South Africa Packing List (32 Things You Might Forget to Bring)

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I’m a South African living in Cape Town, and I’ve travelled extensively across the country with my family and as a travel journalist. South Africa is vast (about twice the size of Texas), and its climate can vary widely. Having a good packing list is essential.

Most people think of Africa as being hot, and while it can be, we occasionally get snow in the winter. While most lodges and hotels have heating and air conditioning, South African homes are not centrally heated, so if you stay in a guest house or Airbnb, it may be colder than expected.

In this guide, I’ll point you to all the travel essentials you’ll need to be comfortable. I’ll help you pack for all sorts of activities, from lounging on the beach to going on a safari and everything in between! Use this and my guide to where to stay in Cape Town to plan the perfect trip.

Travel Essentials for South Africa

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Packing Cubes

I find packing cubes helpful for grouping my clothes. For example, workout clothes go in one cube, while beachwear goes in another. You could even keep one packing cube empty to use as a dirty laundry ‘basket’ and separate your dirty clothes from clean ones.

The Well Traveled Compression Packing Cubes are ideal because they come with their own laundry/shoe bag to make things even more convenient. They compress as well, which saves a little extra space in your luggage.

Powerbank

When I travel, I take lots of photos and videos, and my phone battery runs down quicker than usual. It’s great to be able to recharge no matter where I am… even on a safari vehicle. In case of power outages, these also come in handy.

The ANKER Nano Power Bank is compact and comes with both USB-C and USB-A ports. But if you prefer a magnetic wireless charging device, try the Anker 633 Wireless Portable Charger.

Binoculars

Safari guides will usually have a pair of binoculars in the safari vehicle, but it can be frustrating waiting for your turn while it’s being passed around. You also don’t want to hang on to the guide’s binoculars for too long because the next person is waiting. 

It’s great having your own pair so you can look as long as you like and not miss any wildlife action like hyena cubs emerging from a den. The Vortex Optics Diamondback Binoculars are a good pair with great clarity to ensure you don’t miss a thing. They’re also perfect for bird watching.

Water Bottle

It’s important to stay hydrated while out exploring, and keeping a refillable water bottle with you helps. Tap water is safe in South Africa (so it’s easy to refill your bottle). I love my insulated Hydroflask because it can keep liquids cool for up to 24 hours. But if you want something more compact for travel, try this HYDAWAY Collapsible Water Bottle.

Sunscreen

Sunscreen is a must when visiting South Africa. You’ll want to use it whether you go on safari, visit the beach, go on a hike, or sit under the shade of oak trees in the winelands. The direct sun can be very harsh, and even the reflection can cause you to suffer from sunburn. 

It’s best to make sure you protect your skin, especially when spending lots of time outdoors. I’d even advise wearing sunscreen in winter if you’re going to be outdoors. I prefer a mineral sunscreen stick over a chemical one, and the Neutrogena Mineral Sunscreen Stick is a good option that speads easily and can be used on your face and body.

Mosquito Repellent

The vast majority of South Africa is malaria-free, but there is a risk of contracting malaria in some areas in the north of the country, particularly in parts of provinces like Mpumalanga, Limpopo, and KwaZulu-Natal (consult your doctor about prophylactics if necessary). 

It’s possible to do a safari in a malaria-free game reserve in South Africa, which is especially helpful when traveling with young children. But if you’re going to be in a malaria area, use a mosquito repellent with DEET, like these CoreTex Mosquito, Tick, & Insect Repellent Wipes. Because they’re wipes, they can help you get even fuller coverage without a greasy residue.

 For the rest of the country, a natural mosquito repellent like Murphy’s Naturals Mosquito Repellent Balm Stick will suffice.

Blister Pads

It can be a good idea to pack some blister pads if you buy new sneakers or hiking boots before your trip and plan to do some walking tours or guided hikes. The Compeed Advanced Blister Care Pads provide enough cushioning to help soothe blisters from shoes that aren’t quite worn in yet. They’re also long-lasting and can speed up healing.

