africa safari checklist

Complete African Safari Packing List [Checklist and Guide]

What do you need to pack for your upcoming safari? In this guide, you’ll get the complete African safari packing list – including 4 factors to consider when packing, how to pack minimalist, and just what to include with specific recommendations. We also include things that you shouldn’t bring on your safari.

Ultimate African Safari Packing List: Checklist and Guide

An African safari is the trip of a lifetime. To help you prepare – and enjoy it to the fullest – we put together the ultimate safari packing list.

You will learn what factors are important to consider when packing. Not only that, but we give you a comprehensive list of necessities. This will help first-time safari-goers figure out what is essential and what is a luxury. Without further ado, let’s dive in!

This post is divided into four primary sections:

• Minimalist Packing for Africa: Video
• 4 Factors: Packing for Your African Safari

What to Include on Your Safari Packing List

Pack for a purpose, minimalist packing for african safari.

More reading: Travelers Guide to the Best Anti-theft Gear

4 Factors: Packing for your African Safari

It can be difficult making a safari packing list. There are so many considerations – some that you may not realize until you are in Africa.

It isn’t always that easy to pick up a piece of missing gear – sometimes it’s just not available and other times the schedule won’t allow for running errands.

The following are things to keep in mind when making your ultimate safari packing list.

Packing light is important when making your safari packing list. Always give preference to a light, soft duffle bag when compared to a hardshell suitcase. Wheeling a suitcase is not advised, and you will find it much better to use your soft-sided bag. A bag without a frame (and without wheels) fits better into vans, trucks, and small airplanes.

Primary Bag: We recommend the super-popular Bago Travel Duffle Bag . It has an 85-liter capacity and comes in 14 colors (great for each member of your party).

For your day trips, a  backpack is perfect  and it will be much easier to carry around.

Daypack:  For your daypack, we recommend the Mountaintop 40 liter backpack . Water-resistant coating and padded laptop compartment keeps important things safe. And it has an additional rain cover – perfect for your gorilla trek.

If you are going to be based out of an urban area, see if your hotel or travel agent would be willing to keep your stuff safe. Only do this if you have complete trust in the business. Many world travelers have at least one story about theft and trusting the wrong people.

Are you taking a bush plane? If so, you will face even tighter luggage weight restrictions. These small, local flights take you between different parks and camps. Bush planes are usually more convenient and faster than moving by ground. However, the size and weight limit on the plane mean there isn’t much room for luggage.

Find out how much you can have ahead of time, and tweak your safari packing list accordingly. In southern Africa, the weight limit can be as low as 41 pounds. In East Africa, it gets as light as 33 pounds. This includes carry-ons, so you will have to be selective.

Another and really important, reason to go light on your safari packing list are souvenirs. Africa is booming with shops and even malls. On the savannah, tribes, and villages will be selling unique, one-of-a-kind art. Don’t forget gifts for back home!

2. Activities

Are you going on a walking trek or an open jeep safari? Either way, temperatures change throughout the day dramatically. You may start out with a chilly pre-dawn drive, and then find yourself sweating on the afternoon walk. That’s why layers are essential, even in the height of summer!

Will you be doing other activities while you are on vacation? If so, you will need to amend your safari packing list. If trekking for gorillas , you’ll want some rain gear.

If you’ll be climbing Mount Kilimanjaro (Tanzania) later on your trip, you will need to bring cold weather clothes to combat the frozen temperatures at the top. Going on a safari for elephants and antelope will require sun protection gear .

3. Safari Camp, Lodge, Hotel, or Hostel

Not all of these choices will be available in every location you travel to. However, chances are you will stay at a safari camp or lodge at least one night. If you can, find out ahead of time  if your destinations have laundry service . This will help you decide how much you should pack.

Are you keen on doing your laundry at the camp or lodge? If so, there are some convenient on the go laundry bags you can pack. For those on a budget, pack a length of lightweight rope and detergent. Fortunately, most legitimate camps offer laundry services where you don’t have to lift a finger.

4. Planning

Planning is an unfortunate necessity of having a fun, enjoyable vacation. One of the biggest mistakes you can make is waiting until the last minute to make your safari packing list. The weight adds up fast, and the last thing you want to do is find better gear at the last minute.

Even if you do forget something, chances are you will be able to find it in the city where the safari departs. Besides, many guides want to make sure you have everything you need.

So, you may even be forced to purchase something that will add extra weight. Fortunately, this can be avoided by planning ahead.

More reading: How to Choose the Best Portable Water Filter

In this section, we’ll consider the following 9 categories.

They include safari clothing, footwear, sun protection, insect repellent, technology, health, personal toiletries, and other items.

More reading: Is Uganda Safe? Guide to Water, Crime, Disease, Sun

Clothing for a Safari

A safari is a casual event, so there is no need to overdress. Unless you plan on hitting up the nightlife in Kampala , leave your fancy clothes off your safari packing list! Everyone keeps it casual even at the most upscale lodges.

Light, loose clothing is recommended for safari wear. You will stay comfortable in the sun and dry out quickly in the occasional rainstorm.

However, don’t forget about the early morning cool down. You will want some pants and a long sleeve top to keep you snug. Although nights around camp include a fire, you may still need some extra layers. The important thing is, to be honest with yourself.

You will definitely want to cover up when the mosquitoes are at their worst during dusk and dawn. Technically, the lighter the suitcase the better, but you also need to balance weight with comfort. Don’t forget, many lodges have blankets to pass out in the cold evening.

The color of your clothing is another extremely important factor of your safari packing list.

Neutral shades are a must. You want anything that will camouflage you: shades of green, brown, olive, khaki, and beige are all acceptable and even encouraged!

3 Types of Clothing to Avoid Like the Plague:

• Don’t bring bright-colored clothing. These are only good for scaring the animals and angering your fellow companions. Remember, this is the trip of a lifetime. Even if this is your 100th safari, be respectful of others.
• Do not bring American T-shirts. These are the tees with logos and writing. You will stick out like a sore thumb. Additionally, leave the short shorts at home – you will want the extra protection in the wild.
• Don’t bring clothes that are dark blue or black. The two colors attract tsetse flies like no other, and these biting insects will make you miserable during a long safari day. These insects can bite right through your clothing, even jeans – which they are undeniably attracted to. Not even the most potent insect repellant will keep them away. Tsetse flies are also dangerous, as they can transmit African sleeping sickness (African trypanosomiasis).

Clothing Packing List:

• Swimsuit (1): most lodges and camps have a pool
• Lightweight fleece or jacket (1): For late nights and early mornings
• Scarf (1):  good to protect your face from blowing debris. Something like this moisture-wicking scarf by Kingree – multifunctional headwear, functions as a headband, scarf, dust mask, balaclava, and hairband. It comes in 35 different color patterns – great for men and women.
• Sports bra (2); for the ladies
• Money belt (1): This is always a great idea when traveling – especially internationally. This money belt by Alpha Keeper is one of the most popular travel belts and it comes in 7 colors and includes RFID blocking sleeves.
• PJ’s: You’ll want to be comfortable so you can get a good night’s sleep.
• Zip-off pants (2): Convertible pants save space and are super convenient. Start the cool morning with full pants and as the day warms up, remove the zip-off legs. These Columbia convertible pants ( mens and womens ) offer UPF 50 sun protection and convert to shorts with 10″ inseam.
• Long sleeve shirts (2): With sleeves that can be rolled up. Similar to the convertible pants, a long sleeve shirt with button tabs (for rolling up sleeves) are great for cooler mornings hot days. These Columbia Bahama shirts ( mens and womens ) have UPF 30 and are made with quick-dry fabric.
• Short-sleeved shirt (4): These are great for layering. Choose a breathable fabric to keep cool and dry. These Vapor Apparel ( mens and womens ) are UPF 50+ sun protection.
• Socks (4): Similar to the shirts above, you’ll want some moisture-wicking fabric to keep your feet dry and cool. These performance Bering socks ( mens and womens ) feature breathable mesh, moisture-wicking, and reinforced heel and toe.
• Underwear (4):  Here are some suggestions for underwear for outdoor activities .
• Sandals: Flip flops or close-toed sports sandals – to wear around camp at night

Pro Tip: On the plane, wear one pair of safari attire. This will save room in your luggage, and you can wash it later.

The best footwear to bring depends on what kind of safari you are taking.

Walking Safari / Trekking: If you are going to be mostly participating in walking safaris, you will want to prioritize comfort and stability. Hiking boots would be perfect for this type of situation.

Driving Safari: On the other hand, Jeep safaris calls for closed-toed sports sandals and hiking shoes. A pair of sandals may not be such a bad idea for walking around the bush camp. However, they are not necessary if there isn’t enough room or weight left.

If you’re going on a gorilla trek you’ll likely encounter wet conditions. Here are the best shoes for hiking in water .

Sun Protection

A safari means you will be spending a significant amount of time outside. This requires good protection from a more intense sun than most of us are used to. No matter walking or riding in a vehicle, this is a must!

• Sunglasses: The sun on your safari has the potential to be brutal! The best way to protect yourself is to buy a quality pair of polarizing sunglasses. This pair of Torege Polarized Sunglasses comes with 5 interchangeable lenses (including block polarized,  transparent and yellow). They are UV400, blocking 100% of UVA and UVB rays.
• Safari sun hat: You won’t just want any hat. Try to find something that will protect your face, neck, and ears. Additionally, look for a head covering that has a neck strap so it doesn’t fly off as your Jeep flies across the grasslands. Don’t find out the hard way that there is actually a reason behind silly safari hats! Dena and I love our Outdoor Research and Coolibar hats. Here’s a safari hat you might consider: Coolibar UPF 50+ Wide Brim Hat ( mens and womens ). Here’s our full guide for the best safari hats .
• Sunblock: The higher the SPF, the better. As stated before, most of us aren’t used to being so close to the equator. The sun can really take a toll on our skin, and sunburn or sun poisoning is an uncomfortable alternative.
• Long sleeve shirts and long pants: These will protect you from sunburn and insects! Yes, these were already mentioned. Aside from your personal comfort, the right shirt and pants will protect you from the harsh sun

Insect Repellent

• Mosquito netting – I can almost promise your bush camp will provide mosquito netting. However, find out ahead of time, and make 100% sure. This is one of the simplest ways to protect yourself from mosquito-borne illnesses.
• Picaridin (20%) – This powerful and safe bug spray ingredient keeps biting insects away. You can even put it directly on your skin! Outside of the United States, Picaridin is known as KBR 3032 and icaridin.
• OLE (30%) – Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) is featured in Repel Naturals and Off! Botanicals among others. However, it is not recommended for children under 3.
• PMD – Para-menthane-diol (PMD) is another botanical bug repellent. Sometimes it is used in conjunction with OLE.
• 2-undecanone and IR3535 – Both of these are man-made, and neither lasts as long as the first 3. However, they are relatively safe and can be combined with other products on this list.

Here’s how to keep biting insects away (naturally).

• Camera:  A basic point-and-shoot will do the trick. However, the better the camera the better photos. Seeing as this is a once-in-a-lifetime trip, you may want to purchase something with better quality. Many people choose to bring a DSLR. Make sure you carry your camera in a case because a safari is not exactly a clean adventure! Don’t forget your spare memory card! Here’s our guide to choosing the best safari camera .
• Batteries: If you are using a camera, be sure to add extra batteries to your safari packing list. This is so important! Batteries are a true commodity out in the savannah, so if you don’t want to run out, you better bring extra!
• Cell phone: Yes, bring your cell phone. This goes double if you don’t have a tablet or a designated separate camera. Mobile phones are taking better and better photos. There are even monoculars you can purchase to increase your phone’s natural zoom. Monoculars like this 12 x 50 model by Cosbity that is compatible with most current phone models. These can turn your cell phone into a powerful zoom camera.
• Electrical adaptor: Although most camps provide universal plug converters, it is a good idea to bring one just in case. You may be staying at hotels or other places that are not as thoughtful.
• Chargers:  If you remember anything, remember your chargers. Most of the technology that’s useful on a safari requires charging. Instead of bringing an electrical adaptor, consider a solar charger. This is not only more environmentally friendly, but you will be able to charge multiple devices from the same platform at the same time! Here’s a nice set of solar panels for charging phones and cameras.
• Tablet: Basically anything you can use to read, play games, and otherwise entertain yourself in any downtime. Usually, print books are a go-to, but they might weigh too much for your safari packing list.
• Yellow Fever Health Card – This is necessary for some African nations (like Tanzania). You have to get these from your doctor, so don’t wait until the last minute! Aside from vaccinations, don’t forget your necessary medications. According to the CDC , yellow fever vaccination is only required for entering Uganda if you are traveling from a country with risk of YFV transmission and are a minimum of 1 year of age.
• First aid kit:  Out in the African bush, the nearest town could be hours or even days away. That means catching a cold could turn into a miserable experience. That is why it’s important to pack some cough drops, Sudafed, diarrhea medication, aspirin, Dramamine, and allergy medication. Avoid bringing a real first aid kit, as most lodges and guides have their own. Simply think about what you may need if you start feeling sick.
• Prescriptions: Before you get on the plane, make sure you have all of your necessary prescriptions. You may even want to ask the doctor for Cipro. This medication will help in times of intense stomach pain. Everyone’s body reacts differently when exposed to different microbes, and you won’t want to stay behind due to a sick stomach. Furthermore, check with your tour company to see if malaria medication should be on your list.
• Hand sanitizer:  Why not protect yourself as much as humanly possible? Getting sick on vacation sucks, but getting sick on a safari could be disastrous. There are times when clean water for hand washing will not be available.
• Sleep aids– A good night’s sleep is important to fully enjoy your time on the safari. Lack of sleep can lead to a bad attitude and eye fatigue. If you know you have problems falling asleep or staying asleep in new places, bring what you need. This could be melatonin, Z-Quil, Ambien, or anything else that’s a legal sleep aid. Also, bring earplugs. Hippos like to snore quite loudly!

Personal Toiletries

Whenever possible, use travel-sized containers to save on weight and room.

• Shampoo / Conditioner (or all-in-1)
• Toothbrush / Toothpaste
• Moisturizer
• Sanitary products
• Contact solution

Other Items to Consider

• Cash (in local currency):  There are no ATM’s in the bush, but there are things to buy with cash. Furthermore, most places in the backcountry do not have credit card scanners. You will also need cash to tip the guides after your awesome safari! Make sure to check the country’s policy on money. Some places only accept US dollars minted from 2006 on. That’s because all older bills are easier to forge.  Learn more about currency in Uganda .
• Waterproof bag:  Light and compact, a waterproof bag can come in handy when the weather doesn’t cooperate. Even if you have dustproof and waterproof equipment, the rain will turn any dust into mud. A waterproof bag allows you to stick your stuff inside for the duration of the moisture!

• Glasses:  Unfortunately, the conditions can sometimes get too dry for the average contact wearer. That is why it is important for contact lens wearers to bring their glasses.
• Water bottle:  Some camps provide water bottles. However, make sure ahead of time. If you bring your own, you can use it in the airports!

If you want to make a positive difference, think about adding a purpose to your safari packing list. These projects help local communities and are affiliated with many different safari lodges and bush camps.

Pack for a Purpose usually needs medications, clothing, school supplies, and feminine products. Check out their website for more information, and to see what safari businesses are currently giving. The site also includes suggestions and tips for packing these products.

Here’s more about  Pack for a Purpose: Africa . And here are the eight  Ugandan lodges and safaris that participate.

What’s on Your Ultimate African Safari Packing List?

Hopefully, we have demystified the ins and outs of packing for a safari. With proper guidance, making a safari packing list is not at all difficult.

The main things to remember are to do your homework and to put together a plan. As long as you are prepared, you will have a great time!

Did we forget something? Have a packing tip? Let us know in the comments!

Hi, I'm Dena Haines . And I'm co-founder of Storyteller Travel . I love to cover food, animals, and destinations around the world.

I also blog about photography at Storyteller Tech .

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This is one of the most elaborate and helpful travel guide on packing for a safari, i have read.

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The Ultimate Packing List for Your African Safari

Packing for an African safari is somewhat different to most other trips you'll take. Navigating rural roads in an open-top jeep means that you'll get covered in dust, so you'll need clothes that hide dirt well. Because temperatures can change dramatically throughout the day, layers are essential (after all, pre-dawn game drives are often chilly even in the height of summer). If your itinerary includes flights in a bush plane between different parks or camps, you'll need to pack extra light to comply with charter flight baggage restrictions.

In this article, we provide a comprehensive packing list that should cover most 7-10 day safaris (while still leaving room in your suitcase for a few curios ).

Dressing for Your Safari

Safaris are generally casual affairs, so you can leave your evening-wear at home. The best clothes are loose-fitting and lightweight, so that they keep you cool and dry quickly if you get caught in a rain shower. Make sure to bring at least one good fleece or jacket for warding off the chill on early morning game drives. At night, there will usually be a campfire to keep you warm, but you'll want to wear long sleeves and trousers to protect yourself from mosquitoes . This is particularly important in malarial areas.

When it comes to colors, pick neutral tones over brighter shades for optimum camouflage in the bush. Khaki is a safari favorite for a reason: it's cool, camouflaged and hides dirt well. If you're in tsetse fly country, avoid wearing blue – it's an attractant for the disease-carrying insects.

Clothes and Accessories

• 2 long-sleeve shirts
• 1 sweatshirt or fleece
• 1 lightweight raincoat 
• 1 pair of comfortable shorts
• 2 pairs of cotton trousers/pants
• 3 pairs of socks
• 4 pairs of underwear (cotton, so that you can easily wash and dry them overnight)
• 1 pair of sunglasses (preferably with UV protection)
• 1 warm woollen hat 
• 1 swimsuit 
• 1 pair of lightweight, durable walking shoes or hiking boots
• 1 pair of flip-flops or sandals (for wearing around camp)
• A supply of Ziploc bags to keep your dirty laundry separate from your clean clothes

Top Tip: Ladies, on the bumpy roads of Africa, a decent sports bra is your best friend. 

Toiletries and First Aid

Every camp or lodge will have at least a basic first aid kit , and most safari vehicles will too (especially those operated by higher-end camps). However, it's always a good idea to bring your own small supply of hygiene and health essentials. 

• Personal toiletries, including travel size shampoo, conditioner, soap, deodorant, moisturizer, toothpaste and toothbrush
• Sunscreen (minimum SPF 30+)
• After-sun cream
• Antiseptic gel (for washing your hands when there's no water around)
• Sanitary products for ladies
• Contraceptives (including a supply of the pill, if you're on it)
• Mosquito repellant (the most effective includes DEET)
• Malaria pills (if needed)
• Antihistamines for bug bites and allergic reactions
• Painkillers, e.g. aspirin or Tylenol
• Cold and flu medicines 
• Diarrhea medication, e.g. loperamide
• Antiseptic cream
• Prescription medicines
• A spare pair of glasses for those that wear contact lenses (it's often too dusty to wear them comfortably)

​Electronic Devices

• Camera (this can be a basic point-and-shoot or an SLR with detachable lenses and a tripod, depending on how serious a photographer you are)
• Spare memory cards 
• Spare camera battery (consider a solar charger if you're going to be camping)
• Binoculars (if you have them, otherwise your safari guide will likely have a pair you can borrow)
• Spare AA and AAA batteries
• Electrical adaptor 
• Small flashlight (to use inside your tent or to find your way around camp at night)
• iPad or tablet for storing e-books, photos and handy travel apps

Pack For a Purpose

Many safari camps and lodges now support local community initiatives in and around the wildlife parks, reserves and concession areas. If you want to make a positive difference during your time away, ask if you can bring any supplies that will help these projects (usually school supplies, medication or clothing). Check out  Pack For a Purpose  for lists of specific requests from lodges around Africa as well as suggestions on how best to pack the items they need. 

Before you start packing, make sure to research your options carefully. If there are two parts to your trip, you may be able to pack a separate duffel or backpack for the safari section and leave your main suitcase with your tour operator or hotel back at base. This keeps things light for your bush flight to Ngorongoro Crater , for example, while still allowing you to pack your scuba gear for your second week on the beach in Zanzibar .

You should also try to find out ahead of time whether your safari camp or lodge offers a laundry service. If not, you can recycle clothes by packing a small bottle of travel detergent and a length of thin nylon rope to serve as a makeshift laundry line. 

When choosing your suitcase, a soft-sided duffel is almost always a better bet than a rigid hardshell case. Duffels are easier to fit into narrow overhead compartments or into the back of a safari vehicle – and they're more likely to withstand the wear and tear of life in the bush. Because poverty and corruption lead to theft at many third world airports , we recommend plastic wrapping your bags before your flights and investing in a decent luggage lock. Always pack your valuables (and especially your camera with all your precious memories) in your hand luggage.

This article was updated by Jessica Macdonald on March 20 2019. 

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What to Pack: African Safari Packing List

By Jennifer Dombrowski 31 Comments

Packing for an African safari is vastly different than packing for just about any other trip, and it’s often a challenge for first time safari goers. Not only do most safari goers have weight restrictions on bush flights (a typical weight restriction is 15 kilograms or 33 pounds total per person, including camera equipment and carry-ons), but you also have the challenge of knowing which types of clothes to wear on safari are appropriate. We’ve been on safari twice now in Tanzania and Kenya, and have put together our tips for what to pack for an African safari.

Preparing for an African Safari

What to pack for a safari isn’t just about the clothing, either. There’s a lot of little quirky things about traveling to Sub-Saharan Africa that you need to know before you go. We either got tips in advance from the awesome safari companies we went with, or learned about various policies along the way.

