How to Pack for a Stay in the Kruger National Park

A stay for a few night in the Kruger Park in South Africa requires careful planning. The Park will never disappoint the visitor and this list should help you to be prepared for a memorable stay!

1. Make sure you book well in advance as you can only stay in the Kruger Park overnight if you already have a booking. This is easy to do through the Kruger Park central reservations office.
2. Find out whether the camp you have booked in at has a restaurant, shop or is a bush camp with neither of these facilities. If your camp does not have a shop or restaurant make sure you take food for your stay.
3. Buy a map of the Kruger Park so you can plan your route carefully.
4. Make sure your vehicle is full of fuel before you depart.
5. Pack the following: charcoal, firelighters, matches, corkscrew and bottle-opener & food and drink ( including alcohol!)
6. Take your own water as the water at the camps is not drinkable.
7. Pack your digital camera and the charger.
8. Take a pair of binoculars for each person and identification books!
9. Pack toiletries including loo roll!
10. Take torches as the camps are dark at night.
11. Pack cool clothes for the day - neutral safari colours are best. Several layers are a great idea as it is cod in the early morning but soon gets very hot.
12. Take a fleecey with you for the evenings as they can be cold during the South African winter months.
13. Wear strong boots if you intend to go on a walking safari with a guide.
14. Take a hat to keep your head cool and for use at sunset when the sun is very low in the sky.
15. Take a good mosquito repellent, we use Bug Geroff products which was developed for use in the Kruger Park.
16. Take prophylactics to guard you against malaria if appropriate.
17. Take a basic first aid kit which contains tablets for upset stomachs!

Tips:

• Try to use products that the local use as they are made for that type of terrain, Rogue hats , boots & bags and Bug Geroff insect repellent are great options.
• Speak to the local pharmacist in the area about anti-malarial prophylactics, they will be able to advise you whether they are needed and which ones the locals use.
• To recharge cameras etc. pack a block extension lead with a South African plug on the end so you can always charge your UK devices!

Warning:

• Do not get out of your car in the Kruger Park except in designated areas!