Basic Medications

Packing basic medications for a safari is essential. Remote lodge locations mean there’s no nearby pharmacy, so bring remedies for nausea, colds, or allergies, along with any of your prescription meds (and consult your doctor about malaria prophylaxis if necessary). This Travel Essentials Medicine Variety Pack has a good selection of basic medications.

The lodges do have first-aid kits, and staff are trained in first aid and can also arrange emergency evacuation (though in all my years of safari experience, I’ve never actually seen this necessary).

Backpack

A day pack is essential whether you’re doing a guided safari walk, a day hike up on one of South Africa’s many beautiful trails, or heading to the beach. You can store your camera, phone, water bottle, some snacks, a beach towel, a warm jacket, or whatever you need for your day’s adventure.

The Osprey Daylite Expandable Travel Pack is a Travel Lemming favorite. It has comfortable shoulder straps, plenty of pockets, and comes with Osprey’s lifetime guarantee.

Crossbody Bag

While a day pack is great, sometimes you want to leave your hotel room carrying as little as possible. 

I love a compact crossbody bag for keeping my phone, hotel keycard, and a few other personal items when out and about. The INICAT RFID Blocking Crossbody Bag does just this. I also love that it blocks electromagnetic signals, so your cards or passport can’t be scanned. Here’s an alternative crossbody bag that may appeal more to men.

Airtags

Fortunately, my luggage has never been stolen, but I have had my bags delayed in London while I was already in Spain. This was before 2021, when the first AirTag was released.

An Apple AirTag is a great way to keep tabs on your luggage in case it goes missing or gets delayed. It would have given me great peace of mind to know that my luggage was on its way the following day, rather than hoping for the best and heading to the airport without a clue whether my bags had arrived (fortunately, they had).

Travel Adapter

While a universal adapter works well in other parts of the world, they don’t usually accommodate South Africa’s large three-prong Type M-plug. When in South Africa, use a travel adaptor like this TESSAN South Africa Type M Plug Adaptor. It conveniently comes with 4 plug points, plus 2 USB ports and 1 USB-C port.

Portable Door Lock

A portable door lock can give you an extra piece of mind, particularly if you’re a woman solo traveler or staying in budget accommodation like a hostel, guest house, or rental where there’s no on-site security. The Addalock Portable Door Lock is easy to install and will give you an added layer of protection. 

Travel Pillow

I love a neck pillow when I’m travelling long distances. While my current one is a microbead-filled one, I’d love to upgrade to this Trtl Pillow. It’s compact, provides great neck support, and is highly rated by the Travel Lemming team. 

Usually, I hang my pillow around my luggage handle, but this one packs down so nicely. It makes so much sense, especially if you have limited room in your suitcase.

Toiletry Bag

Having a smartly organized toiletry bag can help make packing a breeze, and it’s even better if your bag has a built-in system. The D&D Hanging Toiletry Bag has a great storage system for keeping your makeup and toiletries together. I also love its hanging hook, 10 storage compartments, and good-quality zippers.

Waterproof Phone Case

South Africa has around 1,800 miles of coastline, and there are ample water-based activities to enjoy, from kayaking with dolphins or whales to going shark cage diving. There are also water-based activities on rivers, and a Pelican Marine Waterproof Pouch is the ideal way to protect your phone from getting wet while you’re having fun.

While the case will protect your phone from splashes, if you drop your phone in the ocean or river, it’ll be gone forever, so make sure to secure the lanyard properly around your neck or arm.

Waterproof  Action Camera

Plan to snorkel or scuba dive in Sodwana Bay, Kosi Bay, or in Cape Town’s Kelp Forest (where the Netflix series My Octopus Teacher was filmed)? You may want to capture your underwater adventures on the latest GoPro Hero 13 Black. It can also be used above water for your other adventures.

I used an older model in 2021 when freediving during the Sardine Run, near Port St. John, and managed to capture incredible shots of dolphins and humpback whales.

