Recommended Items from Seasoned Safari Travelers

Our seasoned Gamewatchers clients and safari specialists, who have enjoyed safaris and stays at Porini Camps, share their recommended items to enhance your safari experience and help you to prepare for your next trip.

Planning a safari holiday is an exciting endeavour, but packing for it can be a bit daunting, especially when trying to keep within the limited luggage allowance.

See below some recommendations from Gamewatchers clients and our safari specialists who have been on safaris and want to share their insights on what items proved invaluable during their trips - these include a hanging storage bag & a portable washing machine!

Hanging Closet Storage Bag
These innovative packing cubes with a convenient hanging feature are a game-changer. Now you can effortlessly store and access your clothing, toiletries, and other essentials without having to unpack everything from your suitcase. This not only saves time and effort but also keeps your items organized and easily accessible.

Client recommends- The packing hanging closet was great, as we were at camps for 3 nights, we just pulled out the shelf unit, opened up and hung up. Made organizing, packing and unpacking a breeze and accomplished in minutes. They come in various colours and sizes, but we used the small one it fit everything we needed as per your packing list.

Phone Camera Grip Handle Holder
Grips your phone like a camera and reduces shaking when taking photos or recording videos from your phone. Also features a universal 1/4" Standard Screw & Cold Shoe Mount which allows you add an external LED lamp or microphone.as well as the option to mount it onto a Camera tripod or monopod.

Client recommends- I have had cameras and lens for years. This year I decided to also add a camera grip for my iphone. What a game changer! I got some amazing shots, even when we were racing to get to a game kill. Makes phone shots so much steadier and now we won't travel anywhere without one.

Nikon z 6ii
The versatile full-frame mirrorless hybrid camera excels in speed, image quality, and video performance, making it the perfect choice for both still and video photography. It offers high-speed shooting with a large buffer capacity, 4k ultra HD video at 60p, and a 273-point hybrid autofocus system with numerous options. The camera also boasts outstanding low-light capabilities, dual processors, dual card slots, and wireless connectivity with smartphones and laptops. In addition, it comes with a myriad of creative features, making it an all-in-one solution for professionals and enthusiasts alike.

This is the camera that Kristy, Gamewatchers travel advisor in Australia, uses and recommends.

Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR

Capture stunning shots with Nikon's impressive NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR zoom lens. Specifically designed for Z series mirrorless cameras, this lens offers exceptional sharpness and clarity throughout its extensive zoom range. Its comfortable and balanced design allows for quick handheld shooting, making it an ideal choice for on-the-go photographers.

Kristy says "from about 9.30am - 4.30pm this is my choice of lens"

Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 S

The Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S is a fast, powerful and highly-desirable telephoto zoom lens designed for Nikon's advanced mirrorless cameras. This lens is not only perfect for still photography but also offers optical advancements for videographers and cinematographers.

Kristy says "Perfect for early morning and into the evening when light is very low - it has been a game changer for me.."

Hooded Rain Poncho
This rain poncho is made from lightweight yet durable and rip-resistant polyester material. The seams are sealed with waterproof backing material to ensure that no rain will leak through, and each corner is reinforced with a grommet. Buttons are added along the side to help in windy weather, and a brim is incorporated into the hood to improve visibility. The poncho comes with a compact storage pouch, making it easy to fold and pack for traveling. This is an ideal item to have at hand for when those rain showers make an appearance.

Client recommends - We have these rain ponchos in our travel knapsack as well. Came in handy at Lion camp. Light weight enough for travel, but not like the flimsy plastic ones.

Scrubba Wash Bag Portable Washing Machine
This portable clothes washer is a convenient solution for travelers who want to pack light and wash their clothes on the go. The compact design allows it to fit in your pocket or take up minimal space in your luggage, and is perfect for small to medium laundry loads. With easy-to-follow instructions printed on the bag, washing your clothes becomes effortless and hassle-free.

Client recommends - We have been using this wash bag for years. Great for underwear, light shirts, shorts and even lightweight pants.

Laundry Detergent Sheets
Fast dissolving detergent sheets that work well in both hot and cold water. Ideal for taking on safari, as they are as light and thin as pieces of paper, you can take out a few sheets and put them in your case.

Client recommends - Washing sheets to use with bag or any laundry

Packable Camp Toilet Tissue
Pair of biodegradable toilet tissue rolls. The tube less rolls are ideal for travel as they take up less space in your packing.

Client recommends- Packable toilet paper, which think I will now keep in knapsack when travelling, you never know when you will need it. I realize that the vehicles had toilet paper them, but this is just a great item to have, even when you are at a restaurant where the washrooms may not have been attended to.

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Get in touch with your own recommendations:

If you have been on a safari with Gamewatchers or stayed at the Porini Camps and would like to share your own safari travel must-haves, please send an email to info@poriniduka.com with your recommendation and why you wouldn't travel on a safari without this item, we will then add it to the list of travel recommendations.

Safari Packing List

Download our packing lists as a Guide to help you prepare and pack for your safari.

Must haves:

• Long-sleeve shirts and trousers for evenings and also insect protection

• Short-sleeve shirts and shorts for warmer days

• A waterproof, lightweight jacket to cover up if wet or windy

• A fleece for cooler mornings and evenings

• A wide-brimmed hat and polarised sunglasses for sun protection

• Comfortable, lightweight walking shoes or safari style boots