Travel Advice - What to Pack

Generally, Southern Africa's climate allows for a sunny holiday at any time of the year. However, your dress requirements may vary according to your particular destination.

It you intend spending a lot of time outdoors and definitely in summer, bring a hat for protection against the rather scorching sun. In the summer, lightweight cotton clothing is advised because daytime temperatures generally hover around 30 degrees Celsius. For the brief period of January until Mid-March, temperatures sometimes reach 35 degrees. During this period, the nights might be just as hot.

Sunglasses are a must when travelling this region, and especially in areas where the surroundings reflect sunlight, such as beaches.

Clothing is by far the most effective defense against the African sun. Use long-sleeved baggy clothing which will keep you just as cool while avoiding sunburn. The back of your neck is especially prone to sunburn, so get a shirt with a collar and wear the collar upwards (or wear a cotton scarf).

In the winter months (May to October) the sun shines almost every day. The evenings can get very cold. Temperatures have been known to plummet to below zero in Johannesburg and areas in Botswana and Namibia. Early morning and late afternoon temperatures are rather chilly too. Generally, on most sunny winter days, trousers and a jersey are all that you may require.

In the Mediterranean stretch along the south-western Cape in South Africa, winters are very wet.

Because winter temperatures do not justify having central heating in buildings and homes, Europeans tourists might find the winters harsher than locals do.

On safari wear neutral colours; khaki, olive-green, grey, brown so as to blend in with the environment. And bring binoculars - one pair per person.

Also bring sufficient film (if required) and spare batteries for your camera. Some camps have 220/240V electrical supplies for recharging video and digital camera batteries, but others do not. Either bring a good supply of batteries to keep you going at the camps where you can’t charge, or better, obtain a 12 volt charger which can be used from vehicles.

The region uses a standard large 13amp round pin plugs and the voltage is 220 volts.

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