{"id":7045457,"date":"2026-08-24T00:59:49","date_gmt":"2026-08-24T00:59:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/peraltafinancing.com\/uncategorized\/africa-travel-essentials-20-things-i-always-take-some-might-surprise-you\/"},"modified":"2026-08-24T00:59:49","modified_gmt":"2026-08-24T00:59:49","slug":"africa-travel-essentials-20-things-i-always-take-some-might-surprise-you","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7045457","title":{"rendered":"Africa Travel Essentials: 20 Things I Always Take (Some Might Surprise You)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<div id=\"dpsp-content-top\" class=\"dpsp-content-wrapper dpsp-shape-rectangular dpsp-size-medium dpsp-no-labels-mobile dpsp-show-on-mobile dpsp-show-total-share-count dpsp-show-total-share-count-before dpsp-button-style-1\" style=\"min-height:40px;position:relative\">\n<ul class=\"dpsp-networks-btns-wrapper dpsp-networks-btns-share dpsp-networks-btns-content dpsp-column-auto dpsp-has-button-icon-animation\" style=\"padding:0;margin:0;list-style-type:none\">\n<li class=\"dpsp-network-list-item dpsp-network-list-item-facebook\" style=\"float:left\">\n\t<a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.heleninwonderlust.co.uk%2Fafrica-travel-essentials%2F&amp;t=Africa%20Travel%20Essentials%3A%2020%20Things%20I%20Always%20Take%20%28Some%20Might%20Surprise%20You%29\" class=\"dpsp-network-btn dpsp-facebook dpsp-first dpsp-has-label dpsp-has-label-mobile\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Share on Facebook\" title=\"Share on Facebook\" style=\"font-size:14px;padding:0rem;max-height:40px\">\t<span class=\"dpsp-network-icon \"><span class=\"dpsp-network-icon-inner\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" version=\"1.1\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\" viewbox=\"0 0 18 32\"><path d=\"M17.12 0.224v4.704h-2.784q-1.536 0-2.080 0.64t-0.544 1.92v3.392h5.248l-0.704 5.28h-4.544v13.568h-5.472v-13.568h-4.544v-5.28h4.544v-3.904q0-3.328 1.856-5.152t4.96-1.824q2.624 0 4.064 0.224z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><br \/>\n\t<span class=\"dpsp-network-label dpsp-network-hide-label-mobile\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"dpsp-network-list-item dpsp-network-list-item-x\" style=\"float:left\">\n\t<a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/intent\/tweet?text=Africa%20Travel%20Essentials%3A%2020%20Things%20I%20Always%20Take%20%28Some%20Might%20Surprise%20You%29&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.heleninwonderlust.co.uk%2Fafrica-travel-essentials%2F\" class=\"dpsp-network-btn dpsp-x dpsp-has-label dpsp-has-label-mobile\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Share on X\" title=\"Share on X\" style=\"font-size:14px;padding:0rem;max-height:40px\">\t<span class=\"dpsp-network-icon \"><span class=\"dpsp-network-icon-inner\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" version=\"1.1\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\" viewbox=\"0 0 32 28\"><path d=\"M25.2,1.5h4.9l-10.7,12.3,12.6,16.7h-9.9l-7.7-10.1-8.8,10.1H.6l11.5-13.1L0,1.5h10.1l7,9.2L25.2,1.5ZM23.5,27.5h2.7L8.6,4.3h-2.9l17.8,23.2Z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><br \/>\n\t<span class=\"dpsp-network-label dpsp-network-hide-label-mobile\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"dpsp-network-list-item dpsp-network-list-item-pinterest\" style=\"float:left\">\n\t<button rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-href=\"#\" class=\"dpsp-network-btn dpsp-pinterest dpsp-last dpsp-has-label dpsp-has-label-mobile\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Save to Pinterest\" title=\"Save to Pinterest\" style=\"font-size:14px;padding:0rem;max-height:40px\">\t<span class=\"dpsp-network-icon \"><span class=\"dpsp-network-icon-inner\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" version=\"1.1\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\" viewbox=\"0 0 23 32\"><path d=\"M0 10.656q0-1.92 0.672-3.616t1.856-2.976 2.72-2.208 3.296-1.408 3.616-0.448q2.816 0 5.248 1.184t3.936 3.456 1.504 5.12q0 1.728-0.32 3.36t-1.088 3.168-1.792 2.656-2.56 1.856-3.392 0.672q-1.216 0-2.4-0.576t-1.728-1.568q-0.16 0.704-0.48 2.016t-0.448 1.696-0.352 1.28-0.48 1.248-0.544 1.12-0.832 1.408-1.12 1.536l-0.224 0.096-0.16-0.192q-0.288-2.816-0.288-3.36 0-1.632 0.384-3.68t1.184-5.152 0.928-3.616q-0.576-1.152-0.576-3.008 0-1.504 0.928-2.784t2.368-1.312q1.088 0 1.696 0.736t0.608 1.824q0 1.184-0.768 3.392t-0.8 3.36q0 1.12 0.8 1.856t1.952 0.736q0.992 0 1.824-0.448t1.408-1.216 0.992-1.696 0.672-1.952 0.352-1.984 0.128-1.792q0-3.072-1.952-4.8t-5.12-1.728q-3.552 0-5.952 2.304t-2.4 5.856q0 0.8 0.224 1.536t0.48 1.152 0.48 0.832 0.224 0.544q0 0.48-0.256 1.28t-0.672 0.8q-0.032 0-0.288-0.032-0.928-0.288-1.632-0.992t-1.088-1.696-0.576-1.92-0.192-1.92z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><br \/>\n\t<span class=\"dpsp-network-label dpsp-network-hide-label-mobile\">Pinterest<\/span><\/button><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p><input class=\"jpibfi\" type=\"hidden\"\/><\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1500\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-48528\" data-jpibfi-post-excerpt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.heleninwonderlust.co.uk\/africa-travel-essentials\/\" data-jpibfi-post-title=\"Africa Travel Essentials: 20 Things I Always Take (Some Might Surprise You)\" data-jpibfi-src=\"https:\/\/www.heleninwonderlust.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Africa-Travel-Essentials.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.heleninwonderlust.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Africa-Travel-Essentials.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.heleninwonderlust.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Africa-Travel-Essentials-464x696.jpg 464w, https:\/\/www.heleninwonderlust.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Africa-Travel-Essentials-348x522.jpg 348w, https:\/\/www.heleninwonderlust.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Africa-Travel-Essentials-768x1152.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\"\/><\/figure>\n<p class=\"last-updated\">Last updated on March 20th, 2026 at 10:23 pm<\/p>\n<p>After over 16 years of travelling across Africa \u2013 from dusty overland roads and safari camps to tropical islands and bustling cities \u2013 I\u2019ve learned that packing smart makes life so much easier.<\/p>\n<p>Through plenty of trial and error, I\u2019ve found a set of essentials that always come with me, no matter where I\u2019m going or how light I\u2019m travelling. These are my tried-and-tested favourites \u2014 the items I genuinely use on every trip and wouldn\u2019t want to be without.