Your essential guide to packing smart, staying comfy, and making the most of your Acacia tour.
So, you’re heading off on an Acacia overland adventure (or seriously thinking about it — and if so, do it!). You’ve got the wanderlust, the booking confirmation, and now… an empty bag and a lot of questions.
What do you really need? Is a pillow worth the space? Do you bring your “just in case” shoes? What about laundry?
Relax. We’ve got your back (and your backpack).
Packing for an Acacia tour is all about keeping it simple, flexible, and ready for anything. Whether you’re camping beneath the stars or enjoying an accommodated tour with beds at the end of the day, here’s what to bring to keep things light, easy, and adventure-ready.
Clothing Essentials
Africa’s landscapes shift fast. Desert mornings, tropical coastlines, lake swims, bush walks and bustling towns sometimes all in one trip. That’s part of the magic, and why versatile clothing wins.
Pack these and you’re set:
- Light, breathable layers for warm, sunny days
- A warm jacket or fleece for cooler evenings and early starts
- Comfy walking shoes or trainers you can wear all day
- Flip-flops or sandals for showers and chill time at camp
- A swimsuit for beach stops, lake dips, and Victoria Falls splash zones
- A sarong or kikoi. It doubles as a towel, picnic blanket, curtain, scarf, or emergency fashion moment
Bonus tip: Neutral colours like khaki, olive or grey work best for game drives and won’t show off the dust (a true overland ally).
Gear That Makes Life Easier (and Better)
You don’t need the latest travel gadgets or a suitcase full of “just in case” items. A few clever essentials will keep you comfortable, organised and ready to enjoy the ride from sunrise to stargazing.
Bring along:
- A soft duffel bag or backpack. It packs better than a suitcase
- A small daypack for hikes, beach days and market strolls
- A head torch or flashlight for camp nights and night drives
- A power bank and USB charger to keep your camera and phone alive
- A universal plug point adapter. Different countries have different sockets, and this one item can save your charging life
- A quick-dry travel towel
- A reusable water bottle to stay hydrated (plus we love eco-friendly gear)
- Packing cubes to keep your gear dust-free and sorted
- Sunglasses, a wide-brim hat, and high-SPF sunscreen. Sunshine is part of the package
- Insect repellent and any personal medications
This gear isn’t just useful, it’s the stuff that’ll make you feel like a packing pro from day one.
If You’re Camping…
Camping on an Acacia tour is the stuff travel stories are made of. Picture this: you’re sleeping under the stars, swapping stories by the fire, and waking up to the sounds of the wild.
You’ll need:
- Sleeping bag
- Travel pillow…trust us, it’s worth it. If you forget it, your guide will happily introduce you to the ‘African pillow’ (hint: it’s your arm… so we suggest you bring the pillow).
- No need to pack a mattress. We provide one for you!
That’s it! The tents are easy to put up (and you’ll be an expert by day two) and every camp becomes a pop-up home under the African sky.
Extra Tips From the Road
- Leave the high fashion behind. It’s about comfort, not catwalks
- Bring clothes you don’t mind getting a little dusty
- You can do laundry on the road, so pack lighter than you think
- Most importantly, bring a sense of humour and a spirit for adventure. Things don’t always go exactly to plan, but that’s where the best memories are made
Got Questions?
We love chatting about packing lists, gear recommendations and what to expect. Get in touch anytime. We’re here to help you feel 100% prepared.
📩 info@acacia-africa.com | ☎️ +27 21 556 1157