Electricity and Charging on Safari

Keeping your devices charged in the bush takes a little forethought, because power in remote camps isn't the always-on, socket-in-every-room affair you're used to at home. Many camps run on solar or generators, charging points can be limited or communal, and voltage and plug types differ from your own. Plan for it and you'll never run flat at the wrong moment. This guide explains what to expect for power in camps, the plug and voltage basics, and — most importantly — how to keep hungry devices like cameras and phones alive through long days out. A power bank and a couple of adapters solve almost every problem before it arises.

Key things to know

• ➜Many camps run on solar or generators, not mains power
• ➜Charging points may be limited, communal or only on at set times
• ➜Check the plug type and voltage for your destination
• ➜Bring a universal adapter and, ideally, a multi-way charger
• ➜A power bank is essential for long days away from sockets
• ➜Charge everything fully whenever you get the chance

Power in remote camps

Away from the cities, many camps generate their own electricity from solar panels or generators, and that shapes how charging works. Power may run only at certain hours, be limited in how much it can deliver, or be concentrated in a communal charging area or the main tent rather than a socket beside your bed. Some remote camps offer lower-voltage or limited supply.

This is entirely normal for the bush and not a hardship, but it does mean you can't assume unlimited, on-demand power. Ask on arrival how and where to charge, what hours power is available, and whether staff can charge items for you. Then top everything up whenever you can, rather than waiting until a battery is flat.

• ➜Many camps use solar or generator power
• ➜Power may be time-limited or in communal areas
• ➜Some remote camps have limited or lower-voltage supply
• ➜Ask on arrival how and when to charge

Plugs, voltage and adapters

Plug types and voltage vary by country, so check what your destination uses before you travel and bring the right adapter — a good universal travel adapter covers most situations. Much of the region uses higher voltage than North America, so if you're coming from a 110V country, confirm your chargers are dual-voltage (most modern phone and camera chargers are) before plugging in.

Because sockets can be scarce, a small multi-way charger or a plug with several USB ports lets you charge phone, camera batteries, power bank and torch from a single point — a real advantage in a communal charging area. Pack these small items with your carry-on essentials so a delayed bag never leaves you unable to charge.

• ➜Check plug type and voltage for your specific country
• ➜Bring a universal adapter
• ➜Confirm chargers are dual-voltage if coming from a 110V country
• ➜A multi-USB charger maximises limited sockets

Keeping cameras and phones alive

Cameras are the biggest power drain on safari — cold mornings sap batteries and you'll shoot far more than usual — so bring several spare camera batteries and charge them whenever power is available. Don't rely on charging one battery overnight and hoping it lasts a full day of drives.

A power bank is the single most useful accessory for staying powered: it lets you top up your phone and other USB devices during long hours out in the vehicle, far from any socket. Charge the power bank itself whenever you can. With spare camera batteries, a power bank and the discipline to top up at every opportunity, you'll never miss a sighting because something died.

• ➜Bring several spare camera batteries
• ➜A power bank keeps phones and USB devices going all day
• ➜Charge spares and the power bank at every opportunity
• ➜Keep chargers and power bank in your hand luggage

References & further reading

1. Sinclair, A. R. E., et al. (Eds.) (2015). Serengeti IV. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
2. Estes, R. D. (2012). The Behavior Guide to African Mammals. Berkeley: University of California Press.
3. Kingdon, J. (2015). The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals (2nd ed.). London: Bloomsbury.
4. IUCN (2024). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, Version 2024-1. www.iucnredlist.org.