1. Prepare your documents 

Many countries in Sub-Saharan Africa require your passport to be valid for six months beyond your travel dates in Africa. They also have requirements like a certain number of consecutive blank pages being available in your passport. So be sure to pull out your passport well in advance of your trip, and thoroughly review all the entry requirements for each country you’re visiting. US citizens can get the most up-to-date entry requirements on travel.state.gov .

In addition to your passport being in order, you should obtain a Yellow Health Card and have it completed by your doctor. The Yellow Heath Card is an internationally recognized record of vaccinations endorsed by the World Health Organization .

Some countries require visitors to obtain certain vaccinations as part of their entry requirements. These vaccinations should be completed with the date of administration, the date the vaccination is valid until and be certified with a stamp and signature from your doctor.

All passengers on our flight to Tanzania had to present their Yellow Health Cards to an official that boarded the plane to verify the documents the moment we touched down. Some countries won’t even allow you off the plane if you can’t present this card, so it’s equally as important to have as your passport.

The other thing to pay close attention to are visas. Many countries in Sub-Saharan Africa require a visa for entry. Often a visa upon arrival is offered, and you should be prepared to pay for your visa with cash as electricity operates on the grid and connections can be unreliable for card machines. US dollars are widely accepted, though your US dollar bills should be printed after 2006. Additionally, ensure your bills are in excellent condition. US dollar bills with tears or writing on them won’t be accepted.

2. Cash is king in Africa

You won’t find credit card machines in the African bush and you’ll likely visit at least one village where you can pick up some unique souvenirs. US dollars are fairly widely accepted, and you can also easily take out local currency from an ATM when you arrive at the international airport.

Know that tipping is common throughout Sub-Saharan Africa and you should have cash on hand to tips guides and service staff. Your safari company should answer questions and provide a guide on tipping etiquette. In our experience for a luxury safari, you should plan to tip your guide between $20 – $30 per day per couple.

Some of the airstrips also have coolers with drinks for purchase, though if you’re choosing a luxury safari all drinks are typically included.

Note that particularly in East Africa, only crisp US bills newer than 2014 are accepted. This is because banknotes produced prior than in the past 10 years were very easily forged. We definitely ran into this when a bill older than 2006 made it into our mix and was refused. It’s not a myth!

What to Pack for an African Safari

The primary activity on an African safari is going on game drives, which are what safaris are called in Africa. While there are often additional activities like walking safaris offered, the majority of your time will be spent sitting in safari vehicles while you and your guide look for the various wildlife you’ve come to see. That’s why it’s paramount that your African safari clothes are practical and comfortable.

We break everything down for you below with further explanation, but your packing list for safari should include the following essentials and will work no matter if you need a 2-day or 2-week safari packing list:

• duffel or soft-sided bag
• TSA approved clear toiletry case
• 2 pairs of pants in a breathable fabric in earth tones
• 1 – 2 long sleeve shirts in chambray or earth tones
• 3 layering tanks or tshirts
• utility jacket
• light scarf
• wide brim hat with chin strap
• closed toe shoes like trail runners or fashion sneakers with good traction
• waterproof dry bag
• moisturizer
• insect repellent with Deet
• conditioner
• plug adapters / convertors
• USB flash drive
• Memory cards for your camera
• first aid kit

1. Luggage and Packing Essentials

You’ll likely be arriving to safari destinations like the Serengeti or Masai Mara on a bush flight. These are small planes, often only a Cesna Caravan, that have strict weight limits. They also require that passengers travel with soft-sided luggage that can easily be stuffed into compartments.

Some airlines like AirKenya and SafariLink offer luggage storage for a small fee. This can be a convenient option if you’re returning to the same airport. Just bring a duffel bag with you to take along to your safari destination, and store the rest of your luggage. But if you’re continuing on to another safari destination, you’ll have to take everything along with you.

On our most recent safari to the Masai Mara, I opted to take my spinner hard case and store it with AirKenya. I love my Bric’s X-Bag 22″ Folding Duffel . The large duffel bag is made from a water resistant materials, is sturdy and is classy with its leather trim. It easily folds down in to a small zippered pouch that is perfect for packing. The pouch also comes with a strap, so it can be used as a cross body purse.

You can use packing cubes to keep everything organized in the duffel and add a little extra sturdy protection. Choose lightweight ones like these Shacke water resistant packing cubes that come in a 4-pack of different sizes. And you’ll notice a theme where we like things that their pouch can be dual purpose. The pouch they come in makes a great laundry bag.

One other thing to invest in as a TSA approved clear toiletry bag, and this is essential for your Kenya packing list. Some African countries like Kenya and Tanzania have banned single-use plastic bags, inclusive of the ones provided by the airport. Kenya’s plastic bag ban law is the strictest in the world. Not only are plastic bags confiscated, but anyone caught using them faces a maximum penalty of $37,000 or a jail term of up to four years.

DO NOT bring any sort of plastic bag in to Kenya or Tanzania. Instead, especially if you like to carry on, get a TSA approved clear toiletry bag. I have the Lermende clear toiletry bag I’ve used for a while. It’s been accepted at many airports and I’ve never had an issue using it to carry on my liquids.

2. African Safari Clothes

Know that the 15 kilo weight allotment adds up quickly. When it comes to what to wear in Africa, comfort should be prioritized over anything else when you’re spending time in the African bush. But packing sensibly doesn’t have to mean frumpy, either.

Laundry Service

Another perk of luxury safaris like SkySafari and Angama Mara is that laundry service is included at their camps and lodges. Knowing we had laundry service available helped us pare down to the essentials for our 10-day safaris in Tanzania and Kenya.

With laundry service available, you don’t need to pack any more than 2 pairs of pants, 2 long sleeve shirts and one pair of pajamas. We recommend bringing enough underwear for your entire trip or washing them out yourself since it is considered taboo to include your underwear in your laundry in Africa (and some camps or lodges like Loisaba Lodo Springs will not wash them). Soap flakes are usually provided to wash out whatever you’d like yourself in your tent or room.

Where to Buy Safari Clothes

You don’t need to head out to any special store to buy clothes for an African safari. Chances are you have some perfectly suitable things already in your wardrobe. If not, we recommend your favorite outdoor retailer for safari appropriate clothing.

We like Columbia Sportswear , personally, since their outdoor clothing is made with their special material. Look for pants with Omni-Shield that keeps you dry by repelling moisture and stains and Omni-Shade with built in SPF 50 to protect you from the sun, like the women’s Saturday Trail stretch pants .

Then I add pieces like tank tops that I layer under an Old Navy classic chambray shirt . Chambray is stylish and lightweight enough to wear even during the hottest months. Roll the sleeves up to just below the elbow, and you can roll them down if/when you start to sunburn.

Pants and Long Sleeves

If you’re going on safari in East Africa in places like Kenya or Tanzania, then you’ll be just a few degrees away from the equator where the sun is strong. Even though it might seem counter intuitive to pack pants and long sleeves when the weather will be hot, you’ll be glad you did for protection from the sun. Even Tim learned this lesson when he opted for shorts and ended up with painfully sun-burnt knees after a game drive in the hot sun in Meru National Park.

Long sleeves and pants also help minimize bites and protect you from scrapes on walking safaris. Shorts, skirts and tank tops can be fine around the camp or lodge, but for game drives and bush walks stick to lightweight pants and long sleeve shirts.

Earth Tones

Clothing in earth tones is essential. Africa has a fly called the tsetse fly, which is a biting fly. They are attracted to dark blue and black, and tsetse fly traps are a blue or black cloth strung up in the trees where they are active.

Wearing blue or black makes you a tsetse fly trap and they can (and will) bite right through your clothing. Insect repellent is not effective in keeping tsetse flies away and the tsetse fly has been linked with a disease called sleeping sickness.

Utility Jacket

Game drives typically begin early and you’re out and about by 5am – 6am. The temperatures between night and day can be drastic, and you’ll practically experience all four seasons in one day.

Mornings are cool and a jacket is necessary. A cute utility jacket is also functional since all the pockets come in to use for easy access to lens cleaning cloths and lenses for your camera. You don’t have to spend a fortune – my Old Navy utili t y jacket was perfect.

Don’t bother with packing a rain jacket. Most safari companies provide ponchos for guests if you do have a rainy day. The safari vehicles also can be closed up. So skip the extra weight of a rain jacket that you may only need once or twice.

Light Scarf and a Hoo-rag

I also like to pack a light scarf . Wrap up it in to keep warm in the early morning, then use it to protect yourself from the sun when you strip off some layers under the hot midday sun.

In addition to a light scarf, which can whip in the wind and get snagged on bushes, I also recommend packing a hoo-rag . If you don’t know what a hoo-rag is, it’s a tubular bandana outdoor enthusiasts have included on their essential gear lists forever. You’ll definitely want one for going on safari because of the hoo-rag’s many purposes.

Ladies can use it as a headband to keep hair off your face on windy days. It will protect your head from the hot African sun no matter if you’re a man or woman. And it can serve as a scarf to keep your neck warm in the early morning or late evening when the air can have quite a bit of chill to it.

Safari Dress

I recommend only bringing along one casual dress for the evenings around camp. I do like to have one dressier outfit to make a night feel a bit more special. Columbia Sportswear Super Bonehead II Sleeveless Dress is 100% cotton, casual enough for wearing around a city like Nairobi during the day and can be dressed up for a night out.

Nearly every evening we arrived back around sunset and went straight to drinks around a campfire, a bush barbecue or hung out having a drink in the common lodge areas before dinner. We almost never went back to our tent or room to change first.

One ladies safari clothes essential is a sports bra . Trust me. The roads (or more likely dirt tracks) are bumpy and you will thank me for adding a sports bra to your safari packing list essentials.

Safari Footwear

You definitely don’t need to tote along heavy hiking boots. Not only will they be too hot, but hiking boots are clunky to pack. Really, any pair of sturdy closed-toe shoes will do.

Tim was perfectly fine with his usual Merrell Moab hiking shoe in Gortex , even on the bush walk we did along the Grumeti River in the Serengeti. These also held up like a champ in super muddy conditions, and were easy to clean after.

I prefer to wear a good pair fashion sneakers that I can dress up a bit with a cute dress in the evening. I like the Reef Cushion shoes since it has anatomical arch support and a cushioned foot bed that keeps me comfortable, even though I suffer from plantar fascitis. The tread is also good, so the Reef Iris can also be worn for bush walks.

I also like to bring a pair of lightweight waterproof hiking shoes like my Merrell Siren 3 . You’ll be thankful for a pair of waterproof shoes with good traction like this, particularly on wet days. Some parts of Africa don’t see rain often, and when it does rain the ground can quickly turn into a muddy river. This exact thing happened to us on a pretty wet morning in Nairobi at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.

In Africa, flip flops are worn only around the pool. Bring a pair for walking around in your tent and going to the pool at your camp or lodge.

There’s really no special African safari hat you need, either. Stick to a wide brim style with a chin strap. The wide brim will help keep the sun off your face and neck. The chin strap will keep the hat from flying off when your guide gets word on the CB radio about that leopard or rhino sighting, then goes rushing off to make sure you see it.

I love the Columbia Global Adventure Hat because it’s packable. The hat retains its shape no matter how you stuff it in to your bag. And bonus that the hat has Columbia’s Omni-Wick technology with a sweat band inside and Omni-Shade SPF 50 protection. It definitely helped to keep my scalp from getting sunburned, which is a problem I always have being blonde.

Swim Suit and Casual Clothes for Around Camp

Many camps, especially luxury camps, have pools these days. There’s no better place to be than lounging in the pool during the hot afternoons between game drives. Don’t forget a swim suit!

You can also be more casual around camp in a pair of shorts and a tank top or tshirt. It’s not necessary to stick to neutral colors either, like when you’re out on game drives.

We like Old Navy , where you can find a variety of linen and linen-blend clothing items, at reasonable prices. Linen is perfect as a breathable fabric on hot afternoons.

Amazingly, we still saw tons of people inappropriately attired for safari. Not only will you stand out to other people, packing your favorite jeans or black shirt could also make you a magnet for tsetse flies. And your neon yellow trainers could scare off the animals on a bush walk.

3. Waterproof Bag

Dust is a problem and hard on your camera equipment. And if you have any rainy days like one we had, you’ll be combating both rain and sticky mud. Having a waterproof dry bag large enough to stick your equipment and anything else you want to stay dry or dust/mud free will definitely come in handy. It folds down small and weighs basically nothing, so is easy enough to pack.

4. Skin and Hair Care

The African bush is dry, so don’t leave home without your favorite moisturizer and a good conditioner. Even though all of the Elewana’s camps and lodges and Angama Mara provided shampoo and conditioner, I always prefer to bring my own.

You don’t need to bring the big bottle of your favorite shampoo and conditioner. I have a set of Cool Gear Go-Gear Silicone Travel Containers that are TSA approved and that I love. I just fill them back up with my L’Occitane Aromachologie Repairing Shampoo and Conditioner (which is sold in environmentally friendly refill bags) to keep my hair healthy at home and on the road.

For an incredible moisturizer, I love Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream . It doesn’t make my combination and sensitive skin breakout. And even in very dry Sub-Saharan Africa, my skin doesn’t get flaky and dry as long as I use moisturizer. A little goes a long way and I pare down from the somewhat heavy 2 oz jar the product comes in by scooping some out to fill my travel containers with.

Our lips also get very dried out and cracked in such dry conditions. I like Dr. Lipp’s Original Nipple Balm . It’s famous for being an ultra rich moisturizer that actually absorbs in to your lips to hydrate them and I’m a convert since I started using it.

The one other thing I’ve come to love to keep my skin at its best is my FOREO Luna Mini . It’s a facial cleansing brush that uses t-sonic pulsations to clean below the skin’s surface, remove dead skin and make-up and unclogs pores. It’s rechargeable and charging it up at home before a trip lasts around 30 days. It’s small and light enough that it’s easy to travel with. You use it for one minute each time you wash your face, and it’s seriously like getting a mini facial daily.

5. Plug Convertors

One of the things I love about Elewana Collection and Angama Mara is that all of their camps and lodges provide several universal plug adapters for your use in your room or tent. We always bring one of our own anyway, just in case. Plus having an extra means we can charge up all our electronic devices and camera batteries without having to pick and choose.

Africa uses 220 – 240 volt electricity at 50hz. Each country can be different with the plug type, so verify the plug type for the countries you’re visiting here before your trip.

Many electronics these days are dual voltage, meaning they can operate on the 110 volts that the US operates on as well as 220 – 240 volts that much of the rest of the world operates on with only a plug adapter. Cell phone chargers, camera chargers and even laptop chargers are all dual voltage these days and you need nothing more than a plug adapter to plug them in. Things like hairdryers and flatirons often are not dual voltage and require a convertor in order to use them.

6. USB Flash Drive and Memory Cards

Capturing some incredible photos to remember your time on safari by and share with family and friends back home is likely important to you. Some luxury safari brands like Angama Mara are offering guest experiences like photography workshops with their photographer in residence, or even just the opportunity to rent cameras or lenses.

The opportunity to borrow equipment is an excellent amenity to look out for, as good lenses appropriate for photographing wildlife can cost nearly as much as the trip itself. Just remember to pack a USB flash drive to save any photos from the cameras you borrow or bring your own extra memory cards to use.

7. Insect Repellent with Deet

Another thing Elewana and Anagama Mara were both terrific about was providing insect repellent and sunscreen in the safari vehicles. We would still encourage you to pack your own, though.

An insect repellent with deet is best since there are several diseases that biting insects in Africa can carry, including malaria. But if you’re concerned about the effects of deet, an all-natural citronella repellent will also get the job done. Just be sure you consistently spray yourself.

We were definitely diligent with spraying ourselves on both our skin with an all-natural citronella repellent and then again on our clothes every couple of hours. We had very minimal insect bites between dressing appropriately with long pants and consistently using repellent.

There is a risk of malaria in both Tanzania and Kenya. Malaria prevention is important when traveling to malaria endemic areas and in preparation for all of our safari trips, we have taken preventive malaria medication prescribed by a doctor. Runway Health is a service that makes routine doctor visits for things like preparing for safari travel a breeze. With just a short questionnaire about your travel plans and health history, Runway gives you an online consultation with a physician and ships your prescribed medications to you directly in just a few days.

8. First Aid Kit

Remember that you are in the African bush and the nearest town or village might be hours away by plane. Be sure to pack yourself a first aid kit with medications you might need like aspirin, cold medicine in case you do catch a bug, an antihistamine like Benadryl for reactions to insect bites, diarrhea medication like Immodium, sunscreen and cough drops or throat lozenges.

If you want to take something to head off diarrhea before it can start, try Travelan . You take it as a dietary supplement before meals to assist with traveler’s diarrhea prevention. Especially when traveling to Africa where your stomach isn’t conditioned to resist things that could be in treated and potable water, it’s a good preventative measure to take. Bathrooms are basically non-existent in the African bush and it’s not the place where you want to experience tummy woes.

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About Jennifer Dombrowski

Jennifer Dombrowski is an independent travel publisher and an American expat who has lived in Bordeaux, France since 2016. She previously lived in Northern Italy in a small village near Venice for seven years where she fell in love with wine and wine tourism. She is an award-winning travel writer. She is also a travel correspondent on Traveling on the American Forces Radio Network. Luxe Adventure Traveler was named one of the top travel blogs to watch by the Huffington Post and TripAdvisor, and has been featured by top publications such as National Geographic, CNN, Buzzfeed, and Business Insider. Jennifer's photography has also been featured on publications such as USA Today and Travel + Leisure and on the Travel Channel.

March 5, 2014 at 10:53 AM

Definitely a handy-list there, thanks for sharing. I would definitely have not thought to bring a fleece. BTW that one photo of “what not to wear on safari” is awesome LOL 😉

Jennifer Dombrowski says

March 10, 2014 at 3:17 PM

I really considered just leaving the fleece home. Surely I wouldn’t need it during Tanzania’s hottest month! But I ended up wearing it on a few occasions, so I was glad to have carried it with me in the end.

Heather says

March 5, 2014 at 5:07 PM

Great tips! I really need to get myself a waterproof bag, even just for rainy Europe.

And I second Derek, that “what not to wear’ photo is hysterical! Who would dress like that on safari? I’d be covered from head to toe to avoid insect bites! (And now I know not to wear blue or black!) 🙂

March 10, 2014 at 3:18 PM

Worst of all, we snapped the lovely lady in the floral jumper on a day that it was pretty chilly! She had to have been absolutely freezing in that get up.

Devlin @ Marginal Boundaries says

March 5, 2014 at 7:29 PM

Really good tips, I’ll make sure to leave my black shirts at home, don’t need to become a walking fly trap.

March 10, 2014 at 3:22 PM

No, you certainly don’t want to be a walking fly trap! Those tse tse flies really hurt when they bite and they will bite right through your clothes.

Val-This Way To Paradise says

March 6, 2014 at 5:21 AM

Great and helpful packing list! I would have to go shopping…almost everything I own is blue or black!

March 10, 2014 at 3:23 PM

I did a little safari shopping myself before the trip. Now I’m prepared for our next safari!

Travel with Kevin and Ruth says

March 6, 2014 at 4:39 PM

A yellow fever vaccination is NOT required for Tanzania unless you are arriving there from a country that has a risk of yellow fever.

March 6, 2014 at 6:40 PM

We didn’t say that the vaccination is required. We said that the yellow health card is required, which you must present upon arrival and lists your vaccination records.

March 6, 2015 at 9:46 PM

I read this blog too soon before my trip to do anything about the yellow fever issue. My wife and I just passed through immigration at JRO this morning so I thought I’d share my take, since this had me worried.

It’s true that they ask for the cert before your passport, but if you tell them you’re coming from the US, you don’t need it. That said, I think it’s a really good idea to get the shot before leaving the US, and it isn’t for any paranoia about contracting yellow fever or BS altruistic reason.

In our case, our connecting flight to JRO was from Kenya. Normally you wouldn’t have to go through Kenya immigration for this, but since our flight to JRO the previous night was cancelled, we did have to as we spent the night in Kenya. I think we were pretty lucky the official at JRO a didn’t ask too many questions or check our passports for the Kenyan visa.

You can also pay $50 USD at JRO to get the shot if you need it, but at that point you’re deciding to let someone in Africa stick a needle in you. Just get the shot in the US (or whatever first world country you’re visiting from) so you don’t need to worry about it further if your travel plans go south.

March 6, 2014 at 9:05 PM

What exactly is a “yellow fever health card”?

March 10, 2014 at 3:26 PM

It’s an official record of immunizations by the World Health Organization. Your primary care physician will have them on hand and properly fill them out for you after reviewing your medical records. This card is required and you must show it to officials upon entering Tanzania.

Suzanne says

March 7, 2014 at 5:40 AM

Great list! I had a ten day safari subject to a medium duffel bag only so I had to be super attentive to pack only what was needed. Surprised by so many people with multiple bags of luggage and all with the wrong clothes – blues, black, prints, hot pink, etc. I second the sports bra – a necessity! I would also add a few power bars or snacks for early morning game drive before breakfast – we often skipped our game drive coffee break as we were at a sighting.

March 10, 2014 at 3:28 PM

Good tips Suzanne! That was something else that we really enjoyed about SkySafari – our vehicle was also packed with drinks and snacks so we didn’t have to worry about the extra weight of bringing snacks with us. And even though you are mostly just sitting, you do still get the munchies!

Arianwen says

March 9, 2014 at 4:13 AM

Great tips! I made the mistake of only having two long-sleeved tops – one was blue and one was black. Those tsetse flies sure do sting when they bite!

March 10, 2014 at 3:30 PM

No kidding! Even with the earthy tones, a couple tse tse flies got me. And you sure do know when they bite! What a nuisance those things are.