<\/p>\n<p>This isn\u2019t a complete packing list (you can find <a href=\"https:\/\/www.heleninwonderlust.co.uk\/category\/africa-packing-lists\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">that one here<\/a>) \u2013 and I\u2019m not covering the obvious legal necessities like passports or Yellow Fever certificates \u2013 just the things that make Africa travel smoother, safer, and more comfortable.<\/p>\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><em><strong>Please Note:\u00a0<\/strong>Some of the links in this post\u00a0are affiliate links, which will earn me a small commission at no extra cost to you. Affiliate sales help with the running costs of this site, so thank you for your support!<\/em><\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-infobox kt-info-box48063_7ef3d4-1f\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-info-box-link-wrap info-box-link kt-blocks-info-box-media-align-top kt-info-halign-center\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"kt-infobox-textcontent\">\n<h2 class=\"kt-blocks-info-box-title\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ready_to_stop_dreaming_and_go_to_Africa_Join_me_on_one_of_my_small-group_Africa_adventures_VIEW_UPCOMING_TOURS\"\/><strong>Ready to stop dreaming and go to Africa? Join me on one of my small-group Africa adventures!<\/strong><br \/><strong><br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rockmyadventure.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-theme-palette-1-color\">VIEW UPCOMING TOURS<\/mark><\/strong><\/a><\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"My_Africa_Travel_Essentials_%E2%80%93_Electronics\"\/><strong>My Africa Travel Essentials<\/strong> <strong>\u2013 Electronics<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"700\" alt=\"Helen in Wonderlust - Tanzania\" class=\"wp-image-35386\" data-jpibfi-post-excerpt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.heleninwonderlust.co.uk\/africa-travel-essentials\/\" data-jpibfi-post-title=\"Africa Travel Essentials: 20 Things I Always Take (Some Might Surprise You)\" data-jpibfi-src=\"https:\/\/www.heleninwonderlust.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Helen-in-Wonderlust-Tanzania.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.heleninwonderlust.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Helen-in-Wonderlust-Tanzania.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.heleninwonderlust.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Helen-in-Wonderlust-Tanzania-510x349.jpg 510w, https:\/\/www.heleninwonderlust.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Helen-in-Wonderlust-Tanzania-522x357.jpg 522w, https:\/\/www.heleninwonderlust.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Helen-in-Wonderlust-Tanzania-740x506.jpg 740w, https:\/\/www.heleninwonderlust.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Helen-in-Wonderlust-Tanzania-768x525.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.heleninwonderlust.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Helen-in-Wonderlust-Tanzania-600x410.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.heleninwonderlust.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Helen-in-Wonderlust-Tanzania-280x191.jpg 280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"\/><\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Power_Bank\"\/><strong>1. Power Bank<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h3>\n<p>I never travel without a power bank. You don\u2019t want your phone dying just as you\u2019re trying to capture a sunset, find your lodge, or show your e-ticket at the airport. On long journeys, camping without electricity, or staying somewhere off-grid, a reliable power source is essential.<\/p>\n<p>I have <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/4l6Rygw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">this one<\/a> that can charge my phone two to three times. It\u2019s been an absolute lifesaver on long drives, in remote camps with limited power, or during occasional power cuts \u2013 which, in Africa, do happen from time to time.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Travel_Adaptor\"\/><strong>2. Travel Adaptor<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h3>\n<p>In Africa, there are three main types of plugs: British, European, and South African, depending on the country you\u2019re visiting.<\/p>\n<p>I love my <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/40JBbwZ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Skross 3-in-1<\/a> adapter, which converts British plugs to both European and South African \u2013 super handy when hopping between countries.<\/p>\n<p>There\u2019s also <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/4stSNZO\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">this one<\/a> which converts from British to both South African and European and has USB ports. \u2013 I haven\u2019t tried it yet, but looks very promising and has great reviews.<\/p>\n<p>I also have a really good <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/4lilSFe\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">TESSAN adapter<\/a> which converts British to South African and has 2 plugs plus USB ports so you can charge multiple things at once. If you want a smaller one, <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/4rmgYbK\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">this one<\/a> just has 1 plug.<\/p>\n<p>These adapters will work if you\u2019re converting British plugs to South African or European outlets. If you\u2019re travelling from other countries (USA, India, Australia, etc.), make sure you bring the right adapters to convert your plugs to British, South African, or European sockets.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Cables_USB_Hub\"\/><strong>3. Cables &amp; <\/strong>USB Hub<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h3>\n<p>As well as my charging cables, I also travel with a multiport <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/4b47XO5\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">USB-C hub\/dongle<\/a>, which pretty much covers all my tech bases. On top of that, I always bring an <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3NjhdWT\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">AUX cables<\/a>. It might just be me, but these are a lifesaver when I want to play music and the vehicle doesn\u2019t have Bluetooth \u2014 super simple, reliable, and stress-free.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s also nice to have a <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/4ctOo4q\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">good organiser case<\/a> for all those wires too! <\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Head_TorchLamp\"\/><strong>4. Head Torch\/Lamp<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h3>\n<p>A head torch (headlamp)  is one of the most important items you can pack for Africa \u2013 especially if you\u2019re backpacking or camping. But even if you\u2019re staying somewhere a little more luxurious, it\u2019s still incredibly useful.