The Ultimate Africa Packing Guide

Kate Bauman • October 11, 2025

Guide for packing for your African adventure

From Mpala Guest & Adventure Farm | Victoria Falls Try Rafting Co.


Planning your African adventure? Whether you’re joining us at Mpala Guest & Adventure Farm for a peaceful farm stay or diving into world-class whitewater with Victoria Falls Try Rafting Co, smart packing is key to traveling light, safe, and adventure-ready.


Nestled just outside Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, Mpala offers a welcoming base for meaningful, immersive travel—hiking the Batoka Gorge, rafting the mighty Zambezi, connecting with nature and local culture, and soaking in Africa’s untamed beauty.


This all-in-one packing guide includes:

  • Essentials for your accommodation and excursions
  • Gear for hiking, rafting, and cultural travel
  • Details on power adapters and voltage by country
  • Product links to traveler-trusted gear
  • Tips on what to leave behind


Let’s get you packed for one of the greatest experiences of your life.


 Essential Travel Gear


Soft-Shell Luggage or Duffel Bag

Bumpy roads and 4x4 vehicles mean hard-shell suitcases aren’t ideal.

Osprey Sojourn Travel Pack

 REI Big Haul Duffel


Daypack for Adventures

For hiking, rafting, or village visits.

Deuter Futura 22L

Patagonia Refugio Daypack


What to Wear in Africa


Lightweight, Neutral-Colored Clothing

Avoid bright colors and camouflage. Stick to breathable, earthy tones.


Insulating Layer for Mornings & Evenings

Even in summer, the bush gets chilly before sunrise.

The North Face Thermoball Jacket


Swimwear

Perfect for Zambezi rafting or pool time at the farm.


 Wide-Brim Hat & UV Sunglasses

 Sunday Afternoons Adventure Hat


Footwear


Comfortable Hiking Boots or Trail Shoes

Essential for Batoka Gorge hikes or exploring off-grid trails.

Merrell Moab 3 Hiking Shoes


 Adventure Sandals

For rafting, showering, or relaxing at camp.

 Teva Hurricane XLT2


Toiletries & Health


Reef-Safe Sunscreen

ThinkSport SPF 50+


 Insect Repellent with DEET or Picaridin

Sawyer Picaridin Lotion


First Aid Kit

Include: rehydration salts, antiseptic, Band-Aids, antihistamines, anti-diarrheal, and your prescriptions.


Quick-Dry Travel Towel

PackTowl Personal Towel


Tech & Power Essentials


Universal Travel Adapter with USB ports

For Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia, and Botswana, you’ll primarily need:


Most devices like phones, cameras, and laptops work fine with this voltage, but check your gear first. A voltage converter is only necessary for high-voltage appliances (like hair dryers, which we recommend leaving at home).


Power Bank (10,000 mAh or more)

Anker PowerCore Portable Charger


Headlamp or Flashlight

Great for night walks or power outages.

Black Diamond Spot 400


LifeStraw Personal Water Filter

Safe, portable, and reliable for hikes or rural excursions.

LifeStraw Water Filter on Amazon


Documents & Essentials


 Optional, But Worth Packing

  • Binoculars for game drives or birdwatching
  •  Nikon Monarch 5
  • Dry Bag for rafting or wet clothes
  •  Sea to Summit Dry Sack
  • Notebook or Journal
  • Packable Rain Jacket
  • Protein bars or snacks for long transfers


 What Not to Bring

  • White clothing (dust + stains = no good)
  • Camouflage (illegal in some areas)
  • Jewelry and valuables
  • Hair dryers or high-wattage tools
  • Too many shoes—you’ll wear two pairs max


Final Word from Mpala Guest & Adventure Farm


At Mpala Guest & Adventure Farm and Victoria Falls Try Rafting Co, we believe the best kind of travel is immersive, responsible, and unforgettable. Whether you’re hiking the Batoka Gorge, rafting the wild Zambezi, or unwinding under acacia trees after a long day, we’ll make sure you experience Zimbabwe in the most authentic way possible.


Packing smart means you’ll stress less and experience more. We can’t wait to welcome you to the heart of Africa.


Come as a guest, leave as family.

@mpalaguestandadventurefarm


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