Enter your departure date and get a personalised countdown checklist. We'll tell you exactly what to do and when, from six months out to the day you board your flight.
Peak season (Jul-Oct in East Africa) sells out 6-12 months ahead. Book early for the best lodges and availability.
Most African countries require your passport to be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates with 2+ blank pages.
The Great Migration is in Tanzania Jul-Oct and Kenya Aug-Nov. Gorilla permits in Uganda/Rwanda need advance booking.
Factor in flights, park fees, tips, optional activities and travel insurance. Budget USD 150-500/day depending on lodge tier.
Group size affects vehicle type, lodge room allocation and pricing tiers.
Nairobi (NBO), Dar es Salaam (DAR), Entebbe (EBB) and Kigali (KGL) are the main safari gateways. Book 3+ months out for best fares.
Ensure your policy covers medical evacuation (essential for remote bush areas), trip cancellation and adventure activities.
Yellow fever, typhoid, hepatitis A/B and rabies are commonly recommended. Some vaccines need multiple doses over weeks.
Options include Malarone, doxycycline and mefloquine. Start well before departure to test for side effects.
Small charter planes connect remote parks. Weight limits are strict (15kg soft bag) so plan luggage accordingly.
Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda offer e-visas online. Processing takes 3-7 business days but allow extra time for delays.
Neutral colours (khaki, olive, tan). Avoid white, black and bright colours. Quick-dry fabrics are essential.
Gorilla trekking involves 1-6 hours of steep jungle hiking. Build cardio and leg strength with regular hikes.
A 100-400mm telephoto lens is ideal for wildlife. Rent if buying is too expensive. Bring plenty of memory cards.
A bird and mammal field guide for your region enhances game drives enormously. Basic Swahili goes a long way in East Africa.
Confirm with your travel clinic that all doses are complete. Carry your yellow vaccination card with your passport.
USD is widely accepted for tips and park fees. Carry small denominations (1s, 5s, 10s, 20s) printed after 2006.
Prevents your cards being blocked for suspicious overseas transactions. Note ATM withdrawal limits abroad.
Confirm pickup times, internal flight schedules, lodge check-in/out times and any special dietary requirements.
Leave a copy of your itinerary, passport, insurance policy and emergency numbers with someone you trust.
Email your operator, lodges and domestic airline to reconfirm. Ask for driver/guide name and phone number.
Flight tickets, lodge confirmations, visa, insurance, vaccination card, emergency contacts. Keep digital backups too.
Use our Packing Checklist tool to generate a personalised list by tour type and season.
Carry medications in original packaging with a doctor's letter. Pack a basic first aid kit.
Confirm your operator provides airport pickup. If self-driving to the airport, book parking in advance.
Pack heavy items at the bottom of your bag. Use packing cubes to stay organised. Remember the 15kg soft-bag limit for bush flights.
Camera batteries, phone, power bank, headlamp. Bring the correct power adapter (Type G for Kenya/Uganda, Type M for South Africa).
Google Maps offline, Maps.me and Google Translate (Swahili) work without signal. Download before you leave.
Passport photo page, visa, insurance policy, flight tickets. Keep copies separate from originals.
Local SIM cards (Safaricom in Kenya, Airtel in Uganda/Tanzania) offer cheap data. eSIMs like Airalo work across Africa.
Passport, visa, tickets, insurance, vaccination card, cash, cards. Do a final count.
Let colleagues and clients know you will be unreachable. Include an emergency contact if needed.
Set timers on lights, ask a neighbour to collect mail, and double-check all windows and doors.
Last-minute weather check may prompt you to add or remove a layer. Check morning game drive temperatures.
Most airlines open check-in 24-48 hours before departure. Select a window seat for aerial views on arrival.
Keep these accessible at all times. Never pack your passport in checked luggage.
If your checked bag is delayed, you'll have what you need for the first 24 hours.
Small USD bills for tips on arrival. Having some local currency for immediate expenses is helpful.
Long layovers and connecting flights are common on Africa routes. Stay hydrated and fed.
International terminals can have long queues. Allow extra time for check-in, security and immigration.
You've prepared thoroughly. Trust your planning and enjoy the incredible experience ahead of you.