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What to Pack & Bring

What to Pack & Bring

Gauteng, South Africa

Climate-Appropriate Clothing

Pretoria experiences warm summers and mild, dry winters. Plan your wardrobe with layers to adapt to changing temperatures throughout the day.

Summer October-March

Winter June-August

Layers hold importance. Start with warm base layers, add long-sleeved shirts, sweaters, and fleeces. A warm jacket is useful for mornings and evenings.

Winter Layering

Footwear Recommendations

City Exploration

Comfortable walking shoes or Sneakers are necessary. You will walk a lot, especially around attractions.

Ideal for daily sightseeing.

Summer Comfort

Sandals or open-toed shoes work well for summer weather.

For warm weather and casual strolls.

Hiking & Trails

Pack Sturdy hiking shoes or boots if you plan to visit nature reserves or undertake extensive walking trails.

For outdoor adventures.

Required Documents

Keep your important documents secure and accessible. Carry both physical and digital copies for peace of mind.

Ensure you have all necessary identification and travel confirmations ready for smooth transit and experiences.

  • Passport and visa documentation (if applicable): Keep these in a safe, yet accessible place.
  • Travel insurance policy information: Carry print and digital copies. Know your policy number and emergency contact details.
  • International driving permit (if planning to drive): This is necessary in conjunction with your home country's driver's license.
  • Vaccination records and health documentation: This includes your Yellow Fever certificate if required.
  • Printed and digital copies of flight, accommodation, and tour reservations.
  • Emergency contact information: Include local contacts, your embassy details, and family contacts.
  • Student/senior/press IDs for discounts (if applicable): These save money at museums and attractions.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

South Africa uses Type M plugs, which have three large round pins. The standard voltage is 230V at 50Hz. An Universal travel adapter with Type M compatibility comes highly recommended. GSM (2G, 3G, 4G, 5G) networks operate in South Africa. Ensure your phone is unlocked and supports these bands.

Staying Connected

  • Power adapter for Type M plugs (230V/50Hz).
  • Local SIM cards (Vodacom, MTN, Telkom, Cell C) at airport/malls. Passport needed for RICA registration.
  • Consider VPN services like NordVPN or ExpressVPN for secure browsing.

Photography & Apps

A versatile Travel camera suits general sightseeing. Consider a DSLR or Mirrorless camera for higher quality photos. A compact Travel tripod provides stability. B&H Photo stocks camera gear.

Essential Tech & Apps

Data & Security

Secure Browsing

Consider a VPN like NordVPN or ExpressVPN for secure internet access, especially on public Wi-Fi. Also Airalo offers eSIMs for connectivity.

Physical Security

Use Pacsafe anti-theft bags and products for added security of belongings.

Digital Backup

Utilize cloud storage services like Google Drive or Dropbox for photos and important documents. A small portable hard drive provides a physical backup.

Health & Wellness Items

Medical Supplies

Pack these health and wellness items to manage minor ailments and stay healthy during your trip.

First Aid & Prescriptions

  • Destination-specific First aid kit: plasters, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, Anti-diarrhea medication, antihistamines. Adventure Medical Kits for supplies.
  • Prescription medications: Bring enough for your trip + extra days. Carry in original packaging with doctor's note.
  • Over-the-counter medications: paracetamol or Ibuprofen, antacids, cold/flu remedies, motion sickness tablets.

Personal Care & Protection

Protect against sun and insects, and maintain personal hygiene on your travels.

Hygiene & Environmental Protection

Travel Comforts

Personal Hygiene

  • Most common brands are available in Pretoria's shops.
  • Bring specific brands you prefer or travel-sized versions for convenience.

Motion Sickness

  • If prone to motion sickness, pack appropriate tablets.
  • Useful for long drives or bus journeys.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Hiking Essentials

For planned hikes or nature walks, certain gear makes a difference.

  • Daypack for carrying water and snacks.
  • Comfortable hiking shoes for varied terrain.
  • Water bottle to stay hydrated.
  • Lightweight, breathable clothing.

Photography Gear

Capture Pretoria's beauty with the right equipment.

  • Extra camera batteries.
  • Plenty of memory cards.
  • Travel tripod for stable shots.
  • Protective bag for camera and lenses.

Rent vs. Bring Decisions

Decide what to bring and what to acquire locally.

  • Generally, bring your own comfortable walking shoes.
  • Rental options for general tourist activities are limited.
  • Specialized hiking gear is often best brought if you have it.
  • No uniquely specific items beyond general travel equipment are necessary for Pretoria.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security

Sustainable & Unique Items

  • Reusable items: Reusable water bottle, Reusable shopping bag, and Travel utensils.
  • Region-specific items: No uniquely specific items beyond general travel necessities are needed for Pretoria.
  • Items difficult or expensive to purchase locally: Bring sufficient supply of any personal specific items you cannot easily replace.

Sustainable Travel Choices

Reduce Waste

Carry reusable items to minimize environmental impact.

Reusable Water Bottle

Refill and hydrate while reducing plastic use.

Reusable Shopping Bag

For purchases, avoid single-use plastic bags.

Travel Utensils

Avoid disposable cutlery when eating on the go.

Additional Considerations

Local Purchase Availability

  • Pretoria's large malls stock most common items.
  • Specialized personal items or specific brands might be harder to find.
  • Some items might cost more than in your home country.

Personal Preferences

  • Bring any personal specific items you cannot easily replace.
  • Consider items for personal comfort, like preferred coffee or tea.
  • A good book or entertainment for downtime.

Packing Pro Tip

Roll your clothes to save space and reduce wrinkles. Use packing cubes for organization.

Make a checklist well in advance of your trip to ensure you pack everything necessary.