Karoo Safari Packing Guide

Discover the Wild Karoo

Going on safari in South Africa is an incredible opportunity to immersive yourself in nature and sight wildlife. No matter the time of year you choose to travel, the Great Karoo is a haven for adventure and scenic landscapes in the Western Cape, only 2.5 hours outside of Cape Town. Read Inverdoorn Private Game Reserve’s Karoo safari packing for guide for a full list of questions and answers about what to pack for and what to wear on safari.

FAQ: Packing Guide

  • Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen (Yes, even in the winter).
  • Comfortable, closed-toe shoes.
  • lightweight jacket.
  • windproof or rainproof jacket.
  • Breathable, cotton clothing that is easy to layer. 
  • Trousers, long pants or jeans. 
  • Cotton t-shirts.
  • Swimsuit
  • Shorts, dresses, skirts or lightweight clothing for Summer and Spring. 
  • Gloves, scarves, beanies or warm layers for Winter and Autumn.
  • Toiletries
  • Binoculars
  • Camera 
  • Insect Repellent 
  • Sunglasses 
  • Hat 
  • Sunscreen
  • Jacket 
  • Insect repellant (the Western Cape is malaria free, but we still have mosquitos)
  • Your booking reference number / confirmation email
  • ID/passport

 

Please Note: International visitors using Inverdoorn’s shuttle transport service will be required to travel with the passport they entered the country with. 

Please pack any necessary medications or prescriptions for your trip. We recommend consulting your pharmacy for advice or ordering a standard medical travel kit from your doctor before your trip. Although many medications are available in Cape Town, remember to pack over-the-counter meds (such as headache and nausea relief) before embarking on your South African safari adventure.

What To Pack For Your Safari

South African safaris are casual, so there’s no need to pack fancy clothing items or buy a whole new khaki wardrobe. It’s important to remember that while Inverdoorn Private Game Reserve is a Big 5 wildlife reserve, the safari lodge offers guests a boutique and luxurious safari experience. 

It’s best to check the weather and read through your safari itinerary before packing for your trip. We always recommend making slight additions and packing the necessary safari essentials along with your favourite seasonal attire. 

Lightweight cotton layers, hats and breathable clothing is always great for the summer. Winter nights in the Karoo are always much colder than midday temperatures, so please ensure you pack warm jackets and versatile options depending on the weather. 

Going on safari means you’ll get to see incredible wildlife and surround yourself with nature — but it also means you’ll get to enjoy a relaxing stay at a safari lodge or camp. Most game reserves in South Africa have swimming pools and spa facilities for guests to enjoy during their safari leisure time. 

Inverdoorn Private Game Reserve is renowned for its luxurious safari lodge facilities and rejuvenating atmosphere. All safari guests are welcome to enjoy the main lodge swimming pool or book a poolside spa treatment. Ambassador Suite guests enjoy access to a private pool overlooking panoramic views of the reserve.

You can wear any kind of pants, shorts, leggings, and even your blue jeans if that’s your style! It’s good to have a variety of clothing options, from jeans to lightweight cotton pants, because early mornings and late evenings in the Karoo can get chilly.

For add-on safari activities, like the Karoo horseback trails and night-time stargazing experience, comfortable and durable clothing (like denim jeans) is a great idea.

In most cases, your sneakers or closed-toe shoes are a good choice for a safari in South Africa. If you are going to be doing lots of walking or additional safari activities, trail shoes or a pair of hiking boots will be a good fit.

Remember to pack comfortable walking shoes, sandals, or even your favourite pair of crocs, for walking around Inverdoorn’s safari lodge.

Yes, you can wear leggings on safari. Going on safari in South Africa is a relaxed and casual experience, so guests are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing and breathable layers — especially during the summer months. However, as the weather in the Western Cape varies from season to season, we strongly encourage all guests to check the weather forecast prior to packing for their trip.

The luggage you bring on safari will depend on the transport you are using to get to the reserve and the length of your stay. 

Most of our safari guests are tourists and travellers from Cape Town, South Africa. It is normal for guests to bring the same luggage they travel with on the plane. Therefore, as a general rule, we advise guests to pack as if they were going on a flight. 

  • Use a sturdy or squash-able bag, as your case might be packed into a trailer or transport compartment with other cases and bags.
  • If you have more than one large bag per person, please remember to inform your transport provider to ensure the appropriate space can be made available.

Yes, you can wear shorts for your Karoo safari. From cotton shorts to denim shorts to gym shorts to khakis — whatever you prefer! However, we only recommend wearing shorts if you are not planning on going on a walking safari. Long socks or long pants are often recommended for walking safari tours, as they provide added protection from insects and the elements.

Remember, the best way to plan for your safari is to check the weather forecast and your Inverdoorn safari itinerary before packing for your trip!

The Karoo Seasons

Make the most of your Karoo safari experience with Inverdoorn’s Packing Guide and Seasonal Safari Guide. From Summer to Winter, explore the magic of the wild Western Cape in every season.

Inverdoorn's Karoo Safari Packing Guide for 2024.

Wildlife, Landscapes and Culture

The Great Karoo is an incomparable experience in the heart of the Western Cape. For a boutique Big 5 safari only 2.5 hours from Cape Town, complemented by the rustic luxury of a five star safari lodge, book now and explore the magic of Inverdoorn Private Game Reserve for yourself.