Wet Bag

A wet bag can come in handy in any situation where you need to go from wet clothes to dry clothes and don’t have a place or time to properly dry them. 

These Reusable Wet Dry Bags are ideal if it’s time to move hotels and your swimwear is still wet, or if you go shark cage diving and need to store your wet swimwear. The bags are thick and waterproof. They also have a handle if you’d like to store them outside the rest of your luggage to prevent any leaks.

Checklist of Other South Africa Essentials to Pack

• Passport
• Printed copies of all documents (like passport, driver’s licence, and travel insurance)
• Sunglasses
• Book or Kindle
• Notebook and pen
• Laundry bag
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Toiletries
• Ear plugs
• Eye mask
• Razors
• Contact Lens Solution
• Hand sanitiser
• Lip blam
• Headphones
• Phone and device chargers
• Basic first-aid kit

Clothing, Shoes, & Accessories to Pack for South Africa

The South African sun can be harsh all year, so make sure to pack a sun hat or ball cap. Summers are hot, but temperatures can dip in the evenings, and winters vary from mild to freezing, so don’t forget warmer clothes too.

Prioritise comfortable clothing, walking shoes, and layers. But you can also bring a few dressier outfits for city, safari lodge, or hotel dining. 

Spending time in Cape Town? The weather can change rapidly, so always carry a jacket. For safaris, always bring a beanie and a warm windproof jacket, as it can be surprisingly cold on an open-game drive vehicle at dawn and dusk.

Choose neutral colors like khaki and beige on safari (white will get dirty on the vehicle, but is perfect for at the lodge). Try to avoid dark colours in summer as this can make you really hot.

Wide-Brimmed Hat

A wide-brimmed hat is essential for keeping the sun off your face and neck, whether you’re hiking, on the beach, on a safari vehicle, or sipping wine outside at a wine estate. 

I love a straw hat like the FURTALK Women’s Summer Straw Sun Hats, which is the perfect blend of function and style. But if you want a more easily packable version, try these sun hats. A nice option for guys is the FURTALK Sun Hats for Men.

Comfortable Sneakers

Comfortable walking shoes are a must when visiting South Africa, as you’ll likely be doing a lot more walking than usual. The Salomon Speedcross Trail Running Shoes are my absolute favorite. 

I’ve owned multiple pairs of these over the years. I currently have the Speedcross 6, and I use them for trail running and for day hikes, but they’re also good for everyday walking. There’s a men’s version too.

If you’re going to do a multi-day hiking trail, you may need a hiking boot with ankle support, like the Merrell Moab Waterproof Hiking Boots. But for everyday walking, a guided walking safari, or a day hike, trail runners are great. They’re also lightweight, which is perfect for travelling.

Cotton Blouse

A breezy cotton blouse in a neutral color is great for both safari and beach wear. It’s cool in the heat of summer (and even spring and fall, which can also be hot) and protects your shoulders and arms from the direct sun. I love wearing a long-sleeve blouse like this Dokotoo Women’s Casual Button V-Neck as an overshirt. Here’s a men’s version too.

Beanie

If you’re going on safari in South Africa, a merino beanie is a must. Even in summer, it can get cool in the evening when you’re returning from a sunset game drive. In winter, you’ll certainly need one to keep your head and ears warm while in an open game drive vehicle. 

I like this Unbound Merino Beanie because it’s soft and stylish. Safari lodges will often provide a hot water bottle and a blanket for additional warmth. 

Long Sleeve Polo Sweater

A long-sleeve polo sweater is an item you’re likely to use year-round in South Africa. While summer days can be hot, temperatures on the coast tend to drop at night, and inland can become cooler after an afternoon thunderstorm. 

A merino wool sweater like this Women’s Long Sleeve Fine Knit Polo is fantastic for layering in both winter and summer. The merino knit quarter zip is a lovely option for men.

