Your Ultimate Winter Packing List for Wildlife ACT Volunteering in Zululand

It's 4:00 AM in Zululand, and the early morning mist clings to the acacia trees as you climb onto the back of an open 4x4 vehicle (known locally as a ‘bakkie’.) The temperature hovers around 10°C and there’s a bracing chill, especially when the vehicle picks up speed in pursuit of a pack of African Wild Dogs. 

Fortunately, you’re wrapped up in cosy, practical clothing - and maybe a warm blanket too - and as another stunning African morning unfolds around you, you realise there is no place you’d rather be. 

Packing for your Wildlife ACT conservation volunteering experience requires careful consideration of Zululand's unique winter conditions and the hands-on nature of real conservation work. This isn't a traditional safari – you'll be actively participating in wildlife monitoring, data collection, and research activities that demand practical, durable gear.

With years of on-the-ground experience under our belts, we’ve got your packing listed sorted. Every volunteer also receives a detailed pre-arrival document with a comprehensive packing list and practical guidance, but we know there’s nothing quite like real-world advice to help you feel truly prepared.

Why Packing for Winter Matters in Zululand

South Africa's winter season (May through August) brings distinctive conditions to northern KwaZulu-Natal. 

While daytime temperatures remain pleasant at 20-26°C, early mornings and evenings can drop to 8-10°C. The low humidity, minimal rainfall, and increased wildlife visibility make winter an optimal time for conservation work – but only if you're properly equipped.

A Note on Colour

All clothing should be in earth-tone or ‘bush’ colours, such as olive green, dark grey, brown, khaki, dark blue and black.

This is important for practicality as well as blending into the natural hues of the bush.

Essential Clothing for Open Vehicle Driving and Fieldwork

The majority of your time monitoring will be spent on the back of an open bakkie or truck, so it’s important to be prepared for the cold winter mornings and evenings. At the same time, you need to be able to peel off some layers once the baking sun comes up. A layering system works best for this. 

Start with moisture-wicking thermal tops or synthetic base layers to keep warm. Add fleece or soft-shell jackets, and a packable down vest for extra insulation. Your outer shell should be windproof (this is essential for open vehicle rides) and ideally waterproof, especially for the occasional mist or drizzle.

For morning and evening monitoring sessions, a warm, woollen hat or beanie will keep you toasty, and a cotton bandana, buff, or scarf will help to shield your neck and face from wind and dust. You'll thank us later!

You’ll also need a few pairs of warm hiking pants for drives and fieldwork.

For time spent at camp at midday, lightweight shorts and casual items like T-shirts - both short and long-sleeve - will keep you comfortable under the warming sun.

Footwear that Goes the Distance

Bring a comfortable pair of hiking boots - remember to break them in first - as well as a pair of lightweight sandals ("flip flops" are a South African favourite!). 

Pack several pairs of warm, durable socks - preferably wool or synthetic blends - and consider bringing gaiters to keep out grass seeds and insects during time in the field.

Head-to-Toe Protection

Mornings can be surprisingly cold, so bring a snug beanie and lightweight gloves or cosy mittens. A buff or neck gaiter adds versatile protection against both sun and wind.

For sunny midday hours, a wide-brimmed hat with a chin strap will shield you from the harsh African sun, and polarised sunglasses (with a strap) are a smart choice to reduce glare during wildlife observation as well as protect your eyes from dust while driving around looking for Endangered Species.

Handy Field Equipment

You’ll want a sturdy daypack or backpack to carry essentials like your water bottle, sunscreen, field notes, and snacks. A headlamp or small torch is crucial for early mornings and nighttime navigation around camp, as snakes and other critters are regular visitors to our camps! 

Binoculars aren’t mandatory, but are incredibly useful for spotting wildlife from a distance, and you’ll miss out on a lot without your own pair. We can vouch for Nikon and Vortex binoculars - Vortex has some great low-budget options that are lightweight and have a lifetime guarantee, such as the Vortex Triumph HD 10x42.

If you're into photography, bring a good camera with extra batteries (cold weather can drain them faster), and a protective, waterproof case.

