What I’m Packing… SAFARI

By the time you read this post, I’m already at one of my favourite places on earth… the wild, African bush!

The hubs and I, together with ten of our friends are spending a few days connecting with nature! I’m a total bush baby, and one of the big benefits of living in beautiful South Africa, is that “the wild” is only a few hours drive.

I’ve been on a lot of safari trips and game drives, but nothing compares to the experience we’re heading for… A private bush camp in the Timbevati that’s totally disconnected from distractions. There is no TV, no internet, and best of all, no cellphone reception at all, so you really get to disconnect from the outside world and enjoy your trip.

This will be my fourth time at this game reserve, which is always the best bush experience. On past trips we’ve seen leopards mating, white lions and a cheetah trying to climb up a tree to enjoy its prey, only to have it snatched by the sneaky hyena’s.  On almost every trip, we’ve seen all of the big five and it’s been amazing!

What to Wear on a Game Drive

Ok, first up a safari, or as we call it in South Africa, “a game drive”, isn’t front row seat at fashion week, but that doesn’t mean you need to look like a slob either.

Be smart with what you pack! Jeans, denim shorts, cool white tees and coverups for the evening are great options!

A pair of lace up boots will serve you well. I’ve packed sandals for our trip as well, but I know that when it comes to the game drives, these Caterpillar babies will be on my feet. They are comfy, sturdy and when you stop to have snacks during your game drive, you don’t worry about what creepy crawly will come a little too close to admire your pedi.

The other must! A hat! You absolutey need a hat! Sometimes when spotting game, it takes a lot of baking under the blissful African sun to “see nature in action” and you’ll get very grumpy (and annoy your fellow game viewers) if you’re uncomfortable.

I used to wear a trilby, but past bush experience has taught me it’s a no go! Especially when you’re reversing away from a herd of Elephants chasing you and it flies off! These Safari style hats (I found this one at Old Khaki), as “touristy as they look (the hubs told me I looked a foreigner  in mine) are the best becuase of the light, and the little string helps to secure it. Caps are also good options!

Don’t forget water! Lots of lots of water, or a Savanna Dry (my fave bush drink). Just be sure to pace yourself because a bush drive usually takes a couple of hours and what goes in must also come out!

Beauty Musts

In the bush you don’t need much makeup at all – unless of course, you want to impress the lions, or maybe you don’t!

A little concealer, CC or BB Cream, eyeliner and lipgloss will do just fine to keep you feeling “normal” , but there are some beauty essentials I can’t live without…

Tabard mosquito spray is a must (I also take the mosquito stick with), as well as this ON Guard Dual Skin SPF and Insect Repellant – which is pretty much made for the bush!

I also load up on sunscreen for those game drives as the sun hits you hard. I apply SPF50 before we leave for our game drive (this Vichy Capital Soleil one is one of my faves), and then for the drive, I’ve taken Tropitone Move it Invisi Spray SPF30 – it’s lightweight and feels like a cooling mist, so it has double the benefits. Speaking of cooling mists, I like to take along this Meadowsweet spritzer – great to give your face a little hydration on those drives.

And a big must… ALLERGEX! Even with all my mosquito avoiding lotions and potions (I’ve also taken malaria tablets, just to be safe) I still get chomped to death. What can I say, my blood is sweet!

Lenses

You’ll also want to pack decent lenses for your safari…

• A good pair of sunglasses (I’m taking my Ray-Ban aviators and a pair of big Dolce & Gabbana sunnies)
• A good pair of Binoculars (these are the hubby’s but I’m planning on bribing my way to use them hehe)
• Camera with a decent lens is ideal, but if you don’t have one, I’d say rather without and enjoy the bush experience with your own eyes. Often we get so caught up in taking “superb pictures” that you miss out on the wildlife around you – plus, if you don’t have a mega telephoto lens, or you can’t get close enough to photograph the animals with your camera, you might as well record the experience internally. I always take my camera (of course) and I’m lucky that our game rangers always take us super close, but this time, on one of our game drives, I’m going to try my best and go without… Wish me luck

PS even though I’m disconnected sans email, internet and cellphone anything, I’ve ensured that you gals still get your daily scoop. So while I’m away, you can still enjoy your daily StyleScoop. I’ve got some fab posts coming up this week, including Seductive Summer Scents, New Skincare Launches, my October 2015 Playlist and more on the Kiehl’s Pioneers by Nature project and how you can get involved.

See ya soon

xx
Dimi