19 Best Safari Accessories: Absolute Essentials

THE BEST SAFARI ACCESSORIES

Embarking on a safari is an experience like no other. Travels through breathtaking, untamed landscapes and thrilling up-close encounters with majestic wildlife are just part of the adventure.

Getting the best out of an African safari, whether on a self-drive or guided safari, means you’ll need to give some thought to the safari accessories you have with you.

And that’s where we come in.

In 2020, we bought our Hilux 4×4 Bush Camper in South Africa and started our African overlanding adventure. This 4×4 with a rooftop tent is now our home and we have everything we need to travel off the grid on our own self-drive safaris.

(You can take a look inside our bush camper in the video near the end of this post — or jump ahead here.)

So far, we’ve travelled extensively throughout South Africa, Namibia and Botswana enjoying a combo of guided, self-drive, riverboat and walking safaris.

Therefore we know a thing or two about the best safari essentials to have with you.

Quick Overview of the Best Safari Accessories

If you are in a hurry here are our top suggestions for safari essentials:

1. ▶️ Sony RX10iv (all-in-one camera)
2. ▶️ Sony a9
3. ▶️ Sony 100-400mm G Master lens
4. ▶️ Peak Design straps
5. ▶️ SanDisk or Sony Tough Memory Cards (waterproof and dust-proof)
6. ▶️ Camera bean bags 
7. ▶️ Vanguard Alta Rise 48 camera backpack or Peak Design Everyday 30 litre backpack
8. ▶️ Cooling towels
9. ▶️ Avalon 10×42 PRO Binoculars
10. ▶️ Safari spotlight/torch and head lamp
11. ▶️ Water-To-Go and Lifestraw Go filter bottle
12. ▶️ Multi-port USB splitter
13. ▶️ Portable power bank
14. ▶️ Tracks4Africa guide app
15. ▶️ KrugerExplorer app
16. ▶️ Men’s Safari Shirt and Women’s Safari Shirt
17. ▶️ Men’s convertible pants and women’s convertible safari pants
18. ▶️ Safari hat
19. ▶️ General Safari Items

19 Best Safari Accessories

Here, you’ll find all the best accessories to take on your safari and we’ve also highlighted why we think this is a useful item for you.

CAMERA/LENS COMBINATIONS (FOR PHOTO AND VIDEO)

Mirrorless cameras have taken the world by storm. Being small-sized and lightweight, it makes the perfect travel photography gear.

You can choose from either a hybrid (all-in-one) mirrorless camera or a mirrorless camera with an interchangeable lens.

1. Hybrid Camera: Sony RX10iv

A hybrid mirrorless camera, such as a Sony RX10iv, is a great option for those that want to zoom into the action but also capture wide-angle photos.

This all-in-one camera is a versatile option to take on safari — especially if you aren’t that confident behind the lens.

Shelley used this one when we first started out on our self-drive safaris and captured both great photos and videos.

Why we like the Sony RX10iv as a safari accessory:

• A lightweight, weatherproof camera
• Does not require changing lenses
• Focal lengths with an equivalent 24mm to 600mm optical zoom
• 20MP, 1-inch sensor
• Super fast 0.03s auto-focus speed with 315 phase-detection autofocus points
• 24 frames per second burst mode
• Silent shooting
• 4K video quality
• Built-in camera stabilisation

2. Camera: Sony A9 (MkII)

Our mirrorless camera of choice for safari action photography is the Sony a9.

It’s a world-renowned action camera with blackout-free shooting and super-fast auto-focus. It will capture that action with ease.

Why we like the Sony a9 as a safari accessory:

• Animal eye autofocus
• Blackout free shooting
• 24MP full-frame sensor
• 693 autofocus points
• IBIS camera stabilisation
• 20 frames per second continuous shooting for up to 239 frames (Raw) or 361 frames (JPEG)
• Silent shooting
• Insane ISO range maxing out at 204,800
• 4K video
• 2 memory card slots

3. Interchangeable Lens: Sony 100-400mm G Master Telephoto Lens

It’s really hard to pass by Sony’s top-performing 100-400mm G Master lens.

It has a handy focal length range just fantastic for safaris.