Health & Hygiene in the Bush

Make sure to pack your personal medications and a small first-aid kit with antiseptic cream, painkillers, and anti-diarrheal tablets. Tick-bite fever is a reality in the bush, so bring and apply insect repellent daily and check yourself for ticks after spending time outdoors.

For personal hygiene, biodegradable soap, shampoo, and a fast-drying towel are essentials. Facial cleansing wipes and dry shampoo come in handy during early starts when showers aren’t feasible. Remember, all bed linen is provided, but you’ll need to bring your own towel.

Tech & Connectivity

There’s no WiFi at camp, so be sure to download offline content onto your devices in advance if you enjoy watching movies or series. Also consider getting a local SIM card or e-SIM for your mobile phone - Vodacom typically gets the best coverage in the reserves. If you go the e-SIM route, ensure that you set it up at home using WiFi. Email our reservations manager, Bronwen, if you have any questions or concerns about this. 

Electricity supply can be unstable, so a high-capacity power bank is essential, especially during power outages. Remember charging cables and a South African plug adapter (Type M). 

During downtime, books, journals, downloaded series, or card games are great for unwinding, or simply spend time savouring the sights and sounds of the wilderness!

If you're a light sleeper, earplugs and an eye mask will help you get the rest you need.

Comforts That Make a Big Difference

Winter nights can be cold in Zululand, and there is no heating, so pack warm sleepwear and a good quality hot water bottle if possible (many volunteers also take it on the vehicle for early drives!). 

You’ll never regret stashing a few of your favourite treats into your luggage - including your tea or coffee of choice. Bringing small items to share, such as instant coffee or a snack food that's unique to your home country, is a great way to break the ice with your fellow volunteers!

Also be sure to check out Wildlife ACT’s wishlist and see if there’s any way you can contribute to much-needed items that would be hugely appreciated by our team. 

Smart Packing Tips

Use packing cubes or dry bags to organize gear and save space. Alternatively, rolling clothes instead of folding them can save on valuable space. Wear your bulkiest items while travelling, and consider leaving room for souvenirs on the return trip.

Opt for durable, quick-drying fabrics that handle regular washing and rough conditions. The bush is hard on gear, so don’t bring anything you’re not willing to get dusty, stained, or scuffed!

Gear that can serve multiple purposes is a win, such as a buff that keeps you warm and protects against the sun, or flip flops to wear around camp and use in the shower if you prefer not to go barefoot.

Pack with Purpose: WILD Collection

As you get ready for your winter adventure, you may want to include a few meaningful items from WILD Collection, Wildlife ACT’s in-house apparel brand that helps support our ongoing conservation work.

From warm hoodies and beanies to comfortable field shirts, unique keepsakes, and even our signature coffee for those chilly winter mornings, the range is designed to be both practical and purposeful. 

The WILD Collection catalogue is shared with all volunteers upon invoicing, along with an order form for those who would like to purchase in advance. While limited stock is available in camp, ordering beforehand ensures you get what you need. You can also browse the full range on the WILD Collection online store. 

To learn more, view WILD Collection’s Winter Catalogue, visit them on Instagram, or get in touch at shop@wildlifeact.com. A portion of every purchase goes directly toward supporting the conservation projects you will soon be part of.

What Not to Pack

Leave behind white or brightly-coloured clothes, which show dirt easily and can startle wildlife. Clothing that is delicate or takes long to dry is not ideal either. Expensive jewelry, single-use plastics, and bulky toiletries are unnecessary.

And you definitely won’t need any styling tools -  the power supply can be inconsistent, and camp life is wonderfully informal.

Your Winter Conservation Adventure Awaits

Volunteering with Wildlife ACT in Zululand is about passion, purpose, and meaningful conservation work. With this winter packing guide, you’ll be ready for early mornings in the bush, evening drives backlit by the setting sun, and long, fulfilling days monitoring endangered species. Leave the luxuries behind for now, and embrace authentic African bush life! 

If you’re ready to help protect South Africa’s most threatened wildlife, we’re ready to welcome you. Get in touch today to secure your place this winter.