If there’s one type of holiday we are experts in at Wombat, then that’s going on safari. It’s a look and style we’ve made an essential part of our collections over the years as the natural setting perfectly reflects our own ethos.
For those who want to get an eye-opening glimpse of the wild then this is the best way to close look at Mother Nature in all her glory. The amazing thing about safari holidays is they are available all year round, and for those planning to head away in the winter, there are some fantastic deals to be found online too.
Getting ready for your safari holiday is all about planning and ensuring you pack and prepare well. There’ll be plenty of walking ahead, so comfortable but strong footwear will be needed, and it goes without saying that clothing will need be light in both material and colour. The weather isn’t always bright sunshine so come prepared for the occasional downpour. You’ll need a bag to take out on your excursions and maybe a new travel wallet too. With the sun exposed high in the sky protecting the top of your head is vital. Not only that, it will help keep the rest of your body temperature cool. There’s a lot of items to cover but luckily for you we’re experts in this area and will run down some of the best we have to offer below.
SUN PROTECTION
As you can see in Stephanie Be’s photo above you can keep cool in the shade with our Sand Coloured Washable Hat. The heat out in the open can be pretty intense, even when you place yourself in the shade. This hat is made to take the brunt of the heat as it bears down from above, allowing you to relax and enjoy the amazing scenery. If you have a family of elephants walking right in front of you, as in the picture, the last thing you need is to be distracted with a sunburnt head. It can get pretty dusty out on safari but the great news is the hat is also washable, so there’s no excuses for it looking grubby for too long.
Carly Martinetti is also wearing our classic The Wilds Air Leather and Mesh hat its rugged style able to fit in seamlessly with either men or women. As you can see its rich, dark brown colour makes it a natural for the outdoors, easily blending in with the surroundings, so even a pack of muddy hippos won’t be able to tell the difference!
SMART PACKING FOR THE JOURNEY
You won’t be able to pack too large when heading away on safari, as many of the transfer flights will take place on small planes that set quite a low weight limit. The great news is that you are in the right place to take your pick from a wonderful selection of deluxe leather bags. The thick, oiled leather is ideal for these sorts of long journeys that can stand up to long distance flights. While not completely waterproof, it can withstand the rain for short periods of time, which is ideal for safari holidays as flash showers can be the norm. Not only that, but you’ll ridiculously stylish too, which is a must wherever you are!
PACKING FOR TOURS AND DAY TRIPS
For the times you leave the hotel and head out on tour to get closer to the animals, you won’t want to drag a large bag around with you. That’s where a Waxed Canvas and Leather Rucksack comes in handy. It’s light enough to hook over one or both shoulders and spacious enough for you to pack away any snacks or water (an essential) you bring along with you. Make sure you include insect repellent, binoculars, sun cream and a camera to capture those amazing moments, and you’ll probably still have some room left for one or two bits and pieces.
Another alternative for carrying your belongings around for the day would be our Waxed Canvas and Leather Sling Backpack. Whether you are in South Africa, Tanzania or Kenya, heading away on a safari holiday also allows for the perfect opportunity to venture out and explore the country itself. The sling backpack is ideal for day trips and is nicely secured to protect everything inside. You may also want to include things like blister plasters and painkillers, if the sun becomes too much during the day. While you will no doubt have insect repellent with you there will be a lot of bugs around and it’s always useful to have some antihistamines at hand in case you do get bitten along the way.
WEARING THE RIGHT CLOTHING
Comfort and practicality will have to win the day ahead of style on some occasions, so stay away from white and bright colours wherever you can. It’s all about blending into the surrounding landscape like a chameleon wearing animal-friendly greens, beiges and khakis. Camouflage clothing may have you confused with local military (and in some countries this is not a mix-up you’d want to make) and try to avoid wearing black or blue, as these colours can attract tsetse flies. Long trousers and sleeves will offer some protection against thorns and insect bites too.
An essential item to have ready for the end of the day is a leather washbag. The temperature will feel close to your skin throughout the day and you’ll need to freshen up to clear away the dirt and dust you’ll pick up from being out and about. Keeping all your belongings together makes it quick and easy to pop in and out of the shower to freshen up and enjoy your evening plans.
For the day time you’ll also have to pick out some sensible footwear as there will be quite a bit of walking involved. Walking boots or trainers are a good option, especially as the surface will be quite uneven in places. Also remember that the dry season runs from June to October, so if you are planning to head away after this period, have protection with you to shelter from any sudden rain downpours that may appear.
The most important piece of advice we can give to you is to have an amazing safari! These holidays are often a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so prepare well, take the necessary precautions and have as much fun as possible!
