The United Nations breaks Africa into five regions. Those regions are Northern Africa, Eastern Africa, Middle Africa, Southern Africa, and Western Africa.

I’m going to utilize those regions for packing lists in Africa, as the weather varies greatly. Africa as a continent is massive and contains 54 countries.

When preparing for a trip to Southern Africa, which spans the diverse landscapes of Botswana, South Africa, Eswatini, Lesotho, and Namibia, packing thoughtfully is essential for a smooth and enjoyable journey. This region offers everything from the arid deserts of Namibia to the lush deltas of Botswana, the mountain ranges of Lesotho, and vibrant cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg.

You’ll encounter a range of climates, wildlife adventures, and cultural experiences, so it’s important to strike a balance between comfort, practicality, and adaptability. This packing guide will help you prepare for safaris, city explorations, and everything in between, ensuring you’re equipped for any adventure Southern Africa has in store.

Here’s what you’ll need to pack to make the most of your travels through this captivating region.

Packing for Southern Africa requires a balance between practicality and comfort to suit its diverse climates and activities. Lightweight, breathable clothing is essential for the warm days, while layers are needed for cooler evenings (freezing cold in the mornings) , especially in desert or highland areas. Neutral-colored clothing is ideal for safaris, helping you blend into the environment and avoid attracting insects.  Sunglasses, and sunscreen are must-haves to protect against the strong African sun.

Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots are crucial for exploring national parks, cities, or hiking trails. Don’t forget insect repellent, particularly in areas where malaria is a concern, and pack any necessary medications, including a basic first aid kit. A good-quality camera or binoculars will enhance your wildlife-viewing experiences. Compact and versatile items, like a lightweight rain jacket, are useful for sudden weather changes. For city visits, smart-casual outfits are appropriate, but avoid flashy jewelry to minimize security risks. Lastly, pack a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated and eco-friendly while traveling through Southern Africa’s stunning landscapes.

• 3 shorts (1 Athletic Shorts, 1 Boardshorts, 1 Travel Shorts)
• Cotton T-Shirts
• Long Trousers
• Trunks (Swimming)
• Long sleeved base layer
• Lightweight Rain Jacket 
• 7 pairs of Travel Underwear
• Down jacket 
• Fleece Zipup
• Beanie (yes, really! It gets THAT cold!)
• Travel socks
• Lightweight scarf
• Men’s hiking boots
• Flip-flops

Editor’s Note: Check out my Africa destinations section featuring the best things to do, places to stay, and what to eat.

• 3 shorts (1 Athletic Pair, 1 denim, 1 board shorts)
• 1 Dress
• 3 Tank tops
• 3 Cotton shirts
• 1 Leggings
• 1 long sleeved base layer
• 1 Long trousers 
• 1 Lightweight Waterproof Jacket
• Down jacket 
• Fleece
• Beanie (yes, really! It gets THAT cold!)
• Woollen socks
• 7-10 pairs of Travel Underwear
• 2 bikinis: Zaful Halter String Bikini | Relleciga Wavy Bikini
• 7 pairs of Travel socks
• 2 Sports Bra
• Bras
• Travel scarf
• 1 hat (sports hat or a cute but small sun hat)
• Hiking Shoes/ Trainers
• Flip flops
• Sandals

What you bring on your travels to Southern Africa will depend on your travel style is.

• Packing Cubes
• Padlocks
• Ziplocks
• Water bottle
• Microfiber Towel

• Body Wash
• Mosquito repellent
• Chapstick
• Toothpaste/ toothbrush
• Moisturizer
• Sunblock
• Deodorant
• Nail Cutter
• Shaver

• Shampoo, conditioner, and body gel
• Mosquito repellent
• Wet wipes
• Lip balm
• Toothpaste/ Toothbrush
• Reef Safe Sunblock
• Deodorant
• Makeup
• Nail cutter and nail file
• Hand sanitizer

First aid kit

Normally, I would say you don’t need a first aid kit, but if you are on a safari vehicle, it can be many miles/kilometers/hours between towns. I recommend bringing charcoal, Benadryl, Pepto Bismol, Ibuprofen or Tylenol, a bandage or two, bandaids, etc…

Bringing electronics when traveling to Vietnam can be useful for staying connected, capturing memories, and making travel easier. However, it’s important to consider the local conditions and regulations when deciding what to bring.

