Last week, I had the absolute pleasure of immersing myself in the breathtaking landscapes of Samara Private Wildlife Reserve in the Eastern Cape—one of Africa’s top destinations for spotting wild cheetahs. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience as I embarked on a slackpacking journey, guided by expert trackers, getting up close to these majestic creatures while exploring one of the world’s richest biodiversity hotspots. (Stay tuned for my full Samara adventure in an upcoming post!)
Before diving into all the incredible wildlife encounters, I wanted to share three essential items that made my slackpacking adventure comfortable and hassle-free: sunscreen, a trusty roll-on deodorant, and a stylish yet functional backpack.
Sun Protection: A Safari Must-Have
Exploring South Africa’s beauty shouldn’t come at the cost of your skin! That’s why sun protection was at the top of my packing list.
For my face, I relied on the Avène Ultra Fluid Perfector SPF 50+, a lightweight sunscreen with a universal tint that evens out the complexion. It offers broad-spectrum protection against UVA, UVB, and blue light, making it perfect for everyday wear. The innovative TriAsorb technology, inspired by melanin, helps defend against harmful UV rays, while Vitamin E fights pollution and Avène’s signature Thermal Spring Water soothes sensitive skin. Best of all? It’s fragrance-free and gentle enough to use on the eyelids—an absolute win for someone with sensitive eyes like me!
For my body, I opted for the Avène SPF 50 Sun Spray, which can also double as a facial sunscreen. Its lightweight, milky texture absorbs quickly without leaving a white cast, making it ideal for all skin types, especially sensitive skin. The formula boasts four-filter sun protection, is photostable, and contains antioxidants to protect against oxidative stress. Plus, the turn-to-open/close nozzle means no messy spills in my luggage—a true lifesaver for travel!
Oh, and did I mention? All Avène sunscreens are eco-conscious, so you can protect your skin while being kind to the planet.
The Perfect Backpack for Slackpacking Adventures
A well-designed, durable backpack is a non-negotiable when slackpacking. I wanted something stylish, sturdy, and spacious enough to carry my daily essentials—so I went with THIS stunning leather backpack from Thandana. Leather not only ages beautifully but is tough enough to withstand rugged outdoor adventures.
This bag had room for everything I needed: sunscreen, water, sunglasses, snacks, a jumper, and a mini first-aid kit. Plus, the adjustable leather sling with webbing and adjustors made it super comfortable to carry for hours on end.
Thandana also sent me the cutest cheetah-print laminated makeup bag, which was perfect for stashing my daily beauty essentials—lip balm, eye drops, facial sunscreen, and plasters. I mean, could the print be any more fitting for a cheetah-tracking adventure?
Staying Fresh on the Trails
Walking 10KM a day under the African sun meant I needed a deodorant that could keep up with me. Enter the Mitchum Naturals Coconut Roll-On, my ultimate game-changer.
Infused with Zinc Minerals and bamboo powder, this formula naturally absorbs wetness and neutralises odour after just one use. Free from ethanol and harsh chemicals, it provides 48-hour protection without irritation—so I could stay fresh and confident throughout my adventure.
Ready for More Adventures!
With these three essentials in my pack, my slackpacking adventure at Samara was nothing short of incredible. I can’t wait to share the full details of my wildlife encounters and the magic of walking alongside cheetahs in my next blog post—stay tuned!
