Traveling / Safari Bound?
If you are heading to a Safari, your first or a repeated trip, I am sure you have viewed many YouTube “what to pack on Safari” videos, like I have! Let me offer you a few tips and lists if your thoughts are for a Photographer's Safari.
I am an “over-packer” "over-thinker" due to the “what if” scenarios. Safaris MAKE you truly pack the "only need" items (at least mine did due to the flight restrictions). Here are some suggestions that could help you. Know that there is no "one way" to do this and maybe what worked for me, won't for you. Take it all with a grain of salt but most importantly, ask your Professional Photographer/Tour Guide as each scenario could be slightly different.
My Safari Experience was simply amazing on all levels. I dealt with large airlines to small airplanes, like AirLink to remote areas with dirt air strips. Also, where I was headed, there are no vaccination requirements: United States, Johannesburg, Mana Pools, Victoria Falls, Hoedspruit, Beuteler - truly an adventure! *the above photos are useable images through wix - I will be inserting some of mine
Packing List
Bags
Camera & Other Electronics
Clothing, Medicines, More
Guru Gear Kiboto 2.0, 30L+ Camera Backpack (Green) - Carry On
22fL General Backpack - Carry On
Patigonia 40L Duffle Backpack (Yellow) - Checked Baggage (with TSA lock)
Cameras: Canon R5 MII (2), plus Canon R6 MII & Canon R7 (additional camera if needed)
Lenses: RF100-300 (2.8) + 1.4x & 2x, RF16 (2.8), RF70-200 (f4), RF85 (1.2)
IPad Air 13” M2 with accessories
Adapter Plugs M, G, N, C, D (recommended by guide)
Noise Cancelling Earphones: over ears & Airpods
Other: Camera Batteries + Chargers, Card Readers (2), Memory Cards (SD / CFEpress), SSD 4 TB’s (2), Charging Cords, Zip Lock Bags, Cleaning Gear, Battery packs, Action 5 & accessories + batteries, Binoculars, Extension Cords, Apple Watch, 3-Charger Flat (phone, watch, AirPods), Peak Design Straps & additional anchors, SmallRig Tool, SmallRig Cages on Cameras
Clothing/Etc: 1 Full Change of Clothing (carryon/plane)
3 Pants. 3 Button Down Longs. 3 Tank Shirts. 3 T-Shirts
2 Shorts. 1 Swim Suit. 10 Undies. 4 Sport Bras
1 Wind/Rain Jacket. 1 Puffer Jacket (carryon). 1 Outfit Evening Wear. 2 Shoes
1 Slip on Shoe. 2-3 Gators (me & my lenses). 1 Sweatshirt. 1 PJ set
** prior to, I will have sprayed my outer clothing to help keep away the flies/mosquitoes
Misc: 1 sun hat, 1 baseball cap, 2 sunglasses, 2 reading glasses, shampoo/conditioner, laundry sheets (sink), body/face sheets, limited makeup, sunblock, deodorant, body & lip lotion, 1 gloves, 1 beanie, 1 UV gloves no fingers, mosquito bands & repellent, laundry portable hangers, compression socks, snacks, water bottle, packable blanket, packable day pack, cash (tips), 2 credit cards, passport, license, global rescue card, Evisa
Medicine/Healing: Advil/Tylenol, Prescription Doxycycline (malaria), ProBiotics, Arnica Gel, Tennis/Golf Ball & Theraband, Diarrhea Meds, Cold/Fever Meds, Lozenges
Copies: Printed copies of Flight Information, Global Rescue Membership, Safari Info, Passport/License, Insurance Information, Hotel Reservations, Emergency Contact Info, Vaccination Record, EVisa Application (Receipt), ESim information
What I might do differently
Bags
Camera & Other Electronics
Clothing, Medicines, More
I think I definitely would bring a roller for my camera bag. There were two professional photographers on my tour that had Think Tank and I could see using the smaller one is an easier option than my heavy backpack. However, what I had did work, it just became heavy.
For my clothing bag, I also saw with these small planes some duffles with hidden wheels - that would have been handy. Again due to weight it would have been easier to get around airports with at least one that wheeled.
I think the cameras I had were fine. I would probably just bring 2 but brought what I brought since one of them had been acting up prior to my trip so played it safe. Some days I wished I had a lighter lens, like maybe the 100-400 with extender available to me, but overall I was pretty happy with the choices I had brought. Unfortunately the 70-200 stopped working the second I got there (errors) but I did have the 85 and the 18-150 for the R7. I primarily used the 100-300 with and without the 1.4x or the 2x. I did bring a monopod but didn't use it at all. I think I would still bring one. I would also bring a flash, trigger, etc. Maybe even the Westcott FJ 200 and a clamp, maybe a remote. Definitely options I would consider.
On one level, having basically three outfits worked, but it still felt too many clothes. And, with all the medications, cords, bathroom items, my bag was just too heavy. I think, with the washing and service availabilities that I had, I would do two outfits, a casual evening outfit, a jacket, one long sleeve sweatshirt or hoodie, and way less bathroom items - I would bring less overall. My ultimate joy would be to do only two carry on ... I don't see that occurring but we can wish!