March 9, 2014 at 8:24 PM

Thanks for sharing this really helpful list. I will definitely make use of it when I take part in my first Safari!

March 10, 2014 at 3:31 PM

I hope you make it on a safari soon, Stef. You will absolutely love it!

Ron | Active Planet Travels says

March 27, 2014 at 8:51 PM

Nice packing list! I’m going to have to look back on this in the Fall when I finally make it to Africa. So stoked!

Marsha says

April 11, 2014 at 8:13 PM

Great post. This list is very helpful. I’ll be keeping this in mind as I’m starting to plan my trip for the African safari next year. This will be so helpful…..awesome! And something I can keep in mind while I start planning. 🙂

Ellen Blau says

December 28, 2017 at 1:57 PM

From the Center for Disease Control Canada, here is the link: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/tanzania Proof of Yellow Fever Card is only needed from countries not on this list.

August 11, 2018 at 2:19 AM

Thanks for the great tips.

I totally understand the confusion on the yellow fever card being required or not. I thought it was not needed since we were coming from the US and headed directly to Tanzania. The issue was we were coming via Nairobi (although only there a day). If you come from Kenya, you will need the yellow fever card. I am so glad I figured that out before our trip as we were crossing into Tanzania on the boarder and not through an airport.

July 30, 2022 at 1:51 AM

Hi! This is so helpful! I was wondering if you think that shoes and backpacks should also be in light or neutral colors? Or does that not make as much of an impact in keeping the tsetse flies away?

July 31, 2022 at 12:20 PM

Yes, you should avoid black and navy at all – even for shoes or backpacks. You’ll see tsetse fly traps while in safari and these are just a piece of navy or black cloth hung up because these colors are that effective in attracting the flies. And unfortunately, there’s no spray or anything that deters them other than not having dark colors anywhere near you.

Hope that helps answer your question!

March 11, 2023 at 4:22 AM

Hi there! I’m planning for our trip in August. I’m wondering about the water. Do you think it’s wise to invest in one of those water bottles that has an internal filter? Also, I’m very prone to bug bites, and was considering bringing my portable diffuser (really small) and placing it by my bed with citronella oil to help with any night bites. Any helpful tips for sleeping and bug bites? Thank you!!!

Karol Young says

March 11, 2023 at 9:19 PM

You mentioned the all natural citronella repellent. Is there a particular brand to use. Also what about an after bug bite spray or lotion? Just in case

Anne MacKenzie says

September 21, 2023 at 10:31 PM

Great blog. I won’t be wearing my black trainers! Thank you so much for all the useful comments.

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• The Ultimate Safari Packing List: What to Pack for your African Safari

by AdminSoa July 4, 2017

• SOUTH AFRICA
• BEACH HOLIDAYS

Packing for your Safari

So, you've booked your flights, you've picked out your hotels, and you've carefully negotiated the best price and itinerary for your trip.

You've had your vaccinations for Africa , made a checklist of animals you want to photograph, and bought that all-important travel insurance for your safari .

Now comes the hard part: figuring out what to pack for your once-in-a-lifetime safari adventure.

As always, the Shadows of Africa team has your back.

Below, you'll not only find a complete list of the safari essentials you'll need to pack, but also a guide on what kind of clothes to bring for the different times of year.

Of course, if we've missed anything here, don't hesitate to contact us or ask your safari expert for their advice.

What to Pack for Your Safari

Packing for your first safari can be a bit daunting. What do you bring? What don’t you need? Below you’ll find our recommended list of things to bring along with you when you’re on safari.

While there is plenty of room in our safari vehicles for your larger suitcase, it's always handy to have a more manageable bag that you can have with you in the vehicle.

A warm sweater or light fleece

Nights and mornings in East Africa can be cold, so it's always good to have something a little warmer to throw on until the sun warms the plains up.

You can check below for a better idea of what to wear on safari.

A windbreaker or waterproof jacket

You never know when there's going to be a sudden squall or downpour, so packing a lightweight rain jacket is a good idea.

While you'll be safe and dry inside your safari vehicle, a rain jacket is a good option for when you're getting about camp.

Walking shoes or boots

Much of your safari takes place within your safari vehicle, but you'll need a comfortable pair of shoes or hiking boots for walking to your lodges, snapping photos from the picnic spot, or if you've added any walking safaris to your itinerary.

Even in the car, you'll want a pair of comfortable shoes that cover your skin to prevent against sunburn and insect bites.

A long sleeve dress shirt and trousers

Perfect for both sun protection and to ward off hungry mosquitoes, a long sleeve shirt and trousers are also a good option for a cold morning or evening.

If you're staying in nicer lodges, you'll also wants these handy for dinner and drinks at the end of a long day.

The sun in East Africa can be quite intense, so sunglasses are a good protective measure and have the benefit of reducing glare while you're game-viewing.

Sun protection should be a priority while you're on safari. While your vehicle provides shade, having the top up for game-viewing means you'll be exposed to the elements.

A good hat is a great way to avoid nasty burns or heatstroke.

Sunscreen and lip balm

Another valuable precaution against the often harsh equatorial sun, sunscreen and lip balm will protect you where your clothes don't.

Insect repellent

Mosquitoes and tsetse flies are both capable of carrying diseases and their bites can be quite irritating or painful. Tsetse flies can deliver a particularly nasty sting.

A good insect repellent is a good way to ward off these blood-thirsty little guys.

It goes without saying that you're going to want a camera for your safari adventure. While in some cases your smart phone will be enough to snap a shot, a camera with a good zoom lens is the perfect companion.

Shadows of Africa vehicles come standard with a single pair of binoculars that you can share with your driver, but having your own pair is a good way to ensure you don't miss a second of the action.

You don't need an expensive pair. Even a travel-sized pair of binoculars is sufficient for game-viewing.

Batteries and/or charger for your camera

You don't want to be midway through a day on safari and suddenly run out of battery for your camera.

Shadows of Africa vehicles come standard with in-car charging stations, but it's always a good idea to travel with an additional battery.

Additional SD cards are also a good idea to ensure you don't need to stop to delete photos.

A flashlight or headlamp

The wilderness can be pretty dark, so a headlamp or flashlight can be essential when moving about camp after dark.

Many lodges provide these, but those staying in budget camps will want to bring their own.

Guide books

You don't need a hefty Lonely Planet for your safari, but having a wilderness guidebook is a good way to build a 'to do list' for your trip.

Your Shadows of Africa driver is a font of knowledge when it comes to animal, bird, and plant-life too. Don't hesitate to ask questions!

Phone and charger

Whether it's to stay in touch, to share your photos, or just so you can snap pictures on the fly - bringing along your smart phone is a good idea.

Savvy travelers may wish to purchase a local SIM card, but many hotels have WiFi.

While on safari in Tanzania, our vehicles also come with WiFi, although this is dependent on location.

A good book

You'll rarely find yourself without something to see while on safari, but there is going to be some downtime.

Whether it's the drive to or from the airport or just a lazy night at your lodge, having a good book (or a Kindle) on hand is a great way to pass the time.

Tissues/Wet Wipes

While all national parks and lodges have toilet facilities available, there's no telling when nature might call and you'll need to make use of the famous 'bush toilet'.

Having a packet of tissues or wet wipes in your pack is always a good idea.

Medical Essentials

While all of our Shadows of Africa vehicles have their own on board first aid kit, it never hurts to be prepared.

You might wish to consider the below list and figure out which medications you'd like to bring along for your trip. We've highlighted those we think are most essential in italics .

• Anti-malarial medication ;
• Painkillers;
• Antihistamines for allergies and insect bites ;
• Cold and flu medication;
• Anti-Diarrhea medication ;
• Medicines for re-hydration after diarrhea or sunstroke;
• Moisturizer for treating sunburn;
• Antiseptic lotion;
• Rubbing alcohol;
• Bandages and plasters;

If you're planning to climb Kilimanjaro or do some hiking, you may also wish to bring along water purification tablets.

All of our safari clients are provided with 1.5L of drinking water per day.

Don’t let the above list daunt you. Many of these items are only necessary in extreme cases, but it’s better to have something and not need it than it is to need something and not have it!

What to Wear on Safari

There is no dress code for safari, however it is advised that you were inconspicuous clothes in brown, green, beige, khaki, or other neutral colors so as not to draw attention to yourself or frighten the animals away.

As driving distances can be quite long while on safari, it is advisable that you dress lightly and comfortably. With evenings able to get quite cold, it is also advisable to bring along warmer clothes.

Weather in East Africa

Depending on which country you'll be spending your time in, there are different conditions to be aware of.

Weather in Tanzania

As an equatorial country, Tanzania does not experience the four traditional seasons - instead having alternating wet and dry seasons.

The long rainy season takes place from March through May, and is considered low season in Tanzania. This means less crowds and cheaper accommodation, but the weather is obviously cooler and wetter.

The short rainy season is in November and December. The rains at this time of year are lighter, and crowds are at a more respectable level.

June through October is Tanzania's long dry season . Rain is extremely uncommon and game-viewing conditions are at their best.

January and February represent the short dry season .

On average, temperatures rarely get lower than 60F and average at about 85F in the dry months. The overall average temperature hovers between 70 - 75F year round, with just mornings and nights being cooler.

Weather in Kenya

Kenya is similar to Tanzania in terms of having both rainy and dry seasons, but the time of year varies.

Kenya's long rainy season come from April through to mid-June, with the short rainy season in November and December.

A cool season stretches from June through October, and is typically drier and cooler than the other months. Temperatures range from 50F to 82F at this time of year.

Lastly, a dry season of hotter weather comes from December to March. Days peak at around 86F during the dry season.

Weather in Rwanda

March through May are Rwanda's long rainy season , and provide poor conditions for viewing primates such as gorillas and chimpanzees. There is also a short rainy season from October to November.

The long dry season stretches from June through September, with a short dry season from December to February. These offer the best time to visit.

Even in dry season, cloud cover is not uncommon across Rwanda. This does tend to keep temperatures at a less oppressive level.

Temperatures in Rwanda tend to range from 60F to 80F.

Weather in Uganda

Like Tanzania & Kenya, Uganda has alternating periods of wet and dry.

There are two wet seasons , with one falling from March - May and one from September - November. The March rainy season is wetter, but both make travel on Uganda's dirt roads more difficult.

The dry seasons in June - August and December - February are warmer and drier, with temperatures ranging from

Regardless of the time of year, temperatures tend to range from 61C to 82C, with higher altitude locations such as Bwindi Impenetrable and Kibale Forest having cooler temperatures.

Are you interested in an African safari?

Contact one of our safari experts and we will tailor-make a safari for you!

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What to pack for Africa: The only Africa packing list you’ll need

Planning to go for an African safari? Here is the ultimate Africa packing list with everything you’ll need to have a perfect safari .

So you’ve already planned your trip to Africa or even drawn out your Africa travel Itinerary, and booked your hotel and air ticket. (If you haven’t booked your hotel yet, book it from booking.com and you can also compare prices on flights with Skyscanner  or   Expedia.com   to get the most out of your trip). 

It’s undeniable that a trip to Africa is extremely exciting. From enjoying the continent’s undiscovered secrets to getting up close with the wildlife in some of Africa’s best national parks , a trip to Africa is a dream for so many.

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But even with that excitement, it’s not guaranteed to know what to pack for Africa especially if you’re traveling to the continent for the first time.

So in this post, I’II be giving you the complete Africa packing list with everything you’ll need to have an amazing safari.

The ultimate Africa packing list

Here is everything you need to add to your Africa packing list!

African Safari Packing list: The luggage

Before you think of what to pack for an African safari, you got to have where to pack your items. And for the case of an African safari, it’s better to use an anti-theft travel backpack instead of a suitcase.

There are a number of backpacks on the market and what you buy depends on what you need as an individual. But as a backpacker, I’d recommend buying this osprey backpack .

It is a bit pricey but has a ton of functions compared to other backpacks. It has a full opening (like that of a suitcase), it is sturdy and has compartments which will help you keep your travel items organized.

There are other types of osprey backpacks you could opt for. Below are a few.

• Osprey Atmos AG 65 for men
• The Osprey Daypack for hiking
• The Osprey Packs Renn 50 for women

You can also check out a variety of backpacks from Amazon if the suggested ones above don’t suit your needs.

Related post: Best tips for backpacking Africa

As you enjoy the amazing wildlife or roam around the famous landmarks of Africa , you’ll need to carry a few day’s essentials and that’s why you’ll need a proper daypack.

I am a huge fan of Osprey bags because of their high quality. So as you might guess, I recommend taking this Osprey day pack for your trip to Africa.

Packing cubes

Packing cubes are a game-changer when it comes to packing for Africa. They will help you stay organized and if you need something from your backpack, you won’t have to unpack everything to locate just that one pair of missing socks.

The best way to use them is to allocate say bottoms to one cube, tops to another, gadgets to another, and so on. And on top of keeping your stuff organized, packing cubes will help you pack light while traveling .

This 4 set packing cubes  work really great but if you personally need more, you can grab the  5 piece packing cubes  or  these 6 pieces cubes.

We all know that security is paramount regardless of where you’re traveling to and a trip to Africa is no exception.  Carry this small Pac safe to keep the essential in like your passport, extra money, and other valuable items you might have traveled with.

If the hotel or hostel you are sleeping in doesn’t provide a security locker, the Pacsafe comes with a wire that you can fasten around the hotel fixtures like a bed or chair, in that even if your room is broken into, your valuables will stay safe.

Although, it is unlikely that your hotel room will be broken into,  be the smart tourist that takes precaution.

You can also take an anti-theft daypack to stay prone to street thefts and pickpockets while going about your sightseeing adventures.

Travel Pouch/ Passport holder

This is like a small cross bag that hangs around your neck to safely keep not only your passport but also your phone, money, credit cards, and some other small items you might want to carry everywhere you go.

This Travel neck pouch will guarantee the safety of your travel items while traveling through Africa so make sure that you add it to your backpacking Africa packing list.

Travel electronic organizer

This might not be one of the most essential things to pack for Africa but it comes in handy if you want all your gadgets to be organized in one place while on your African safari.

You actually don’t need an expensive one, this one will do the job perfectly well.

What to pack for Africa: The Gadgets

If I were you, a camera would be the first thing in my backpack. I mean with all the beauty in Africa, who would want to miss capturing all the amazing scenery and wildlife!

Yeah, I know things have changed and phones can capture nice pictures but I am talking about perfect professional photos of something you’ve never captured before. So yes, a nice camera gotta be on your Africa safari packing list.

If you don,t know which camera to buy, I wrote a complete post about the best cameras for travelers . I am sure it will help you decide on the type of camera to buy.

Extra Memory cards and batteries

Imagine the disappointment of your camera going off because it wasn’t charged fully or you can’t take more photos because your memory is full.

That can be a really heartbreaking experience if you were still enjoying the safari. So adding some extra memory cards and batteries to your African packing list will be prudent.

You can either buy this SanDisk ultra memory card  or this Samsung Evo memory card to make sure that you have enough space for your wildlife photos.

A binocular is one of the most important things you should add to your Africa packing list. In fact, an African safari is not complete without them.

I am sure you’ve seen so many photos of tourists in Africa with binoculars. It is not just for style but rather to get a closer look at the beauty that reigns in Africa.

So to get a closer look at faraway animals and birds, you’ll need a pair of nice and high-quality binoculars like these ones .

Related post: Best African safari tips for first timers

Universal travel adapter

If you have been to different countries, you’ve probably realized that some countries have different kinds of sockets compared to your those in home country.

Since you are not very familiar with the African country you’re traveling to, carry this universal travel adapter as that particular country might be using a different kind of socket compared to your home country.

And it also saves you from buying a different travel adapter for each country you travel to.

I know we always want to stay connected with the rest of the world especially with our family back home.

And since power blackouts are common in some parts of Africa, carrying a  Portable Power Bank like this one will help you stay connected even when the power goes off.

Solar portable charger

If you are planning to travel to one of those off the beaten paths in Africa, this #1 best seller solar portable charger on Amazon is a must-have. 

For all those obvious reasons when the power goes off or when the place you’re touring strictly has no electricity, a solar portable charger will come in handy.

You don’t want to be left in total darkness when the electricity goes off especially in the night, which is highly likely in some African countries . That is why a flashlight is one of the things to add to your packing list for an African safari.

Whether you went camping or found yourself still on a hiking trail when night falls, you’ll need a good flashlight.

This Headlamp from Amazon or this one will help overcome the darkness while in Africa.

Kindle E-reader

Even though there is so much beauty to see in Africa, time will come when you just want to chill in a chair and read a good book.

However, that doesn’t mean carrying a number of heavy books. Just carry this Kindle E-reader where you’ll be able to access a number of books on the go.

Noise canceling Earphone

Every now and then, every one of us just wants their “personal” space even in the most crowded places.

The “alone” time might not mean laying on the beach barefooted but rather listening to something on your phone.

So to make sure that you do that while keeping away all the noise, grab yourself  these noise-canceling earphones .

They’re also great on the plane – which is like killing 2 birds with one stone.

Africa packing list: The safety items

Travel Insurance.

If you are traveling to East African countries, getting medication from public or private hospitals can be easy and relatively cheap for minor issues.

But imagine, God, forbid something big were to happen to you in a very remote area and you have to be rushed to an expensive hospital, you would end up falling in high debt.

This makes travel insurance very essential and I highly recommend World Nomads since you can buy or renew your coverage online. And the biggest plus is that it is accessible in over 160 countries.

First Aid Kit

Accidents are inevitable while traveling to Africa or even any other part of the world. Though we can’t control them sometimes, it’s better to be prepared for such cases and that’s why you should add a first aid kit to the list of things to pack for Africa.

Your First Aid Kit should at least have painkillers, plasters, malaria tablets, vitamins, and other medicines that you might need on your travels.

This first aid kit has all the things mentioned above and it is small enough to fit in any kind of backpack.

TSA Approved locks

On your trip to Africa, don’t forget to pack a lock to safely keep your property.

And to be able to pass through airport security, make sure that you buy one that is TSA Approved. This TSA Approved lock will be great for Africa.

Personal Travel Water filter

Even up to now, clean water might be a luxury in some parts of  Africa.  Even though there is still a controversy among some people whether the travel water filters are 100% effective in killing germs from the water or not, it is still better to carry one for just those really remote areas where the word ”clean water” sounds far-fetched.

Pro tip*  It is not safe to drink water directly from the tap in Africa like it is in Europe or America, so this travel water filter will be very efficient when hiking or backpacking through Africa.

Mosquito repellent

Oh yeah, we have many of those guys “mosquitos” in Africa, or at least in many African countries. 

They say that prevention is better than cure, so carry this Insect repellent  not to catch malaria.

Note*  Most hotels provide mosquito nets but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Things to bring to Africa: Other essentials

Camping tent.

There are no better camping sites in the world than in Africa. You would definitely want to experience camping on this great continent. Aside from having a camping experience, a tent can be very useful if you are traveling on a budget .

In countries like Botswana , hotels can be really expensive but if you have your own tent, you can pay a few dollars to camp in the hotel gardens. If you don’t have a camping tent already, you can buy this one as it is waterproof, and lightweight which means you can carry it wherever you go.

Smartphone waterproof case.

Africa is not only safaris and wildlife but also beautiful beaches. So if you want to get that African perfect picture in the water, a smartphone waterproof case would be very useful.

Laundry bag.

Let’s face it, most of the hotels/ hostels you’re going to stay at are likely not to have a washer and dryer. And who wants to mix clean clothes with dirty ones? So pack your small laundry bag while you head out to Africa.

Micro Fiber Towel

The best towel to travel with to Africa is an  OGI MiBcrofiber Travel Sports Towel.  It is small to easily fit in your safari backpack, dries quickly, and is also antibacterial.

I am sure you might be knowing this but I will say it again. Carry your  Sun Bum Original Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion .  The weather and the sun are all fun and cool until your skin starts to react. And if you are traveling to countries like Egypt, sunscreen is a must-have.

After a long safari in the heat of the day, or after taking a really long city walk, you might find your feet really dry or even cracked and that’s where the  O’Keeffe’s Healthy Feet Foot Cream  will come into play to do wonders for you.

Toiletries.

This might seem so obvious, but since you have to make a checklist, I had to add it to the packing list for Africa.

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Facial wipes

So now that you know all of the essential items that should be on your packing list for Africa,  you might be wondering what the best African safari outfits are.

What to wear on an African safari| Safari outfit

The safari clothing differs from country to country though most of them have things in common. So let’s look at what clothes should be in your safari luggage.

Pro tip * Since most of the hotels or hostels you are going stay at won’t have washing machines, you might want to pack clothes that you can easily wash on your own.

Safari clothes for men.

• Pack some jeans and T-shirts or a safari shirt. The number depends on the days your trip will be.
• Since it gets really hot in some places, you might want to pack some shorts.
• Don’t forget your safari shoes.  These might be your normal sports shoes or jungle shoes. They all work perfectly
• Hat- Who wouldn’t want to rock an African safari with a hat?
• Jackets- For when it gets cold at night.
• Lightweight clothes like vests

safari outfits for women.

There are no designated clothes to wear on an African safari but I suggest you wear something you can be completely comfortable in as long as it’s decent.

• safari dresses
• tops or t-shirts
• safari shoes – sneakers or boots
• swimming costumes to hit the beach.
• sunglasses. – The sun can be really intense and you don’t want to punish your eyes.
• Hat- protect your head from the scorching by adding a hat to your packing list for Africa.

What not to pack for an African safari?

Don’t carry all your valuables to africa..

Just pack only those valuable items that are essential to your trip. There is always some kind of theft in some parts of Africa, so if you scream rich, you are attracting thieves.