Why we like the Sony 100-400mm lens as a safari accessory:

• The G Master tag indicates a Sony lens of the highest quality
• The lens can be paired with either a 1.4 or a 2.0 teleconverter for extra range
• Lens stabilisation
• Compact and light-weight lens (lens extends when focussing past 100mm)
• Dust and moisture resistant

CAMERA AND PHOTOGRAPHIC ACCESSORIES

If you have already settled on a specific camera/lens choice, then the next step will be to look at a few important camera accessories that help you capture the best safari photos.

4. Camera/Lens Carrying Strap

The heavier camera and lens combinations should not be carried from a camera strap attached to the camera. The strap needs to be attached to the lens, otherwise, it will cause stress to the camera mounting plate.

I strongly suggest you consider a third-party carrying strap such as the Peak Design straps. We have the Slide and Slide Lite models.

Included with the strap are the anchor connectors, anchor mount, small wrench and carry bag.

As there are a total of four connectors included, the extra two could be used for your binoculars. Also worth a mention is that the Slide Lite strap is able to wrap into a ball (for ease of travel) whereas the Slide strap is quite rigid.

5. Memory Cards

Using memory cards from reputable manufacturers will ensure, as much as possible, that your images are kept safe.

You’ll want to consider memory cards that are also waterproof and dust-proof such as SanDisk and Sony Tough.

Just as important, is to look at the memory card write speed (numbers written on the card); the speed at which images are written to the card from the camera. The higher the speed, the quicker the camera buffer can clear when shooting in burst mode.

Both our SanDisk and Sony Tough memory cards have really fast write speeds of 260MB/s and 299MB/s respectively.

When shooting action, I’d suggest that the card memory be a minimum of 64GB. Personally, I use 128GB cards.

SanDisk and Sony Tough cards of the same spec are normally priced quite closely.

6. Camera Bean Bag

Most of our wildlife photography is done from our 4×4 Hilux vehicle. Holding the camera steady is key to having those crispy, clean images.

We use a bean bag on the window sill to steady the camera and prevent the hand-holding wobbles. There are different types of bean bags, but the one with the ears on each side of the bag help to keep it stable while balanced on the sill.

We bought a couple of empty camera bean bags (as they pack down nicely when travelling) and just filled them with rice once we reached Africa.

7. Backpack

Whether on a guided, walking, boat or self-drive safari, storing your essentials in a weatherproof backpack is a smart way to go.

My preference is to use a backpack over a messenger bag.

Why?

A backpack can be secured snugly with straps so it doesn’t jiggle about when I’m on walking, whereas the messenger bag tends to swing and bounce off my body.

If I had to choose a general-purpose backpack that gets all the ticks then it would be the Peak Design Everyday 30-litre backpack that comes with a lifetime warranty.

When shopping for backpacks, these are some typical questions I ask myself:

• What backpack volume do I need?
  A mid-size travel backpack of around 25 litres volume is a good manageable size.
• Do I need a travel backpack or a camera bag?
  Small camera gear can be easily stored in a regular backpack however if you have long lenses, you might need to consider camera bags.
• Does the backpack have supporting straps at the chest and waist?
  More straps = more support.
• Is the backpack waterproof or have a waterproof cover included?
• Are there additional straps on the backpack for carrying a tripod?
• Can the pockets be secured to prevent dropped items?
  Velcro or zippered pockets are good.
• Is there padding on the backpack making it extra comfortable on my back when worn?
• Does the backpack have a dedicated water bottle-carrying pouch?

OTHER SAFARI ACCESSORIES

8. CoolingTowels

Our cooling towels have been one of our greatest saviours in helping us combat the African summer heat. They pack small and are fantastic travel safari accessories.

Made from high-tech fabrics, these lightweight towels, which are actually more like scarves, have a wonderfully relieving cooling performance.

9. Binoculars

As safari accessories go, binoculars are simply a must-have item.

Safaris are all about spotting the animals and you’ll want to give yourself the best opportunities by having your own binoculars with you.

Binoculars come with lots of different specifications, so having to choose what’s right, when you’re not familiar, isn’t necessarily a straightforward process.

I spent a fair amount of time on research to understand what was important for a safari before I decided on the Avalon 10×42 PRO HD model.

Below I discuss in detail the deciding factors that swung the final decision the Avalon’s way.

