Selous Game Reserve Forum: What do I need to take on safari in the Selous in September?

It won't rain! (Well if it does you will all rush out and stand under it.)

Books! A good Bird book. Even if not a birder when you set out you will gain so much enjoyment out of naming the ones you see.

Colours? Avoid the indigo violet end of the rainbow. Nice bright shirt at dinner or the bar? Why not?

Peter has mentioned Medications. This is for you and your GP.

Rule of thumb for packing. Twice as much money and half as many clothes that you think you need.

Essential Items? Patience, a sense of humour and proportion.

Leave behind? Preconceptions and thoughts of "we would do things differently!"

Enjoy Africa for what it is, not what you would like it to be!

Safari njema.

You definitely need long pants/long sleeve shirts for evenings... mossie biting time, between dusk/dawn, along with socks. Many choose the "convertible" pants that zip just above the knee. Certainly not a fashion statement, but provides the option if it's warm enough to be wearing only shorts. Remember though when the sun heads below the horizon it can get a bit nippy quickly and then thru the night and early next morning. So a fleece is good, or a sweater/jumper. Rarely rains in Sept, but if it does you won't need waterproof as camps have umbrella or else you're in a vehicle when it does.

Neutral colors are best as they show least dirt/dust of which there is plenty especially during the dry season when you're visiting. Avoid white as these will soon be red/black/brown. You can have laundry done at small fee if it's not included in your price, though for 3/days... doubt you'll need this service. Note though that "smalls" women's wears won't be laundered, so have sufficient or rinse yourself.

Unless you're hiking, you don't need boots. Good walkers with solid sole will be fine and should be well broken in (never pack new shoes). Most of your time is spent in a vehicle for game drives on in a boat for water safaris.

Most camps provide a torch in tent, but no harm having a small Maglite in case not.

More camera chips, also extra batteries, battery charger . And, of course, malaria meds and other inoculations that you discuss with your doc.

Safari njema!

ME!! Sorry had to put it out there.

Would also recommend the long sleve t-shirt and trousers for the evening. If you must, a good bright shirt for dinner.. Or you could just buy yourself a safari jacket :)

Would also suggest a bird/ flora fauna book. You could donate this at the end of our trip to your camp/ driver.

Earbuds, baby wipes and colgate white tooth paste. The tooth paste is for bites. Local trick and does work.. even uesd it back in Aussie on mozzie bites and gives you a lovely mintie freshness.

Try buying those small travel toiletries. this way also at the ned of your trip you can give them to the staff there.

Head torch is a must.. I like looking where I walk at night and is handy for the pack up in the morning before you head out on safari. Get Lithim batteries. They last for a long time and are not scared of a bit of cold.

Now then, after you take all these suggestions and overpack your luggage, put half of it back; you will not need it. Try to think minimum needs. Anything you really need and didn't bring with you can be easily purchased there if you really find that you need it.

I kept minimizing until I now go with only a carry on and I get along fine, and it certainly makes travel easier.

Just remember to take a good sense of humor, and leave all your preconceptions about Africa at home.

...just a small thing to add to this...BINOCULARS! We splashed out on a really good pair just before we went and they were invaluable.

Also it is worth bearing in mind that most internal domestic flights are in very small Cessna type planes (most of ours were max 4 people) and the weight limit for bags is 15kg. They do weigh them to make sure and put a weight tag on!

Have a fantastic time, we got back 2 days ago and I would pack my bags and go back tomorrow!

Thanks so much for all your advice, it is truly brilliant.

I will really try to adopt the less is more approach when packing - I'm not sure how I'll get on, it's not one of my strong points!!

We are going to Lake Manze. I'll look out for some decent binoculars and wildlife books - everything else I think I've got already.

Well spotted, peaweasel. I'd missed the binos.

Yes - bins and cameras are top priority. I think books are optional.

Did you know Adventure Camps have a good website and regular newsletters telling you what's been happening around the place? Sometimes it can raise expectations, but you might be interested....

Anyway - I've been lucky enough to have been to Lake Manze, so if questions crop up, I'm happy to try to answer them.

cheers

Me too. Regards to Richard and Sarah when you get there.

We were at Lake Manze too! You will have a wonderful time!

Re guide books, all the guides who will be with you have enormous books covering all the birds and animals you are likely to see. If you are struggling with luggage weight issues, leave them behind!