<\/p>\n<p>Many lodges and camps have dimly lit pathways, and walking back to your tent after dinner is much easier when you\u2019ve got both hands free. They\u2019re also invaluable during the occasional power cut, for rummaging through your bag in the dark, or for reading in bed once the generator switches off.<\/p>\n<p>I use a <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/4d84H6W\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">rechargeable head torch<\/a> so I never have to worry about carrying spare batteries. Get one that has a red light \u2013 good for not disturbing people as much and doesn\u2019t attract bugs!<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Phone_Lanyard\"\/><strong>5. Phone Lanyard<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h3>\n<p>It might not be the most glamorous item, but my <a href=\"https:\/\/www.uniqlo.com\/uk\/en\/products\/E481610-000\/00?colorDisplayCode=09&amp;sizeDisplayCode=999\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">phone lanyard<\/a> is one of my most-used travel gadgets.<\/p>\n<p>It allows me to keep my phone handy for photos or directions without constantly rummaging through my bag. It\u2019s especially useful on travel days, at border crossings, and on safaris when you need to grab your camera quickly.<\/p>\n<p>Oh, and you can also store your phone pin, emergency contacts (in case you lose it) and any sim cards between it and the phone too.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-48143\" data-jpibfi-post-excerpt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.heleninwonderlust.co.uk\/africa-travel-essentials\/\" data-jpibfi-post-title=\"Africa Travel Essentials: 20 Things I Always Take (Some Might Surprise You)\" data-jpibfi-src=\"https:\/\/www.heleninwonderlust.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Helen-in-Wonderlust.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.heleninwonderlust.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Helen-in-Wonderlust.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.heleninwonderlust.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Helen-in-Wonderlust-522x522.jpg 522w, https:\/\/www.heleninwonderlust.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Helen-in-Wonderlust-200x200.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.heleninwonderlust.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Helen-in-Wonderlust-768x768.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"My_Africa_Travel_Essentials_%E2%80%93_Clothing\"\/><strong>My Africa Travel Essentials<\/strong> <strong>\u2013 Clothing<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h2>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Sun_Hat\"\/><strong>6. Sun Hat<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h3>\n<p>African sunshine can be intense, even in the cooler months, so a wide-brimmed hat is essential for protecting your face and neck while exploring.<\/p>\n<p>I have a suede leather hat from <a href=\"https:\/\/rogue.co.za\/collections\/headgear\/headwear\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">South African brand, Rogue<\/a> that\u2019s crushable and looks great on safari (at least, I like it!). The downside is that it\u2019s quite bulky and takes up space, and outside of safari it can look a little over-the-top.<\/p>\n<p>For everyday wear, I usually bring a more practical hat like <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/4rfnMYD\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">this one<\/a> \u2013 it\u2019s lightweight, quick-drying, and much easier to pack, making it perfect for general sightseeing or long walks in the sun.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_SarongScarf\"\/><strong>7. Sarong<\/strong>\/Scarf<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h3>\n<p>I usually carry a sarong AND a scarf, but you could probably just do with a sarong if you don\u2019t want to carry both.<\/p>\n<p>They can be used as beach towel, for covering shoulders\/knees for modesty in villages, sun cover up, wrapped around your face like dust mask, cover your hair, or even a curtain for privacy when wild swimming! <\/p>\n<p>They takes up almost no space, dries quickly, and is perfect for Africa\u2019s warm climate.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8_Kimono\"\/><strong>8. Kimono<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h3>\n<p>I love a kimonos and never travel without them! They\u2019re lightweight, colourful, and can instantly make any outfit look a bit more glam! And if it\u2019s batik or African print \u2013 even better!<\/p>\n<p>I wear them over shorts, swimsuits, or dresses, and they\u2019re also great for covering up in more conservative areas. They\u2019re one of those pieces that are both practical and beautiful \u2013 my favourite combination. <\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"9_Chub_Rub_Shorts\"\/><strong>9. Chub Rub Shorts<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h3>\n<p>Hot, humid weather and lots of walking can lead to thigh chafing, so <a href=\"https:\/\/snagtights.com\/collections\/all-chub-rub-shorts\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Snag chub rub shorts<\/a> are an absolute essential for me. They\u2019re breathable, comfortable, and stop any irritation \u2013 perfect for city sightseeing, hiking, or long travel days.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"10_Water_Shoes\"\/><strong>10. Water Shoes<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h3>\n<p>I\u2019ve tried loads of different travel sandals in Africa over the years but about a year ago I found the <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/4d1Njkm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Teva Hurricane Drift<\/a> \u2013 the <em>best travel sandals ever<\/em>. I wore them almost every day for four months across Africa \u2013 no blisters, no smell, no wear.<\/p>\n<p>They\u2019re super lightweight, waterproof, vegan, easy to clean, and go with most outfits. The soles are thick enough to handle thorns and rough ground, and you can even wear them with socks (essential Africa nightwear).<\/p>\n<p> The only negatives\u2026 they can come off in fast moving water (the velcro could be better) and I\u2019ve got the slim version but they\u2019re slightly big on my feet. I honestly wish I could design some myself; I have so many ideas! <\/p>\n<p>I love that they don\u2019t rub, unlike some of the similar canvas-style sandals that can chafe when wet. They\u2019re not made for serious hikes, but for everything else, they\u2019re perfect. I bloody love them.