Chopstick/lip balm and eye drops. (keep with durning safari to combat sun/dust dryness)
Small rolls of camp-style toilet paper to bring on the truck. (Coleman makes a three-pack - sold on Amazon or Walmart). Also, I carry a couple of Kleenex packets when hunting, they can be used for toilet paper, your nose, cleaning your scope lenses etc.
Some general items to consider taking:
- Small gun cleaning kit or a gun cloth to wipe down your rifle at the end of the day. Sweaty hands and dust are not a rifles best friend.
- Lens cloth to clean your scope lens from road dust.
- Phone and charger
- A portable USB power source for Old School camps; there will be no or little opportunity to charge electronic devices. Bring extra batteries. I recommend lithium since they last longer so you don't have to take as many.
- Book to read. pad or journal and pen for notes, some general items to consider taking.
- Small sewing kit and scissors, for quick clothing fixes
- Tweezers for removing a thorn or anything else that can get under your skin. Travel pillow for the plane and can be used for tent camping
- Alarm clock or you can ask your PH to wake you
- Spare lock and key for your gun and travel bag in case you lose one. Plastic bags for your dirty laundry if camping in the bush
- Matches or lighter are always good to have just in case.
Don't forget your celebratory cigar for when you get your big trophy

Electrical Adapters

When you book your safari we will inform you as to what type of converter you will need for the area you will be hunting. Below is a list of counties we typically hunt, with the associated voltages, frequencies, and converter types.

South Africa: 220/230V 50Hz. Electric plug M type
Botswana: 230V, 50Hz. Electric plug M type
Namibia: 220v 50Hz. Electric plug M type
Mozambique: 220V and 50Hz. Electrical plug C, F & M type
Tanzania: 230V 50Hz. Electric plugs D& G type
Zambia: 230V 50Hz. Electric plugs C, D& G type
Zimbabwe: 220V and 50Hz. Electrical plug D& G type