You’re headed out into the great African plains for a once-in-a-lifetime Safari experience. As a professional photographer, you know the basic photography must-haves required for exemplary shots. However, there are many other tools you should pack and utilize while you’re on your exotic trip. Make sure you have all your bases covered with secondary camera options, appropriate apparel, first aid and wildlife knowledge resources. Here is a breakdown of some of the most important items you should have with you on your African adventure.

Cameras

Your DSLR camera is your most valuable tool on your trip, as it takes some of the most high-quality shots. But there are secondary camera options you should keep in mind that can provide extra convenience or a unique point of view. Utilize your smartphone for those unexpected moments, when you only have a second to capture an astounding image. Smartphones like the Galaxy s7 take photos that are high quality. They are ideal for outdoor use as they are weatherproof and have an especially long battery life. Your time in the African wild will require many moments of physical action and recreation. These conditions will make it difficult for you to operate your bulky DSLR for video capture. Opt for a camera designed for adventure, like a model from the GoPro series. GoPro can go along for the ride and withstand harsh conditions, while still capturing high quality video.

Apparel

Outfit yourself with versatile apparel for your safari. Make sure you bring outdoor clothing that can help protect you from the elements. The African plains will be very hot, as their foliage offers little shade. Protect yourself from the sun, with long sleeves and long pants that will help you withstand the heat. Choose light colors and materials that are breathable, like woven cotton linen. If you are in a region that is known for tropical storms, make sure you have a solid rain shell. Choose a jacket that uses the waterproof Gor-Tex technology, which will efficiently repel any rain. Make sure you know how to care for your jacket, so it can provide you with optimal performance.

First Aid

Out in nature, anything is possible. You don’t want to be caught in the middle of the African wild without any emergency supplies. Bring along a first aid kit that you can carry within your camera bag or day pack. It should be equipped with the basics like bandages, antibacterial towelettes and ointments, scissors, tweezers and sterile gauze pads. Choose a model like the AAA 121-Piece First Aid Kit. It is packaged in transparent plastic, which makes it easy for you to locate and identify what you need. The kit is compact and also includes a carabiner, which can conveniently hook onto your daypack.

Biological References

When you’re out enjoying the wonders of Africa, you’ll want to know exactly what you’re looking at. Most times, your guide will have knowledge of the local, natural features. Though, in the event they don’t get a glimpse of what you see, you’ll want a secondary resource that will help you identify any wildlife or plants. Bring along a Safari guidebook that lists the biological species by region and has some extra journal space where you can jot down your notes. If you know exactly what you’re looking at, your photo suddenly has a much more intriguing story.