Everything I’m taking is on my bed

I’m packing for my Safari to Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda, and this time, I’m getting organized; laying all the clothes on my bed, and using the convenient Eagle Creek Pack-It Cubes to pack my clothes. Rootens luggage store in Newport Beach, outfitted Jim Holden and me, and their friendly staff showed us how packing for a Safari, is much easier, when you have the right gear.

Last week’s post was about luggage and accessories, and this post will show you specific Safari clothing that we found at Rootens for our upcoming trip.

4 pairs of pants rolled up in Rootens Eagle Creek Pack-it Cube.

Jim Holden and I are leaving on a two-week site inspection tour of several lodges, and are limited by the luggage we can take on the smaller planes used on internal flights in East and Southern Africa. The weight limit is 33 lbs, and I’m used to packing large suitcases, so downsizing is a must.

As usual, I’m doing everything last minute, and adrenalin is fueling my body. Fortunately, Shere from Rootens store, showed me the Crossbody Purse, for my credit cards, money, and passport, and I am transferring all my valuables into this safe bag.

Sonia with the Baggallini crossbody purse to keep valuables safe.

On long flights, (approximately 18 hours) to Nairobi, it’s important to wear compression socks as your feet and ankles swell. Shere recommended Sockwell graduated compression socks. Fast-drying underwear are a must, as women have to wash undergarments in some of the remote lodges where there are no washing machines. The staff will hand-wash your clothes, however, they do not wash women’s underwear. I have some Woolite travel soap in individual sachets. This I found at Rootens together with Exofficio Give-N-Go underwear. They also have the same fast-drying underwear for men.

SAFARI COLORS AND MATERIAL

The sensible colors for clothes are classic safari colors (khaki, stone, green) and muted colors that blend in well with the natural environment. Avoid black and blue, as this may attract Tsetse flies, and bright red should also be avoided. Bright colors as well as white, stand out against the muted brown and green tones of Africa. It is also not recommended to wear camouflage clothing as this could be associated with the military. 

I’m bringing all the “right” colors, and nothing flashy or bright.

Exoffico Safari Shirt

Jim Holden loves the Exoffico Safari shirt. “The color is perfect for photographic game Safaris,” he says.

He is also packing pants that you can unzip and turn into shorts when you get hot. These are the ones Jim Holden wore during his recent Safari presentation. I have the same from Rootens luggage store, for women.

Jim Holden, on right, is wearing his Rootens Exofficio pants and long-sleeved shirt, with his Tilley, “breathable” hat, all from Rootens. This was a recent Safari presentation.

We have prepared a Safari packing list together with Rootens luggage store which you can download here.

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Author: Sonia Marsh

The post What Clothes Do I Need on Safari? appeared first on Holden Safaris.

If you want to have the best African Safari experience, then packing the right clothes and using the appropriate-sized luggage is crucial to your overall experience. In this post, we’ll show you the most important luggage items to take with you, and in next week’s post, we’ll discuss clothing.

Jim Holden, President of Holden Safaris, and I updated our Safari luggage, clothing and accessories last week at Rooten’s luggage store: a specialty luggage and apparel store located in our Newport Beach, California, backyard.  Next week, we’re traveling with all new gear to Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda, and hope that you follow our safari adventures. Take a look at all the items we are packing for our Safari.

Backpacks, duffel bags, packing cubes, hats, inflatable pillow for the plane, folding water bottles, quick drying underwear, compression socks, travel cosmetic bag, pocket cross-body bag.

• Types of luggage recommended on internal flights in Africa

The staff at Rooten’s luggage, were super friendly and knowledgeable. Shere and Mike both recommended the Eagle Creek brand for our backpacks and the load-warrior carry-on. I was worried about my 15.6″ Lenovo laptop not fitting in the backpack, as it looked small, but I was relieved to see how snugly it fit inside the protective case.

I’ve followed Jim Holden’s advice, as well as the luggage experts at Rooten’s luggage store, and this time, I’m traveling with two carry-on size bags: the Eagle Creek Load Warrior Carry-on with wheels, and the Eagle Creek Afar Backpack. Both of them are super light, and although I do not like the idea of having a heavy backpack on my shoulders, I like the fact that I can place the backpack onto the handle of the duffel bag.

Jim Holden with the perfect size “Eagle Creek Load Warrior Carry-on with wheels.”

So Jim Holden reminded me that we are only allowed 15 kg (33lbs) of luggage, (packed in a soft-sided duffel bag) on the small planes flying between various lodges in Africa.

• Accessories to bring with you on Safari

Like most of my female friends, I make the mistake of packing too many clothes, shoes, and bottles of shampoo and lotions. It wasn’t until my last site inspection/safari, trip to Zambia and Zimbabwe, that I realized how few items I actually needed. So this time, I’m going to pack my money, credit cards, passport, camera, insect repellent bracelet and bandana, in my new sand-colored crossbody purse. It’s so lightweight and comfortable and I can use it everywhere; including on our early morning and evening game drives. I also like the fact that all my valuables are with me at all times.

Shere showed me a travel cosmetic bag with see through containers, and a hook on top, so you can unfold all sections and easily find your make-up, lotions and shampoos. It’s light weight and easy to use in combination with the “GoToob” 3 oz travel bottles. Another useful item we discovered at Rooten’s is in the photo on the bottom right. These may look like edible mints, but they turn into small towelettes for wiping your hands and face. All you need is to add a small amount of water, and they expand.

Last but not least, a water bottle that you can refill and clip together when not in use.Ne

Next week, I’ll show you how to pack your clothes in special packing cubes, and how to dress on Safari.

Any questions? Please ask in the comments section below this post.

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