• Sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and high-ankle walking shoes
• Binoculars, camera (with backup battery), headlamp or small torch (for safaris)
• Malaria prophylaxis
• Insect repellent containing DEET to prevent mozzie and tsetse fly bites
• Pair of goggles or snorkel and mask (for Lake Tanganyika)

What to Wear

Clothes suitable for safari don’t need to be specialised or expensive. It’s colour that matters. Nothing bright that can easily be spotted by wildlife (white is the worst offender) and no black or very dark colours, which will attract tsetse flies. Go with greens and light browns (no camouflage) and a combination of shorts for very hot days and long, lightweight trousers for walking in the bush as well as cities and towns where dress is generally conservative. Given malaria is prevalent in many areas of Zambia, be sure to wear long-sleeves and pants in the evenings. High-ankle hiking shoes are best for walking safaris. If you’re heading to Victoria Falls or Lake Tanganyika, bring along bathers for swimming or rafting.

Pre-Departure Checklist

• Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months past your arrival date
• Visit your doctor to get all your vaccinations
• Arrange travel insurance to cover all the activities you plan on doing (rafting, bungee jumping, driving etc)
• Inform your debit-/credit-card company you’re heading away
• Contact operators to enquire about 4WD hire, safari packages and pre-book as necessary.