7 travel essentials for your next African safari

Packing for your first African safari can feel a little intimidating. We’re so preoccupied with what to wear on game drives (hiking boots and long sleeves are a must, and we strongly recommend leaving those flip flops at home – nobody can outrun one of the Big Five game animals in those) that we can sometimes forget the essentials.  

To keep yourself safe, healthy and stylish on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure, we’ve compiled a packing list of safari must-haves, all of which you can find when you shop with Cathay.

Brimful of fashion

Get some protection from the African sun with this wide-brimmed hat from outdoor specialists, Columbia. With its sweat-wicking material, breathable vents and UPF 50 fabric, it’s the perfect hat for spending all day in the great outdoors. Available in both a light and dark khaki, this is safari chic at its finest.

Keep a lookout

An African safari is an unforgettable experience - make sure you don’t miss a single moment by packing a pair of decent binoculars. This model by Nikon packs a powerful 8x magnification while maintaining a light weight of 195g- perfect for stashing in a small bag. For people who wear glasses or sunglasses, adjustable eyecups also make it easy to adjust the focus, making them comfortable for all-day wear.

Bugs be gone

Insect bites are an unavoidable part of bushwhacking, but you don’t have to let them ruin your holiday. This Bite Helper zapper promises to neutralise irritations by delivering heat and micro vibrations to the affected area, boosting localised blood flow and quickly dispelling the irritant without the need for chemicals or drugs. It works for mosquitos, ants, bees and wasps.  

You’ve been framed

Hate it when your sunglasses slide all over your face? These ultra-comfortable Oakleys will sit all day without budging, thanks to their grippy earsocks and nose pads, lightweight frame and three-point fit that distributes the weight evenly and comfortably. Simply throw them on and forget all about them while you get up close and personal with Africa’s amazing animals.

Camo chameleon 

Keep all your essentials safe, secure and well-hidden in this natty camo backpack by Tommy Hilfiger, which comes complete with a built-in laptop sleeve. With its intuitive zip enclosure, versatile size and easy-to-care-for polyester material, this backpack will see you blend in with the safari in style. It’s the perfect size for stashing by your feet on early morning game drives – just remember to pack it the night before to avoid early morning brain fog.

Face off  

Wash off the day’s dirt and keep your skin nurtured in even the harshest environments  with this cleanser and moisturiser set from Malin + Goetz. Ideal for travellers, this minimalist set does away with the need for toner and makeup remover – the hardworking cleanser contains enough cleaning power to remove all traces of dirt, while vitamin-enriched grapefruit extract keeps the skin uplifted. Meanwhile, the versatile moisturiser soothes, hydrates, balances and protects even the most sensitive skin.

Protect yourself

Don’t you dare spend an entire day out exploring a nature reserve without ensuring that your skin is properly protected. La Mer’s SPF 50 sunscreen provides powerful protection in a gorgeously lightweight lotion that glides on like a dream and absorbs immediately into the skin.  

Hero image: Getty Images