Magnification

The Avalon 10×42 has a magnification value of ‘10’. Generally, for a safari, a magnification value of 8 to 10 is what you want to look for. For me, the next level of x12 magnification, was too great as the field of view (discussed further below) was too reduced and the tracking of moving objects more difficult.

Objective Lens Diameter

Shown as the ‘42’ in the 10×42, this number represents the diameter of the lens (on the opposite end of the eyecups). For me, it was just right.

The next size lens up, the ’50’, allows more light to enter and provides a brighter view, however, with the bigger lens comes more bulk and weight.

This option may not necessarily be travel friendly or ideal for longer periods of use but the extra light is welcome in the low-light conditions of an early morning or late evening safari game drive.

It is a bit of a trade-off between lens size and portability.

Eye Relief

Eye relief is the perfect distance between your eyes and the binocular lens when all is in good focus. Quality binoculars will have extendable eye-cups to be able to change this eye-relief distance. For those that don’t need to wear glasses then the eye-cups are extended fully out.

Now if you wear glasses, this will add extra distance between your eye and the lens. The extendable eye-cups will need to twist in to reduce this distance.

My Avalon binoculars have an eye relief of 15mm which is an average value for binoculars.

BAK-4 Roof Prism

The BAK-4 prism is used in the Avalon binoculars. This glass-type prism is known to render a well-defined and bright image. The BAK-4 prism is smaller and optically superior to the Porro prism, also found in other brands of binoculars.

To check your existing binoculars for the type of prism it uses, simply reverse them and view a light source through the exit pupils. BAK-4 prisms will display a circular light pattern that is evenly lit.

Still undecided on binocular selection?  Below is a video hosted by Orms, a photography wholesaler based in South Africa, where the presenter talks about the different binocular features.

Field Of View

The Field of View (FOV) value is the angle of horizontal view you can see when keeping the binoculars still over a standard distance of 1000 yards. The FOV value is either measured in feet / 1000 yards or represented as an angle.

In my case, the Avalon 10×42 PRO HD model has a FOV of 283 feet over 1000 yards or the equivalent of 5.4°. The accepted range of values falls between 5° and 10°.

Closest Focusing Distance

This is the closest distance from the binoculars that an object can be properly focused. The Avalon is rated to 3m. That’s plenty close enough for wildlife on any safari.

Waterproof and Fog Proof

Having binoculars with weatherproof capability is another important quality. Wildlife won’t wait around while you clean the binocular lenses. The Avalon binoculars are rated as both water and fog-proof.

Diopter Adjustment

The Avalon allows the focus to be adjusted on one of the eye cups to compensate for minor differences in near or far-sightedness between your eyes. Ensure sure your binoculars have this adjustment because everyone’s eyes have slight variances between the left and right that require this manual correction.

Dimensions

If you intend on having one pair of binoculars to share, then check the sizing to cater for people with under or oversize hands. The Avalon is comfortable at 14.3 x 12.4 cm, great for average-sized hands.

Weight

Lighter-weight binoculars are easier to hold to the eyes for longer periods and if you intend on hanging them around your neck, then the lighter the better. The Avalon is a comfortable 550g and a good lightweight safari accessory.

Carrying Case, Lens Case and Eye-Cup Covers

Having covers for the lenses and eye-cups is necessary as it helps to protect from dust and debris. Your binoculars should come with a carry case. All these are included in the price for the Avalon binoculars.

10. Spotlight/Torch

A safari torch (handheld) or head lamp needs to be small and light to carry, rechargeable, have a bright and variable light source, waterproof and finally, value for money. Look at these two great options.

The handheld Fenix PD40R meets all the above requirements. Sporting a maximum 3000 lumens beam, it will not only perform great on safari but be handy around camp.

For hands-free then it’s hard to overlook the Coast FL85-R headlamp. It’s both rechargeable and can power off 3xAAA batteries. It throws a spot beam to 200m and has large buttons for ease of use.

11. Filtered Water Bottle

We’ve tried different filtered water bottles and a couple of the best ones on the market now are the Water-To-Go and Lifestraw Go filter bottles.

Both products have dual filters.

The Water-to-Go has a 3-in-1 filter system with a claimed elimination of 99.9999% of all bacteria, viruses, chlorine, fluoride and heavy metals. The filter is rated for 200 litres.

