What to pack for a safari? This is often the first question our Africa Experts are asked at the time our clients have made the best decision ever to take off on safari. In preparation of the trip of a lifetime here is our list with a few top safari tips to assist in packing for your safari.
The Safari Bag
If your safari takes on light aircraft flights between tented camps whether it is in Southern Africa or East Africa there is a baggage allowance plus the requirement of a soft sided luggage or duffle bag. Baggage allowance is generally a maximum weight of 20kg per person plus one piece of hand luggage or a camera bag. In some countries the shape and size are as important as the luggage as it must fit inside the cargo pod. Keep in mind specifications do change depending on the destination, airline, type of aircraft or if it is a charter flight. We always advise travelling with a soft sided duffle bag and your carry on while a backpack is perfect for the trek to view the primates. Our Africa Experts keep up to date with luggage and weight restrictions so just ask.
- Tip: Wildlife Safari can assist if you are travelling with a hard sided suitcase and intend to stay in a city hotel before and after your safari. We can arrange luggage storage at your hotel and advise on airport storage facilities (fees may apply).
- Tip: It is best to pack light. Most tented camps and lodges offer a speedy laundry service so no need to pack too many safari outfits however we don’t recommend sending any luxury fabrics or special care items off to the laundry.
What to Wear on Safari
Safaris are casual, even in a luxury tented camp so no need to pack your formal wear. Keep in mind you will want to be comfortable as you can spend a significant amount of your day in your safari vehicle on game drives and travelling between sanctuaries. I suggest dressing in layers. Heading out on an early morning game drive often before sunrise there is a chance of chill in the air especially if travelling in an open safari vehicle so a jumper, safari jacket or fleece will be needed. As the sun pops up and warms the air you may only want to be in a t shirt. It is easy to peel off the layers as the game drive progresses and our reason to wear layers.
I would add a beanie and scarf on safari in Southern Africa during the winter months as it can be particularly bracing on early morning game activities. Natural fabrics are best and light cotton long sleeve shirts and pants act as a barrier to pesky mosquitos. Mix and match neutral bush colours in natural fabrics such as cotton or linen for protection from the sun, dust and bugs. Avoid black or royal blue in areas known for tsetse fly. A few city restaurants and luxury trains do require jacket and tie for men and appropriate evening attire for women, although this is rare.
- Long sleeved cotton shirts
- Cotton t-shirts
- Jumper / fleece / safari jacket
- Light waterproof jacket if travelling during the wet season
- Comfortable cotton shorts
- Cotton pants
- Bathers and kikoi (most lodges and many camps have a pool)
- Socks, undergarments and sport bra for the ladies
- Wide-brimmed hat / baseball cap
- Walking shoes / boots / sneakers
- Thongs / flip flops for by the pool and around camp
Other Items to Pack on Safari
- Charging cables and portable charger
- Camera batteries
- Memory cards,
- Sunglasses and eye drops
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- International adapter
- Binoculars
- Scarf and bandana
- Hand sanitiser
- Medications
Top Tips for Packing
- Tip 1: Single use plastic has been banned in several African countries including Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda. Visitors cannot bring in the country any single use plastic bags. Impressively, Kenya leads the way with the strictest ban on single use plastic in the world. We ask you to follow their lead and make sure you travel without plastic bags in your suitcase or carry on hand luggage.
- Tip 2: Bring a small day / fold up bag to pop in a few essentials (eg. sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses, hat…) you may need when out on a game viewing activity.
- Tip 3: Many lodges and camps provide use of binoculars when in camp or on a game viewing activity but we recommend to take your own pair to get most out of your safari.
- Good to Know Tip: Drones are not allowed in a number of camps in East Africa.
