South Africa - Clothing and Equipment Guide

François Boudrias | 02 July, 2026

Afrique du Sud - Guide d'habillement et d'équipement

It is almost time to start thinking about what you will bring in your luggage for your great adventure in South Africa. Between Cape Town’s windy early summer weather, safaris in the savanna, and for some, exploring Victoria Falls, we will be experiencing very different environments.

Weather – South Africa and Zambia in November

Let’s start with an overview of the typical weather conditions in November:

Cape Town : min 14 °C, max 24 °C. Early austral summer: sunny days, sometimes cold and very windy, with a few possible showers. A windbreaker is essential for the windier days, particularly during certain activities such as the cable car ride to the top of Table Mountain.
Phinda : min 16 °C, max 30 °C. Hot, humid and sunny weather, with possible isolated rain showers or thunderstorms. Mornings are cool but pleasant for safaris. The middle of the day is warmer, but we will not be on safari at that time: it will instead be the perfect opportunity to enjoy the lodge and relax in the shade.
Livingstone (Zambia, Victoria Falls) : min 20 °C, max 32 °C. Very hot and often sunny weather, with possible isolated rain showers or thunderstorms. Plan to bring lightweight, sun-protective clothing, as some activities will take place with very little shade.

Baggage Allowance

Please note that the baggage limits below apply during our domestic flights, even if you are travelling in Business Class or Economy Privilege Class on your international flights.

Each participant may bring:

One (1) checked bag of 20 kg, with a maximum linear dimension of 158 cm (L+W+H), including wheels.
One (1) carry-on bag of 7 kg (55 x 36 x 23 cm), including wheels.
One (1) small personal item such as a handbag, laptop bag, or small backpack that can be stored under the seat in front of you.

On Safari: Clothing That Blends Into the Environment

When packing for your safari, choose lightweight clothing in neutral and understated tones (khaki, brown, beige). Animals are accustomed to these colours, while bright colours, black, and pure white should be avoided. Beige clothing is ideal for blending in. These tips are practical, but rest assured: you will be welcome aboard your Jeep regardless of what you wear.

Please also note that camouflage clothing is prohibited for civilians in South Africa, as it is strictly reserved for military use.

Safaris take place early in the morning and late in the afternoon, when temperatures are cooler. The ideal approach is to dress in layers so you can remove or add clothing as needed, and to have a hat and clothing that protect your body from the sun.

Due to the possible presence of ticks in the savanna, closed-toe shoes and long pants are recommended. In general, you will remain seated in your Jeep, except for certain moments when you may get out, such as coffee breaks or for one dinner in the savanna.

Laundry Service at Phinda (Safari)
Good news: laundry service is available and included at all lodges at Phinda. You will therefore be able to travel lighter and reuse your safari clothing with peace of mind.

Binoculars

One pair of binoculars per room will be provided onboard your Jeep during safaris only. We strongly recommend bringing your own binoculars as well, so that each person can have a pair. Once back at the lodge, you will be happy to have your own binoculars readily available.

Local Currency and Cash

South Africa: The local currency is the Rand (ZAR). 1 CAD ≈ 12 R. Credit cards are widely accepted. It is always useful to have some local currency for tips and certain local shops. ATMs are easily accessible in urban areas. More details about tipping will be provided in your Travel Handbook.
Countries visited during the optional trip extension: There is no need to obtain local currency for these destinations. In Zambia, credit cards are widely accepted in the tourist areas where we will be staying. In Zimbabwe and Botswana, our stay will be brief and does not justify purchasing local currency. However, if you already have USD on hand, they can be used if needed.

Electrical Outlets

South Africa and Zambia primarily use Type C, D, G, M, and N electrical outlets, which differ from those used in Canada. A universal travel adapter is strongly recommended for charging your devices. In most of our hotels, guest rooms are equipped with at least one international or multi-standard outlet, so a simple European-style adapter is generally sufficient. The standard voltage is 230V.

Do I need any vaccines?

This is a question that we cannot answer on an individual basis. We therefore recommend consulting a travel health clinic, where a healthcare professional can assess your specific needs. Some pharmacies also offer this service.

In general, no vaccines are required to enter South Africa or the other countries visited as part of the optional extension.

The yellow fever vaccine is not required if you are arriving directly from Europe or North America. However, it becomes mandatory if you are arriving from a country where yellow fever is present, or if you have spent more than 12 hours transiting through an airport located in one of these regions.

The Phinda and Livingstone regions are considered malaria risk areas.

Depending on your itinerary and personal situation, other vaccines or preventive measures may be recommended by your healthcare professional.

To share a glimpse of this experience with you, all the photos in this article were taken at the same event in November 2025. Above are three Phinda rangers with contagious energy (Matt D., Nick and Jenna).

Packing Checklist

Clothing

T-shirts
Shorts or lightweight skirt
Jeans or safari pants for cooler evenings
Jacket, windbreaker, and warm sweater for Cape Town and early morning safaris
Light rain jacket in case of rain
Hat or cap
Swimsuit and beachwear
Sandals for the pool
Scarf or pashmina
Shirts, blouses, pants or comfortable skirts for Cape Town
Comfortable closed walking shoes or sneakers
Heavy hiking boots are not necessary for this itinerary, unless you wish to do more demanding hikes independently during your free time in Cape Town. For example, the ascent of Table Mountain (experts only) or Lion’s Head.