Safari holidays today are an essential part of revenue generation from foreign tourists for many African countries. The main purpose of such trips is watching wildlife in their natural habitat.

While going on this magnificent trip, there are some basic items that you should always carry along with you, and, of course, some of them that you shouldn't.

What To Take

• Hat: The hat you carry for safari holidays should give full coverage from the sun and also allow your head to breathe. The material should be water absorbent from inside to absorb sweat and waterproof from outside to protect from the deluge.

• Clothes: Wear neutral colors like khakhi, light brown, light green. Or tan. Besides, you should also carry non synthetic safari t-shirts, shorts and long trousers, underwears, pyjamas, swimming costume, safari hiking shoes, flip flops, socks, extra shoelaces, and safari jacket.

• Insect repellent

• Mosquito netting

• Sun block

• Travel towel

• Skin cream

• Medicines and first aid kit is essential for safari holidays, such as Malaria tablets, Vitamins, Painkiller, medicine for Heartburn, Anti-diarrhea, Cold or flu, Allergy, Sterile needles and rehydration salts and prescribed medications

• Sunglasses with polarized lenses

• Bottled water, or some filtration system

• Wet wipes or hand sanitizer

• Pocket knife

• Toiletries, such as body wash, shampoo, conditioner, lip balm, Q-tip or cotton balls, shaving kit, birth control, and sanitary requirements

• Tweezers

• Contact lens solution, and extra disposable lenses

• Pen and pencil

• Small unbreakable mirror

• Plastic bags

• Compass

• Travel size games

• Binoculars

• Flash light

• Camera and tripod

• Travel pillow

• Small calculator

• Money belt

• Washing powder for laundry

• Plug adaptors

• Lighter or waterproof matches

• Travel alarm clock

• Mini combination locks

• Mini sewing set

• Passport and visa - keep photocopies in a separate place

• Emergency phone numbers

• Guide book, and bird and wildlife literature

• Medical history

• Copies of prescriptions

• Small stickers to label used films

What Not To Take

There are certain things that should be avoided, and some that can be avoided on safari holidays. The major things to avoid are: bright colored clothes because these often attract animals and may end up being dangerous for you; oversized bag since safari vehicles have limited space to carry them; cell phone because it may alarm the animals and you may lose or damage it; expensive jewelry or clothing because clothes can get dirty and jewelry may alarm animals by reflecting sunlight; and food. It is advised to carry small bars, but not excessive food. It is unsafe and prohibited to throw food to attract animals.

People who love watching animals in the wild like tigers, zebras and cheetah safari is a great vacation. Safari holidays are adventurous and will be a lot of fun if you carry the right items for the trip, and leave the unnecessary ones behind.