Written by Menswear Style in Travel on the 2nd November 2015

If you’re bored of beach holidays and fancy trying something more adventurous, African safaris can be perfect. From game-viewing expeditions in the east or south of the continent to gorilla safaris in Uganda and mountain climbing breaks on Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru, there are plenty of action-packed itineraries to choose from. To really make the most of these holidays though, you’ll need to ensure you take the right gear. With this in mind, here are the top travel essentials for safaris.

Practical bags 

Forget wheelies, when it comes to choosing a bag for these holidays, think compact and soft. Duffel bags or canvas holdalls are ideal because they can squeeze into tight spaces in vehicles and small aircraft. As well as your main luggage, make sure you take a day bag that you can store things like your camera and binoculars in. A simple, lightweight rucksack should be perfect for this.

Some sturdy footwear 

Regardless of the type of vacation you book, you’ll need sturdy, comfortable footwear - and this is especially important if you’re planning a walking safari. According to bespoke adventure holiday specialists The Explorations Company, travelling across the African terrain on foot is one of the finest ways to see the country because it allows you to really keep in touch with nature. However, to enjoy these experiences to the full, you’ll need the right shoes. It’s worth investing in a pair of high-quality boots, and try to wear them in a bit before you set off on your holiday.

Light clothes for the day and layers for night 

Temperatures can soar during the day, so you’ll need cool clothes like light trousers, shorts and T-shirts. Natural fabrics such as cotton tend to be more comfortable in the heat than synthetic materials. Also, because dark colours tend to attract insects and bright hues can scare off animals, it’s best to go for neutral shades like stone, pale brown and khaki. For the early mornings and evenings, you’ll need long-sleeved tops and trousers to protect you from mosquitoes. It’s also worth having a jumper or fleece because temperatures can drop, especially if you’re on higher ground.

Plenty of sun protection 

Sun protection is essential too. As well as taking high factor sunscreen and a pair of sunglasses, it’s useful to have a wide-brimmed hat. Ideally, this should have a strap so it won’t blow off if you’re standing in a jeep or van.

Extras 

A good quality camera is another safari must-have, and make sure you take a battery charger for this piece of kit. It’s also useful to have a decent pair of binoculars with you. Of course, you’ll need to take some toiletries too, and you might also want to pack wet wipes so you can stay clean on the go. Consider adding a basic first aid kit and a small torch to your luggage as well. The key to packing properly for any safari is to read your holiday itinerary carefully to ensure you know exactly what to expect. For example, you’ll need to be aware of all the activities you’re going to try, the facilities you’ll have access to in camp and the weather you are likely to encounter.

We take a look at the must-have packing list and essential tools For Your First Safari trip.