South Africa: Wildlife Conservation Experience‎ > ‎

Packing List

As South Africa is in the Southern Hemisphere, the seasons are reversed. Winter, between May and September, is the dry season where lows can reach the 50’s and highs are regularly in the 80’s. In Summer, October to April, there is a greater chance for rain with temperatures in the consistently in the 80’s and 90’s.

Between May-September, the mornings and nights can get very cold. Please pack accordingly and dress in layers. A heavy jacket, gloves, and hats are essential and can be shed throughout the day as it warms up. Early morning game drives during winter will be cold!!

Suggested Packing List: 

Must - Haves:

• A refillable water bottle

• Day bag to bring on game drives with essentials such as hand sanitizer, snacks, etc. 

• Passport. Must be valid for up to 6 months after your scheduled departure date from South Africa and have at least 2 blank pages.

Clothing:

*If traveling during winter, May-September, plan for cold mornings and evenings. Bring gloves, hats, a scarf and warm jacket for early morning game drives. It is very helpful to layer your clothing during winter. Please note there is no Heat/Air conditioning in the tents.

• Short-sleeved shirts (we recommend thin, breathable shirts as it can be hot and humid during the afternoons)

• A warm sweatshirt / fleece (it can get cool at night, esp. during winter) this will come in use for early drives

• Rain jacket (light weight, water resistant for sudden, unexpected showers especially during summer)

• Bathing suit (there's a pool on site open year round), it's not heated.

• Shorts

• Pants (light pants are best for outdoor activities) 

• Hat 

• One comfortable pair of closed-toed shoes (these are for bush walks and may get dirty)

Bath / Personal:

• Personal medication 

• Glasses / contacts / contact solution 

• Personal toiletries 

• Sunscreen

• Sunglasses

• Bug spray

Other: There are many bird and wildlife books on offer at the lodge, making for interesting reading, but guests should specific books and games for entertainment. 

• Portable charger - South Africa has introduced a system of "loadshedding" which means the power utility switches off power to particular areas on a rotational basis. Loadshedding is usually not random, it is carefully planned and scheduled to reduce the load. You will probably notice loadshedding in minor ways, but it shouldn't greatly impact your trip. 

• Books 

• Cameras, binoculars and recording gadgets to keep a record of the many wildlife sightings

• Watch or small alarm clock 

• Flashlight/headlamp (optional as there will be torches provided at the accommodations)

• Light day bag or pack (small backpack is ideal) 

• Personal snacks that you may need or crave (such as granola bars or power bars for in between meals). 

Donations (optional) for the visit with Zingela Ulwazi:

•  Old clothes (hats, scarves, gloves greatly appreciated) 

•  Toys

• School material ( pens - paper- crayons- folders - notebooks - flash cards -etc)

Discover Corps Provides:

• Linens / blankets 

• Pillows 

• Towels

• Toiletries (hand soap and shampoo only)

*We advise that you should bring enough lightweight clothes to avoid having to do laundry during the trip. However, laundry is available during the trip for a nominal fee.

*Electrical outlets in South Africa are 3-prong with round pins. Please note: Many universal adapters do not include 3 round pins. This specific adapter for South Africa are commonly sold separately. Please double check with type of adapter you have. Voltage is 220 volts. You will need an adapter if coming from the U.S.

*You will have access to an ATM at the beginning of the trip. Please be advised that while the lodge accepts credit card for the bar bills (ie- any extra drinks or snacks), wifi can sometimes be spotty making credit card machines, unusable. Paying in cash is recommended.  There will be no ATM once in the bush.

*Remember, South Africa has opposite seasons. Please be aware of the climate during your stay and pack accordingly. The tents do not have heaters or A/C. It does have stand-up fans and hot water bottles for the beds on request.