<\/p>\n<p>These days, they\u2019re a bit hard to find (I really had to track them down \u2013 my friend recommended them), and I think they\u2019ve been replaced by the <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/4b7JaJc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hurricane XLT<\/a>, which looks very similar but is a little sturdier and heavier I believe.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"700\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-46816\" data-jpibfi-post-excerpt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.heleninwonderlust.co.uk\/africa-travel-essentials\/\" data-jpibfi-post-title=\"Africa Travel Essentials: 20 Things I Always Take (Some Might Surprise You)\" data-jpibfi-src=\"https:\/\/www.heleninwonderlust.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Africa-Packing-List-Kenya.png\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.heleninwonderlust.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Africa-Packing-List-Kenya.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.heleninwonderlust.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Africa-Packing-List-Kenya-522x357.png 522w, https:\/\/www.heleninwonderlust.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Africa-Packing-List-Kenya-740x506.png 740w, https:\/\/www.heleninwonderlust.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Africa-Packing-List-Kenya-768x525.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"My_Africa_Travel_Essentials_%E2%80%93_Baggage\"\/><strong>My Africa Travel Essentials \u2013 Baggage<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h2>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"11_Crossbody_Bag\"\/><strong>11. Crossbody Bag<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h3>\n<p>I\u2019m constantly on the move in Africa, so I need my essentials to be easy to reach \u2013 but also secure. That\u2019s why I almost always wear a crossbody bag.<\/p>\n<p>For daytime, I usually rotate between two favourites. My <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/46HOIbY\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Roka London bag<\/a> is practical, roomy and incredibly lightweight \u2013 perfect for hot\/humid climates when you don\u2019t want anything weighing you down. It sits close to the body and feels discreet enough for markets, airports, and busy streets.<\/p>\n<p>My <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/46HOIbY\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Troop London bag<\/a> is sturdier and more structured. Made from a canvas-style material, so good for safari when you want something a little more robust. <\/p>\n<p>Then there\u2019s my <a href=\"https:\/\/www.uniqlo.com\/uk\/en\/products\/E481610-000\/00?colorDisplayCode=09&amp;sizeDisplayCode=999\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Uniqlo bag<\/a> \u2013 my everyday staple at home and my go-to for evenings while travelling. It\u2019s streamlined, stylish and low-profile, making it perfect for dinners or sunset drinks. It folds down surprisingly small, so you can pack it away easily when you don\u2019t need it. Apparently, it can even fit an entire bottle of wine\u2026<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"12_Foldaway_Shopping_Bag\"\/>12. Foldaway Shopping Bag<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h3>\n<p>One of my top travel tips is to pack a couple of <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3PhJ5Lx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">foldable, lightweight bags<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>I usually bring at least two \u2013 a waterproof one and a canvas tote (usually the free ones they give you at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.heleninwonderlust.co.uk\/glastonbury-festival-tips\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Glastonbury Festival<\/a>). The waterproof bag is ideal for shopping, beach days, or stashing shoes or wet, dirty clothes, and it takes up hardly any space. Etihad sometimes gives them out on flights, and they\u2019re brilliant \u2013 lightweight, easy to clean, and super practical.<\/p>\n<p>They\u2019re also quiet compared with plastic bags (handy if you\u2019re sharing a room) and useful in countries that ban plastic bags like Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Morocco.<\/p>\n<p>The canvas tote is perfect for laundry or as an extra carry bag, and because it\u2019s washable and reusable, it\u2019s a great eco-friendly swap for plastic.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"13_Packing_Cubes\"\/><strong>13. Packing Cubes<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h3>\n<p>I can\u2019t express how much I love a packing cube. When travelling around Africa \u2013 especially on a tour where you\u2019re moving from place to place every few days, staying organised is <em>essential<\/em> if you want to find things quickly and avoid living in complete chaos.<\/p>\n<p>I\u2019ve used my <a href=\"https:\/\/eaglecreek.eu\/collections\/packing-cubes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Eagle Creek packing cubes<\/a> on every single Africa trip since 2009 (yes, the <em>same<\/em> ones \u2013 and I travel a lot!), and they\u2019re still going strong. Not a single rip or mark even. Honestly, they\u2019re one of the best travel investments I\u2019ve ever made.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"14_Wheelie_Backpack\"\/><strong>14. Wheelie Backpack<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h3>\n<p>For Africa travel, I usually prefer a soft-sided bag, like a backpack or duffel, because they fit far better in safari vehicles than suitcases.<\/p>\n<p>That said, I want it with wheels and a front-opening design \u2013 top-loading packs are only for me if I\u2019m doing some serious trekking and weight distribution matters. A bag that opens fully from the front makes packing and accessing gear a lot easier.<\/p>\n<p>These days, I go for a \u201cbest-of-both-worlds\u201d design: a bag that carries like a backpack when needed but also opens and rolls like a suitcase, giving me maximum flexibility and convenience on the road.