MAKE A CAMPING TRIP CHECKLIST

Camping in South Africa is a great way to de-stress and reconnect with nature, but it can be dangerous if you are unprepared and things go wrong. The key to a successful trip is awareness and planning. 

To enjoy your camping experience as much as possible, include the following things in your bags:


1. Insect repellent and citronella candles

These will keep bugs and mosquitoes at bay so that you stay comfortable and healthy during your excursions. Consider getting mosquito nets for children, if necessary.

 

2. A high-factor sunscreen

Reapply this throughout the day, even if it is overcast. Sunburn can make your camping trip a painful experience. This is especially important for children, who tend to spend camping holidays playing outdoors, completely unaware of the effects of the UV rays on their bodies.


3. A hat and sunglasses

These two must-have camping items protect your eyes and face from harmful UV rays.

4. Water purification tablets

Whether or not there is safe drinking water available, you may find yourself in a situation in which you urgently need clean water, and it is not readily accessible to you.

5. Comfortable shoes

You’ll need them for walking or hiking. Remember to pack a pair of slops for showering in a public ablution block.

6. Light but warm clothing

Even during the warm summer months, it can get chilly in the mornings and evenings. Of course, camping during winter means packing plenty of warm, even thermal gear.

7. Copies of your ID book and any important medical information

This may need to be conveyed in the case of you not being conscious or able to talk. Being away from home and without the medical facilities of a hotel makes you vulnerable. In addition, you will likely be swimming and walking long distances, opening you up to accidents that are a little out of the ordinary.

8. A first-aid kit

Be sure to include anti-septic, soothing coolant for burns, bandages, pain killers, anti-inflammatories, anti-nausea tablets, and antihistamines.

9. Your camera and binoculars

So that you do not miss out on a thing!

10. A solar-powered torch and/or lantern

Nobody wants to go to the ablution blocks in the middle of the night surrounded by complete darkness!

11. Plates, cups, and crockery

Most campsites do not provide utensils.

12. Canned food

Pack a few tins of filling, nutritious meals like curried vegetables that only require being heated up on the fire.