What should I pack for a trip to South Africa

Packing for an Epic Trip to South Africa: What You Need in Your Suitcase Are you getting ready for a trip to South Africa? 

Taking the time to carefully pack your suitcase can make the difference between a fantastic vacation and one that’s less than ideal. 

Knowing what to bring can be tricky, but we’ve got you covered. Here’s everything you need to know about packing for your upcoming journey to this amazing country. 

Discover What You Need 

Before you start packing, it helps to have a solid plan in place. Before setting out on your journey, take some time to research South African customs and climate, and consider any activities you plan on doing. Knowing what weather patterns are typical for each region can help inform the type of clothing and gear you should bring with you. Also, familiarizing yourself with local laws and etiquette is always wise especially when travelling alone or in small groups.

Make Your Packing List Before You Go If you want your vacation in South Africa to go as smoothly as possible, it’s essential that you create a packing list before you leave. Not only will this reduce stress and save time later on, but it will also ensure that nothing gets forgotten at home or left behind in transit. So take some time now and make sure you have everything ready – don’t leave anything until the last minute! 

When making your packing list for your trip to South Africa, there are several things that should definitely be included: 

• Clothes: Depending on when and where in South Africa you’re visiting, you should be sure to pack clothes that are appropriate for the climate. If you’re going in winter (June-August), make sure to bring warm layers, but if you’re visiting during summer (December-February) then lighter clothing is recommended. 
• Shoes: You will need a few pairs of comfortable shoes for walking around and exploring, as well as something dressier for evenings out or formal events. 
• Toiletries: Make sure to bring enough toiletries for your entire trip – this includes everything from shampoo and conditioner to sunscreen and insect repellent. 
• Documents: Don’t forget important documents such as passports, visas, tickets and insurance details.  

Prepare for Any Climate

South Africa is home to varying climates ranging from subtropical along the east coast, temperate inland regions, semi-desert conditions further north and even desert areas in the north west of the country! Therefore, be sure to pack accordingly. Bring clothing that can be layered, as well as a warm coat and hat for cooler days. If you’re travelling during the summer months, lightweight clothing and a hat are essential to protect you from the intense African sun. 

Sun Protection is Key

No matter when you visit South Africa, don’t forget to bring ample sunscreen and insect repellent. In addition to UV protection, hats and sunglasses can be useful for protecting your eyes from the bright African sunlight. It’s also wise to bring along a first-aid kit or basic medical supplies in case of emergency, having your own vehicle if possible is always a plus in emergencies so car or 4x4 hire means less maintenance on your own car and ease of access when you need it. 

Pack Essentials

When packing for your South African adventure, be sure to bring all necessary documentation with you such as passports and visas if required! Also consider bringing copies of important documents such as train tickets, hotel reservations or any other paperwork related to your trip so that they are easily accessible should you need them while travelling through the country. Finally, make sure you have enough cash on hand (South Africa's currency is Rand) or know where to access an ATM should you need it during your stay. 

Get Ready For Adventure

If there are specific activities planned for your trip, be sure to pack the necessary gear. Whether it’s camping gear for a safari tour or hiking boots for exploring mountain ranges, having the right equipment can make all the difference when traveling in South Africa. 

Get Going!

Once you’ve got everything packed and ready to go, why not hire a car to make your travels easier? With car hire you can explore South Africa at your own pace without worrying about public transport timetable. Plus, with their extensive fleet of vehicles ranging from luxury sedans to 4x4s and SUVs, there’s something for everyone! So don't delay.