Planning for your next Safari Trip
It is only possible to enjoy your safari to the full if you follow some handy tips and do all of the essential groundwork planning before you go. You will not want to pack too much so you will be needing a leather bag that will help you to fulfill a relatively full itinerary in a multitude of exciting locations. You should probably avoid taking very large suitcases with you, as the majority of safari transfers will be are on small planes and they have to limit baggage under 15kg. A Waxed Canvas and Leather Duffle Bag can act as the perfect holdall for a safari getaway. Created from thick, tough but very attractive waxed canvas and soft, oiled leather, this is one holdall you will want to use time and time again. Made from the same high-grade cattle hide as our famous Bush Hats, select from a range of holdalls that will protect your belongings no matter what the weather. Remember that the majority of holiday providers will allow you access to laundry facilities, so it is possible to travel light by choosing to use soft luggage as an alternative to a hard suitcase.
Wombat Leather duffle holdall
Practical packing
It is important to spend your holiday time enjoying yourself and not having to think about folding and unfolding clothes to fit into an unsuitable bag. You will probably need to take lots of loose-fitting clothes on Safari as they will help to keep you cool in hot summer climates when traveling. Usually, dark clothes are not the best idea as they attract tsetse flies in the hot summer heat. Before you travel, fully research where you are going to and find out if it is more casual, or, whether you will have some formal safari nights to look forward to. A family lodge, for instance, will probably have a much more relaxed approach to their dress code in dining and bar areas whereas a more formal Safari lodge can require that their guests dress accordingly. As it will be hot, it is best to travel thoughtfully and keep clothing light and low key. Comfortable clothing works best in the bush and hot summer heat, so try to take a bag that allows you to pack light with T-shirts, waterproof jackets, and sandals.
The little excursions
A small quality backpack is almost essential to carry your daily essentials around whilst on Safari. The “Outback” Luxury Soft Oiled Brown Leather Backpack is a robust, trendy backpack that is a super-stylish way to keep your belongings together when going for a walk on safari. You may want to take around with you a book about the birds, safari wildlife or plants. A pair of binoculars is always fun to have by your side and you will need to take sunglasses, sun cream, insect repellent and a sun hat that will stay put as you travel on a safari vehicle. It is important to have a bag with enough room for all of these things as there will be nothing more discouraging when on safari than not actually being able to see all of the wonders.
Wombat Oiled leather Rucksack
When on safari the day’s activities can be extremely dehydrating, therefore in order to rehydrate you will need a bag that allows you to carry plenty of drinks. There very often is no respite from the sun or shade in certain areas so continuous hydration and good skin care is vital throughout the day. It is recommended to drink bottled water wherever you go. Carrying a swimsuit might also be a good idea and could be indispensable to you on hot days. You will often find that safari camps even in the middle of the game reserves will have some sort of swimming pool. Also, one of the real pleasures of a safari will be the afternoon siesta. It could be really worth taking something safari related to read around the pool or even under a tree in the bush on a hot day. Invest your time in a book about plants and wildlife as the more you know about your beautiful surroundings then the more you will come to appreciate the wild.
Sun and Bug Protection
A hat is without doubt essential on a sunny safari like a Wombat lightweight distressed leather hat which is perfect for the outdoors. Imagine as you set out for a drive at dawn on the plains when the weather is cool, you will want to look the part. Also, you will want to take some stylish sunglasses with you that do more than just hanging round your neck, but that are practical as you juggle binoculars, bags, and cameras. Unsurprisingly, there will be bush bugs – they are a natural part of the safari experience. If you prefer all insects to be kept at a good distance, including pesky horse flies, you will also need to pack in a quality leather backpack an insect repellent that you can take with you.
A quality wash bag containing all of your health products that hangs on a hook is useful. It is worth keeping in mind that camps are in the middle of nowhere so you will need to take essentials with you as there will not be a local chemist nearby. Ensure that your wash bag contains sticking plasters for walking blisters, painkillers, wet wipes and antihistamines for insect bites. Ensure that you check with your doctor before you leave for your safari about your existing medical conditions if you are going to be taking part in treks and activities. Guarantee that you have enough space in your bag for sufficient quantities of any prescription medication that you need to take with you including any precautions against malaria.
Walkabout
Sturdy walking shoes on safari are essential. Carry a bag with you that allows you to take an extra pair cotton socks as even the most sensible footwear can leave you with blisters at the end of a long day. The terrain is naturally uneven when on walking safaris it can take its toll unless your backpack is correctly packed. Also, a great tip is to make certain that you air out your shoes every night so that they will be fresh and dry for the next day’s walking safari. A Wombat Leather Hat and mesh foldable hat is also perfect for the outdoors walkabout to keep the hot afternoon sun off your head.
Wombat Wilds Air leather and mesh hat
Essential documents
Ensure that you have safe places to hold all of your valid passports, visas, information on vaccinations and any re-entry permits which you need to have easy access to. A Luxury Oiled Leather Shoulder Holster Wallet is a great choice when traveling on safari to keep your items safe. Made from Quality Hide Leather this Holster Shoulder holster wallet has two front zipped pockets which act to keep your cash and cards safe. Ensure that you keep separate your passport from your credit cards and cash with separate wallets in case you lose an item baggage.
Wombat Shoulder Holster Bag
Most of all relax – you are going on the holiday of a lifetime, have fun, learn from the adventure and enjoy your visit. Have a fantastic safari!