Arrive with less. Leave with more.
You don’t need to bring the world with you when you come to Kruger Untamed. Out here, it’s about presence, not possessions – less about what’s in your bag, more about what’s around the fire. But a few smart essentials will go a long way in helping you savour the rhythm of life in the wild. Here’s our guide to packing for your next safari with us…
When preparing for your safari, it’s always best to start with your choice of bag. We highly recommend soft-sided duffel-style bags, they withstand the bumpy roads on route to/from camps from our pick-up points at Tshokwane Picnic Spot and Satara Rest Camp.
We do understand that often your Kruger Untamed safari is part of a much longer, more diverse South or Southern African itinerary, and that a variety of clothes may be called for as a result, but there are some basics you should include for your trip that will make your safari more comfortable.
First off, forget fashion and go for comfort. Choose breathable, neutral-toned clothing in earthy colours like olive, beige or khaki and go for items that can be easily layered. It can get VERY cold in the African wilderness during the dry, winter season when our camps are open. You’ll have extra blankets and hot water bottles in your tent to keep you cozy, but when you get up before dawn for your early morning game activity it’s going to be rather chilly, so make sure to add a lightweight puffer-style jacket or windbreaker, a beanie hat and gloves to your suitcase.
Walks in the bush usually take place in the morning, and we do recommend lightweight long trousers for them to avoid scratching your legs on dry grasses and the odd thorny branch. Closed walking shoes and good, absorbant socks are essential, and long-sleeved shirts or jerseys with T-shirts underneath are great so you can remove layers as you go.
As the sun rises higher, it gets warmer, so you layer up in the mornings and shed layers as the temperature rises, and do the reverse in the afternoons, because when the sun begins to dip towards the horizon, the chill begins to bite.
You’ll want shorts and T-shirts during the day in and around camp. Average daytime temperatures in the winter are usually in the high 20s (Centigrade), sometimes even warmer. But at night it can dip to single figures with ease.
Evenings in camp call for those layers again. And always pack a waterproof jacket. This is the wild, after all – the weather listens to no one!
On your feet, comfort wins. Closed walking shoes or boots are essential for game walks, while flip flops or sliders are perfect for lazy afternoons around camp. If you choose to wear trainers, make sure they have a thick sole as the thorns here are long and tough! There’s a rhythm to your days – you’ll feel it as you swap boots for sandals and whatever you do, don’t forget your swimsuits, so you can step into the pool at Tshokwane River Camp or hot tub at Satara Plains Camp or stretch out on a lounger with a drink in hand.
A wide-brimmed hat for the sun, beanie for game drives and polarised sunglasses and a scarf or buff are all wise companions – the African sun isn’t shy. Bring a daypack to stash your essentials on game drives and walks.
Toiletries should be simple but sensible – high-factor sunscreen, insect repellent, lip balm, moisturiser and any personal medications. A reusable water bottle is key, and we’ll keep it topped up. The bush may be unscripted, but your hydration doesn’t have to be.
When it comes to gear, don’t even think about leaving without binoculars. You’ll thank yourself when the leopard is halfway up a leadwood tree. A decent camera, or at least a good cellphone, is ideal – you’ll want to capture moments, but remember: some of the best ones are the ones you don’t photograph. A power bank is always handy for those long days in the field, and a headlamp or torch will help you navigate from campfire to canvas after dark. There are power-points in your tents for charging. Bring a universal adaptor just in case.
Documents are obvious, but worth the reminder – ID or passport, travel insurance, medical info and your booking confirmation. A little local cash (ZAR) is useful for gratuities and small items.
And finally – a good book or your Kindle for the midday lull, a deck of cards for sharing, maybe a journal to jot down the lion encounter you’ll talk about for the next 10 years. You could even bring a sleep mask and earplugs, though we suspect you’ll prefer falling asleep to the wind in the trees and the distant whoop of a hyena.
Pack light. Pack right. And leave space for what really matters – wonder, stillness, and the quiet transformation that happens when you spend a few days moving to nature’s own pace. That’s what Kruger Untamed is all about.
Bring: A sense of wonder; smiles; an open mind
Leave behind: Stress; the kitchen sink; high heels; make-up; your hairdryer; drones, and of course: your work
Here’s the above condensed to a single packing list for convenience’s sake:
