When preparing for your adventure of a lifetime, it’s easier to have a safari packing checklist.
When travelling on safari, you will need clothing that is light, loose and comfortable. Bring clothing that is suitable for the weather and that can last you a few days if laundry services are not immediately available. Some accommodations do offer laundry services.
Here’s a list of what to pack when going on safari, it is best to pack in a canvas (or soft shell) holdall as space can be limited in the safari vehicles and internal flights require bags to be soft shell bags. It is also useful to take a small rucksack in the vehicle / on board with you for carrying your camera, binoculars, and anything else you might need whilst travelling. The camps usually provide bottled water for guests whilst out on safari. The camps supply towels and toiletries so no need to pack them.
Our Recommended Packing List
Luggage
Carry items that are lightweight so you do not exceed your baggage allowance (especially on internal flights which only allow a maximum of 15kgs (33 pounds) for checked-in luggage). Inside the plane there is no overhead luggage space so only carry a small bag / backpack / camera bag which can be carried on the lap.
Inside the safari vehicles, luggage space is also limited. The luggage should be packed in soft, small bags as the cargo hold of the planes is small and everyone’s luggage has to be crammed in.
Coming in from abroad, you can pack your items in a large bag which can then be left at your hotel in ‘left luggage’ or with the airline.
A small backpack / carry-on / day bag is ideal when in the safari vehicle to hold your camera, phone, binoculars, wet-wipes and whatever other items you may require.
Clothing
Safari life is very casual – no need for high heels or dressy clothes! On safari, you will need clothing that is light, loose and comfortable. Bring clothing that is suitable for the weather (please check more details on the destination you are traveling to and the time of year). It is advisable to pack layers. When out on early morning or evening game drives warm clothes will be necessary, while during the days shorts and t-shirts may be required.
It is advisable to avoid wearing bright-coloured attire on your safari; instead, bring clothing of neutral colours that blends in with the bush – such as beige, khaki, brown, green. Bright colours are best left for the cities and coastal regions. Camouflage pattern clothing is illegal in some countries so best to avoid these patterns.
Since there is a probability of mosquitos or other insects, especially in the evening, carry repellents and also apparel that covers the maximum area of your skin (i.e. long-sleeve shirts, trousers, pants, shoes and socks).
Carry footwear according to the purpose of your visit, activities and destinations you will be covering.
Below is a list of suggested safari items which gives a basic indication of what you should bring :
- Shorts and t-shirts or light trousers for the daytime. Neutral tones like beige, khaki, stone and light brown don’t show the dirt and dust to which you’ll be exposed. Avoid bright colours. On safari, you want to be comfortable and preferably wear layers. If you’re looking to purchase clothes we recommend Columbia Sports Wear or Patagonia. For more safari chic clothing we recommend the D&B Explorer Collection from Great Plains, and light weight scarfs and facemasks from Mia Kora. For safari inspired accessories & Jewelry we recommend Shikhazuri.
- A pair of good hiking shoes, if planning any walking safaris. (Our shoes are from Columbia Sportswear)
- A wide brimmed hat to shade you from the sun, especially for the beach. Whilst on safari the hat should have string/straps, to keep it from blowing away whilst in your safari vehicle..
- Plenty of high factor broad spectrum sun protection lotion/cream (High SPF).
- A good pair of binoculars (though not a must).
- Long trousers and long sleeved shirts for the evening, for men, as protection from mosquitoes; similarly for the ladies, plus a shawl for the chilly mornings and evenings.
- A jacket/fleece/jumper/sweater for the early morning (or a safari jacket) and evening game drives, as it tends to get a bit chilly, especially in the highlands and the Masai Mara.
- Plenty of film or flash card memory for your camera and a battery charger.
- A small first aid kit.
- Swimming costumes/bathing suits (needed at the Coast) and as most of the lodges and camps have swimming pools.
- A book on East African Birds and Wildlife to allow you to identify what you see on safari.
- Good pair of sunglasses as you are on the equator where the sun is very powerful.
- Comfortable footwear (trainers etc) and socks. Slippers/sandals for the beach and when in camp (no high heels on safari!)
- A pack of tissues and/or wet wipes.
- A small mag light or flashlight.
- Mosquito repellant.
- A small bag or backpack to put your personal items in whilst out on safari.
Please dress appropriately and modestly, (no bare feet, bare chest, no bikini tops, except at the Coast).