<\/p>\n<p>For the last eight years or so I\u2019ve been using my <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kathmandu.co.uk\/products\/hybrid-trolley-v5-70l-black-stingray\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kathmandu 70\u202fL wheeled backpack<\/a>. The only time I don\u2019t take this is if I\u2019m going on a hiking trip (Mount Kenya, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.heleninwonderlust.co.uk\/category\/kilimanjaro\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kilimanjaro<\/a> etc) and need a lighter bag for the porters to carry. Wheeled bags are too heavy for that. <\/p>\n<p>The 70L bag is quite big, but I love having plenty of space for all my gear, gadgets, and clothes. That said, my goal for next time is to go smaller \u2013 either 50L or 60L \u2013 especially now that I have a bigger carry-on. Kathmandu even offers a 50L version of the bag, which might be the perfect fit. I\u2019m also looking at the <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/4leJdaL\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Osprey Transporter 60L<\/a> \u2013 it doesn\u2019t have backpack straps, but I rarely use them now anyway\u2026<\/p>\n<p>I really love <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/4rY9GvW\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Eagle Creek bags<\/a> (my friend has one and it\u2019s brilliant), but they are a bit big for the way I travel. Eagle Creek \u2013 if you\u2019re reading \u2013 if you could make a 50L or 60L version of your wheelie backpack I would be very grateful. Thanks! <\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"15_Carry-On_Bag\"\/><strong>15. Carry-On Bag<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h3>\n<p>If you hadn\u2019t already guessed, I\u2019m a bit obsessed with bags \u2013 always searching for the <em>perfect <\/em>luggage system \u2013 and my current favourite carry-on is my <a href=\"https:\/\/tidd.ly\/4sCIwdW\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Bagsmart bag<\/a>. It\u2019s clever, expanding from 28L when I want to travel light, to 38L when I need extra space.<\/p>\n<p><!-- START ADVERTISER: Bagsmart UK from awin.com --><\/p>\n<p><a rel=\"sponsored\" href=\"https:\/\/www.awin1.com\/cread.php?s=4652657&amp;v=122772&amp;q=593671&amp;r=203169\"><br \/>\n    <img decoding=\"async\" border=\"0\" data-jpibfi-post-excerpt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.heleninwonderlust.co.uk\/africa-travel-essentials\/\" data-jpibfi-post-title=\"Africa Travel Essentials: 20 Things I Always Take (Some Might Surprise You)\" data-jpibfi-src=\"https:\/\/www.awin1.com\/cshow.php?s=4652657&amp;v=122772&amp;q=593671&amp;r=203169\"\/><br \/>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<p><!-- END ADVERTISER: Bagsmart UK from awin.com --><\/p>\n<p>I need a bag that can hold all my tech \u2013 laptop, camera, lenses \u2013 plus toiletries, paperwork, and spare clothes in case my luggage goes AWOL. This one ticks all the boxes: roomy, well-organised, and built to last, making it perfect for long flights, road trips, or any adventure in between.<\/p>\n<p>I also love \u2013 but haven\u2019t used yet \u2013 the Cotopaxi Allpa bags. They come in different sizes including <a href=\"https:\/\/uk.cotopaxi.com\/products\/allpa-26l-daypack-fig\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">26L<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/uk.cotopaxi.com\/products\/allpa-28l-travel-pack-del-dia-redesign\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">28L<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/uk.cotopaxi.com\/products\/allpa-35l-travel-pack-fig\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">35L<\/a>. Like the Bagsmart, they have a strap at the back which allows you to slide them onto a wheelie case handle which is great. And the colours are amazing!<\/p>\n<p>The only time I <em>don\u2019t<\/em> take this style of bag as my carry-on is on trekking\u2011style trips where I need more of a technical backpack \u2013 in those cases I use my <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/4rY8p88\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Osprey hiking daypack instead<\/a>, which is lighter, more rugged, and easier to carry on uneven trails, though it\u2019s too big to fit inside my main bag, so becomes my carry-on.<\/p>\n<p>I also keep a smaller packable backpack tucked inside it. I pop that out for short day hikes, caf\u00e9 strolls, or whenever I just want something lighter and easier to carry.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"700\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-48531\" data-jpibfi-post-excerpt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.heleninwonderlust.co.uk\/africa-travel-essentials\/\" data-jpibfi-post-title=\"Africa Travel Essentials: 20 Things I Always Take (Some Might Surprise You)\" data-jpibfi-src=\"https:\/\/www.heleninwonderlust.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Helen-in-Zanzibar.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.heleninwonderlust.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Helen-in-Zanzibar.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.heleninwonderlust.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Helen-in-Zanzibar-522x357.jpg 522w, https:\/\/www.heleninwonderlust.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Helen-in-Zanzibar-740x506.jpg 740w, https:\/\/www.heleninwonderlust.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Helen-in-Zanzibar-768x525.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"My_Africa_Travel_Essentials_%E2%80%93_Health_Other\"\/><strong>My Africa Travel Essentials \u2013 Health<\/strong> <strong>&amp; Other<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h2>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"16_Sunscreen\"\/><strong>16. Sunscreen<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h3>\n<p>Finding the right sunscreen (or any sunscreen) in Africa can be a bit tricky if you\u2019re not in a touristy area or a big city, so I tend to carry it with me.<\/p>\n<p> For my face, I swear by <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/4b0rZsR\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 50<\/a>. It\u2019s lightweight, non-greasy, and doesn\u2019t clog your pores, even in hot and humid conditions. And, it doesn\u2019t make me look shiny or make my eyes water, so that\u2019s a bonus! <\/p>\n<p>I wear it every day in Africa \u2013 whether I\u2019m on safari, wandering through markets, or relaxing on the beach. <\/p>\n<p>Then for my body, I use <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3Pg8Lbq\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Bondi Sands aerosol<\/a> as I find sunscreen a pain to rub in and I\u2019m often travelling alone, so a spray is just easier!<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"17_Bug_Spray\"\/><strong>17. Bug Spray<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h3>\n<p>I hate DEET, but unfortunately bugs absolutely love me. So whenever I travel, I make sure to pack a couple of bottles of <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/4siqoWg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Incognito mosquito repellent<\/a>. It\u2019s not the cheapest option, but it\u2019s the best alternative I\u2019ve found that actually works.<\/p>\n<p>If I run out, I usually try to restock in Africa with my favourite South African brand, <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3OO2lQO\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Peaceful Sleep<\/a> \u2013 if I can find it \u2013 it\u2019s much easier to find in Southern Africa. You can buy it at home too, but it tends to be much more expensive, so it\u2019s usually better to pick some up while you\u2019re there. <\/p>\n<p>You can of course buy ins, but like sunscreen, it can be hard to find in some areas.