Packing for any trip is never easy- especially going on an African Safari. Taking too little or too much, a suitcase or a backpack, and will these nice shoes come in handy? All very<\/em> important questions.<\/p>\n

When it comes to going on Safari for the first time, the packing task can get even harder, because it\u2019s hard to know what to expect and what you\u2019ll need in a situation that you\u2019ve never been in before.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s more, you\u2019re going on Safari to feel close to nature and animals, so your impact on the environment is likely to be an issue in your mind as well. And yes, the way you pack can<\/em> make a huge difference.<\/p>\n

Considering all these confusing issues and questions, let\u2019s take a look at the essentials on a green traveler\u2019s packing list for going on Safari.<\/p>\n

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FIRST STEP<\/span><\/p>\n

My first advice would be to simply call your tour operator or travel agency to ask what they already have with them. What is in their first aid kit? Do they furnish sleeping bags? Safari binoculars?<\/p>\n

The answers to these questions are essential to help you pack only what\u2019s needed. And that\u2019s important because the keyword for any green traveler is LIGHT.<\/p>\n

Having a light pack is not only practical for you, it also reduces the carbon emissions of your plane and of every transport you\u2019re likely to take. Whether you take a suitcase or a backpack is up to you, but remember that wheels are not the most practical idea in the African bush, so be sure you\u2019re able to carry whatever you bring.<\/p>\n

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SOAP<\/span><\/p>\n

Another big environmental issue on Safari is soap and laundry. There\u2019s a big chance that most of the water you use will be released right back into the soil, so the components of the products you bring with you should be looked at with a lot of care.<\/p>\n

The best is to go for an openly vegan brand, or take simple products that can be used in a lot of situations like Castile Soap or Marseille Soap. You can even do laundry with those. It will also guarantee that your products have not been tested on animals, which is a good habit to take.<\/p>\n

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WATER<\/span><\/p>\n

You\u2019re certainly not going to drink tap water in the African bush, and plastic bottles are the worst enemy of the green traveler. There\u2019s two solutions here; a water bottle with water-purification tablets, or a water bottle with a built-in filter.<\/p>\n

Before buying your water bottle, take a look at the components too. Most plastic bottles contain BPA, which is not a good thing for your health, especially in the African heat. Stainless steel bottles are the most respectful of the environment and will keep the water as cool as possible.<\/p>\n

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PLASTIC BAG<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s always practical to have a few plastic bags with you to be able to store muddy shoes or wet towels. They will also be a good way to dispose of any thing you want to throw out, rather than leave those things behind.<\/p>\n

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TORCHLIGHT<\/span><\/p>\n

A torch is on any Safari packing list, or even any travel packing list for that matter. Choose a dyno torch! They\u2019re resistant, waterproof, will last a lifetime, are always working when you need them, and of course they don\u2019t need batteries. Which means no making batteries, carrying extra batteries in your suitcase, and, best of all, no batteries in the garbage bag!<\/p>\n

Thank you for helping to preserve this amazing environment!<\/p>\n

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