Best Camping Gear for African Vacations
Camp Equipment for 4 x 4 Self Drive Trips into the Bush
Jun 12, 2009
There are few things worse than being isolated in the middle of the African bush without the correct camping equipment. It can turn a dream holiday in Africa into a nightmare. Before driving into the African sunset, make sure the following items are ticked off and then the self-drive African safari will be a pleasure.
Checklist for Camping Equipment:
- Tent – Roof top or ground tent. If bush camping in very remote areas outside of game parks where there are no fences, a roof top tent is the best option, out of reach of lions and hyenas!
- Water Containers – Depending on number of people in the car, but carry at least 2 x 40 liter water cans, plus 2 x 40 liter jerry cans for extra fuel.
- Dual battery system.
- Deep cycle battery if possible, to run a fridge and freezer.
- Fridge and freezer, 90 liters is a good size and indispensable. Think of an ice-cold beer after 8 hours of driving!
- High lift Jack – this is imperative to get out of sand or mud in isolated areas.
- Basic tool kit
- Towing Strap
- Puncture repair kit
- Fire extinguisher
- Compressor Pump
- 2 x Gas cylinders and keys
- Gas cooker
- Battery powered lamp
- BBQ grill
- LED lamp
- Sturdy fold up table and camping chairs
- Spade
- Cutlery and kitchen knives
- Box containing all cooking equipment, pots, pans
- Bedding or sleeping bags plus mattresses
- Netting to protect radiator from grass seeds etc.
There is the option to hire camping trailers that come fully equipped with the above equipment. However, it is still essential to check all the camping equipment is functional and electronic equipment works properly. Test the gas cooker and ensure that both the puncture repair kit and tool kit are complete.
For the adventurer traveler there are few wilderness areas left in the world. Many places in Africa have just such experiences and travelers are seldom disappointed. There are so many beautiful, wild places where one can fully experience the bush with all its beauty and wildlife – wide rivers teeming with elephant and hippo, birds such as Fish Eagles with their haunting cry and so many wonderful places to explore.
There really is no better way of doing it than a self-drive trip in Africa – most people come back transformed in their thinking and their outlook on life. However one has to be organized with the correct camping equipment to enjoy it fully.
Food Supplies for Safaris in Africa
Unless one is traveling into the desert or bush for extended periods of time, miles away from any civilization, (places like this do still exist in Africa - it is still possible to travel for two days without seeing another car), one will always find a little shop or market stall that sells fresh produce. Oranges, mangoes, bananas, nuts, tomatoes, fresh vegetables are usually easily found.
Depending on the country one is visiting in Africa, there is always fresh meat too, in reputable and clean butcheries. For example, in Botswana fillet steak is easily available and vacuum packed, and sells for approximately $7 per kilo ($7 per 2 lb). Namibia and South Africa also have reasonable and excellent quality meat, including good quality lamb.
On extended trips into the bush, the most important dried food supplies to bring with are:
- Supplies of staples such as rice, pasta, potatoes and flour
- Dried fruits such as raisins, apricots and apples
- Seasonings, spices and sauces
- Olive oil or oils of choice
- Packaged Breakfast cereal
- Packaged dried crackers, biscuits and cookies
- Long life or dried milk
- Butter, cheese and fresh supplies which can be stored in the camping refrigerator
- Canned goods such as fruit, tuna, tomato paste, beans, peas and ham
- Snacks, peanuts, seeds, candy and drinks
To be a good eco-African traveler, never ever leave trash and litter anywhere. There are no refuse removal trucks in the wildest depths of Africa and it is likely that any refuse left behind will remain in that corner of the wilderness forever. Be responsible, burn whatever paper is around and carry any plastic, cans and glass back to a city or town for proper disposal. Remember too, that cans, broken glass and plastic are hazardous and toxic to many wildlife species.
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