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What to Pack & Bring

What to Pack & Bring

South Africa

Summer Dec-Feb Clothing

This is the warmest period, ideal for lightweight, breathable clothing. Pack items made from cotton, linen, or quick-dry synthetic fabrics.

Wardrobe Essentials

Autumn/Spring & Winter Clothing

Shoulder seasons (Mar-May, Sep-Nov) have moderate temperatures, making layers important. Winter (Jun-Aug) is cooler and requires warmer options.

Layering for Comfort

  • T-shirts or long-sleeved shirts, light sweaters, cardigans, or fleece jackets.
  • A medium-weight, wind-resistant or waterproof outer jacket for cooler times and rain.
  • In winter, warm, insulated outer jacket, scarf, and beanie are good for chilly conditions.

Footwear Recommendations

General Use

Comfortable Walking shoes or sneakers are good for daily exploration and sightseeing.

Your most important footwear item.

Beach & Pool

Sandals or flip-flops are perfect for the beach, poolside, and casual strolls.

Easy to slip on and off.

Hiking

Sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots are good for trails with uneven terrain. Merrell Moab Ventilator Mid Hiking Boots are a reliable choice.

Protects your feet on trails.

Essential Documents

Useful Travel Papers

Carry physical and digital copies of these important documents.

  • Passport and Visa Documentation: Valid for 30 days beyond departure, two unused pages. Copies of visa approval.
  • Travel Insurance Policy Information: Print and digital copies of policy number, emergency contacts, coverage summary.
  • International Driving Permit (if applicable): If domestic license is not English or has no photo, IDP needed alongside original.
  • Vaccination Records and Health Documentation: Yellow Fever certificate (if required), other health records or medical alerts.
  • Printed and Digital Copies of Reservations: Accommodation, flights, car rental, tour confirmations.
  • Emergency Contact Information: Family/friends, bank's lost/stolen card number, embassy/consulate.
  • Student/Senior/Press IDs for Discounts (if applicable): Some attractions may offer discounts.
  • Consider storing scanned copies of all important documents in a secure cloud service and physical photocopies separate from originals. A Travel document organizer is good.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

Thoughtful planning for your electronics helps you stay connected and powered.

Adapter and SIM Card

Camera & Apps

Capture your memories and navigate with ease using these tools.

Photography & Navigation

  • A good all-around digital camera or a Smartphone camera. For wildlife, a camera with a good zoom lens (DSLR/Mirrorless with Telephoto lens or superzoom).
  • An Action camera like a GoPro is good for adventure activities.
  • Google Maps/Waze for navigation (download offline maps). Bolt/Uber for ride-sharing. WhatsApp for communication.

Data Backup & Security

Cloud Storage

Secure cloud services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or iCloud for uploading photos and document scans.

Physical Backup

A physical USB drive as an additional backup for photos.

Cyber Security

Consider NordVPN or ExpressVPN for secure browsing, especially on public Wi-Fi. Airalo for eSIMs.

Health & Wellness Items

First Aid Kit & Meds

A basic Travel first aid kit is a good item to have.

Contents

  • Pain relievers (Ibuprofen), antihistamines, antidiarrheal (Imodium), Hydrocortisone cream.
  • Antiseptic wipes, bandaids, sterile gauze, medical tape, burn cream, tweezers, small scissors.
  • Prescription medications in original packaging, with doctor's note. Enough for the trip plus extra.

Common Issues & Hygiene

Include remedies for common travel ailments and consider personal hygiene items.

Remedies & Personal Care

  • Cold/flu remedies, antacids, motion sickness tablets (for boat trips, as ocean can be choppy).
  • Insect repellent (with DEET or Picaridin). Repel 100 Insect Repellent is an option.
  • Personal hygiene items: If specific brands are used, it is best to bring them from home. Travel-sized versions are good for flying.

Altitude & Motion Sickness

Motion Sickness

  • Motion sickness remedies are advisable for boat trips.
  • Tablets can make marine safaris or whale watching more comfortable.
  • The ocean can be choppy, especially during certain seasons.

Altitude

  • Altitude sickness is not a concern in Plettenberg Bay.
  • The town is at sea level.
  • No specific precautions for altitude are needed.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Hiking Gear

Pack gear tailored to your planned adventures.

  • A comfortable Daypack for water, snacks, and layers.
  • Chosen hiking shoes/boots, moisture-wicking Socks.
  • Trekking poles are optional but good for longer or steeper trails.
  • Comfortable hiking shoes are good, as well-fitting footwear prevents discomfort.

Water Sports Gear

For swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, or surfing.

Wildlife Viewing Gear

To enhance your wildlife observation experiences.

  • Binoculars are good for bird watching or distant wildlife viewing.
  • A camera with a good zoom lens is good for capturing wildlife images.
  • Neutral-colored clothing (khakis, greens, browns) helps you blend in and avoid startling animals.
  • Comfortable walking shoes are good.

Rent vs. Bring Decision Matrix

Good to Rent Locally

  • Surfboards, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards.
  • Diving gear.
  • Larger or specialized equipment.
  • More practical and economical to rent these.

Good to Bring from Home

  • Your own comfortable hiking shoes.
  • Your own swimwear.
  • Possibly your own snorkel and mask (for fit and hygiene).
  • High-quality binoculars (if you own them).

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security

Do not forget these small but useful items that can improve your travel experience.

Travel Aids

Eco-Friendly & Specifics

Reduce waste and find items specific to the region.

Sustainable & Unique

Sustainable Travel Items

Reusable Water Bottle

Reduces plastic waste.

Reusable Shopping Bag

For groceries and souvenirs.

Travel Utensils

For self-catering convenience.

Refillable Toiletries

Minimizes single-use plastics.

Destination-Specific Items

Beach Essentials

  • A good Beach towel. A quick-drying, compact towel like the Dock & Bay Go Anywhere Towel is practical.
  • A Waterproof phone case for beach days, boat trips, or any water-based activities.
  • Spare pair of contact lenses or glasses.

Specialty Considerations

  • Personal medications (with prescriptions).
  • High-SPF reef-safe sunscreen.
  • Insect repellent (even though Plett is not a malaria area).

Packing Pro Tips

Most common items are readily available in Plettenberg Bay's supermarkets and pharmacies.

However, if you rely on highly specific hiking or outdoor gear, or have very particular dietary requirements, it might be more challenging or expensive to find them locally. It is good to pack these items from home if they are to your well-being or enjoyment.