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"18_Juice_Concentrate\"\/><strong>18. Juice Concentrate<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h3>\n<p>This one might sound a bit weird \u2013 especially for the non-Brits \u2013 but I always travel with a small bottle of juice concentrate that you add to water. I\u2019m terrible at drinking plain water so get dehydrated, so this little trick helps a lot. I usually bring <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/4rYV0N6\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">this one<\/a> which has added vitamins and low or no sugar options.<\/p>\n<p>When it\u2019s hot, it\u2019s very easy to reach for Coke or Fanta, but that\u2019s obviously not the healthiest habit. Adding a splash of juice concentrate makes water taste <em>so<\/em> much better and helps me stay hydrated throughout the day.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"19_Electrolytes\"\/><strong>19. Electrolytes<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h3>\n<p>Speaking of staying hydrated\u2026 <\/p>\n<p>You can usually buy electrolyte sachets in pharmacies, but I always bring <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/4r8q9wh\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">these ones<\/a> with me. The ones you find locally aren\u2019t always the nicest tasting, and when you really need one \u2013 after a long hot travel day, a safari, or a slightly \u2018enthusiastic\u2019 night out \u2013 it\u2019s good to already have them in your bag already.<\/p>\n<p>I\u2019m always surprised how many I get through on a single trip. I use them myself but I also end up handing them out to other travellers who are feeling a bit dehydrated. They\u2019re small, light, and one of those simple things that can make a big difference.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"20_Travel_Insurance\"\/><strong>20. <\/strong>Travel Insurance<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h3>\n<p>Ok, so you probably know this by now, but you should always have travel insurance when travelling to Africa. And by travel insurance, I mean proper cover \u2013 medical, evacuation, delays, disruption, gadgets, the whole shebang.<\/p>\n<p>If something goes wrong in a remote area, medical evacuation alone can cost thousands, so it\u2019s not something you want to risk travelling without.<\/p>\n<p>I\u2019ve put together a guide to help you choose the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.heleninwonderlust.co.uk\/best-travel-insurance-for-africa\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">right Africa travel insurance<\/a>, including what to look for and the companies I personally recommend.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Final thoughts on packing for Africa\u2026<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Alongside the essentials in this list, there are plenty of other little things I always carry too: spare US dollars, string, clothes peg, my passport and Yellow Fever certificate, a Buff, pens, tissues, hair bobbles, Imodium, eye drops\u2026 the list goes on.<\/p>\n<p>If you want to see everything I bring, take a look at my <a href=\"https:\/\/www.heleninwonderlust.co.uk\/africa-packing-list\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">complete Africa packing list<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>These small things might seem simple, but they make a big difference \u2013 helping me stay comfortable, organised and ready for anything, whether I\u2019m tracking wildlife in Ruaha, island hopping in Madagascar, or relaxing on the beaches of Zanzibar.<\/p>\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>What are the things you never travel without? I\u2019d love to hear your must-have items in the comments.<\/strong><\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Other_Africa_packing_posts_you_might_enjoy%E2%80%A6\"\/><strong>Other Africa packing posts you might enjoy\u2026<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h3>\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size\"><strong>If you would like to join one of my Africa group trips click\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rockmyadventure.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a>\u00a0for details<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pin_This_Post_For_Later\"\/><strong>Pin This Post For Later<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h3>\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1500\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-48528\" data-jpibfi-post-excerpt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.heleninwonderlust.co.uk\/africa-travel-essentials\/\" data-jpibfi-post-title=\"Africa Travel Essentials: 20 Things I Always Take (Some Might Surprise You)\" data-jpibfi-src=\"https:\/\/www.heleninwonderlust.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Africa-Travel-Essentials.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.heleninwonderlust.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Africa-Travel-Essentials.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.heleninwonderlust.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Africa-Travel-Essentials-464x696.jpg 464w, https:\/\/www.heleninwonderlust.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Africa-Travel-Essentials-348x522.jpg 348w, https:\/\/www.heleninwonderlust.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Africa-Travel-Essentials-768x1152.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"dpsp-content-bottom\" class=\"dpsp-content-wrapper dpsp-shape-rectangular dpsp-size-medium dpsp-no-labels-mobile dpsp-show-on-mobile dpsp-show-total-share-count dpsp-show-total-share-count-before dpsp-button-style-1\" style=\"min-height:40px;position:relative\">\n<ul class=\"dpsp-networks-btns-wrapper dpsp-networks-btns-share dpsp-networks-btns-content dpsp-column-auto dpsp-has-button-icon-animation\" style=\"padding:0;margin:0;list-style-type:none\">\n<li class=\"dpsp-network-list-item dpsp-network-list-item-facebook\" style=\"float:left\">\n\t<a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.heleninwonderlust.co.uk%2Fafrica-travel-essentials%2F&amp;t=Africa%20Travel%20Essentials%3A%2020%20Things%20I%20Always%20Take%20%28Some%20Might%20Surprise%20You%29\" class=\"dpsp-network-btn dpsp-facebook dpsp-first dpsp-has-label dpsp-has-label-mobile\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Share on Facebook\" title=\"Share on Facebook\" style=\"font-size:14px;padding:0rem;max-height:40px\">\t<span class=\"dpsp-network-icon \"><span