Africa & Safari · Best Mar–May, Sep–Nov
South Africa packing list for families
South Africa pairs Cape Town, the Garden Route, and a safari in one trip, and each part packs a little differently. Seasons are reversed from the US, Cape Town is famously windy, and early game drives are cold. Pick your stops and the list combines them.
Photo by Sebastian Canaves on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on South Africa
- Small safari planes usually limit each person to a soft duffel of about 44 pounds (20 kg), and that includes the carry-on. I pack the whole trip in soft bags so we don't have to repack for the safari leg.
- Seasons are flipped from home. June to August is winter, cool and rainy in Cape Town but the best dry-season game viewing near Kruger.
- Every passport needs two completely blank pages for South Africa, and the Kruger area is a malaria zone. Check both well before you go, and talk to your doctor about the safari leg.
Best timeMar–May, Sep–Nov
PlugsType M, bring an adapter
MoneySouth African rand
PassportYes
Where to go
Where to go in South Africa
Splitting your trip across a few stops? Each place has its own detailed list, weather, and notes.
Your packing editLinen & Luggage · free family packing lists at linenandluggage.com
South Africa
This time of year
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Carry-on19
Carry-on suitcase per personKristina's pick
Packing cubes, one color per personKristina's pickEveryone knows exactly which cube is theirs.
Kids' headphones, volume-limited
Tablet with downloaded shows
Snack box with dividers
Reusable water bottles
Change of clothes for each kid
Car seat travel bag
Travel neck pillow for the grown-ups
Kids' travel pillow
Light blanket or large scarf for the plane
Change of shirt for the grown-upsSpills on a kid mean spills on you.
Baby wipes, even for big kids
Kids' backpack for their own things
Coloring book, sticker book, or activity pad
A new book or two
Gum or mints
Foot rest sling for long flightsKristina's pickHooks over the tray table so your feet are up and your back thanks you after hour six. I never fly long-haul without mine.
Soft duffel bagKristina's pickSafari flights limit you to soft bags around 44 lb.
Clothing16
Daytime outfits8 per person
Pajamas2 per person
One nicer outfit for dinners and photos
Underwear and socks9 per person
Light sweater or sweatshirt per personPlanes, restaurants, and evenings run cool.
Light rain jacket per person
Leggings or comfy travel pants for the flight
Shorts and skirts
Belt
Sports bra or workout clothes
Socks for closed shoes, plus a spare pair
Pajamas for the first night in the carry-onIf a bag is late, bedtime still happens.
WindbreakerCape Town's wind can be strong on Table Mountain and the beaches.
Neutral safari clothesKhaki and olive blend in on game drives.
Warm fleece for early game drivesOpen vehicles are cold at sunrise.
Light layers and a rain jacketSpring and fall weather changes fast.
Shoes3
Broken-in walking sneakersKristina's pickNever bring brand-new shoes on a walking trip.
Flip-flops or slides for the pool and shower
Dress shoes or nicer sandals
Beach & pool1
Mineral sunscreen
Little ones13
Lightweight travel strollerKristina's pick
Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
Portable sound machineKristina's pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
Travel blackout shades
Favorite lovey, plus a backup
Sippy cup or straw cup
Bibs and a few spoons
Portable changing pad
Diaper cream
Baby monitor
Fitted crib sheet from homeA familiar smell helps babies sleep in a new crib.
Outlet covers
Potty seat or folding potty
Little things19
AirTag in each checked bagKristina's pickYou'll know your bag made the connection before you do.
Stain remover penGelato happens. Photos still look great.
Laundry detergent sheetsOne sink wash halfway through means packing half the clothes.
Gallon zip bags, a handfulWet swimsuits, sandy shoes, and the occasional car-sick emergency.
Pen in your carry-onFor arrival forms, so you're not borrowing one in the immigration line.
Hair ties and a small detangling brush
Hand sanitizer wipes and pocket tissues
Lollipops or gum for takeoff and landingSwallowing helps little ears pop.
A few wrapped surprise toys for the flightUnwrapping buys you twenty minutes. Unwrapping slowly buys thirty.
Stick-on battery night lightHotel rooms are pitch dark, and the bathroom is never where they expect.
Kids' nail clippers and tweezersSplinters from boardwalks and docks are a vacation classic.
Electrolyte packetsHot days and long walks catch up with kids before they say they're thirsty.
Earplugs and an eye mask for the grown-ups
Small foldable tote for souvenirs and laundry
Sewing kit and safety pins
Luggage tags
Collapsible water bottle for the grown-ups
Sunglasses for the grown-ups
Small umbrella
Health & toiletries18
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
Hanging toiletry bag
Toothbrushes and toothpaste
Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
Deodorant
Hairbrush, comb, and hair ties
Face wash and moisturizer
Makeup and makeup remover
Razor
Contact lenses, solution, and glasses
Prescription medicines in original bottlesKeep them in your carry-on, never in checked bags.