Trust me, in Africa, if you like your water to be pure and pristine then you’ll want to seriously consider a filtered water bottle.

Use discount code: LJFT15 for 15% off.

The Lifestraw Go filter bottle has a dual filter system; a microfibre filter that protects against bacteria (rated for 4000 litres) plus a carbon filter that removes any after-taste (rated for 100 litres).

12. USB 3-Port Splitter

We’ve purposely chosen our electronic safari accessories to have the ability to charge off 12V via USB. With multiple devices to charge, we needed a multi-port USB splitter to speed up the charging time.

Anker is a reputable manufacturer that offers many different options. This one includes an SD card reader.

13. Power Bank

You won’t have to worry about running out of juice during a safari when you have a portable power bank to plug your phone into. These portable chargers/battery packs are travel friendly and so so handy.

This INUI power bank has an advantage over its competitors with two output charging ports so you can charge two devices simultaneously.

14. Phone App for Navigation

In the bush, you need to know where you are. Using a digital map overlaid with the phone’s real-time GPS position, such as the Tracks4Africa guide app, does exactly this. Why this works so well is that you don’t need an active mobile network signal.

When travelling in Africa, we use the app on our iPhones to navigate our route. The app provides really comprehensive information including route options, points of interest, campsite locations, fuel stops and a whole lot of other really useful overland information.

The Tracks4Africa guide app is compatible with both Apple and Android devices.

We mount our phones on the dash using magnetic holders that have a 3M sticky backing. These holders do a great job of holding the phone in place over any rough terrain.

15. Phone App for Wildlife

A really comprehensive app for iPhone or Android is the KrugerExplorer app.

It’s a great one-stop wildlife reference for any photo safari and its information is also relevant for other parts of Southern Africa.

It includes info on Kruger National Park campsites, flora, fauna, routes and maps; pretty much a one-stop-shop and the app is regularly updated.

If Kruger National Park is on your safari itinerary (and it should be) then take a look at our comprehensive guide of everything you need to know for a Kruger National Park self-drive Safari.

SAFARI CLOTHING

Safari clothing needs to tick a few boxes. It has to be practical and feel comfortable.

From the practical side, depending on the season, your safari clothing will need to protect you from the sun, be able to breathe in the heat, insulate you from the cold and be of neutral colours.

Avoid black and dark blues as tsetse flies and mosquitos are attracted to them.

Additionally, white is not good for camouflage as it stands out in the bush and may raise alarm in the wildlife, so choose your colours wisely.

Also, avoid military-style camouflage patterns as wearing these can get you in trouble with the police. It might be seen as trying to impersonate police or security.

16. Safari Shirt

This shirt, by Mountain Hardwear, comes in different colours and has a 50 UPF rating with moisture wicking. It ticks all the boxes and has great reviews.

This versatile Jessie Kidden safari shirt is quick-drying and has UPF 50+ and sleeves that can be buttoned up or left long.

17. Safari Pants

Jessie Kidden convertible pants with UPF 50 and quick dry ability get great reviews. Besides being able to have a 2-in-1 pants/shorts combo, it has a handy side pocket for your phone.

MIER Women’s Safari Cargo Convertible Pants, lightweight with 6 Pockets, quick dry, water and rip-resistant.

These are perfect for climbing in and out of game drive vehicles or walking through the bush. An added bonus of these pants is that they can convert to shorts in seconds.

18. Safari Hat

Columbia’s safari hat is unisex and comes in several different colours. It’s adjustable, moisture-wicking, and has UPF 50 protection.

19. General Safari Packing List

The list below highlights all the other things we have with us on safari and, although you’ve probably already thought of them, it’s good to have a reminder checklist when you are planning what to take on safari.

Video Walk-Through of Our Bush Camper

Take a look inside our Hilux bush camper here.

ESSENTIAL SAFARI ACCESSORIES – THAT’S A WRAP

Having spent the last three years on safari in Southern Africa, we’ve had time to thoroughly test, and now settle on, only the most functional and trusted safari accessories. We need to rely on these, each and every day.

These essential accessories will make all the difference to your adventure. I really look forward to hearing what you think too. Drop me a message and let me know.

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