Getaways: What to pack for the Kruger National Park
Packing for a holiday is hard. Packing for a place you have never been to before is even harder. Packing for the Kruger National Park with young kids is a breeze if you use this simple checklist.
We put together this list to make sure you have no "We really should have brought the bug spray" moments. So please enjoy, and if you have your own Kruger National Park tips please let us know.
The checklist is grouped into the following sections, so you can easily find the section you are looking for:
- Clothing
- Toiletries
- For baby (You will know if you need to pack these items)
- Game drives and morning walks
- Day trips
- Leisure time activities
- Gear
- Cooking utensils
- If you plan to fly- please remember birth certificates.
If you want to have this checklist handy when you pack, and maybe check off the items as you go, you can request a downloadable PDF version of the checklist.
To save space, you can pack fewer sets of clothes and do some washing, or drop it off at the laundromat (if your rest camp has one)
Clothing
You want to pack earthy colours, you are heading for a safari after all. Also avoid white clothing, as it will get dirty very quickly. Also remember that the days are usually warm and the nights significantly cooler, regardless of the season.
- Shorts
- Pants
- Short sleeve shirts
- Long sleeve shirts
- If you enjoy sundowners or a nice dinner at a restaurant, you might want to pack a slightly smarter set of clothes for the occasional cocktail on the deck.
- Underwear
- Socks
- Sandals or Flip Flops
- Comfortable shoes for walking in the veld
- Jacket or sweater
- Pajamas
- Vests
- Swimwear
- Swim towel (if you are camping you will also need a bath towel)
Toiletries
- Hair accessories
- Hair brush
- Sun screen
- Cream or lip balm
- Shampoo
- Body wash
- Face cloth
- Toothpaste
- Tooth brush and floss
- Antiperspirant (try and stay away from the perfumed products they attract bugs)
- Hygiene products
- Bug Spray
For baby
- Bum cream
- Nappies
- Wipes
- Pacifiers
- Bottles and Formula if needed
- Purity and other baby foods can be bought in the towns close to the park if you do not want to travel this these
Game drives and morning walks
- Wind breaker (for every season)
- Beanie
- Gloves
- Scarf
- Wide brimmed hat
- Day pack
- First aid kit (remember to contact your health practitioner with regards to malaria prophylaxis)
Day trips
- Picnic basket with utensils
- Dish cloth and towel
- Wet wipes
- Water gun
- Gas hobs are available for hire at most of the picnic spots
Leisure time activities
- Books
- Apps for the kids to play with while driving looking for game
- Puzzles
- With kids a ball is always welcome
Gear
- Binoculars
- Camera, charger, and spare memory cards
- South African power adapter
- Flash light
- Leatherman or other multipurpose tool
- Sun glasses
- Bottle opener
Cooking utensils
- Aluminum foil
- Cooking and eating utensils
- Cookset and dishes
- Drinking cups
- Food
- Plastic garbage bags
- Soap and cloth for washing up
- Resealable plastic bags
- Reusable water bottles
- With young children you might want to use a water purifier, purifying tablets, or water you boiled and let cool down.
Use the list as a guide, you know your family, if you need bottles or a special toy in your nappy bag, grab it. If you will you will not be seen dead in a bathing suit, don't rush out to buy one.
If you are renting a car. make sure to get the right one.
The secret to successful safari packing when travelling to the Kruger National Park is “less is more”.
Image Credit: wikimedia.org
