What to pack for hunting in South Africa
A general guide for packing and planning your next hunting trip in South Africa.
During March, April, September, and October, South Africa experiences warm to hot weather, with temperatures typically ranging from 65°F to 85°F. In contrast, the winter months of May through August can bring chilly evenings, often dropping below freezing, though daytime temperatures usually rise to the mid-60s or 70s.
When preparing for a safari, consider this as a basic packing guide. Daily laundry services are available, except on arrival/departure days and when switching camps. Aim to pack lightly with essential, comfortable clothing and gear, remembering to save space for souvenirs from Africa.
Recommended Clothing:
- A pair of well-worn walking boots
- Comfortable shoes for camp
- Four pairs of quality socks
- Four sets of underwear
- Three pairs of long hunting pants in dark khaki, olive green, or camo
- Two pairs of short hunting pants for early hunts (Mar-Apr, Sept-Oct)
- Four hunting shirts in dark khaki, olive green, or camo
- One hunting jacket in a suitable color
- A warm sweater or jumper
- Casual evening wear
- A pair of gloves
- A raincoat or waterproof jacket
- A cap or hat
Additional Gear (Not all mandatory):
- Binoculars
- Personal shooting sticks (optional, as your Professional Hunter will have a set)
- Camera(s) and a USB flash drive or SD card for photo sharing
- Lens cleaning cloth for camera/binoculars
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Pocket/hunting knife
- Sunglasses, sunblock SPF 50, and lip balm
- Small backpack for daily hunting essentials (e.g., camera, extra ammo)
- Rifle with sufficient ammunition (unless renting)
- International plug adapter for South Africa (220V)
- Insect repellent, preferably with DEET
- Extra prescription glasses or contact lenses
- Personal medical supplies (first aid available in camp and hunting vehicles)
- Spare batteries/charger
- Rifle cleaning kit (unless hiring)
- Prescription medication
- Toiletries
- Wet wipes for comfort
- Rifle soft case
- Taxidermy tags and shipping instructions, if using a personal taxidermist
- Any required CITES permits
Final Pre-Departure Checklist:
- Passport (valid for at least six months with enough blank pages)
- Airline tickets
- Rifle import permit and related documents (if bringing your own rifle)