Puffer Jacket

South Africa’s coastal regions can be cool at night (even in summer), and it can be very chilly on an open safari vehicle. I always travel with a lightweight puffer jacket. It’s warm and doesn’t take up too much packing space. 

This Amazon Essentials Packable Puffer Jacket comes with a storage pouch to make it even more convenient for travel. There’s a men’s version of this jacket, too.

Sandals

You’ll want a pair of sandals for walking around, lounging by the pool, or going to the beach if your visit falls in the summer. 

The Birkenstock Rubber Sandals are perfect as open-toed casual shoes that you can wear out and about. What I love about them is that you can just rinse off the sand, pat them dry, and you’re good to go. They’re also convenient if you’re staying in a hostel and need to shower with your shoes on.

Other Clothing, Shoes, & Accessories to Pack for South Africa

So what clothing, shoes, and accessories should you pack for South Africa? Here is a quick clothing checklist:

• 2-3 pairs of shorts
• 4-6 t-shirts
• 2-3 dresses (at least 1 sundress and 1 for evenings)
• 7 pairs of underwear
• 1-2 swimsuits
• 1 beach coverup
• 1 ball cap or sunhat
• 1 pair of jeans
• 1 pair lightweight pants
• 1 pair of flip flops
• 1 pair of sneakers
• 1 pair of sandals
• 1-2 dressier shirts
• 5-6 pairs of socks

Seasonal Items to Pack for South Africa

In summer, you’ll want a swimsuit to enjoy South Africa’s gorgeous beaches. Bring a hat or cap for sun protection year-round. 

Most regions receive summer rainfall; however, the Western Cape receives rain in winter, and Cape Town can be cold, wet, and really windy (hence its nickname, The Cape of Storms). In Kruger and Johannesburg, winter days are mild, but nights can get very cold. Along the sub-tropical KwaZulu-Natal coast, summers are hot and humid, but winters are pleasantly warm.

It’s best to check the local weather for the season you’re travelling in to make sure you have the right clothing.

Here are recommendations for seasonal items or clothing you might need in South Africa:

Swimsuit

Bring a swimsuit to enjoy South Africa’s beautiful beaches or your hotel pool. This Roxy Women’s One-Piece Swimsuit is a flattering option for women, and there are various fun patterns to pick from. It’s quick drying and has a UPF of 50+. For men’s swimming trunks, try the Tyhengta Swim Trunks, which come in various colors and patterns.

Flip Flops

Flip flops are another thing you’ll want to have on hand when traveling in the summer. The classic Brazilian Havaianas Women’s Flip Flop is popular in South Africa as casual beach wear and for lounging around the hotel pool. Normally, shoes take up lots of packing space but these don’t, which makes them an excellent option for travel. There’s a men’s version too.

Wedge Heels

I love a pair of wedge heels in summer to dress up my outfit for dinner. Certain restaurants and bars expect you to look at least semi-formal at night, and these help elevate an outfit without being too formal. Although I wouldn’t want to walk extremely long distances in them, the Ankis Platform Wedge Sandals are comfortable and stable.

Microfiber Towel

While most hotels will have towels for their pool area, they don’t want you to take these towels to the beach, which is where a microfiber towel comes in handy. 

This Rainleaf Microfiber Towel is affordable and can fit in your suitcase easily without taking up too much room. They come in multiple sizes and dry quickly, too. Another option I love is a lightweight sarong, which doubles as a swimwear cover-up.

Rain Jacket

The Western Cape has a Mediterranean climate, which means sunny, dry summers and cold, wet winters. If you visit Cape Town during winter, it’ll be a good idea to pack a lightweight rain jacket. 

The 33,000ft Packable Rain Jacket is a great choice that also doubles as a windbreaker. It’s high-quality and has multiple convenient pockets and even underarm zippers for extra ventilation. Here’s a men’s version.

Umbrella

South Africa is among the sunniest countries in the world. However, afternoon thundershowers are common in Gauteng and the North West Province during summer, and Cape Town and the Western Cape get a fair amount of winter rainfall. 