Don’t carry too much luggage.

Though some tourists from Europe and other parts of the world think that Africa is like one of those places in the middle of nowhere, that is a myth. You don’t need to literally pack your entire house in a suitcase. You can always purchase some items from Africa.

Don’t carry a lot of cash on you.

You don’t want to risk being mugged and left with nothing. Just carry a reasonable amount of cash and a Visa or Credit card. There are so many ATM machines spread around in almost all African countries that you can easily access your money.

Ladies, don’t pack high heels.

By all means, high-heeled shoes gotta stay at home. They shouldn’t take up any space in your safari backpack.

Have you been to Africa? Tell me what you think of this packing list for Africa. What would you add or remove? Share with me in the comments section.

Do you want to learn more about Africa before you get there, read these books to get more inspiration

Related posts:

• things to know before traveling to Uganda
• African experiences to add to your bucket list
• Best places to visit in Cairo
• Safest countries to visit in Africa

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25 Comments

I always store my valuables and cash in different places. On my person, in my handbag and deep in my backpack. So far I have been lucky and nothing has been stolen. But I imagine even if someone took some part of my luggage I would still have a credit card and some cash in a different place. Great packing list by the way.

You have smart packing tips Lena! There is definitely no way anyone could take all your money at once and it’s good to know you’ve never be robbed, i hope it stays that way!!

Very useful list of accessories needed for an African experience. Especially water filler and solar chargers must be very useful. Thanks for sharing.

Africa is one of those places where you really need to be prepared, so it’s good to have such a comprehensive packing list before you leave. Thanks for sharing.

Well, that’s quite a list you got there, and probably some folks wouldn’t have thought about half of it. As someone not relying on electronics, a nice paper guidebook always comes in handy.

This is certainly a useful shopping list for anyone joining a safari. What is your experience with these water filters? I never really trust them and do buy bottled water – which, of course, is not good for the environment. And is there really someone packing high heels for a safari?!

Hhaha just a pro tip for people who are addicted to carrying heels every where. The good quality water filters actually work.

Really comprehensive suggestions. I also recently started using SPF chapstick and they have been pretty great for the outdoors too! Camping tents, do you think they can be rented from the major cities for those who dont have one?

Yes, they can be rented, mostly at hotels that provide camping sites.

I haven’t been to any African country yet, but this seems to be quite a comprehensive list of suggestions! I didn’t even know you can bring your own tent to sleep in a safari – is it safe or are there specific places to do that? (in terms of animals, not humans)

It is safe to camp in Africa since there are normally designated areas for camping. And in some instances, you can talk with the hotel management and be allowed to camp in their hotel gardens.

Great list although I pack most of this stuff except the camping gear when I travel normally! LOL! Binoculars, that is one thing I wouldn’t have thought of brining so that’s such a useful tip. Camera wise, we always bring everything and this is no exception although I’d probably try and hire a super zoom lens just for the trip.

Thanks for that tip about the super zoom lens, Amy

Very extensive and complete list of items needed. Going to Africa and on safari is on our bucket list- high up there. Glad I read this article and will keep it for when I need to pack up!

I am glad you found the list comprehensive . I hope you have an amazing safari when you decide to travel to Africa

Great List, didn’t realize I need these things if I’m going to Safari. Binoculars is a must, cause I usually just have my bag and cam, but not sure if I have a heart to camp though haha.

Haha camping is fun but can be a bit scary the first time. And yes binoculars are super important on an African safari

This is a great list, and all of these items are very useful on a safari. The safari backpack is a clever idea. I travel with backpacks, depending on the location, and the ones you recommend have really cool features and pockets.

Thank you, i am glad you like my recommendations. A back back is ideal if you plan to move around often rather than staying in one place

The one about heels reminds me how sometimes when I’m waiting to go through airport security, I see a lot of women in heels. Why??? I rarely wear them anymore, just for special occasions in my everyday life, let alone while travelling! Seriously, you should see my mum’s feet after she’d been wearing heels for 20 years.

Hahaha i can imagine the way they be struggling with heels!!

My problem would be over-packing! I wonder if I ever will grow out of it. But I guess if I bought a backpack I could only fill it.

I also had the issue of over packing, but i am slowly learning to just pack the essentials.

Incredibly thorough packing list! I love that you have to say to leave the high heels home! Gosh I would hope no one brought their high heels on an African safari!

Yeah, that would be the craziest thing to carry on an African safari!

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A Detailed Guide For Your African Safari Packing List

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Africa is a continent everyone should visit at least once in a lifetime. There are many reasons to visit, such as exploring new cultures, volunteering on charity or humanitarian projects, and visiting the gorgeous beaches and many sites of interest. Yet, it’s hard to think of a trip to Africa without a safari experience making the African safari packing list a must-read.

An African Safari is more than pure entertainment, a safari makes you more conscious about the value of African wildlife, and the threats that surround it.

Despite having an overall positive impact, a safari trip comes with challenges. An African safari packing list is not always straightforward because of the spontaneous nature of Africa itself, and the many unfamiliar geographic conditions.

As a company endeavoring to promote the beauty of Africa, we want to inform our readers about how to prepare a packing list for an African safari. So, hop into a comfy seat, grab your tea, and let’s get started.

Top Safari Destinations

Before getting into detail, you might be wondering where the best place African safari can be found. The tips provided in this article will relate to many African countries where excellent safaris can be experienced

While the majority of the African continent has a rich abundance of wildlife, the most popular safari destinations are in Southern and East Africa. The most popular countries for safari are South Africa , Botswana , Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Tanzania , Kenya , and Uganda.

The climates in most of these countries revolve around a dry season and a wet season. The dry season has very little rain with mild day temperatures and low night temperatures. On the other hand, the wet season is known for afternoon showers, temperatures over 30 degrees, and high humidity. You should always consider this general knowledge when making your African safari packing list, especially when selecting your clothes.

African Safari Packing List

While your choice of clothing depends on the time of your visit, there are essential items that you will always need.

General Tips

• The first tip on your African safari packing list is to have layers of clothing with you. The temperature will differ considerably from the morning to the late afternoon, and from afternoon to evening. Using layers of clothing ensures you will be prepared for the different temperatures throughout the day.
• The color of your safari clothes is also essential. If you are driving in open safari vehicles, your clothing will be visible to the wildlife around you. To avoid unnecessary attention from wild animals, bright colors are not recommended. Instead, you should go for natural or earth tones to blend in with nature.
• Whether you are in a safari vehicle, or on a walking safari, you need to protect your skin from three things – sunlight, dust, and insects. For this reason, we strongly advise that you wear long pants and long-sleeved t-shirts to cover your arms and legs fully. The lighter the weight of these clothes, the better.
• Hats, hats, hats!!! Mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun, and going out in the middle of the day with your head exposed to sunlight is the worst thing you can do. Make sure you bring a long-brimmed hat for maximum protection from the sun
• You should also bring a scarf to cover your nose and mouth if the road inside the game reserve is sandy and dusty.

For The Wet Season

• Protection from the frequent afternoon rains is the most important consideration when traveling during the wet or rainy season. You will need a good raincoat to protect yourself and your belongings from getting wet – an umbrella is not practical.

For The Dry Season

• If you are visiting destinations far from the Equator, you should be aware that their dry season has freezing nighttime temperatures. If you are going on an evening drive or an early morning safari, you should pack warm clothes.

For Bush Walks

• You will sweat along when walking in the African bush. You can prevent the uncomfortable effects of sweat by wearing thermal t-shirts and leggings that absorb the sweat and preserve your body temperature.

For Evenings

• Many safari lodges offer a barbecue and dinner in the bush. You can pack smart-casual clothes for such occasions.

You will need to pack different types of shoes if you want to try out multiple safari options.

• The bottom line is to bring reliable, comfortable shoes that are resistant to hard surfaces, water, and dust.
• You will need proper hiking boots for walking safaris as these tours often last for at least two hours and sometimes more. Furthermore, hiking trails have a lot of mud and rocks, meaning your hiking boots should protect your feet and ankles.
• If a boat safari in Okavango Delta is among your plans, we recommend that you wear comfortable sandals .

Toiletries and Medication – Essentials of African Safari Packing list

To fully enjoy your safari experience, you need to maintain your health and hygiene. Here is a list of essential items that you should bring.

• To protect yourself from germs, you must maintain your hand-hygiene by bringing lots of hand-sanitizers with you. 
• Almost all of the safari destinations in Africa have moderate to high risk of Malaria. Thankfully, you can consult your pharmacy for anti-malarial medication . You should have enough malaria pills to cover you throughout your trip, and for at least another week after your trip. Some countries require you to present proof of vaccination from other diseases such as yellow fever.
• It is a good idea to pack a basic medical kit for a variety of conditions that include heat stroke to an upset stomach and a cold.
• Exposure to high quantities of dust can harm your eyes. You should use eye-drops to protect them.
• Too much sunlight is harmful to the skin, especially in Africa where the sun is very strong. This is why you should have sunscreen with an SPF factor of 50.
• Besides anti-malarial pills, you can bring DEET-containing insect repellent . Furthermore, citronella oil has a scent that repels mosquitoes. 
• Most hotels and lodges in safari parks will provide basic toiletries, but you should still bring your own.

Tech and Gear

Let’s consider useful items that will make your trip more comfortable and enjoyable.

• Firstly, you need a good camera on your African safari packing list. The camera should have a high level of optical zoom (at least 20X). A camera without shutter delay is recommended to take shots when on the move.
• Once you start your safari journey, you will continuously want to take photos. You would be naive to think only one memory card is enough. Ensure you bring as many as possible, and if you can upload images to the cloud at the end of each day, this, too, makes sense.
• Binoculars are vital when looking out for the animals in the distance. While your tour guide will probably have spare binoculars for tourists, having your own is preferred.
• To keep your electronics charged at all times, make sure you have the batteries and adapters compatible with the country you are visiting. A multi-socketed charger will help you charge your devices simultaneously and save you a great deal of time. You can also bring a power bank for emergencies.
• Some campsites in national parks don’t have sufficient lighting at night. To be on the safe side, you can bring your torch or flashlight .
• You should bring sturdy hand luggage for the items you want to carry with you during game drives. 
• If it is your very first safari, it could be a good idea to bring an informative booklet about the wildlife of the country you are visiting. This will help you identify the animals you encounter. Likewise, you could bring a book for bird-watching .

Documentation in African Safari Packing List

Many African countries have visa-on-arrival or visa-free policies for citizens of Europe, the UK, the US, Canada, Australia, and many other countries. It is advisable to check the visa regulations before you travel. Nevertheless, always make sure your passport and a copy are available. Your passport should be valid for at least six months after the end of your trip.

Border Crossing

If you are crossing borders in Africa, you will need to provide documentation for the car you are driving, whether it is your own or a rental one and the driver. This documentation includes a valid international driver’s license, vehicle insurance valid for 90 days, vehicle registration documents, and a sticker of the country of the origin of the car.

Travel Insurance

It is natural to be concerned about the possibilities of unfortunate events happening during your African Safari. To have peace of mind, you should take out travel insurance from a reputable company such as World Nomads that will cover you in a variety of circumstances throughout your trip.

A safari trip to Africa is beneficial both for you as a tourist, and for the conservation of the wildlife funding by revenue from tourism. Being amongst wild animals with nothing but a car to protect you is a scary idea. Still, we can guarantee that your experience will be fantastic if you know what to have on your African safari packing list.

African Safari Packing List – FAQ

You shouldn’t pack clothes with very dark or very bright colors. Especially dark blue and black attracts many insects like tsetse fly.

We recommend sturdy, closed shoes, long-sleeved t-shirts, long pants, and a light jacket or a sweater.

We would not recommend this because the dirt and the dust on the road will make your white shirt very dirty.

Yes, you can. Don’t forget; it should have a light blue color, as dark blue attracts tsetse flies.

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What to Pack for Safari: The Ultimate Safari Packing List

The safari packing list below is based on our personal experience as well as the advice and recommendations from previous guests along with our partners in-country. follow the list and you won’t worry about leaving something behind or taking something that you won’t need on your african safari.  going gorilla trekking a complete list of trekking essentials is included at the bottom of this guide., safari clothing tips.

• Wear neutral colors : Khaki, light brown, green, and tan. White clothes will show up dust and dirt. Bright-colored clothing such as red makes you very conspicuous to the wildlife, especially on a walking safari.
• Dress casually: Safari only requires casual clothing unless specified (i.e. for luxury train journeys, etc.)
• Cover at night : Long sleeves and pants will help you stay warm and avoid mosquito bites
• Be comfortable : Clothing should consist of non-synthetic material. Cotton is ideal.
• Use the laundry service : Most camps/lodges offer laundry service but will not launder undergarments. Choose clothing that is easily laundered.
• Dress in layers : Zip-off sleeves and lots of pockets are a plus. Bring a jacket and scarf along on game drives as temperatures drop quickly once the sun goes down in the evening.
• Provide complete sun protection – especially for the back of your neck
• Gas permeable so the heat generated from your head can escape
• Be water-absorbent on the inside and waterproof on the outside, in order to absorb sweat and cover you if you get caught in the rain
• Light-neutral, unisex safari hat
• Dark-neutral, unisex safari hat
• SPF baseball cap
• Don’t over-pack : Choose lightweight clothing options whenever possible since packing space is at a premium.
• Safari shirt
• Hooded safari jacket
• Fleece zip-up jacket
• White button down/tunic
• Tank top with built-in bra
• Quilted lightweight jacket
• Quilted jacket option 2
• Pullover sweater
• Lightweight, water-resistant safari pants
• Lightweight SPF pants in khaki
• Convertable pants
• Linen drawstring pants
• Linen pants option 2
• High waisted leggings in green
• High waisted leggings in green option 2
• Athletic joggers in dark olive and brick red
• Breathable, moisture-wicking bra
• Moisture-wicking briefs
• Moisture-wicking thongs
• Ray-Ban Aviator
• Ray-Ban Wayfarer
• Maui Jim Cat-Eye
• Buff wrap to protect your face from dirt or to keep your hair out of your face
• Blanket scarf or shawl  to wrap yourself up on cold flights, chilly morning and evening game drives, and cover your shoulders in places with a strict dress code
• Bug repellent socks
• Fleece pullover
• Lightweight jacket
• Softshell water-resistant jacket
• Breathable short sleeve shirt
• Moisture-wicking tank top
• Zip-off safari pants
• Water-resistant hiking pants
• Moisture-wicking boxers
• Maui Jim Rectangle
• Ray-Ban Aviators

LUGGAGE ON LIGHT AIRCRAFT TRANSFERS

Most airfields are over 3,500 feet above sea level and are located in the warm tropics, thereby reducing the permissible carrying capacity.

• Weight restrictions on charter flights are limited to a soft “barrel” (duffle bag) with a maximum of 33 lbs (44lbs in parts of Southern Africa). This includes your day pack and camera gear. Weight limits are strictly enforced. Only soft bags, preferably without wheels, will be accepted. This includes camera equipment and hand luggage. Hard suitcases are not permitted . The maximum dimensions allowed are 10” W x 11” H x 24” L. Light aircraft baggage compartments are only 10” high, so the pilots must have the ability to manipulate the bag into the compartment.

• Water-resistant Travel Duffel with Wheels
• Small Travel Day Pack
• Slimmer Small Travel Day Pack
• Medium Canvas Day Pack

TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

• Place them in your checked luggage to keep track of your bags when flying to/from your destination
• Luggage tag
• Disposal shower caps
• Gallon freezer ziplock bags
• Adventure books
• Packing cubes are like drawers for your luggage
• Or this plug adaptor with a power strip to charge multiple devices at a time
• Travel-sized power strip to charge multiple devices at a time
• Nikon Prostaff 7s 10×42 Binocs

MEDICATIONS

Pack enough daily vitamins and prescribed medicine to last your entire trip. Keep your prescriptions in their original bottles and store them in your carry on bag. 

• Allergy remedy
• Rehydration salts like Liquid I.V.
• Pain reliever 
• Antiseptic cream
• Dramamine Natural Non-Drowsy
• Heartburn remedy
• Anti-diarrhea medicine
• Cold/flu tablets

Most accommodations provide basic toilet amenities (i.e. body soap, shampoo, conditioner). Any liquids and cream that go into your carry-on luggage must be in bottles of 3.4 ounces or less

• Travel toothbrush or toothbrush cover
• Toothpaste  and floss
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Men’s travel razor and shave cream
• Women’s travel razor and shave cream
• Sanitary requirements
• If you wear contacts, we recommend that you bring along a pair of glasses in case you get irritation from the dust.
• Face moisturizer
• Toner to cleanse your face of dirt
• Lip balm with SPF
• Insect Repellent

Travel Tip: If you’re transitting through the U.K., and you pack liquids in your carry-on bag, they must be placed in a single, transparent, resealable plastic bag, which holds no more than a liter and measures approximately 8in x 8in. Contents must fit comfortably inside the bag so it can be sealed. You’re limited to 1 plastic bag per person and you must show the bag at the airport security point.

PHOTOGRAPHY

• Nikon CoolPix P900
• Smartphone gimbal stabilizer 
• Lens cleaner
• Extra lens caps
• Microfiber cloth
• Bean bag (tripod substitute)

GORILLA TREKKING ESSENTIALS

• Garden gloves to push away tree branches and for gripping tree roots – you will be happy to have clean hands when taking photos.
• Long waterproof socks and gaiters to prevent cuts and scratches and protect from army ants.
• Men’s
• Women’s
• A lightweight, foldable backpack is necessary for carrying all your essentials.

WHAT NOT   TO PACK

• Several countries in East Africa have banned single-use plastic bags (this includes customary plastic duty-free bags). Zip-lock bags are acceptable.
• Camouflage clothing is not recommended for travel in southern African countries. Camouflage or military-inspired clothing is prohibited when traveling in Zimbabwe.
• Drones are prohibited at most camps.
• Many camps cannot support electricity for hair dryers.

• Jul 6, 2023

The Complete African Safari Vacation Packing List & Guide

You’ve dreamed of going on safari for the longest time and now it’s all in motion: you’re finally heading to the savannahs of the Serengeti, the sprawling crater floor of Ngorongoro, and the verdant jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Your sights are set and your flights are booked—now, what in the world do you pack for your African safari adventure? What are the list of essentials for your African safari? Well, we hear this question quite a bit, so it prompted us to create this thorough article on the subject matter.

Getting your safari packing list in order can feel like a daunting task, especially if this is your first safari. How to prepare for a trip to places like nowhere else on the planet?

Not to worry—the trip planners at Penwell Safaris can help you pick out everything you need to succeed in the wild landscapes of East Africa. From recommendations to restrictions, we’ll help you sort out what to put on your safari packing list, what to pack it all into, and what to leave behind.

Safari Travel Luggage & Baggage Requirements

We expect that it’s a big ol’ jet airliner that’ll carry you to East Africa. But once you’re here, you’ll be hopping from spot to spot in more compact quarters: journeying by jeep and lifting off in light aircraft. And as neither of those adventurous modes of transport are known for their luggage capacity, there are some considerations to keep in mind.

The first consideration is weight. Light prop planes can only lift so much between passengers and cargo, and strict regulations on luggage keep the whole kit and caboodle safely in the sky. There are some slight variations from country to country and plane to plane, but the general rule across East Africa is this: two bags per passenger (one stowed, one carry-on), and no more than 33lbs total luggage between the two.

The second part is the luggage itself—nothing with a rigid frame, hard shell, or wheels. In East Africa, you want things you can cram into tight compartments and toss into stuffed trunks. Plus, you want the grab-and-go ease of bags that you can lug about with minimal fuss and as few hands as possible—light hiking backpacks and rugged duffel bags are where it’s at. Restrictions on dimensions vary, but most medium to small bags will fit the bill. Aim for a form factor of 24 inches by 18 inches by 13 inches or smaller and you’ll be good to go.

The great news is that these two requirements combine well—if you’re leaving your standard roller suitcase at home, you’re freeing up about 10 pounds of weight. And it gets better: thanks to East Africa’s climate, you’re not going to need a great variety in your wardrobe. With a few sensible outdoors standards on your safari packing list, you’re all set to go out on the game drives.

For some additional information around airlines and their luggage size rules, here’s a list of the most common airlines traveling from the U.S. to East Africa and their respective baggage allowance travel guidelines:

• KLM / Royal Dutch Airlines

• British Airways

• Kenya Air

• Ethiopian Airlines

• Qatar Airways

East African Weather Climate and What to Expect on Safari

Your luggage choices are all sorted out—but what goes in those appropriately selected packs and sacks? For that, we need to have a little climate chat.

The Earth’s equator runs right through East Africa, which causes a unique seasonality. While you’ll hear November through March referred to as “summer” and May through August as “winter,” you’re also certain to hear time spans named with the more straightforward descriptors of “wet” and “dry” seasons.

Seasonality of East Africa Weather

In Kenya and Tanzania, June through October make up a reliably dry season of abundant sunshine and very little rain. Summery November to March means a mix of rain and sun, and March through May is a time of soaking rains and swampy humidity. You’ll encounter much the same in Uganda and Rwanda, with the exception that the expected rainy seasons start about a month earlier, and surprise rain showers can pop up just about any time of year—especially in the rainforests.

East Africa also boasts relatively stable temperatures thanks to its equatorial locale. It’s not unheard of for parts of northern Uganda to tiptoe over 100 degrees Fahrenheit during the hottest parts of July, nor for daytime temps along the Ngorongoro Crater rim to bottom out in the low 60s—but for the most part, year-round and across the whole area, daytime temperatures tend to bandy about the 70s and 80s. Nights and mornings are often about 20 degrees cooler. (As you’ll likely be out and about during those times, that’s something to take into account.)

