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
A 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), Canon R6 MII ("in case" camera, R7)
Lenses: RF100-300, RF 70-200, RF 16
With: RF extender (1.4 & 2x)
Other: IPad Air 13” M2 with accessories
Adapter Plugs M, G, N, C, D (recommended by guide)
Noise Cancelling Earphones: over ears & Airpods
More: 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:
3 interchangeable outfits - 3 pants, tanks, t-shirts, long sleeves
1 waterproof and warm foldable jacket
2 shorts for lounging, 1 pj, 5 undies, 3 bras, 5 merino wool socks
2 face coverings (gators), 2 hats (1 floppy full coverage, 1 baseball cap)
2 walking shoes, 1 slip on shoe
1 "decent outfit" for dinner, etc
1 sweatshirt
1 full outfit in carry on (using one of the above) + comfy travel wear I was wearing
** prior to, I will have sprayed my outer clothing to help keep away the flies/mosquitoes
Misc:
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 would bring a roller/backpack as my camera bag (removable rollers). There were two professional photographers on my tour that had Think Tank and I could see using them instead. My Guru bags were about the most UNcomfortable packs I've ever carried. But they were handy.
For my clothing bag, I saw duffles with hidden wheels - that would have been handy. The small airplanes seemed to take those.
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. I did bring a monopod but didn't use it at all. I think I would still bring one.
Definitely, I would bring a flash, trigger, clamp, etc. Maybe even a Westcott FJ 200.
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. Next time, I'm packing two outfits and doing with less. Where I stayed, they had everything - soaps, shampoos, and more. I'd find out and then keep those items at home. I also had washing service so packing less makes more sense.
My ultimate joy would be to do only two items - and both of them carry on which would have to house my gear and clothing. Personally I do not see that occurring but I can dream!