class=\"dpsp-network-icon-inner\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" version=\"1.1\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\" viewbox=\"0 0 18 32\"><path d=\"M17.12 0.224v4.704h-2.784q-1.536 0-2.080 0.64t-0.544 1.92v3.392h5.248l-0.704 5.28h-4.544v13.568h-5.472v-13.568h-4.544v-5.28h4.544v-3.904q0-3.328 1.856-5.152t4.96-1.824q2.624 0 4.064 0.224z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><br \/>\n\t<span class=\"dpsp-network-label dpsp-network-hide-label-mobile\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"dpsp-network-list-item dpsp-network-list-item-x\" style=\"float:left\">\n\t<a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/intent\/tweet?text=Africa%20Travel%20Essentials%3A%2020%20Things%20I%20Always%20Take%20%28Some%20Might%20Surprise%20You%29&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.heleninwonderlust.co.uk%2Fafrica-travel-essentials%2F\" class=\"dpsp-network-btn dpsp-x dpsp-has-label dpsp-has-label-mobile\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Share on X\" title=\"Share on X\" style=\"font-size:14px;padding:0rem;max-height:40px\">\t<span class=\"dpsp-network-icon \"><span class=\"dpsp-network-icon-inner\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" version=\"1.1\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\" viewbox=\"0 0 32 28\"><path d=\"M25.2,1.5h4.9l-10.7,12.3,12.6,16.7h-9.9l-7.7-10.1-8.8,10.1H.6l11.5-13.1L0,1.5h10.1l7,9.2L25.2,1.5ZM23.5,27.5h2.7L8.6,4.3h-2.9l17.8,23.2Z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><br \/>\n\t<span class=\"dpsp-network-label dpsp-network-hide-label-mobile\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"dpsp-network-list-item dpsp-network-list-item-pinterest\" style=\"float:left\">\n\t<button rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-href=\"#\" class=\"dpsp-network-btn dpsp-pinterest dpsp-last dpsp-has-label dpsp-has-label-mobile\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Save to Pinterest\" title=\"Save to Pinterest\" style=\"font-size:14px;padding:0rem;max-height:40px\">\t<span class=\"dpsp-network-icon \"><span class=\"dpsp-network-icon-inner\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" version=\"1.1\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\" viewbox=\"0 0 23 32\"><path d=\"M0 10.656q0-1.92 0.672-3.616t1.856-2.976 2.72-2.208 3.296-1.408 3.616-0.448q2.816 0 5.248 1.184t3.936 3.456 1.504 5.12q0 1.728-0.32 3.36t-1.088 3.168-1.792 2.656-2.56 1.856-3.392 0.672q-1.216 0-2.4-0.576t-1.728-1.568q-0.16 0.704-0.48 2.016t-0.448 1.696-0.352 1.28-0.48 1.248-0.544 1.12-0.832 1.408-1.12 1.536l-0.224 0.096-0.16-0.192q-0.288-2.816-0.288-3.36 0-1.632 0.384-3.68t1.184-5.152 0.928-3.616q-0.576-1.152-0.576-3.008 0-1.504 0.928-2.784t2.368-1.312q1.088 0 1.696 0.736t0.608 1.824q0 1.184-0.768 3.392t-0.8 3.36q0 1.12 0.8 1.856t1.952 0.736q0.992 0 1.824-0.448t1.408-1.216 0.992-1.696 0.672-1.952 0.352-1.984 0.128-1.792q0-3.072-1.952-4.8t-5.12-1.728q-3.552 0-5.952 2.304t-2.4 5.856q0 0.8 0.224 1.536t0.48 1.152 0.48 0.832 0.224 0.544q0 0.48-0.256 1.28t-0.672 0.8q-0.032 0-0.288-0.032-0.928-0.288-1.632-0.992t-1.088-1.696-0.576-1.92-0.192-1.92z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><br \/>\n\t<span class=\"dpsp-network-label dpsp-network-hide-label-mobile\">Pinterest<\/span><\/button><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Facebook Twitter Pinterest Last updated on March 20th, 2026 at 10:23 pm After over 16 years of travelling across Africa \u2013 from dusty overland roads and safari camps to tropical islands and bustling cities \u2013 I\u2019ve learned that packing smart makes life so much easier. Through plenty of trial and error, I\u2019ve found a set [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":7045458,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[96987,207977,107432,207978,207979],"tags":[4373,1724,3672,542],"dealstore":[],"offerexpiration":[],"class_list":["post-7045457","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-africa","category-africa-travel-tips","category-latest-blog-posts","category-packing-lists-travel-gear","category-what-to-pack","tag-africa","tag-essentials","tag-surprise","tag-travel"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Africa Travel Essentials: 20 Things I Always Take (Some Might Surprise You) - Som2ny Network<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7045457\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Africa Travel Essentials: 20 Things I Always Take (Some Might Surprise You) - Som2ny Network\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Facebook Twitter Pinterest Last updated on March 20th, 2026 at 10:23 pm After over 16 years of travelling across Africa \u2013 from dusty overland roads and safari camps to tropical islands and bustling cities \u2013 I\u2019ve learned that packing smart makes life so much easier. Through plenty of trial and error, I\u2019ve found a set [&hellip;]\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7045457\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Som2ny Network\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-08-24T00:59:49+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Helen-in-Zanzibar.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1024\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"700\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"admin\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"admin\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"15 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7045457#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7045457\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"admin\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/#\/schema\/person\/b85e3c3dc0e1daea076524dc8810c371\"},\"headline\":\"Africa Travel Essentials: 20 Things I Always Take (Some Might Surprise You)\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-08-24T00:59:49+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7045457\"},\"wordCount\":2936,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7045457#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Helen-in-Zanzibar.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"Africa\",\"Essentials\",\"Surprise\",\"Travel\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Africa\",\"Africa Travel Tips\",\"Latest Blog Posts\",\"Packing Lists &amp; Travel Gear\",\"What to Pack\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7045457#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7045457\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7045457\",\"name\":\"Africa Travel Essentials: 20 Things I Always Take (Some Might Surprise You) - Som2ny Network\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7045457#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7045457#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Helen-in-Zanzibar.