Bandages and blister pads
Kids' thermometer
Anti-itch cream
Hand lotion and SPF lip balm
Feminine products
Clear quart bag for liquids
Documents & tech20
Phone lanyard or crossbody case
Portable phone chargerKristina's pick
Kids' ID bracelet with your phone number
Driver's licenses and kids' IDs
Health insurance cards
Travel insurance details
Credit cards with no foreign transaction fees
Some cash in small billsFor tips, taxis, and markets.
Photos of passports and IDs on your phone
Booking confirmations saved offline
Phone chargers and cables for everyone
Multi-port wall chargerOne outlet, every device charged by morning.
Tablet chargers and kids' headphones adapter
Wireless earbuds for the grown-ups
Airplane Bluetooth adapter for seatback screens
Camera and memory card
E-reader
Kids' binocularsMakes spotting animals their own game.
Passports for everyone, valid 6+ months past your trip
Travel plug adapterKristina's pickType M, bring an adapter
Family basics14
Toothbrushes, toothpaste and floss
Shampoo, conditioner and body wash, or use the hotel's
Leakproof travel-size bottles
Deodorant, hairbrush and hair ties
Glasses, contacts and solution
Prescriptions in their original packaging
Bandages, a thermometer and hand sanitizer
Phones and chargers
Driver's licenses or IDs and health insurance cards
Credit cards and a little cash
Flight, hotel and car confirmations saved offline
A warm layer or light jacket for each person
Mesh laundry bag for dirty clothes
Before you go: hold the mail, set the thermostat, charge everything
The outfit edit
City neutrals
Navy, cream, camel, olive
For photos
- Neutrals plus one red scarf or hat
- Overcast days flatter everyone
Tap any piece to shop the look.
Month by month
South Africa weather and what's happening
Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.
| Month | Typical high | What it's like | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 79°F 26°C | Summer, warm and dry in Cape Town, windy, rainy season near Kruger | Beach season around Cape Town |
| February | 80°F 27°C | Summer, warm and dry in Cape Town, windy, rainy season near Kruger | Beach season around Cape Town |
| March | 78°F 26°C | Autumn, calm, warm days and fewer crowds | |
| April | 74°F 23°C | Autumn, calm, warm days and fewer crowds | |
| May | 69°F 21°C | Autumn, calm, warm days and fewer crowds | |
| June | 66°F 19°C | Winter, cool and rainy in Cape Town, dry and great for safari | Southern right whales along the coast near Hermanus Dry-season game viewing in the Kruger area |
| July | 64°F 18°C | Winter, cool and rainy in Cape Town, dry and great for safari | Southern right whales along the coast near Hermanus Dry-season game viewing in the Kruger area |
| August | 65°F 18°C | Winter, cool and rainy in Cape Town, dry and great for safari | Southern right whales along the coast near Hermanus West Coast wildflower season Dry-season game viewing in the Kruger area |
| September | 67°F 19°C | Spring, wildflowers and whales on the Cape, game viewing still strong | Southern right whales along the coast near Hermanus West Coast wildflower season Dry-season game viewing in the Kruger area |
| October | 70°F 21°C | Spring, wildflowers and whales on the Cape, game viewing still strong | Southern right whales along the coast near Hermanus Dry-season game viewing in the Kruger area |
| November | 74°F 23°C | Spring, wildflowers and whales on the Cape, game viewing still strong | Southern right whales along the coast near Hermanus |
| December | 77°F 25°C | Summer, warm and dry in Cape Town, windy, rainy season near Kruger | Beach season around Cape Town |
Questions families ask
South Africa with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit South Africa with kids?
The best time is Mar–May, Sep–Nov. Spring, wildflowers and whales on the Cape, game viewing still strong
What's the weather like in South Africa?
Typical daytime highs range from about 64°F (18°C) in July to about 80°F (27°C) in February. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for South Africa?
Yes. Bring a passport for everyone, including babies, and make sure each one is valid for at least six months past your trip. Check visa and entry rules before you go.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for South Africa?
Type M, bring an adapter.
What's your top tip for South Africa with kids?
Small safari planes usually limit each person to a soft duffel of about 44 pounds (20 kg), and that includes the carry-on. I pack the whole trip in soft bags so we don't have to repack for the safari leg.
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Shop the edit
Kristina's edits for this trip
Hand-picked collections to shop alongside this list, so you're not hunting for each piece.
10 picks
Travel Essentials
The small things that make every trip run smoother.
Shop the edit 10 picksThe Long-Haul Flight Edit
For a more comfortable long flight, for grown-ups and kids.
Shop the edit 7 picksThe Luxury Travel Edit
What I'd pack for a five-star stay.
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I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.
As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.