So, while not necessary all the time, it’s worth considering bringing a travel umbrella depending on the season and where in the country you’ll be visiting. I like the SY COMPACT Travel Umbrella because it’s small and sturdy and won’t weigh down your day pack.

Scarf

I love a scarf in winter as it keeps my neck warm, and it’s easy to take on and off as required, and doesn’t take up too much space in my bag. The Villand 100% Cashmere Scarf is highly-rated and the perfect length to style in multiple ways.

Other Seasonal Items to Pack for South Africa

So what seasonal items should you pack for South Africa? Here is a quick checklist: 

Summer:

• 1-2 swimsuits
• Beach coverup 
• Goggles for snorkeling
• Aftersun lotion/aloe gel

Winter:

• Boots (comfortable, flat boots will keep your feet dry in the Western Cape in winter)
• Gloves
• Thermal base layer (especially for safaris or outdoor activities)

South Africa Packing Tips

Pack Layers and Clothing for Warm and Cool Days

Pack layers when you visit South Africa. December to March is hot (75-95°F), but the evenings can be cool, especially in coastal areas. For instance, Cape Town is known to have four seasons in a day, while KwaZulu-Natal’s coastline is hot and humid. 

Around Kruger, it can be hot at night, but afternoon thunderstorms can make temperatures drop. Winter can be cold and stormy around Cape Town and dry, cold, and sunny in other parts of the country. Temperatures can dip to 37-42°F, with occasional snow in some mountainous and rural areas.

Pack for a Week and Then Do Laundry

You won’t need to overpack as it’s easy to get your laundry done in South Africa, especially in the cities and towns. High-end safari lodges, like those in Sabi Sands (Kruger) offer complimentary laundry services. You’ll pay for this service at most hotels, but it’s widely available. 

Some rentals or Airbnbs in smaller towns may not have a washing machine and tumble dryer but there’ll be a laundromat nearby. And SANParks (national parks) often have self-service laundry machines.

Bring Outdoor and Active Wear

South Africa has so many fun adventurous activities to choose from, so you’ll want to be comfortable enough to enjoy them. Make sure you bring the appropriate outdoor and active wear for various activities so you don’t miss out on a thing.

You can go walking or running along an ocean promenade or go on a number of guided hikes. Go kayaking, cruise on a boat, or go shark cage diving. Doing a safari is a must for almost everyone, and bungee jumping or ziplining is a coveted activity for adrenaline seekers. 

Leave Expensive Jewelry Behind

While you can wear your rings, earrings, and a nice necklace in hotels, restaurants, and lodges, you don’t want to walk around city streets flaunting flashy jewelry or cameras. Leave your most prized or expensive pieces at home.

Bring Some Dressier Clothes for the Cities

In South Africa, you can generally dress casually wherever you go (and in small beach towns, you may even see a barefoot, shirtless guy pop into a small store). During the day and at pools and beaches, people are happy to wear very little.

However, people like to dress up more at night. This is especially true when visiting high-end bars or fine dining restaurants in Cape Town or Johannesburg. Some restaurants, along with some luxury lodges, may encourage men to wear long pants and closed-toe shoes and women to dress in an elegant, smart casual way. 

Most golf clubs also have a strict on-course dress code, and require smart casual wear (collared shirts and no flip flops) in the bar or clubhouse.

Bring a Camera With a Zoom Lens

If you plan to go on safari, make sure to bring a camera with a proper zoom lens. Your phone camera (no matter how good) is not ideal. 

Carry a Little Cash

Do keep some cash on you, but not a large amount. While some stores in the cities and markets are cashless, cash is handy for tips, small vendors, parking attendants, and in rural areas.

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I hope this is helpful, and you have a wonderful trip to South Africa. If you have any questions, let me know in the comments. For more inspiration and help planning your trip, check out my list of the best things to do in Cape Town next!