Clothing to Pack for an African Safari

All of this adds up to needing about three or four outfits that can mix and match to cover a variety of fairly comfortable outdoor conditions. Let’s take a look at the particular must-haves that you’ll need for a safari in the summer months:

T-shirts & tank tops

Khakis and trousers (jeans in dry, winter months only)

A few pairs of shorts (if you’re a fancy-pants with fancy pants that are shorts AND trousers, this is your time to shine)

Comfy walking shoes for game walks, decent hiking shoes for hardier hikes

Flip-flops for your room and the pool—keeps the dirt outside and the changing simple

Bathing suit

A securely fastened sun hat or a baseball cap

Hoodie, fleece, pullover, and/or windbreaker for brisk evenings and mornings

One or two long-sleeve layers

A waterproof outer layer or two, like a sturdy poncho or a more technical shell layer

Underwear and socks! (ladies: you’ll want a sports bra)

A bandana for sun-screening and cooling or a light scarf for layering

Dust bags for cameras and binoculars

Those t-shirts, khakis, and shorts are the basics that will keep you happy, and the core around which you can customize your clothing for the specific whens and wheres of your safari. Summer months (November to March) and wet seasons (the same, but through May) require more attention to waterproofing and quick-drying clothing for inland areas. Sunnier and drier winters (June through October) mean leaner outfits overall but more layering to protect from sun and dust.

Should You Pack Nice/Dress Clothes for Safari?

If you want to dress to impress, knock yourself out and slip a stylish button-down into your ensemble. Mostly, you’re going to want to look properly prepared, which means following a few basic guidelines on top of the specifics.

Muted earth tones are your friends out in the bush. Bright and bold colors can sometimes draw reactions from the wildlife, whether it’s a spooked savannah zebra or a biting tse-tse fly attracted to your brilliant blue shirt.

Layering is key, and comfort is king. It’s totally normal to have a morning chilly enough for a fleece, an afternoon hot enough for tanks and shorts, and an afternoon rain shower. You want to be able to shed and don layers with ease to keep yourself comfortable while you’re away from camp.

Waterproof and quick-drying clothing are great at all times, and absolutely essential for wet seasons. The old hiking mantra of “cotton is rotten” is important to remember for underlayers like socks—wool is far superior to cotton for wicking moisture, whether it’s coming from you or the sky.

Recommended Safari Toiletries and First Aid Products

Sunscreen. Recommended SPFs for safari range on personal preference, but you’ll want at least SPF 20 to be safe.

Insect repellant. Up to 30% DEET for skin application. Consider permethrin-based products for clothing if you’re traveling in jungles or during humid, late-wet-season months.

A “travelers’ best friends” assortment of basic medications: antihistamines (e.g. Benadryl), anti-diarrheals (e.g. Imodium), anti-inflammatories (ibuprofen), anti-emetics (e.g. Pepto Bismol)

Band-aids, blister cushions, gauze

Cortisone cream and antibiotic ointment

Toothbrush and toothpaste, floss

Brush or comb

Nail clippers, file, and tweezers

Antacids, cough drops, earache drops

Saline solution for contacts (though we recommend wearing glasses where possible due to dust)

Finally, be sure to check with your physician for up-to-date and regionally specific medications like anti-malarial tablets and antibiotic measures like Z-Paks.

Gifts to Bring for African Locals

Over the years, our travel planners at Penwell have been asked so often about the possibility of bringing gifts to donate to children and hosts that we’ve dedicated a full blog post to the topic. For reference, here’s a short list of the best gifts to bring on safari:

Dental hygiene and first-aid products

Pencils, pens, crayons, and chalk

Notepads and notebooks

Toys like soccer balls, footballs, and board games

Household goods like clothes and linens

What NOT to Pack for an African Safari

For a variety of reasons, there are a few items that many travelers might tote along that just don’t jive well with the environments in East Africa. To stay on the safe side, leave these items at home.

Electric items with large power requirements like hairdryers. Most camps aren’t equipped to power such devices.

Camouflage clothing or military-style outfits or accessories. They can cause trouble in some situations and big trouble in some countries.

Plastic bags and single-use bottles. Frowned upon in most of East Africa, plastic bags are outright banned in Kenya and Rwanda for environmental reasons.

US currency printed before 2006. These older bills are simply not accepted in many places, customs included.

Get Packing for an African Safari Adventure!

Ready to start stuffing duffels and donning backpacks for your safari adventure? We can’t wait to get you out there for one life-changing experience after another. Be sure to check in with your Penwell trip planners for any specifics about your exciting destinations, and don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions you might have. Let’s write your safari story together.

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• Penwell Safari People
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• The Savvy Traveler’s African Safari Packing List

by Nichole | Last updated May 4, 2024 | Safari Packing List , South Africa

Aw, the African safari. No matter if it’s your first or tenth safari trip, the safari drive is exhilarating and new every time you set foot in that jeep. What you pack is very important in order to make your experience comfortable and memorable. My husband and I have done two safaris: one in Chobe in Botswana and one in Lion Sands in South Africa . Here are my ultimate 24 items on my safari packing list that I was glad I had.

* Some of the links in this post contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. All recommendations are from first-hand experience that I feel will deliver value to you! Thank you for your continued support.

FOLLOW & SHARE WITH A FRIEND!

01- Lightweight Safari Clothes

02- safari scarf , 03- safari hat, 04- safari shoes , #1- saucony trail runners, #2- rothy's slip on sneaker, #3- cole haan flynn sandal, 05- light travel jacket, 06- polarized sunglasses, 07- bathing suit , 08- lots of underwear, 09- small daypack, 10- binoculars, 11- soft-sided suitcase, 12- poncho or rain jacket , 13- deet + permethrin, 14- quick-drying travel towel, 15- best camera your money will buy, 16- dslr lens, 18- sunscreen with zinc oxide, 19- water bottle + gatorade packets, 20- disinfectant wipes, 21- medicine cabinet, imodium + azithromycin, malaria pills, motrin + tylenol, allegra + benadryl, topical steroid + low-dose steroid pack, fabric bandages + bactroban ointment, 22- white noise machine, 23- female urinary device, 24- thank you notes, final thoughts , related content.

Safari packing list essentials: sporting our lightweight sun protective clothing at Chobe National Park

Struggling to figure out what to wear on your safari trip?

You are not alone. I had no clue where to begin. My initial searches showed all the same clothing. Khaki colors, lots of pockets, boxy styles. Blah.

Then I started searching for companies specializing in travel and outdoor activities like fishing, camping, and hiking. Ok, now I was on to something.

Look for lightweight, breathable, and sun protective clothing from stores like the ones below:

I have a whole article dedicated to the best safari clothing for women. The best safari shirts and pants are included PLUS multiple outfit examples.

Photographing a rhino while on a South Africa safari at Lion Sands River Lodge

Three reasons why you need to put a scarf (love the fun colors from Orvis !) on your safari packing list:

✔️    #1- WARMTH

Our morning safaris were cold!

It was in the mid-50s°F in the mornings when we went at the end of September. The Lion Sands River Lodge did provide warm blankets in our jeep, but you need to layer up!

The scarf comes in handy to give you that extra layer of warmth around your neck.

There was one very cool, windy morning, in particular, that I even contemplated if I should have brought my beanie and gloves.

Check the weather and consider a few more cold-weather accessories for your trip if it looks like it is going to be chilly.

✔️    #2- DUST

Remember, at least in South Africa, you are sitting in an open-top jeep fully exposed to the elements. If you get a little dusty, the scarf comes in handy to do a quick wipe-off.

It also doubles as a wipe for your camera lens if you need it.

✔️    #3- SUN PROTECTION

You will feel that sun on the back of your neck. The scarf also serves to protect your skin from UV radiation.

✔️   SCARF ALTERNATIVE

If you anticipate your safari location will include eating a lot of dust, consider a neck gaiter .

It is a piece of bunchy UPF 50 fabric that can be worn in multiple ways: a headband, neckerchief, face mask, hood, hair tie, and the list goes on.

It helps to block the sun, give you warmth, and keep dust off your face.

Wearing my safari hat and taking photos of elephants in Chobe National Park Botswana

Your skin will literally cook if you do not bring a hat.  Please put this on your safari packing list. There are so many great cute options out there.

One of my favorites is my packable J.crew hat . It “squishes” down nicely in my luggage. I’ve used it all over the Caribbean and for two African safaris: Chobe in Botswana and Lion Sands in South Africa.

Orvis Women’s Saddle Packable Felt Hat

Blundstone Chelsea Boots

Unless you are doing a walking safari or trekking through the forests of Rwanda looking for gorillas, you do not need clunky boots.

Most blogs will tell you that you need them.

I disagree.

Plus, why pay for something you are going to use once, and then it just sits in the closet?

I brought three pairs of shoes for our safari experience. Remember you need to pack light! Those little planes taking you to your safari destination are tiny and have weight limits.

Now, if you are doing a walking safari, then the Blundstone Chelsea boots pictured above are a great option.

Saucony Peregrine Trail Runners

Trail running shoes work great as part of your safari outfit. They are lightweight and have a little bit of tread for rougher terrain.

They can also double as a running shoe for the gym (if your lodge has one) or a spontaneous hike (if other locations like Cape Town are part of your itinerary). We also hiked Lion’s Head in Cape Town , so my trail runners worked out great for both situations.

The Saucony Peregrine is a great choice and comes in fun colors.

Rothy’s Slip On Sneaker in Sand 

Ok, so how does this fantastic shoe work into your safari outfit?

Sometimes my feet just needed a break from socks/trail running shoes (I hate wearing socks!).

I wore Rothy’s Slip On Sneaker on two days of our safari. If they get dusty, remember you can wash them! Also, they work out as a great shoe just lounging around the safari lodge.

The only time I would not wear these is if you are going on a walking safari or if you are going on an evening safari drive (the mosquitoes will find your ankles).

Cole Haan Flyn Sandal in Pecan Leather

My favorite super comfortable,  go-to travel sandal is my Cole Haan Flynn sandal . They feel like butter on my feet. Super comfortable. 

I wore these sandals around the safari lodge, going to the spa, and for dinners when I wanted to dress up an outfit a little bit. They were a great way to give your feet a break at the end of a long day.

Wearing my light down jacket with our safari ranger and tracker at Lion Sands River Lodge

Of course, the decision to bring a jacket will depend on the time of year you are going. When we went to South Africa in September, the mornings were chilly!

Layer, layer, layer.

Consider the REI lightweight down jacket that has a durable water resistant coating. 

Anatomie Kenya Safari Jacket

Another alternative I love that is comfortable and very stylish is the Anatomie Kenya Safari Jacket .

Wearing Ray- Ban sunglasses

Love polarized sunglasses!

They reduce eye strain and cut down the glare especially when you are looking for animals in the distance on your safari.

My favorites are from Ray-Ban . I did not take a photo of my sunglasses while on safari, so I included the one I took while we were in New Zealand. 

Swimming in Devil’s Pool at Victoria Falls on the Zambia side

If your safari lodge has a pool, don’t forget the bathing suit!

We did one of the most epic experiences I have ever done … swimming in Devil’s Pool on top of Victoria Falls , the world’s largest waterfall! So I was already planning on bringing a bathing suit.

When we were in Sabi Sands at the end of September, it was too chilly to swim in the lodge’s pool. Check the weather before you go.

ExOfficio Thong Underwear 

You may want to check with your safari lodge first before deciding on how much to bring.

The alternative is to bring a little packet of laundry detergent and hand wash them in the sink and air-dry.

PRO TIP: If you have a dermatologist, they will often have samples of hypoallergenic laundry detergent. Ask for a few samples. Great for travel.

There is a thing called “travel underwear.” My husband swears by the ExOfficio men’s boxer brief . It is made of quick-drying, breathable mesh fabric and has been treated with an odor-reducing antimicrobial treatment.

ExOfficio also makes chafe-free, high-performance women’s underwear.

Chalkley Treehouse at Lion Sands River Lodge in Sabi Sand

They are lightweight and come in multiple colors.

I used the daypack to carry my camera, lenses, GoPro, hat, sunscreen, sweatshirt, water bottle, binoculars, wet wipes, and a little brush. It is washable (wash on a delicate cycle and then air dry). This is important because it will be sitting on the bottom of the jeep floor and may get dirty.

I would not bring an expensive bag for the safari because of that reason.

I practice what I preach!

Using binoculars to scan the Chobe River in Botswana trying to find some animals

When we did a safari with Lion Sands River Lodge in Sabi Sand in South Africa, binoculars WERE provided.

So, check with your safari lodge first if they provide binoculars because that may be one less thing to bring!

Travelpro Platinum Magna 24 Expandable Rollaboard in Sienna

Why a soft-sided suitcase?

✔️    LIGHTWEIGHT

Safari vehicles do not have much space, and those little safari planes cannot carry too much weight.

We took South Africa Airlink from Cape Town to Skukuza Airport in Sabi Sand, and our weight limit was 20 kg (44 lbs). I have read some countries have an even lower weight limit of 15 kg (33 lbs).

If your safari lodge transport is one of the small propeller planes, then it is highly suggested to only bring a soft-sided duffel.

Some airports (like Skukuza Airport) allow you to store your main luggage for free and then you can transfer your “safari clothes” into a duffel for the small plane ride.

The plane we used to get from Cape Town to Lion Sands River Lodge via the Skukuza Airport was small, but it was not one of those small propeller planes.

South Africa Airlink Baggage Requirements

✔️    WHY I LOVE TRAVELPRO

I brought my trustworthy durable soft-sided Travelpro Platinum Magna Rollaboard that I have had since 2013. The name of the line has now changed from Platinum Magna to Platinum Elite.

The TravelPro brand is a flight crew favorite. It was even featured in the movie Up In The Air with George Clooney.

It also has a Lifetime Limited Worry-Free Warranty.  

I have traveled to 32 countries and have had to perform a repair only ONCE.

When I was wheeling my luggage around in Rome, I took it across several sections of cobblestone (oops, this was my fault) which damaged one of the wheels.

Because I had purchased from the Travelpro Platinum line, the wheels were covered under the lifetime warranty.

Weather is unpredictable. You never know when it may suddenly change and you end up soaked like what happened when we were hiking around Machu Picchu in Peru. Luckily, our guide was kind enough to provide ponchos for us.

This is a must on your safari packing list: Sawyer Permethrin spray and Repel Deet roll-on stick

Malaria does exist throughout Africa!

Forget the lemongrass, citronella, and mosquito bracelets. You will need the strong stuff. The travel clinic I saw before our trip advised a Deet concentration of 30%.

Higher concentrations of Deet do not mean it will work better but it will last longer.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Deet concentrations of 50% or higher do not offer a substantial increase in protection. CDC recommends 20% Deet or greater.

Now you can apply this bug spray in a lot of different ways: sprays, wipes, lotions, or a stick. My preferred method of applying is the roll-on stick or bug spray .

Why? Because it is portable, does not drip, and it will not get all over my fingers and hands.

The other way you can fight off these mosquitoes is by spraying Permethrin on your clothing and allowing it to dry. A lot of hikers swear by this ingredient.

The highly-rated Sawyer Premium Permethrin Insect Repellant can last up to 6 weeks or 6 washings. You can spray it on clothes and outdoor gear without damaging or staining them.

Other common-sense measures to avoid mosquito bites are wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, avoiding dusk and dawn if possible, and avoiding standing water where they like to breed.

Quick drying microfiber towel

Do not forget this safari packing list item: Canon Rebel DSLR

We bought a Canon Rebel DSLR camera and then just stopped using it because it was heavy and a pain to lug around.

Plus, the iPhone kept coming out with better and better cameras making it easy to get amazing shots while traveling.

However, I promise you that taking photos on your iPhone while on a safari will not cut it.

The safari is the one travel experience you do not want to leave your DSLR camera behind. A fair amount of shots you take will be from a distance, and you are going to need that telephoto lens.

After taking photos again with our DSLR camera , I was reminded of how I initially fell in love with this camera.

The photos you take are so crisp and sharp. I have included the same shot of two lionesses taken with both the iPhone and DSLR camera to show you the difference in what you can achieve. Pretty drastic if you ask me!

Canon DSLR: 2 lionesses chowing down on a giraffe while on a safari drive in South Africa

iPhone: Same shot but using an iPhone instead. You can see the iPhone photo becomes “grainy” with longer distances

We love the Canon Rebel camera, which is at an affordable, entry-level price point.

Canon camera lenses

We brought 3 lenses for our safari trip. As seen from left to right:

• Wide-angle lens
• Normal lens
• Telephoto zooms lens

Chalkley Treehouse: photographed with the Canon Rebel DSLR and wide-angle lens

The photo below (right) shows you how close up you can get (which is not very close!) with an iPhone without looking pixelated.

Telephoto Lens : Turtle hitching a ride on a hippo in Sabi Sand South Africa

iPhone : Turtle riding a hippo in Sabi Sand South Africa

The iPhone is ok at taking videos, but my GoPro definitely surpasses it in video quality. With its stabilization (important for bumpy jeep rides) and wide-angle views, it worked great for our safari drives.

As mentioned earlier, we had the unique opportunity to sleep under the stars in a treehouse at Lion Sands River Lodge in Sabi Sand, South Africa. I took awesome video footage of our treehouse experience with the GoPro.

In addition, I used it to film while hanging over Victoria Falls at Devil’s Pool in Zambia .

Elta MD UV Clear sunscreen

The African sun is no joke.

One of my favorite sunscreens is Elta MD UV Clear . It has zinc oxide that rubs in SHEER on the skin. It’s not oily, so don’t worry about breakouts.

This little skin protector should definitely be on your safari packing list!

Embrava water bottle and Gatorade low sugar packets

You do not want to get dehydrated and faint.

Safari drives are long (usually 3 hours in the morning and afternoon), and you will be sitting under the hot sun.

Bring a water bottle or ask if your safari lodge provides one for the drive. Our lodge, Lion Sands River Lodge, provided every guest with a water bottle for their use during their stay.

The other item I always take on trips is low-sugar Gatorade packets . They are great if you feel dehydrated or had a little too much wine the night before. Just add to water and shake.

I call it my “Hummingbird juice” because if I am feeling a little bit off, it usually perks me back up.

Purell Disinfectant Wipes

Even before the COVID-19 craziness started, we have always carried disinfectant wipes .

Great for plane rides, before and after eating, hiking, or for safari rides when you feel dusty and need to wipe off before you eat an energy bar for a snack. Don’t leave home without them.

My medicine cabinet I bring for trips

I tend to bring my own pharmacy for every trip, so I am prepared for all situations and ailments. The below items are what I personally included on my safari packing list.

But PLEASE CONSULT WITH YOUR DOC OF WHAT YOU SHOULD/SHOULD NOT TAKE.

Traveler’s diarrhea is no joke. Ask your travel clinic for an antibiotic in case it hits you, and you are stuck out in the middle of the African bush.

Also, I haven’t had to use Imodium often, but it comes in very handy if you are in an awkward scenario like sitting on a plane or a jeep for hours on end. Be prepared.

Travelan: my new travel friend 

I recently came across a new travel friend called Travelan . 

This pill MAY help PREVENT traveler’s diarrhea. I used it on a recent trip to Mexico City while doing our own street taco tour and never got sick. Pop a pill or two before a meal, and you’re good to go.

Placebo effect? I don’t know. All I can say is I didn’t get sick, and I usually end up puking/running to the bathroom once anytime we travel to a new country and eat new foods.

Here’s the NIH medical study if you are skeptical.

Unfortunately, I discovered this miracle worker after our trip to Africa. Luckily, I didn’t get sick while we were in South Africa.

There are several choices including Doxycycline, Malarone (Atovaquone-Proguanil), Mefloquine, and Tafenoquine.

Check with the travel clinic to see which one is right for you.

Consider asking your travel clinic for a topical steroid and a low-dose steroid pack if you are like me and get massive reactions to mosquito bites.

I tend to swell up and form huge blisters. It’s great to have these meds on hand if that mosquito happens to find that one inch of skin that is uncovered.

My husband travels internationally frequently and swears by melatonin for jet lag and insomnia.

I never took it until I developed severe insomnia right before our Africa trip. Looking back, I was probably not sleeping because I was worried about our upcoming activities which included swimming in Devil’s Pool on top of the world’s largest waterfall and shark cage diving with great white sharks.

Melatonin was my saving grace not only for my insomnia before this trip but also for jet lag.

Luckily, the safari experience was at the end of our trip, so we had already acclimated to the time zone. But it certainly helped at the beginning of our trip that we started in Victoria Falls.

Also, do not get the “budget” bandaids.

Bandaids are like toilet paper; you’re going to notice if you opt for the cheap stuff.

My LectroFan white noise machine twisted closed

My LectroFan white noise machine twisted open to reveal the Bluetooth speaker

I get it. Most travelers will think this is a weird item to have on an ultimate safari packing list, and some may think this item is a little diva-ish.

That is ok. I am going to tell you why this makes #22 on the list.

The older I get, the more I realize how important a good night’s sleep is. When I was in my 20s, I could pull all-nighters and bounce back the next day. Not anymore.

Need to drown out the street noise from the Airbnb you just rented right next to the highway? What about the noisy neighbor above you in your condo? Or what about trying to muffle the roaring from the lion who has decided to alert everyone he is there?

And this is where my favorite travel product comes into the picture. Weighing only 3.6 ounces, LectroFan  is my best sleeping buddy.

It also has a BlueTooth speaker, which you can sync with your smartphone to play your favorite music.

And, yes I used this amazing machine in our safari lodge! Thanks to the LectroFan, I was able to feel rested when I got that 5 am wake-up call from our safari guide letting us know to get ready for the morning safari!