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-08-24T00:59:49+00:00\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7045457#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7045457\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7045457#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Helen-in-Zanzibar.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Helen-in-Zanzibar.jpg\",\"width\":1024,\"height\":700},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7045457#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?bp_activities=1\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Africa Travel Essentials: 20 Things I Always Take (Some Might Surprise You)\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/\",\"name\":\"Som2ny Network\",\"description\":\"Daily Deals\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Som2ny Network\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/4a0953c4-logo-300x86-1.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/4a0953c4-logo-300x86-1.png\",\"width\":300,\"height\":86,\"caption\":\"Som2ny Network\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\"}},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/#\/schema\/person\/b85e3c3dc0e1daea076524dc8810c371\",\"name\":\"admin\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/729ae85bf62b9917e93538db2f2688ca?s=96&r=g&default=https%3A%2F%2Ffivemor.com%2Fwp-content%2Fplugins%2Fbuddypress-first-letter-avatar%2Fimages%2Fdefault%2F96%2Flatin_a.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/729ae85bf62b9917e93538db2f2688ca?s=96&r=g&default=https%3A%2F%2Ffivemor.com%2Fwp-content%2Fplugins%2Fbuddypress-first-letter-avatar%2Fimages%2Fdefault%2F96%2Flatin_a.png\",\"caption\":\"admin\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\"],\"url\":\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?author=1\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Africa Travel Essentials: 20 Things I Always Take (Some Might Surprise You) - Som2ny Network","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7045457","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Africa Travel Essentials: 20 Things I Always Take (Some Might Surprise You) - Som2ny Network","og_description":"Facebook Twitter Pinterest Last updated on March 20th, 2026 at 10:23 pm After over 16 years of travelling across Africa \u2013 from dusty overland roads and safari camps to tropical islands and bustling cities \u2013 I\u2019ve learned that packing smart makes life so much easier. Through plenty of trial and error, I\u2019ve found a set [&hellip;]","og_url":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7045457","og_site_name":"Som2ny Network","article_published_time":"2026-08-24T00:59:49+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1024,"height":700,"url":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Helen-in-Zanzibar.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"admin","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"admin","Est. reading time":"15 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7045457#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7045457"},"author":{"name":"admin","@id":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/#\/schema\/person\/b85e3c3dc0e1daea076524dc8810c371"},"headline":"Africa Travel Essentials: 20 Things I Always Take (Some Might Surprise You)","datePublished":"2026-08-24T00:59:49+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7045457"},"wordCount":2936,"commentCount":0,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7045457#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Helen-in-Zanzibar.jpg","keywords":["Africa","Essentials","Surprise","Travel"],"articleSection":["Africa","Africa Travel Tips","Latest Blog Posts","Packing Lists &amp; Travel Gear","What to Pack"],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7045457#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7045457","url":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7045457","name":"Africa Travel Essentials: 20 Things I Always Take (Some Might Surprise You) - Som2ny Network","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7045457#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7045457#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Helen-in-Zanzibar.jpg","datePublished":"2026-08-24T00:59:49+00:00","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7045457#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7045457"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7045457#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Helen-in-Zanzibar.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Helen-in-Zanzibar.jpg","width":1024,"height":700},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7045457#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?bp_activities=1"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Africa Travel Essentials: 20 Things I Always Take (Some Might Surprise You)"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/#website","url":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/","name":"Som2ny Network","description":"Daily Deals","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/#organization","name":"Som2ny Network","url":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/4a0953c4-logo-300x86-1.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/4a0953c4-logo-300x86-1.png","width":300,"height":86,"caption":"Som2ny Network"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"}},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/#\/schema\/person\/b85e3c3dc0e1daea076524dc8810c371","name":"admin","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/729ae85bf62b9917e93538db2f2688ca?s=96&r=g&default=https%3A%2F%2Ffivemor.com%2Fwp-content%2Fplugins%2Fbuddypress-first-letter-avatar%2Fimages%2Fdefault%2F96%2Flatin_a.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/729ae85bf62b9917e93538db2f2688ca?s=96&r=g&default=https%3A%2F%2Ffivemor.com%2Fwp-content%2Fplugins%2Fbuddypress-first-letter-avatar%2Fimages%2Fdefault%2F96%2Flatin_a.png","caption":"admin"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/fivemor.com"],"url":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?author=1"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7045457","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=7045457"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7045457\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/7045458"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=7045457"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=7045457"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=7045457"},{"taxonomy":"dealstore","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fdealstore&post=7045457"},{"taxonomy":"offerexpiration","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fofferexpiration&post=7045457"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}