Power outlets in Vietnam are typically 220V, so you may need a voltage converter and plug adapter. It’s also a good idea to bring a backup battery or portable charger to ensure your devices stay powered.

For security, consider investing in a compact travel safe or padlock to keep your electronics and other valuables safe. Before leaving, make sure to check with your service provider about international roaming and data plans to avoid any unexpected charges. If you’re planning on traveling for longer, we recommend picking up a local sim to help you navigate around Vietnam.

• Laptop
• Headphones
• GoPro
• Camera
• Wires and cables
• SD cards
• Power bank
• Travel Adapter
• Unlocked Smartphone

One important thing to consider, is that normal adapters typically do not work for Africa. In Southern Africa, comprising Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Eswatini, and Lesotho, the power plugs and sockets primarily follow the South African standard, which uses Type M (3 large round pins). However, many newer buildings and establishments are adopting the Europlug-compatible Type C sockets to accommodate international travelers. The standard voltage is 230V, and the frequency is 50Hz across the region.

Travelers should bring a Type M adapter and possibly a universal adapter for added versatility. Voltage converters are generally unnecessary unless your devices are not rated for 230V. It’s also prudent to carry a surge protector, as power fluctuations can occur in some areas.

• Africa Travel Adapter

Read: Gear

When traveling to certain parts of Africa, especially regions where mosquito-borne diseases are prevalent, it’s important to consider vaccines and medications to protect your health. One of the key vaccinations often required is the yellow fever vaccine.

Yellow fever is a viral disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes, primarily in tropical and subtropical areas of Africa and South America. In countries where the disease is present, travelers may be required to show proof of vaccination, especially if arriving from another country where yellow fever is a risk.

The vaccine is highly effective and generally provides lifelong protection after a single dose. It’s recommended that travelers receive it at least 10 days before departure, as it takes that time for immunity to develop. Some countries in Africa may also require the vaccine as a precautionary measure even if there’s no active transmission.

Beyond the yellow fever vaccine, other vaccinations and medications are also important depending on your destination. Malaria is a significant concern in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa, so taking antimalarial medication is crucial.

Consult your healthcare provider to determine which medication is appropriate for you, as options like doxycycline, atovaquone-proguanil (Malarone), or mefloquine may be prescribed depending on the region and your medical history. Typhoid, hepatitis A, and hepatitis B vaccines are also recommended for many travelers due to the risk of exposure through contaminated food, water, or close contact with locals.

For longer stays or rural travel, vaccinations for rabies and meningitis may also be considered. Carrying insect repellent and practicing good hygiene further reduces the risk of illness, ensuring a safe and enjoyable trip through Africa.

Always check the latest health guidelines before traveling, as requirements and recommendations can change based on current health conditions in your destination.

The weather in Southern Africa is incredibly diverse, varying significantly between countries and regions due to the area’s vast geographical range. Southern Africa includes arid deserts, temperate coastal areas, lush wetlands, and mountainous terrain, all contributing to distinct climatic zones.

The region generally experiences opposite seasons to those in the Northern Hemisphere, with summer occurring from November to March and winter from May to August. However, conditions vary greatly depending on the specific country and area you visit. In Botswana and Namibia, which are largely dominated by desert landscapes such as the Kalahari and Namib, the weather is characterized by hot, dry summers and mild winters. Summers can be extremely hot, with temperatures often soaring above 40°C (104°F), especially in more arid areas, while winter nights in the desert can be surprisingly cold, sometimes dipping near freezing.

The rainy season typically falls between November and March, bringing brief but heavy downpours. South Africa has more varied climates, from Mediterranean conditions in the southwest, around Cape Town, to subtropical climates along the eastern coast near Durban. The central interior, including Johannesburg and Pretoria, experiences hot summers with afternoon thunderstorms and mild winters with cool, sunny days.

The Cape region experiences cooler, wet winters and warm, dry summers, making it an ideal destination for beach lovers during the Southern Hemisphere’s summer months. and Eswatini, being mountainous countries, have more temperate climates. Lesotho, with its higher elevations, experiences cold winters, with snowfall in the highlands, making it the only region in Southern Africa where snow sports are possible. Summers are mild but can bring thunderstorms and rain. In contrast, Eswatini has a warmer, subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild, drier winters, particularly in the lowland areas.