Freshette Urinary Device

As I started to pack, I began to think how in the world does a female go to the bathroom while out “in the bush?”

When I performed a quick Google search, I found there is a contraption called a f emale uri nary device .

It is a funnel-shaped device that forms a seal so you can urinate without it going down your leg. You can use it camping, at concerts, and even on safari!

I have not used one, but a kind reader highly recommended the Freshette brand and said the hard plastic is better than the flexible device.

I decided I was not going to the bathroom on our safari drive. I accomplished this by hydrating like crazy 1 hour before our safari drive (so I would not get dehydrated). Then I went to the restroom one more time at the lodge before getting on to the jeep.

Then I was nice and comfortable. I still don’t get how females use the restroom in the trees when camping without urinating down their legs. More power to you!

Thank you note cards

Your safari guide and tracker puts in long hours. They get up well before you do and go to bed after you.

They spend 6+ hours with you sharing a wealth of information and finding some of the most amazing wildlife you will ever encounter.

I know the safari lodges cost a small fortune, but consider showing a little love and appreciation by writing a short thank you note  and providing an appropriate tip.

It will be much appreciated by the staff.

Wow, you got through my ultimate safari packing list! Well done. If you are like me, I had no idea before my first African safari what items made sense to bring and what items to leave.

I really hope this detailed article helps you navigate that process. Enjoy this incredible life experience!

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Any African safari packing list items that I missed? Questions on what to bring?

Let me know in the comments below!

Love your style and information! Heading to South Africa and 3 safaris next month, now I know what to bring! Thank you!

Just a quick note about female urinary devices, I have tried them all, the only one that works is hard plastic NOT flexible, Freshette brand is the ONE!I use it camping all the time! Game changer!

Oh wow, 3 safaris! So jealous. Please report back what you thought and have an amazing trip!

Thank you for the feedback on the device. I updated the post with your recommendation. I’ll definitely have to give it a try now.

Enjoy your trip! 🙂

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What to pack for safari in Africa? Detailed Safari Packing Guide

Neutral-colored safari -style clothing and camera gear are a must to pack for a safari, but what else and what do you have to take into account while packing for an African safari ? In this complete safari packing guide, I share exactly what to pack for a safari in Africa . It helps you choose what to wear on safari, what not to wear, and which safari essentials are important to bring on a game drive . It also includes a complete African safari packing list  and practical information to get prepared for your safari trip, like important travel documents, appropriate safari clothing, shoes, handy gadgets, electronics, and type of camera.

Important travel documents in preparation for your African safari

It is crucial that you prepare all the necessary travel documentation (print or digital) before you hop on a plane to your African safari destination. Your travel document checklist should include your passport  (valid for at least 6 months after arriving back home), visas  if needed, airline tickets , vaccination certificates (Yellow Card), insurance documents, accommodation vouchers, car-rental reservation forms, and an international driver's license if necessary.

Visas for Sub-Saharan Africa

Many Sub-Saharan countries in Africa require a visa to enter . Check the visa requirements of your African travel destination (s) and make sure if you need a visa, what kind of visa, and how to apply for a visa. More and more countries want you to apply online, in advance, while other African countries ask you to pay cash on arrival. Most countries accept US Dollars, printed after 2009 and in good condition.

Check the local currency of the African country you're planning to visit. To most accepted foreign currencies are the US Dollar and the Euro. Bring US Dollar bills if you need a visa on arrival. I would always recommend taking a credit card and cash money. Don't exchange money with locals on the street. It’s illegal and risky. I would recommend withdrawing local cash money at an ATM machine upon arrival or exchanging your own currency at an exchange office. Cash is king in Africa as power cuts or blackouts are normal and you can't pay with your bank or credit card everywhere. Cash is also handy for souvenir shopping and tipping guides and general staff as tipping is common in Africa and very much appreciated by the locals.

Vaccination certificates

Required vaccinations vary per country in Africa. Most African destinations require Hepatitis A and Yellow Fever . If you’re traveling in an area with a risk for malaria, consider taking anti-malarial tablets. My best and only advice is to plan a consult with a medical travel clinic, 4-6 weeks before departure, to know exactly what’s needed for your safari trip.

Make sure your International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP), also known as the Yellow Health Card , is updated with the recommended vaccines (including the date and validity of the vaccine, stamp, and signature of the doctor). It's an official vaccination report created by the World Health Organization (WHO) and is basically a kind of medical passport that is internationally recognized to enter certain countries with health risks for travelers. Personally, I've been asked for my Yellow Health Card only once during all my Africa travels and it was about the Yellow Fever certificate.

Depending on the government regulations you either need a COVID-19 vaccination certificate, a negative COVID-19 PCR test result , or a recovery certificate. For details about the latest COVID-19 regulations, it’s advised to visit the official websites of the country you are traveling to and the airline you are flying with.

Checklist of important travel documents to bring on safari

• Valid Passport (required to be valid for another six months after returning)
• Visa (if needed)
• Airline ticket(s)
• Vaccination certificates / Yellow Health Card
• COVID-19 proof of vaccination, negative (PCR) test result, or recovery certificate
• Insurance documents
• Accommodation vouchers
• Car rental reservation forms
• International driver’s license (if needed for a self-drive)
• Bankcard, credit card
• Cash money, also in the local currency (withdraw money on arrival: it’s not always possible to pay by card plus it's useful for tips)
• Photocopy of your passport

What clothes to wear on an African safari?

The best safari clothing is comfortable, lightweight, and durable. That’s necessary to adapt to the environmental conditions in Africa like heat, moisture, dust, and insects. The best clothing for an African safari offers sun and anti-insect protection and dries quickly. It’s advised to pack neutral colors, like earth tones.

Best colors to wear on Safari

Khaki, brown, sand, and green are the best colors to wear on safari . Neutral-colored earth tones work best to become part of the African bush. Dark clothes like black and blue attract heat, biting tsetse flies, and other insects. Colors you should not wear on safari are too bright or neon colors can scare the animals away. Avoid camouflage clothing, as in some African countries it’s worn by military personnel only. Also, avoid busy patterns as you don't want to draw the attention of the wildlife to you.

Wear layers on your game drive

The weather in Africa can change very quickly. It can be cold and windy in the morning, and hot during the day, plus you can always be surprised by an African rain shower. For that reason, wear layered safari clothing on your game drive and bring a hat and scarf. Wearing lightweight pants (or zip-offs) and a long sleeve light-weight blouse also helps with extra protection from insect bites and the sun. Roll up your sleeves or zip off your pants if it gets warmer.

  RELATED: I also wrote a guide to game drives including 15 things to know about going on a game drive in Africa .

Safari clothes for women

Finding suitable safari clothing for women can be challenging because the clothes made for safari are often focused on men but sold as unisex. I definitely get that most women like to pack stylish safari clothing, but do realize your safari clothing still needs to be comfortable. Imagine going to the bush toilet on a game drive and you’re wearing a jumpsuit, or you need to climb in the vehicle with a short skirt. You get the point.

RUGGEDWEAR’s Tayla Jane Range

Women should definitely check out RUGGEDWEAR’s Tayla Jane Range . The clothes offer exceptional comfort, breathability, rapid drying, and a fashionable appeal. It’s one of my favorite safari clothing brands for women with the Parka as my fave item.

I also always make sure to pack RUGGEDWEAR’s blouses when I go on safari. Thanks to the breathable material, I can comfortably wear them for multiple days in a row without worrying about unpleasant odors. Plus, these clothes require no ironing after washing, and even dirt, such as mud, can be easily removed, making them a convenient and essential choice for my journeys.

Colmar for urban styles, and outdoor activities

The luxury Italian clothing brand Colmar primarily specializes in outdoor skiwear. However, their high-quality clothes are also well-suited for safari adventures. Colmar's commitment to durability, protection from the elements, functionality, breathability, and the versatility of layering make their clothing an excellent choice for both skiing and safaris.

My favorite Colmar item is this casual lightweight jacket with a fixed hood. It's convenient, comfortable, and made of thermal and water-repellent material. The side pockets and a practical adjustment drawstring make the jacket feminine and functional for safari.

Safari Clothing List

Below is a safari clothing list to use as a guideline for your safari trip. Most lodges or accommodations offer a laundry service at a small rate or even free of charge. My advice: pack light and make use of the laundry service. It’s also a great way to support (local) employees.

• 5-6 neutral-colored shirts and/or tops
• 2 long sleeve safari blouses (light and breathable)
• 2 sand or khaki-colored shorts
• 2-3 light-weight long trousers (optional are zip-offs)
• a light jacket like a soft shell (water- and windproof, luxury lodges provide ponchos on their game drives)
• One fleece or warm vest
• Scarf or buff/bandana (handy for colder drives as well as protection from the sun)
• 4-6 pairs of neutral-colored socks
• Underwear (take enough for 5-7 days, then do your laundry)
• Swimsuit or swim shorts for the lodges that have a pool
• Safari hat (I love Rogue Hats, but any neutral-colored hat is fine)
• Stable safari shoes and flip-flops
• Gaiters (for walking safaris )
• Sport-bra for women
• Ziploc bags to keep your dirty laundry separate from clean safari clothing

Formal evening wear

Formal evening wear is not necessary on safari, as most safari lodges and camps have a casual safari-style dress code . Some people like to change before they go to dinner. However, in reality, almost no one is going to their room to freshen up after the afternoon game drive as you arrive back in the dark. Most of the time you have a drink at the fire when returning from the game drive and go for a cozy Boma dinner straight after. On my first safari in Africa, I went back to the room to have a shower and change but I learned quickly that most people stay around the fire after the game drive, have dinner and go to bed early because of the early start.

I've had several safaris in various African countries. There were times I also packed two dresses but in reality, I almost never wore them. Sometimes around the camp in between the two game drives. It obviously depends on the kind of safari trip you're doing, but if you are in a lodge doing two game drives per day you usually wear suitable safari clothing for game drives. If you also visit a city during your safari trip, like Cape Town, I would also pack one or two dresses.

What shoes to pack for safari in Africa?

On a safari in Africa, you need to bring sturdy footwear. Hiking boots or hiking shoes aren’t always necessary and take up a lot of space in your suitcase or backpack. If your safari trip includes walking safaris or hikes, do bring hiking shoes or trail shoes that provide enough grip and protect you from thorns.

Otherwise, comfortable, closed, and sturdy shoes are more than enough. If you are in an area with lots of insects or snakes, a higher-rise boot is recommended, or wear gaiters for extra protection. For me, insects and thorns are the main reason why I prefer to wear closed safari footwear on a game drive plus you are better protected during comfort breaks, coffee stops, and the afternoon sundowner . Normal sneakers are not the best option as thorns go straight through these soles.

Safari Shoes

My favorite safari shoes are the Authentic South African Veldskoen boots . Veldskoen boots are handmade and stitched in South Africa and often worn by local field guides. Choosing a Veldskoen means comfort and style. It will definitely complete your safari outfit. Apart from closed shoes, bring a pair of flip-flops or sandals to wear around the camp.

Safari First aid kit and toiletries

Professional medical care isn't always close when on safari. For that reason, it’s important to be prepared for medical issues. Your guide or tour operator will always have a first aid kit available. However, it’s advisable to bring a basic medical kit yourself. The most basic and crucial medical safari essentials are insect repellant, after bite, anti-malarial tablets, painkillers, and blister band Aids. In case you have any medical issues or if you use any medicines, it’s necessary to inform your guide on forehand.

Your first aid kit for safari should contain:

• Prescription medicines / Antibiotics (if you currently take any)
• Malaria medication (if necessary)
• Paracetamol or other painkillers
• Anti-diarrhea pills for food poisoning
• Oral Rehydration Salts in case of diarrhea or dehydration
• Anti-histamine for allergic reactions
• Cough drops
• Insect repellant (eco-friendly)
• Lavender essential oil (functions as after bite and many more purposes like a good night of sleep)
• Pads for blisters

Other toiletries to pack for your safari:

• Soap, shampoo, conditioner
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss
• Feminine hygiene products
• Contact lenses and fluid
• Wet wipes (handy on camping trips or long drives)
• Lip balm for the dry air
• Face mask and hand sanitizer
• Hand and body lotion
• Shaving kit or razor

What camera gear should I bring on safari?

Having the most expensive camera doesn’t mean you’ll shoot the best photos because whatever camera you bring on safari, it’s critical to know how to use it. You will be disappointed if you invested a lot of money in camera gear and your pictures are too dark or blurry.

If you do know how to use a camera or if you have the time and motivation to learn how to use a camera, I would advise bringing a DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) camera with exchangeable lenses. The best zoom lenses for wildlife photography are in the range of 200-600 mm with a minimum of 200mm zoom to capture wildlife.

As a travel and wildlife photographer, I always bring different zoom lenses to photograph wildlife and a more wide-angle lens to capture Africa’s gorgeous landscapes, for example, the Canon 16-35mm 2.8.

To practice and learn how to use your camera, you can read the instruction manual, watch some tutorials on YouTube, take a class, and most importantly practice with different settings and conditions before departure. If you don’t have the time, motivation, or skills to learn how to take (better) photos with a DSLR, then save your money and enjoy the experience on its own.

You can try to take photos with your smartphone. Nowadays, the cameras on smartphones are pretty good, but you will definitely lose quality when you try to zoom in with your smartphone camera. Important to know about photographing in Africa is that it is considered rude in African culture to take photos of people without asking them first.

Packing list for camera gear on safari

I would suggest bringing the following camera gear on safari:

• A DSLR camera plus a long-range zoom lens (70-300 mm, 28-300 mm, 18-400 mm). If you bring a camera with a long-range zoom, you don’t need to switch lenses or bring different bodies
• Memory cards (plenty)
• Cleaning equipment (it will be dusty, so bring cleaning cloths)
• Charger (you don’t want to run out of battery)
• Extra batteries
• Rain cover or towel (to protect your camera from rain, dust, and moist)
• Ziplock bags (to protect equipment from dust)

Curious about the photography equipment I use? Check out my photography gear collection .

For the more advanced photographers , I recommend bringing:

• An extra body
• Different lenses (wide angles lenses, zoom lenses, etc.)
• A tripod to photograph the beautiful night sky or a monopod for extra stability on your game drives
• Camera remote
• External hard drive
• A sensor cleaner and blower brush (important when you often change lenses)
• Filters (optional)

In case you are interested in a photography-focussed safari, you might want to read my blog about planning a photo safari in Africa, including 7 essential tips to consider before booking your photography safari .

Electronics to pack for safari in Africa

Power can be limited in the bush, but there are some must-have safari gadgets, like your camera, batteries, and phone that require frequent charging. In Africa, you sometimes need to deal with power cuts or blackouts .

The location or type of accommodation can influence the availability of power. Some budget accommodations or eco-lodges only offer solar lights in the tents, no individual plug-in options, and use time slots for power . In those accommodations, a shared charging station is usually available in the main building. Most mid-range or luxury accommodations have charging stations in the room or tent. Africa uses 220-240 volt electricity at 50hz. Check which plug converter is needed for the country you're traveling to.

I always bring my own solar energy source because I use a lot of technology on safari. One of my favorite safari essentials is the WakaWaka Solar Panel combined with the Power 10 . It’s one of the most powerful solar panels and power bank-combination that can charge up to five electronic devices at once. In Africa, it is relatively easy to make use of the sun for energy, and it’s also sustainable! Other electronics I usually pack for safari are a headlamp, a torch, and my laptop for photo editing.

Useful electronics to pack for safari are:

• A solar power panel
• A portable Power Bank (to charge devices in lodges without electricity or during the game drives)
• Torch and/or headlamp (very useful in the evening and night)
• Mobile phone unlocked for international use (you can buy a local sim card on arrival)
• Charger for your phone, including charging cables
• Tablet or laptop plus charger (for a game, writing, or photo editing)
• An e-reader (optional for free time in between game drives)
• International plug converter
• Optional travel hairdryer, however, most lodges have hairdryers in the room

Safari essentials

To complete your safari packing list, there are a few safari essentials you should not forget, like binoculars , and a  thermal water bottle . When I pack my bag for safari, I won’t leave my Celestron TrailSeeker Binocular and my Stanley coffee percolator . Those are two of my favorite safari essentials. Other practical things to bring on safari are bird and animal books.

Other important essentials you should bring on a safari in Africa:

• Carry-on daypack for your game drives
• Thermal water bottle
• Stanley coffee percolator (if you're a coffee lover like me)
• Snacks if the usual meals a day are not enough
• a small notebook and pen (or use your notes on the phone)
• waterproof dry bag to keep important stuff or electronics away from water, sand, and dust
• Bird and animal checklist or book (or use apps like the Roberts Bird App to document and read about sightings)

The complete safari packing guide

After reading this complete safari packing guide , you know exactly what to pack for safari in Africa. I recommend using packing cubes to organize your bag. For traveling in Africa it's advisable to travel with a soft bag or suitcase. Charter flights to for example airstrips in the Maasai Mara have a maximum weight allowance and not a lot of space to store heavy hard suitcases.

If this packing guide is helpful for you, you could help me in return by sharing the link of this article on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter or pinning it on Pinterest for your future safari trip to Africa. Have a great safari in Africa!

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The Ultimate Safari Packing List

All the clothing, shoes, and accessories you need for your safari adventure.

In This Article

Packing Checklist for a Safari

• What to Know

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure / David Hattan

A safari tour is a bucket-list vacation for many travelers — and it's a type of trip that requires a bit of specialized packing. After all, you can't just pop by the store to pick up any forgotten items when you're in the bush.

While camps might have some spare supplies that you can borrow, it's important to head into this journey as prepared as possible. That's why we spoke to experts to put this broad safari packing list together, covering the essentials for clothing, shoes, accessories, and bags (because you might not be able to bring your normal suitcase!). And we've even tested a number of the products ourselves.

Use this guide to gather everything you'll need for your safari trip, and also be sure to pack other typical travel essentials, such as your passport and other necessary documents, toiletries, and more.

Here's everything you need to pack for a safari with our top pick for each item. Use this as a checklist and read more about each of our specific recommendations below.

• Best Long-sleeved Shirt: Columbia Men's and Women's PFG Tamiami II Long-sleeve Shirt at Columbia
• Best Short-sleeved Shirt: L.L. Bean Men's and Women's Tropicwear Shirt, Short-sleeve at L.L. Bean
• Best Pants: REI Co-op Men's and Women's Sahara Convertible Pants at REI
• Best Warm Layer: Patagonia Men's and Women's Better Sweater Fleece Jacket at REI
• Best Rain Jacket: Marmot Men's and Women's Precip Waterproof Rain Jacket
• Best Hiking Boots: Merrell Men's and Women's Moab 3 Mid
• Best Trail Runners: Allbirds Men's and Women's Trail Runners SWT at Allbirds
• Best Sandals: Birkenstock Gizeh EVA Sandals

Gear and Accessories

• Best Hat: Tilley LTM6 Airflo Broad Brim Hat at REI
• Best Binoculars: Athlon Optics Midas G2 UHD 8x42 at Amazon
• Best Sunscreen: Babo Botanicals Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
• Best Sunglasses: Smith Caper Sunglasses with Chromapop
• Best E-reader: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite at Amazon
• Best Adapter: Mingtong International Travel Adapter at Amazon
• Best Bug Spray: Sawyer Products 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent

Luggage and Bags

• Best Carry-on Duffel: Patagonia Black Hole 40L Duffle Bag
• Best Checked Duffel: Briggs & Riley ZDX 27” Medium Upright Duffle
• Best Daypack: Gregory Swift 22 H20 Backpack

Best Clothing

"When it comes to safari clothing, bear in mind the Three Cs: Color-sensitive, casual, and comfortable," says Micato Safaris advisor Liz Wheeler, a member of Travel + Leisure's A-List.

Color is particularly important. "Stick to neutral colors like khaki, light brown, gray, stone, and tan, which blend in with the colors of nature," says Richard Avilino, a private guide with Wilderness Safaris . You also might want to skip white — it's not ideal for the dusty conditions of most safari landscapes. As for colors to avoid, Wheeler advises to skip "flamboyantly bright colors, particularly reds, which can actually scare off the safari animals." She also advises against darker colors like dark blue, which can attract flies.

In terms of fabrics, opt for materials that will keep you cool, like cotton or moisture-wicking synthetics. Anything quick-dry is a great idea, particularly if you plan on doing laundry during your safari. "If you are in remote camps, all laundry will be done by hand and air-dried, so quick-dry is handy," says Andy Hogg, founder of the Bushcamp Company.

Fortunately, most safari lodges offer laundry services — which are frequently complimentary — so you can get away with packing light. Here's our recommended wardrobe.

Best Long-sleeved Shirt

Columbia columbia men's and women's pfg tamiami ii long-sleeve shirt.

A long-sleeve shirt might be the most crucial part of your safari wardrobe. Though most safari destinations can get pretty hot during the day, long-sleeve shirts are ideal as they provide extra protection from both the sun and insect bites. Plus, it often gets fairly cold in the morning and at night, so being able to roll your sleeves down is a bonus. We love this long-sleeve shirt because it's quick-dry and moisture-wicking with mesh ventilation in the back for extra cooling.

Best Short-sleeved Shirt

L.l. bean l.l. bean tropicwear shirt, short-sleeve.

If you really can't stand the idea of wearing long sleeves on safari, don't worry. Short-sleeve shirts are acceptable, too! This wrinkle-free shirt is made with UPF 50+, providing you with extra sun protection. You can toss your sunglasses in one of the two chest pockets, and you can clean them with the microfiber wipe inside the front shirttail. A bonus: This shirt is stretchy for extra comfort.

