Preparing for your African hunting safari is part of the adventure. To ensure you have a safe, successful, and comfortable experience, we've put together a detailed packing checklist covering everything from essential documents to personal items.
1. Travel Documents & Essentials
Be sure to keep these items in your carry-on luggage or a secure travel folder:
- Valid passport (with at least 6 months validity and 2 blank pages)
- Airline tickets or itinerary
- Visa (if applicable to your nationality)
- Travel insurance documents
- Medical insurance and emergency contact details
- Invitation letter from Leeuwfontein Safaris
- SAPS 520 form (if traveling with a firearm)
- U.S. Customs Form 4457 (for U.S. citizens bringing rifles)
- Copies of all important documents (paper and digital)
- Local currency (South African Rand) or USD for tips and purchases
- Credit/debit card (inform your bank of international travel)
- International driver’s license (optional)
2. Hunting Gear & Equipment
- Binoculars (8x or 10x magnification recommended)
- Rangefinder (optional but useful for longer shots)
- Rifle(s) and scope(s) – properly sighted-in
- Ammunition (maximum of 200 rounds per caliber)
- Lockable hard cases for rifles and ammo
- Soft rifle case (for use during daily hunts)
- Cleaning kit and maintenance supplies
- Shooting gloves and/or recoil pad
- Hearing protection
- Rifle sling
- Small daypack or field backpack
Note: Firearms and ammunition must be transported in separate, lockable containers.
3. Clothing & Apparel
Pack for layering, as temperatures can vary dramatically between early morning and midday.
Hunting Clothing:
- 3–5 long-sleeve shirts (neutral colors: olive, brown, khaki, green)
- 2–3 short-sleeve shirts
- 2–3 pairs of long hunting pants (durable and lightweight)
- 1–2 pairs of shorts (for around camp or warmer days)
- Breathable base layers (especially in cooler months)
- Warm jacket or fleece (especially May to August)
- Light rain jacket or poncho
- Wide-brimmed hat or cap
- Gloves (optional for colder mornings or shooting comfort)
- Comfortable casual wear for evenings and downtime
- Swimsuit (if the lodge has a pool or spa)
- Undergarments and socks (moisture-wicking recommended)
Footwear:
- Well-worn, ankle-support hunting boots
- Comfortable walking shoes or sandals for camp
- Waterproof gaiters (optional)
4. Health & Personal Items
- Personal medication (enough for the full trip plus a few extra days)
- Prescription copies and doctor’s letter (especially for restricted medications)
- Basic first-aid kit (band-aids, painkillers, antiseptic, blister care)
- Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher)
- Lip balm with SPF
- Insect repellent (DEET-based or natural alternative)
- After-bite or anti-itch cream
- Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, and other toiletries
- Razor or shaver
- Nail clippers and tweezers
Tip: Bring medications in original packaging with labels. Include malaria prophylaxis if advised.
5. Technology & Accessories
- Cell phone (with charger or portable power bank)
- Local SIM card or international roaming setup
- Camera and lenses or GoPro for documenting your hunt
- Extra batteries, memory cards, and chargers
- Travel adapters (South Africa uses Type M sockets – 230V, 50Hz)
- Flashlight or headlamp (with extra batteries)
- Power bank
6. Optional & Nice-to-Have Items
- Journal or notebook and pen
- Book or e-reader
- Snacks or favorite energy bars (especially for travel days)
- Sunglasses (polarized recommended)
- Small laundry detergent (for handwashing gear)
- Ziplock bags or dry sacks for electronics and documents
- Travel pillow or blanket for long flights
7. For Your Trophies
- List of animals targeted
- Instructions for taxidermy or export preferences (if already known)
- Space in your luggage for any souvenirs or light hunting mementos
Additional Notes
- Laundry service is available at most of our lodges – pack fewer clothes and rotate
- Soft-sided luggage is easier to handle and store in safari vehicles and charter flights
- Inform us ahead of time if you have any medical needs, dietary restrictions, or require special gear
Questions?
Our team is here to help you plan every step. If you're unsure about anything on this list or would like a printable version of the checklist, just let us know.
Contact us if you wish to find out more.
