What to Pack for a Winter Safari in South Africa

1. Clothing for Layering

Winter in the Lowveld brings crisp mornings and evenings, with pleasantly warm afternoons under the sun. We provide cosy blankets and hot water bottles on safari, but it’s still a good idea to come prepared. Layering is the key - it saves space in your luggage and keeps you comfortable throughout the day as temperatures change. We also offer a laundry service, so you can easily freshen up your outfits mid-trip. There’s no formal dress code for dinners, so pack whatever makes you feel relaxed and at ease. Just keep in mind that neutral-coloured clothing is only necessary if you plan to join a bushwalk. Here’s our recommendations:

• Lightweight shirts, T-shirts or long-sleeved tops
• A warm fleece or jumper for game drives
• A windproof jacket or lightweight coat
• Comfortable long trousers or jeans
• A pair of shorts or a loose dress/skirt for midday lounging
• Swimwear – our pool is unheated, but it’s often warm enough for a dip!
• A wide-brimmed hat or cap for sun protection

2. Footwear

• Comfortable walking shoes or trainers for safaris
• Sandals or flip-flops for relaxing at the lodge

3. Safari Essentials

• Sunglasses with UV protection
• High SPF sunscreen
• Personal toiletries
• Binoculars are a great addition to help you spot birds, long-distance sightings or simply scan the bush from the pool
• A camera with zoom lens if you enjoy photography – don’t forget extra SD cards, batteries, and a charger.

4. Evening Extras

• Evenings can be surprisingly cool on game drives or while dining under the stars, so consider packing:
• A warm scarf or buff
• Light gloves and a beanie (especially if you're sensitive to the cold)
• A warm, casual outfit for dinner

5. Lodge Comforts

• At Klaserie Drift, we’ve thought of the little things so you don’t have to. We provide:
• A reusable water bottle (yours to keep!)
• Effective insect repellent in rooms and on game drive
• Our rooms also have USB ports as well as South African 3-pin and 2-pin plug sockets

6. Optional but Handy

• A journal or notebook for recording sightings and reflections
• A small daypack or bag for carrying your camera, hat, jacket, and water on game drives
• A book or kindle to unplug
• A small torch – the lodge pathways have discreet lighting to find your way in the dark, but you may prefer to have a torch as well.
• A powerbank, if your phone battery needs a little midday boost but you don’t want to leave it in your room!

Ready for the Adventure?

When it comes to packing for a winter safari, a little planning means you’ll spend less time worrying over forgotten items and more time soaking up the magic of the bush. If you have any specific questions about your stay, feel free to reach out - we’re happy to help.

We can’t wait to welcome you this winter at Klaserie Drift!