REI Co-op Sahara Convertible Pants

Safari pants are something of a personal choice — you want to wear something that feels most comfortable to you. "Some guests like the novelty and convenience of those nylon pants with the nifty zip-off legs," Wheeler says. "If you do make that fashion choice, practice zipping the legs on and off before you go. I’m serious! It’s just one of those things that’s not for everybody." If you do decide to go the convertible route, we recommend this pair of pants, which are made from water-repellent nylon and have plenty of pockets for gear.

Best Warm Layer

Patagonia better sweater fleece jacket.

At night, it often gets fairly cold on safari, so it's essential to pack a warm layer for evenings and early-morning game drives. This full-zip Patagonia fleece, which is made from 100 percent recycled polyester, has a sweater-knit exterior that's ideal for dusty conditions on safari — it doesn't trap as much dust as fuzzier models. It has three zippered pockets, including a chest pocket for stashing your binoculars, phone, or hand warmers if you need them.

Best Rain Jacket

Marmot precip rain jacket.

If you're going on safari during the wet season, toss a packable rain jacket into your duffel. This jacket, which folds into its own pocket, has a hood that can be rolled into the collar as well as a soft lining on the chin to prevent chafing. While many rain jackets trap body heat, this is a particularly breathable one, made from Marmot's proprietary NanoPro nylon. It also has zippers in the armpits for extra ventilation and more flexible movement. We found that though this jacket feels deceptively thin, it's extremely adept at repelling water. But if you're looking for warmth, definitely wear a layer underneath.

Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim

Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson

Many safari operators issue weight limits for your baggage, which is often due to the small bush planes you take to get between remote camps. As such, you'll want to avoid overpacking, and cutting down the number of shoes you bring is an easy way to save space. Two essential pairs? Hiking boots or trail runners (for walking safaris or trekking along trails) and sandals (for comfortably lounging at your lodge for the day).

Best Hiking Boots

Merrell waterproof hiking boots.

Hiking boots aren't always necessary on safari, as most game drives don't involve much walking. But if you're on a walking safari or if your lodge has hiking trails, you'll want to pack appropriate footwear. This mid-height pair provides enough ankle support without being too bulky, and we found them to be solidly waterproof — key if you're trekking through a muddy area. They're also fairly lightweight, so they won't take up too much of your precious weight limit in your bag. If you're going to bring hiking boots on safari, make sure to break them in first. "Don’t buy new ones right before the trip," Hogg says. No one wants to develop blisters while on safari!

Best Trail Runners

Allbirds trail runners.

Trail runners are an excellent alternative to a full-on hiking boot, as they're lightweight and require less breaking in. This pair weighs just 12.36 ounces (compared to more than 2 pounds for the Merrell hiking boots), yet they're still waterproof and have macaroni-shaped treads for traction. We also love the sock-like collar that helps keep dust and debris out of the shoe. Plus, these trail runners come in a variety of colors, many of which are safari-friendly.

Best Sandals

Birkenstock gizeh eva sandals.

Birkenstock 

Sandals or flip-flops are perfect for lounging around camp during the day, especially if there's a pool. If you're a fan of classic cork Birkenstocks, give this pair a go. They're made from lightweight EVA, a soft, springy plastic that is shock-absorbing and waterproof, so they're super easy to rinse off if they get dusty. And you can wear them with socks if it gets cold (if you don't mind making that style decision).

Travel + Leisure / Karen Chen

Best Gear and Accessories

Must-haves for your time out on safari include binoculars for spotting faraway animals; sunscreen, sunglasses, and insect repellent for protection; and also a travel camera for capturing memorable moments. Also, think about the things you'll need outside of safari time, such as an adapter suitable for your destination and an e-reader to pass the time between drives.

Tilley LTM6 Airflo Broad Brim Hat

The sun is your worst enemy on safari, which is why all safari experts advocate for bringing a hat. "You’d be surprised how often guests forget to pack a hat or just don’t want to because hats seldom fit gracefully into luggage," Wheeler says. "But a great safari hat with a generous brim is pretty essential on the sunny plains. A ball cap is better than nothing, but sadly only does half the job unless you relentlessly flip it." This hat has a UPF 50 rating, providing great sun protection. It also has mesh ventilation to keep you cool.

Best Binoculars

Athlon optics midas binocular.

While it'd be lovely if all wildlife sightings happened within feet of your safari vehicle, the reality is that many sightings will be a bit more distant, which makes great binoculars a necessity. This pair has 8x magnification and a 42-millimeter objective lens diameter, which is what many experts recommend for general use. They're also extremely durable — they're waterproof and fogproof with rubber armor coating. But before going out to buy your own binoculars, check with your safari operator to see if they provide them for guests, which could save you precious space and weight in your luggage.

Best Sunscreen

Babo botanicals sheer mineral sunscreen lotion spf 50.

Even if you're wearing a wide-brim hat and a long-sleeve shirt, you should still take care to protect any exposed skin with a good sunscreen . While many mineral sunscreens can be rather thick, which leads to patchy application, we found this one to be buttery smooth and more like a true lotion. And though it initially left a slight white cast after application, this disappeared after a few minutes. With an SPF 50 rating, 80-minute water resistance rating, and no added fragrances, we think this is a top pick for skin protection — especially for those with sensitive skin. Make sure you reapply regularly! If you still end up getting sunburned, try an after-sun lotion with cooling ingredients like aloe.

Travel + Leisure / Melody Chiu

Best Sunglasses

Smith caper sunglasses with chromapop.

Smith Optics

Pair your safari hat with sunglasses for maximum viewing comfort during a game drive. While we're fans of the classic shape, it's really the Chromapop lenses that are a standout — they enhance contrast and boost natural color, making the landscape (and wildlife!) even more vivid than you'd see with the naked eye. They're also smudge- and moisture-resistant, which means they're easy to clean in the bush. Perhaps most importantly, the sunglasses never budged when we wore them, so you don't have to worry about them flying off as your safari vehicle makes its way down bumpy roads. You can also order these sunglasses in your prescription.

Travel + Leisure / Lydia Price

Best E-reader

Amazon kindle paperwhite signature edition.

Game drives typically happen in the morning and the late afternoon, when the temperatures are a little cooler and animals are more active. In the middle of the day, you'll likely have a bit of downtime at your safari lodge . Bring an e-reader to help pass the time. Amazon's Kindle Paperwhite has 8 gigabytes of storage, plus a 10-week battery life, making it a traveler's best friend. It's also waterproof, so don't fear splashes by the pool. (That said, it's not designed to be used underwater — it's waterproof for "accidental immersion" only.)

Best Bug Spray

Sawyer products 20% picaridin insect repellent.

Mosquitos can carry some pretty unpleasant diseases that affect humans, from malaria to yellow fever. Certain areas of Africa are known to have mosquito populations that carry these diseases, so it's crucial to protect yourself from their bites. Beyond medication and vaccines, insect repellent is a helpful tool to do so. While DEET is the chemical best known to keep mosquitoes away, it can often be oily on the skin. Picaridin, which you'll find in this repellent, has been proven to be just as effective as DEET, but it's a little kinder to your body. It's also more helpful than DEET in repelling flies. We found this lotion to apply smoothly and absorb quickly — and it has only the lightest citrus scent. Considering it effectively repelled mosquitos during our tests, that's a win in our book.

Best Adapter

Mingtong mingtong international travel adapter.

Different countries have different electrical outlets, so pack an adapter to ensure you'll be able to keep your phone and camera powered up. This model has four retractable plugs that cover the majority of countries' electrical outlets, and its socket also accepts all four plug shapes. It also has three USB ports and one USB-C port that allow you to charge multiple devices at once. Each port is a smart port, adapting energy needs to suit the specific device plugged into it.

Best Luggage and Bags

Given how remote many safari lodges are, you'll probably end up on tiny bush planes to get there. As such, most safari companies advise you to bring soft-sided luggage like duffel bags, which are easier to squeeze into the cargo areas of those planes. Some planes are able to handle bags with one hard side, which allows you to bring rolling duffels with extendable handles, while others might require true duffels — check about baggage rules with your safari operator before packing up for your trip.

Best Carry-on Duffel

Patagonia black hole 40l duffel bag.

If you're not able to bring a rolling bag on your safari, you'll have to go with a classic duffel. This carry-on-sized model is outfitted with detachable backpack straps, making carrying it much easier on your shoulders and arms than crossbody duffels. Made of water-resistant post-consumer recycled polyester with a TPU coating, this bag is tough enough to handle being checked into a cargo hold, too. What we love most about this bag is that it's deceptively spacious — it fits far more than you think it might, to the relief of overpackers. We also love that it collapses into itself for easy storage at home.

Travel + Leisure / Nick Kova

Best Checked Duffel

Briggs & riley zdx medium upright duffel bag.

Bloomingdales

Checking a bag instead? This wheeled duffel provides ample space for all your clothing and gear. We easily fit seven days' worth of clothing inside. One of our favorite features is a PVC-lined pocket that can store wet items, though we really liked all of the pockets that made organization a cinch. As you're packing this bag, remember to keep within your operator's weight limit, which is usually less than the 50-pound maximum of most major airlines. Fortunately, the bag itself is reasonably lightweight, weighing just 8.6 pounds thanks to its durable yet flexible nylon exterior. While it's "crushable" enough to be jammed into the cargo hold of a bush plane, we found it to be a very sturdy piece of luggage.

Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao

Best Daypack

Gregory women's swift 22 h20 backpack.

"Bring a backpack to take on activities, it will come in handy as you shed layers and also for your camera equipment, sunblock, and water bottle," Avilino says. We recommend a hiking daypack , like this model which has a capacity of 16 liters — plenty of space for the basic gear you'll be taking with you on game drives. It even comes with a built-in 2-liter bladder for water. When we tested this backpack, we liked the customizable adjustments and extra padding that provided a high level of comfort, as well as the zippered pouch on the hip strap for easy access to your phone or lip balm.

Travel + Leisure / Anna Popp

What to Know Before You Pack for a Safari

Prepare to wear layers.

If you're going out on a morning game drive, it's going to be rather chilly when you hit the road. Most days you'll leave the warmth of your bed before sunrise, so you'll want to add some warm layers to your packing list (most safari lodges will also provide blankets for the drive). But it can get mighty hot mighty fast, so wear lightweight layers underneath for the midday heat.

Pack everything in a soft-sided bag

Most safari operators request guests pack all their belongings in a soft-sided bag like a duffle, as these are easier to stow in the tiny cargo holds of the bush planes commonly used to get from camp to camp. If you're daunted by the idea of lugging a duffle through airports on your way from home to your safari destination, opt for a wheeled duffle that's easy to transport.

Don't overpack clothing

Laundry services are frequently provided at safari camps (often for free!), so there's no need to overpack when it comes to clothing. Instead, leave more space in your bag for gear, whether that's your camera, your sun hat, or your shoes. And don't forget to leave space for anything you might buy — chances are you'll want to take home handmade souvenirs like jewelry or baskets.

Start with your wardrobe, which should mainly include casual clothing in natural colors that are suitable for outdoor activities. "The best advice I can give regarding clothing for a safari is simple — layers!" Avilino says. "They are key to being comfortable and well-prepared for the extremes in temperature that we can experience in southern Africa, particularly in our winter months, when early mornings and night-time can be really cold, but by lunchtime, you could be wearing short sleeves."

Beyond that, you'll want to bring a hat, binoculars, sunscreen, sunglasses, and insect repellent, all of which you should store in an easy-to-carry daypack. Don't forget electronics like a camera, an e-reader, and all your chargers, plus an adapter.

"Absolutely do not pack camouflage clothing for safari, as it’s prohibited for non-military personnel in many African countries," Wheeler says.

Also, aside from safari specifically, several countries in Africa have strict bans on plastic bags and may confiscate them or fine travelers for using them, so don't pack these for your trip, even to hold your toiletries — instead, opt for a reusable toiletry bag .

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Stefanie Waldek is a travel writer who has gone on safaris across Eastern and Southern Africa. (And, in fact, she wrote this article while packing for a safari!)  She not only relied on her own experience, but also spoke with safari experts to determine the best things to pack for safari. While researching safaris, we spoke with Micato Safaris advisor Liz Wheeler, a member of Travel + Leisure's A-List , Andy Hogg , founder of the Bushcamp company , and Richard Avilino , a private guide with Wilderness Safaris .

Related Articles

Want to know what to pack for your Safari?

What to pack for your Safari

Thank you for using our safari packing list to help you plan and pack for your safari. We are confident that by following this list you will make the most of your incredible safari experience.

If you are on a mobile device please scroll down this page to find your safari packing list or click here .

For more information on this packing list and on what to pack for your safari please use the links below - and we have provided the Safari packing list essentials list just in case you are in a hurry.

• Summary of safari packing list essentials >
• Safari packing list introduction >
• How to use this safari packing list >
• Read the top safari packing list tips from our experts >
• View our handy safari preparation timeline >
• Download our interactive safari packing list pdf here.

What Safari Packing List Essentials to Pack for All Safaris (per person):

• 1 wide-brim Safari Hat
• 1 Safari Beanie for winter
• 3 Safari Shirts
• 1 warm Safari Fleece or Jacket
• 1 optional Safari Dress or Skorts for women
• 2 pairs of Safari Trousers and/or Shorts
• 2 pairs Safari Socks
• 1 pair Safari Shoes
• 2 bottles of Safari Insect Repellent
• 2 bottles of Sunscreen
• 1 large, soft-sided Safari Duffel or Holdall .
• 1 pair of Safari Binoculars : 10x42's are best.
• 1 LED Safari Torch : 200 lumens or more is best.
• 1 Travel Adaptor .

We recommend that you still use the full safari packing list on this page to ensure that you get the right clothing and gear for your safari - and the best advice.

Safari packing list introduction

⊙ This is the ultimate safari packing list and we believe offers the best response to the frequently repeated question "What should I pack for my safari to Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, Mozambique, Zambia, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa".

⊙ This safari packing list has been a decade in the making and has been made by our safari packing list experts to ensure that you pack the correct safari clothing and gear for just about all types of safaris: game drive safaris, walking safaris, canoe or paddling safaris, horse safaris, gorilla safaris, and mountain trekking safaris. In a sentence: we are dedicated to ensuring that you have the most incredible time on safari and packing the right safari clothing , safari luggage , safari binoculars , and all the other important safari accessories is key to this.

⊙ As a general introduction to the safari experience, most safaris start early in the morning and will be on open safari vehicles with little protection from wind and rain. The rule of thumb is to dress in layers for all activities. For more in-depth information on what to pack for your safari - and why - we recommend that you read through our safari clothing advice , safari luggage advice , safari binocular advice , and our safari accessories advice pages.

Back to the top of this safari packing list page >

How to use this safari packing list

⊙ This packing list calculates the total number of items you will require for the number of men, women, and children you have indicated above. Simply divide by the number of men, women, and children should you wish to work out the number of items required on a per person basis or, of course, set the number to one for each in the form above.

⊙ Please also note that if your safari is longer than 12 days - and if you will have a laundry service available on your safari - that you should only take the recommended number of items for a 12-day safari or you will run out of space in your safari luggage.

⊙ To find out what our experts have to say about each recommended item, please simply click on "more info" and following the advice link. We have also included accessories you may need for add-on safari activities such as gorilla safaris, plus everything else you will need to remember to pack in your bag.

⊙ Please also read our guidelines for packing for a safari by visiting our expert safari packing advice pages too.

Top safari packing advice from our safari experts

When packing for your safari, select safari clothing which offers some or all of the following six key travel garment technologies:

• 1. Safari clothing which is easy to pack, dries quickly, and wicks moisture away from the skin;
• 2. Safari clothing which offers a built-in insect defence . Insist on seeing proof that the built-in anti-insect treatment has been proven to work by asking to see the laboratory test results ;
• 3. Safari clothing that offers protection from the sun . This will be shown as an SPF rating. 50+ is the highest rating available today;
• 4. Safari clothing that is lightweight, but which also has built-in ripstop for added strength;
• 5. As we all prefer to smell fresh, select safari clothing that uses an anti-microbial or anti-bacterial fabric. This also means that you will be able to wear the same safari clothing for longer and so pack less and travel lighter.
• 6. Add to the protective performance of the safari clothing which you take on safari by packing a wide-brimmed, packable safari hat , an effective sunscreen, and insect repellent which has been proven to work to spray onto your safari clothing, safari hat, and skin.

• Use our safari clothing packing advice guide image above for quick, handy tips on what clothing to pack for your safari. Click on the image or click here to view a larger version of the image.

Safari Packing List Pre-Departure Timeline

2 to 3 months before departure ⊙ Visa: If you require a visa and want to get it beforehand, make sure that you apply for the visa as soon as possible. ⊙ Passport: Check that your passport has sufficient pages as most African countries require two blank pages or more, and that your passport does not expire within 6 months. Apply for new passport if needs be. ⊙ Medication: Ensure that you visit your doctor and tell him where you are going. He will then advise you on malaria prophylactics, and other injections or medication that is necessary for your trip

8 Weeks Prior to Departure ⊙ Pay: Make sure that you have settled your balance due for your holiday with your tour operator. ⊙ Safari supplies: This is a good time to also contact The Safari Store for advice on what to pack, and to obtain your safari essentials (as above) in good time. ⊙ Re-confirm: If travelling independently, you must go through your itinerary, check that all flight times (including dates) coincide with your holiday dates, and contact all lodges, camps, hotels, transfer, private guides & car hire companies to re-confirm your holiday details ⊙ Pets, houses etc: Make sure you have made arrangements for your pets, booked a house sitter, and any other arrangements you may need to make for post, services and so forth.

4 Weeks Prior to Departure: ⊙ Departure-day planning: A smooth departure day takes 3/4 of the stress out of your holiday. Make sure that you arrange parking at the airport, start looking into taxis or trains, and book where necessary. ⊙ Travel money: Work out what you are going to do to pay for tips, purchases, extra tours etc while travelling.Arrange cash, credit & debit cards, travellers cheques accordingly (travellers cheques tend to be a pain to use in most parts of Africa - cash and credit cards are best! Take small denominations in cash in US Dollars - US$1, 5, 10 & 20 for tips and sundry purchases).

Share your safari packing list

This is your tailored safari packing list for 1 woman, 1 man and 1 child for 9 days, click here to adjust the number of travellers or number of days, women's safari clothing to pack for your safari, 4 x women's safari shirts more info, 3 x women's safari trousers and/or shorts more info, 1 x women's safari jacket or fleece more info, 1 x women's wide-brimmed safari hat more info, 3 x women's safari dress(es) and/or skorts more info, 4 x blister-proof socks for walking safaris more info, 1 x safari belt more info, 1 x women's safari beanie & scarf more info, 2 x women's safari shoes (walking shoes + camp shoes) more info, men's safari clothing to pack for your safari, 4 x men's safari shirts more info, 3 x men's safari trousers and/or shorts more info, 1 x men's safari fleece or jacket more info, 1 x men's wide-brimmed safari hat more info, 1 x men's safari beanie & scarf more info, 2 x men's safari shoes (walking shoes + camp shoes) more info, kid's safari clothing to pack for your safari, 4 x boy's and girl's safari shirts more info, 3 x boy's and girl's safari trousers and/or shorts more info, 1 x boy's and girl's safari jacket or fleece more info, 1 x boy's and girl's wide-brimmed safari hat more info, 1 x boy's and girl's safari beanie & scarf more info, safari shoes and socks for children more info, safari luggage, 3 x large soft-sided safari holdall or duffle more info, 3 x small safari bag for game drives, walks, and safari activities. more info, 3 x collapsible luggage trolley more info, 3 x safari washbag more info, 3 x travel wallet more info, safari binoculars, 3 x safari binoculars more info, 3 x sets safari-suitable camera and lenses more info, safari accessories, 7 x insect repellent (africa-tested) more info, 6 x safari-suitable sunscreen more info, 3 x sunglasses more info, 3 x safari torch/flashlight more info, 3 x travel adaptors more info, 3 x spare batteries, chargers, memory more info, specialist safari clothing and gear to pack, 6 x anti-chafe tights for walking & active safaris more info, 3 x pair of gardening gloves for gorilla safaris more info, 3 x dry-bag for water-based safaris more info, 3 x pair of ankle gaiters for walking safaris more info, general clothing to pack for your safari, 6 x non-safari shirts for travel and around the camp more info, 6 x casual trousers and/or shorts more info, 7 x casual shirts and/or t-shirts more info, 3 x swimming costume or trunks more info, 12 x underwear more info, 3 x pyjamas more info, 3 x kikoy or sarong more info, gym gear or sportswear more info, seasonal safari clothing to pack, 3 x waterproof safari jacket for the rainy season more info, important items to pack for your safari, passports with any required visas more info, health card and insurance details more info, air tickets & vouchers more info, credit card more info, calculator more info, money pouch with some cash in it more info, prescription glasses & hard glasses case more info, safari reading material more info, super glue more info, toiletries to pack for your safari, malaria prophylaxis for malaria areas more info, motion sickness pills more info, lip balm more info, shampoo/conditioner more info, deodorant more info, toothpaste and toothbrush more info, dental floss more info, hair brush / comb more info, electric / hand razor more info, emery boards, tweezers, etc. more info, hand & body lotion more info, ladies' hygiene supplies more info, contact lenses and fluid more info.

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African Safari Checklist: What to know before you go

Find out everything you need to plan for before embarking on your African safari!

This post contains affiliate links for which Expedition Wildlife may receive a commission (where applicable) at no additional cost to you.

There are a LOT of considerations to make when you’re planning out your African safari trip.

Here’s everything we took care of ahead of our trip to Tanzania, allowing a smooth and successful journey.

