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What to Pack & Bring

What to Pack & Bring

The South, Sri Lanka

Season & Activity Attire

Sri Lanka’s tropical climate means lightweight, breathable clothing. Opt for natural fabrics like cotton and linen, or moisture-wicking synthetics. These materials handle high temperatures and humidity well.

Safari-Specific Clothing

  • Colors: Choose neutral colors like khaki, green, brown, or grey. Avoid bright colors and white.
  • Coverage: Long-sleeved shirts and long trousers are recommended for sun and insect protection.
  • Layering: A Light jacket or thin fleece can be useful for cooler early morning safaris.

Cultural Dress Code

Modest dress is appreciated throughout Sri Lanka, specifically outside of beach resorts. This shows respect for local customs.

Religious Sites e.g., Kataragama Temple

  • Both men and women must cover their shoulders and knees.
  • Remove hats and shoes before entering temples.
  • These rules help maintain the sanctity of the places. Plan your outfit accordingly.

Footwear Recommendations

Safari Shoes

Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are sufficient. Hiking boots are generally not necessary as you stay inside the jeep.

Protection from dust and minor scratches.

General Sightseeing

Sandals or Comfortable walking shoes are good choices for exploring towns and around hotels.

Comfort for extended walking.

Waterproof Options

Waterproof sandals are useful for wet conditions or near water bodies like lakes or coastal areas.

Practical for sudden showers or damp environments.

Essential Documents

Keep Your Travel Documents Safe

Keeping your documents organized and safe is a good practice. Carry originals and keep digital/physical copies stored separately.

  • Passport and Visa Documentation: Original passport, printed ETA approval, copies of main pages.
  • Travel Insurance Policy Information: Policy number, emergency contacts, coverage summary (digital and physical).
  • International Driving Permit: If driving, endorsed by Automobile Association of Ceylon (AAC) in Colombo.
  • Vaccination Records and Health Documentation: Yellow Fever certificate (if applicable), medical records for conditions/allergies.
  • Printed and Digital Copies of Reservations: Flights, hotels, safari bookings.
  • Emergency Contact Information: Family/friends, embassy/consulate details, local emergency numbers.
  • Student/Senior/Press IDs for Discounts (if applicable): Can sometimes provide discounts at attractions.
  • Keep all receipts for tax or insurance purposes, especially for large purchases.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

Stay connected and capture your memories with these technology recommendations.

Device Compatibility

Camera & Data

Capture stunning wildlife moments and keep your data safe.

Photography Gear & Apps

  • Camera Equipment: A camera with a good zoom lens (e.g., 300mm+) is helpful for wildlife photography. Consider a sturdy, Lightweight tripod or monopod. Get extra batteries/memory cards (B&H Photo).
  • Recommended Apps: Maps.Me or Google Maps (offline maps), PickMe/Uber (in larger towns), Google Translate (offline packs for Sinhala/Tamil).
  • Backup Solutions: Use cloud storage, an External hard drive, or a second memory card to back up photos. Consider a VPN like NordVPN or ExpressVPN for secure data transfer.

Data Backup & Security

Cloud Storage

Regularly upload your photos and important documents to cloud services like Google Drive or Dropbox.

Physical Backup

Carry a small, portable hard drive or multiple memory cards to duplicate your data, safeguarding against device loss.

VPN Usage

Utilize a VPN for secure internet access, especially on public Wi-Fi networks, protecting your sensitive information.

Health & Wellness Items

Medical Preparedness

Maintaining your health on the road is important. A well-stocked first aid kit covers common issues.

Essential Kit & Meds

Sun & Water Protection

Protect yourself from tropical sun and ensure safe hydration.

Outdoor Protection

Specialized Health Considerations

Food & Water Hygiene

  • Tap water is generally not safe to drink. Stick to sealed bottled water.
  • Choose clean, busy restaurants. Opt for freshly cooked items.
  • Avoid ice in drinks unless the water source is verified.

Personal Hygiene

  • Bring specific brands of toiletries or contact lens solution if you have particular needs.
  • While most essentials are available locally, having your preferred items adds comfort.
  • Hand sanitizer is always a good addition, especially before meals.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Safari Optics

Binoculars are helpful for spotting distant wildlife and observing birds and shy animals in detail. A good quality pair greatly enhances your safari experience.

  • Binoculars for distant viewing.
  • Telephoto lens for wildlife photography.
  • Extra batteries and memory cards.
  • Dust-resistant camera bag.

Dust & Sun Protection

Safari drives can be dusty, especially during the dry season. Protect yourself and your gear.

  • A Scarf or buff for dust protection.
  • Sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat.
  • UV-protective sunglasses.
  • Lightweight, long-sleeved clothing.

Rent vs. Bring

Some items are better rented locally, while others are best brought from home.

  • Safari jeeps are always rented with a driver/tracker.
  • Binoculars can be rented, but quality varies. Bring your own for serious viewing.
  • Specialized camera gear might be difficult to find locally.
  • Essentials like specific insect repellents or medications.

Deciding What to Rent or Buy

Bring From Home Recommended

  • Personal medications and a comprehensive first aid kit.
  • High-quality insect repellent (high DEET/Picaridin) and sunscreen (SPF 30+).
  • Specialized camera equipment, including telephoto lenses and extra batteries.
  • Universal travel adapter and high-capacity power banks.

Rent or Purchase Locally Flexible

  • Safari Jeeps: Always rented with a driver and tracker; self-driving is not permitted in the park.
  • Binoculars: Can sometimes be rented from safari operators, but quality varies.
  • Local SIM cards: Readily available at the airport or in towns for affordable data.
  • Bottled water: Widely available and affordable throughout Sri Lanka.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security

Small items can make a big difference for comfort and security during your travels.

Travel Essentials

Sustainable & Regional Items

Travel responsibly and be prepared for local conditions.

Eco & Local Essentials

  • Reusable Water Bottle: Bring a Reusable water bottle to reduce plastic waste; many hotels offer filtered water.
  • Reusable Shopping Bag: Useful for purchases at markets and shops. Nordace also offers bags.
  • Region-Specific Essentials: A Dust mask or Bandana for dusty safari drives.
  • Difficult to Purchase Locally: Good quality sunscreen, specific insect repellents, and certain prescription medications.

Sustainable Travel Items

Water Filter Bottle

Reduces plastic waste; fill up anywhere.

Reusable Coffee Cup

For your drinks on the go.

Travel Utensil Set

Avoid single-use plastic cutlery.

Foldable Shopping Bag

Handy for market visits, reduces plastic bags.

Destination-Specific Items

For Safari Drives

  • A good zoom lens for wildlife photography.
  • A scarf or bandana to protect against dust.
  • Sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat.

For General Travel

  • Offline maps downloaded on your phone.
  • Portable power bank for electronics.
  • Small gifts for local hosts or guides as a token of appreciation.

Packing Pro Tips

Pack light and efficiently. A rolling method for clothes saves space and minimizes wrinkles. Consider packing cubes to keep your belongings organized.

Carry a small daypack for daily excursions and safaris, keeping essential items like water, camera, and insect repellent handy.