Get the right African Safari Guide

Choosing the right guide for your trip is an important step!

Your guide can make or break your trip, so don’t compromise on this one.

The operator you choose should give you all the information you’ll need to adequately plan for your trip and make it a fun and safe one.

We had the most incredible trip with  The Wild Source . Their ethical values working with wildlife, top-notch guides, and the way they give back to the local communities sold us easily from the beginning.

Going with the right guide means seeing incredible sights, such as this one. Photo by Nathan Rolls

READ NEXT | Ethical Safari Guide Selection Checklist

Book your flights as soon as possible

Depending on where you’re flying to, certain destinations offer better deals on flights if you transfer through a certain location. On our way to Tanzania, going through Doha, Qatar allowed us the best price on flights – be flexible where you travel through.

Plus, if you book well ahead of time, you might just get a deal on flights.

Get your Passport and Visa 

Your passport expiration date has to be  at least six months  after  your anticipated return date .

The country you’re visiting will want to make sure if you extend your trip that you’ll still have a valid passport.

If your passport will be close to that six-month buffer timeframe, consider getting a new passport for your trip just in case. Planned or unplanned circumstances to extend your trip may happen, so eliminate your passport expiration as a worry ahead of time.

Make sure there are plenty of open pages in your passport for entry and exit stamps.

You’ll have your passport stamped multiple times, particularly if you are flying into and out of other airports, are crossing over borders, or are even taking small hopper flights in-country. Make sure there are plenty of open pages in your passport for these stamps.

Every country in Africa has different visa requirements for different visiting nations.

Most will allow you to obtain a visa on arrival, though, some, including Kenya and Uganda, require you to obtain one ahead of time.

Visit the immigration page of the country you wish to visit for more information!

On our visit to Tanzania, we purchased a Visa ahead of time to know for sure we wouldn’t have to think about it on arrival. Plenty of people on our flight opted to get one on arrival, though, so it’s do-able.

After exploring all sorts of landscapes and wildlife by day on your African safari, by evening kick back by the bush tv. Photo by Christa Rolls

Get Comprehensive Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is a  must   for any international trip you take, especially if you are planning to go on safari.

African safari trips are expensive, and you want to make sure you’re covered if something goes wrong.

Most safari companies also require their clients to obtain comprehensive travel insurance before their trip.

Travel insurance can save you if you have unanticipated medical expenses along the way, need emergency evacuation, your luggage is lost or delayed, your trip is canceled or portions of your trip are interrupted in any way, and more.

Add any nonrefundable travel to your plan, especially airline tickets. Most insurance companies require you to  purchase insurance within two weeks of purchasing nonrefundable travel .

Always bring paper copies of your travel insurance with you. Along with this, print your itinerary, points of contact at your accommodation or local guides, and embassy and consulate contacts.

Our travel insurance recommendation

We always use  Travel Insured International . They work well with our insurance company, USAA, and we’ve never had issues getting matters tended to quickly and easily while on our trips. You can use their calculator to estimate how much comprehensive insurance would cost you given the trip you’re taking.

We spent around $500 on travel insurance total, but given how expensive our trip was, this was absolutely worth it. Thankfully, we didn’t run into any issues, but there’s always that possibility.

Get the Necessary and Required Vaccinations

Some countries require proof of certain vaccinations, especially basics like Hep A, MMR, Tetanus, and Typhoid. Print and bring along your vaccination records.

This is especially important if you are coming from a country with a history or recent outbreak of certain communicable diseases or if you are traveling through that country on your way to the visiting destination.

Many places also now require a medical card showing proof of vaccination of Yellow Fever. However, the requirements for this will change often. Given this, consult your doctor!

Consult a medical professional about what you need

ALWAYS consult a medical professional about what vaccinations and medications you’ll need or can bring along with you on your trip.

The CDC has updated information about this, but a trained professional will be up to date on what you’ll need. They also have your health records and know what you are most likely to react to negatively.

Our doctor provided us with Malaria pills, anti-diarrhea pills, and antibiotics.

Get over the counter meds and any personal medical needs

We brought over the counter medications, such as Tylenol, Dramamine, Claritin, and Pepcid AC.

Note that  Benadryl is considered a controlled substance  in some countries, including Zambia.

I have Leiden Factor V, meaning I’m more prone to getting blood clots. While I don’t have to take blood thinners anymore, I do have to take aspirin and wear compression socks on longer trips.

If you are prone to leg discomfort or have issues with blood circulation, don’t forget compression socks! They can be difficult to find en route.

Plan your Packing Scheme

Always pack light.

Your guide should provide for you the anticipated gear you need based on your destination, the activities you’ll be doing, and the time of year you’re visiting.

Plan your packing scheme around your most restrictive flight

All airlines are different, but a general rule of thumb is to use a soft-sided duffel bag where the strap detaches from the main bag and can be stuffed in a side pocket.

We each had a backpack for our carry on and a duffel for our checked luggage.

If you know you’re taking a bush plane, see what the luggage weight restrictions are for the country you’re traveling to or within.

In Tanzania, the weight limit for bush planes is a mere 33 lbs per person. With all the camera and filming gear we brought, this was a feat to meet these limits.

You can pay a couple of hundred extra dollars per person to double that weight limit, but in general, less is better anyway.

As you can see, bush planes are small. They typically fit around 12 people and there isn’t a ton of luggage space! Photo by Christa Rolls

Camp-specific Considerations

Some camps can’t accommodate high voltage items like shavers or blow dryers.

Anticipate not having these some days during your trip! Bring whatever you need to make yourself more comfortable without these items. We brought a hat and bandanas to wear.

Most camps will offer insect repellent

Bringing a small bottle or even a citronella soap for washing isn’t a bad idea. Inquire with your tour guide to see whether the camps provide these items.

Trek-specific gear items may be required

Items like garden gloves may be required for gorilla trekking. Inquire with your guide if this is something you’re doing on your trip and whether it will be provided.

Most camps will provide night torches 

We brought a headlamp, which was useful in camp if we ever needed it. Also, you won’t be wandering around the bush at night, at least not without an armed guard.

Laundry services are available at many camps

Bringing lots of clothes is rarely necessary. If where you’re staying doesn’t offer laundry service, we suggest getting some soap suds to wash your clothes in the sink and bringing along a clothesline to air dry your clothes.

In fact,  bring what you need to clean your undergarments , as these will not be laundered for you.

When you look at it all laid out, it doesn’t seem like much for a long trip. But it will get you through!! And you’ll be grateful that you didn’t bring so much stuff along with you. Photo by Christa Rolls

Clothes Packing List

We brought a limited amount of clothing since we had laundry included in our trip. We still brought suds and a clothesline just in case we wanted to wash socks or underwear.

Bring neutral colored clothing to avoid biting insects and to SEE if you have things on you, like ticks or ants. Embrace the safari. Wear the safari gear.

Note “wicking” means the material isn’t full cotton, dry clean, or anything that takes a long time to dry. Not everywhere in Africa is hot all the time and if you have to air dry everything, it’ll take forever.

• Wicking short-sleeved shirts (x2) –  for her ,  for him
• Comfortable camp shirts (x2)
• Wicking long-sleeved shirts (x2) –  for her ,  for him
• Fleece or jacket
• Wicking pants, one with zip-off to shorts and one without (2 pairs) –  for her ,  for him
• Camp shorts (Nathan) and long, comfortable skirt (Christa) for dinner
• Hiking socks (5 pairs) –  socks for her ,  socks for him
• Wicking underwear (5 pairs)
• Sports bras  (x2)
• Hiking shoes (1 pair)
• Sandals or camp shoes (1 pair)
• Raincoat  (her),  Raincoat  (him)
• Sleep clothes (2 sets)
• Bandana and sun hat

If you are going during the destination’s wintertime, bring an extra under layer and a winter hat. It can get cold on any morning in the savannah or bush, especially in game vehicles and if the vehicle doesn’t have doors. While it warms up later in the day, the mornings can be chilly!

Miscellaneous items

The extra items we brought along on our African safari were:

• Hand cleansing wipes and hand sanitizer
• Binoculars  – ideally one pair for each person traveling!
• Camera gear. You’ll need LOTS of memory cards!!! And ways to back up your photos along the way. And cleaning supplies to clean your camera. These are all musts.
• Go-Pro  – awesome for getting shots while traveling around, in camp, and in vehicle
• Adapters for the country you’re planning to be in
• Water- and dust-resistant bags for camera gear and electronics.  Note that Tanzania has now banned the use and importation of plastic bags !
• Travel water bottle . Camps will provide potable water for you, however, it doesn’t hurt to have this while traveling to your end destination!
• You likely won’t see sunscreen at camps, so bring along some for your body, face, and lips.

READ NEXT | Cheetah Hunt: All about cheetah feeding behavior and our cheetah hunt experience! 

Bring all the memory cards and backup systems! Photo by Nathan Rolls

Money Matters to Plan before you go

We pre-planned out every location we knew we would need to pay during our trip.

Tips are incredibly important to those working on the African safari circuit and make up a good portion of their income.

Often, those working at the camps have to travel far to get back home or are away from their family for long periods of time to tend to the camp. The money given from tips is a great way to say thank you to those who have made your experience special.

Tip based on your satisfaction level!

If you’ve had a wonderful experience, reward the people who’ve made it so.

If you’ve had a bad experience or felt like anyone was harassing you for a tip, you can deny giving a tip.

Tip Amounts

Preferred currency varies based on the country you are traveling to. South Africa, for example, prefers local Rand currency. Kenya prefers the Kenyan schilling. However, depending on where you are staying, some places will accept tips in U.S. dollars or Euro. Inquire within to your guide and the camps at which you’ll be staying.

These are the guidelines we were given for our trip – we followed them, with the exception of giving our guide more since he made our trip the best ever.

• $10-15 for the guide per traveler per day
• $10 for the camp staff per traveler per day

For Nathan and I, then, we needed to plan to tip $50-60 per day.

We had individual envelopes for each place we stayed with the “staff” amount within. Our guide, Josh, had his own envelope we prepared to give him before leaving Tanzania.

For one night at Lemala Ngorongoro Crater camp, for example, we made an envelope comprising of $20, labeled “Ngorongoro.”

On arrival, it’s nice to give porters $1 for their time and tip around 10% for the meal. The tip is appreciated, even if your meals are fully paid for.

Most camps have a tip box where you can put your envelope and cash within.

This IS something you need to account for when planning the financial aspect of your trip!

Us together with our wonderful guide, Josh Thadeo! We wouldn’t have had such an incredible experience without him. Photo by Njozi Camp staff

Money Matters

We also brought a few hundred extra dollars as a buffer, just in case we needed it. It was nice to have, as we purchased local crafts and gifts along the way. Our extra cash was in smaller bills (mostly fives and tens).

While it may be disconcerting to travel with this much money, there isn’t an easy way around it unless your tour company offers to add tip to your trip budget plan.

We had no issues with safety during our trip. Having said this, we took precautions by portioning the money into individual envelopes and having them spread undiscernibly between our two carry-on bags.

Robbing is also highly discouraged along the safari circuit, as tourism is how so many people make a living. If customers think they’ll be robbed, they won’t come back. And that’s a big issue for the locals, so they work to ensure the visitors’ safety.

Drone Use on Safari

Unless you have a drone permit from all the locations that require it, forget bringing your drone with you.

Your bag will go through customs when you leave the airport, and if your drone is spotted in there, it’s possible it will be taken. Many countries take their drone laws very seriously, particularly in protected areas and parks.

Consult UAV Coach  to see which entities to contact directly for permission and logistics.

Keep in mind, too, that drones should only be used to showcase the scenery and shouldn’t be used to get up-close shots of wildlife.

Read more about using drones ethically around wildlife here.

Safety Considerations

We send our itinerary and plans to our parents so they are aware of where we plan to be and who to contact if there was an issue.

For any of our remote or international trips, we send someone our itinerary. It’s just a precautionary measure, especially if you think you’ll be out of phone range – which in the bush, you probably will be.

Planning everything out well ahead of time before your African safari will allow you to more fully enjoy your journey and the excitement leading up to it.

Are you planning an African safari trip? Anything we missed on our list of considerations? Let us know in the comments!

Happy Travels,

Christa and Nathan

About the Author: Christa

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Free animal checklist for your African safari

A simple checklist of the major mammals found in East and Southern Africa. You may want to print a free copy before your next African safari adventure.

There are two animal checklist options (click on the PDF version of your choice).

African Safari Animal Checklist (with Animal Names)

This safari animal checklist includes species name (in alphabetical order) and scientific name .

(Right-click and “Download Linked File” to save a copy to your device)

African Safari Animal Checklist (Empty)

Choose this option if you prefer to fill in your own  African animal checklist.

About The Author

Michael Theys

Related posts.

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21 African animals that start with U

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What to Pack for Safari in Tanzania

• Safari Checklist

Contrary to what you may think, it’s not always warm and dry in Tanzania’s safari parks. Though you should expect sunny weather if you visit during the dry season, it can also be wet, windy and cool at times. So it’s a necessity to have the proper apparel for all conditions.

Below is the recommended packing list for a multi-day safari. Items numbered with a “+” can be adjusted upwards based on the number of safari days on your itinerary. Note that nearly all of these items are already included on our climbing gear list. The bold entries represent the additional gear list items to bring on your safari. Neutral colors are recommended to avoid attracting tsetse flies.

Technical Clothing

• 1 – Waterproof Jacket, breathable with hood
• 1+ Long Sleeve Shirt, for protection from the sun
• 1 – Soft Jacket, fleece or soft-shell, for cold temperatures at night
• 1+ Short Sleeve Shirt, light-weight, moisture-wicking fabric
• 1+ Hiking Pants
• 1 – Shorts (optional)
• 1 – Bathing suit (optional)
• 2+ Underwear, moisture-wicking fabric recommended
• 1 – Brimmed Hat, for sun protection
• 1 – Neck Gaiter, for face coverage for dust and sweat (recommended)
• 1 – Hiking Boots or Shoes
• 1 – Sandals or Flip-Flops (optional)
• 2+ Socks, wool or synthetic,

Accessories

• 1 – Sunglasses
• 1 – Neck Pillow, for napping in the vehicle (optional)
• 1 – Daypack, small
• Trip Receipt
• Visa (available at JRO)
• Immunization Papers
• Insurance Documents
• Prescriptions
• Insect Repellent, containing DEET
• First Aid Kit
• Hand Sanitizer
• Toilet Pape
• Wet Wipes (recommended)
• Snacks, light-weight, high calorie, high energy (optional)
• Electrolytes, powder or tablets (optional)
• Camera, with extra batteries (optional)

From polo to pool, bourbon fest to nature observatory, the best things to to in Wellington

Though it may not have the immediate proximity to the beach that some other Palm Beach County municipalities can boast, Wellington has more than it's share of fun things to do.

If you love horses, this might be one of the best spots in the state and, in fact, it is actually known as the "winter equestrian capital of the world." From all variety of polo matches to the celebrated Winter Equestrian Festival, this community has definitely got you covered.

The village also hosts two multi-day food events each year in addition to a wildly popular green market during the fall/winter season.

Finally, if you're feeling the call of the wild, there's an environmental preserve and one of the top safari parks in the country just a few miles away.

Here are 12 fun things to do in Wellington:

1. spend a day at the national polo center.

The National Polo Center is home to eight fields, a stadium, restaurants, social club and more. The center enables the United States Polo Association to showcase tournaments and also help develop American players. Some of the larger tournaments include the U.S. Open Polo Championship, the National President's Cup and the NPC 16-Goal Championships. The center has been a draw for the royal family, from King Charles to Prince Harry. It is also a popular venue for weddings, engagement parties and corporate events.

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

Information: 3667 120th Ave. S., Wellington. nationalpolocenter.com

2. Check out the Winter Equestrian Festival and thousands of horses

Held at the Wellington International equestrian center, the 2024 event ran from Jan. 3 to March 31 and featured over 7,000 horses. Brought in from around the world, these powerful and majestic creatures competed in multiple events and shows for millions of dollars in prize money. The festival regularly brings in celebrity riders like Georgina Bloomberg, Eve Jobs, Jennifer Gates and Jessica Springsteen. Time to mark your calendar for 2025.

Information: 3400 Equestrian Club Drive, Wellington. wellingtoninternational.com

3. Get wet and wild at the Wellington Aquatics Complex

Their state of the art Olympic size pool is designed to meet competitive standards and features electronic touch pads connecting to a scoreboard. Though complex offers lots of great ways to get in shape, including lap swimming, swim clubs, swim meets and water aerobics, it is also designed for fun with two massive slides, diving boards, a sprayground, baby pool area and more. Want a have a party at the facility? You can do that to.

Information: 12072 Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington. wellingtonfl.gov

4. Celebrate the holidays at Winterfest

Hosted by the Greater Wellington Chamber of Commerce and held at the Wellington Amphitheater, this annual event features rides, musical and dance performances, food vendors, a lounge for adults, a visit with Santa and has been hosted for several years by Wellington resident, music icon, philanthropist and actor Vanilla Ice.

Information: 12100 Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington. wellingtonchamber.com/events/winterfest

5. In winter, check out the evening market at Wellington Town Center

The Lakeside Market is held on Friday nights, instead of the usual weekend mornings like so many others, patrons can enjoy a casual, laid-back, family-friendly (and dog friendly) environment with artisan and prepared foods, arts, crafts, beverages, entertainment, and stellar sunsets. The market is great place to unwind, socialize, and get an early start on the weekend. Though there is parking onsite, residents living on the lake are welcomed, even encouraged, to arrive by boat. The 2023-24 season ran from Sept. through February.

Information: 12150 Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington. wellingtonlakesidemarket.com

6. Bacon & Bourbon Festival

Featuring prime examples of the most perfect food and beverage ever created, this March festival is packed with both. From every form or bacon and bacon-infused culinary delight to dozens of different bourbons to sample, along with seminars and live music, this is an event not to be missed.

Information: 12150 Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington. baconbourbonfest.com

7. The pungent, powerful, wonderful South Florida Garlic Festival

Known as the "Best Stinkin' Party" in South Florida, this event has been going for a quarter of a century. Marking 25 years in 2024, this festival honors the perfectly pungent bulb with every garlic dish you could dream up from simple like a garlic bomb burger to the less conventional like garlic funnel cake strips or even garlic ice cream. In addition, this February festival features multiple top-notch live music acts each year.

Information: Village of Wellington Town Center & Amphitheater, 12100 Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington. garlicfestfl.com

8. Find your inner Tarzan or Jane at Lion Country Safari

Let's just say Lion Country Safari is Wellington-adjacent, or just down the road. But the park that actually sits in Loxahatchees is worth the trip. Once again named one of the top 10 safari parks in the country, Lion Country Safari is home to over 1,000 animals roaming wide open, natural habitats in large herds, prides and troops. These include alpacas, Brazilian tapirs, greater kudus, impalas, ostriches, gemsbok, wildebeest, Asiatic water buffaloes, African lions, common elands, impalas, giraffes, zebras, southern white rhinoceros and many more. Opened in 1967 and situated on 600 acres, this is not one to miss.

Information: 2003 Lion Country Safari Road, Loxahatchee. lioncountrysafari.com

More: How great is Lion Country Safari? Zoo made this USA top 10 list for the seventh time!

9. See exotic animals up close at the Wellington Conservation Center

Caring for all unwanted and abandoned animals along with orphaned birds and mammals, they also specialize in the conservation of exotic animals under the threat of habitat loss and poaching. They feature tours guided by knowledgeable staff and offer unique interactions with exotic animals. Appointments required.

Information: 14990 Palm Beach Point Blvd., Wellington. wellingtonconservationcenter.org

10. Get a view from above at Wellington Environmental Preserve

This preserve at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Everglades Habitat is a 365-acre rainwater storage area with nature trails and learning centers. It features interior uplands and native landscaping that provide an exhibition of natural Florida from the paved pedestrian path and boardwalk to seven designated learning areas. There is a six story observation tower located at two of these areas. The preserve also includes a 3.6 mile perimeter equestrian trail that is an extension of the approximately 65-mile Wellington bridle trail system. The Preserve was named the 2010 “Project of the Year” by the Palm Beach County Chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers.

Information: 3491 Flying Cow Ranch Road, Wellington. wellingtonfl.gov/Facilities

11. Shop 'til you drop at The Mall at Wellington Green

When you need to beat the summer heat, head to this double decker mall. It is a shopper's paradise and includes stores like Abercrombie & Fitch, American Eagle, Apple, Champs, Foot Locker, Gamestop, Hollister, Hot Topic and more. There are also plenty of places to grab a bite like Chick-Fil-A, California Pizza Kitchen, Cinnabon and The Madre's Mexican Fresh. In addition, the mall hosts regular events like Zumba with Jaime, fashion shows and more.

Information: 10300 Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington. shopwellingtongreen.com

12. Swank Farmers Market

Running October through May each season, this Loxahatchee Groves market features live music and a variety of exceptional goods from over two dozen vendors. Shop under their 8,500 square-foot, open-air pole barn and stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables, savor a breakfast sandwich, or enjoy fresh coffee and a pastry. A few of their vendors include: Caribbean Plants and Produce, Paulie’s Pasta, Trinity Ranch Custom Beef, Gratitude Garden Farms, Dirty Bird Hot Sauce, Parce Cofee Roasters, Alonso Apiaries, Pork-etta, Palm Beach Plant Depot and Little Jon's Breakfast Sandwiches.

Information: 14311 North Road, Loxahatchee Groves. swankspecialtyproduce.com

Eddie Ritz is a journalist at  The Palm Beach Post , part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at  [email protected] . Help support our journalism.  Subscribe today .