What should I pack for a safari?

What should I pack for a safari?

Planning your next safari and wondering what to pack? Here’s your ultimate guide to ensure you’re well-prepared.

Pack light - Take advantage of the laundry facilities available at most lodges and hotels, allowing you to bring fewer items and keep your luggage manageable.

Pack smart - Layering is key for varying temperatures throughout the day. Start with lightweight, moisture-wicking base layers, and add on warmer pieces as needed.

Pack the essentials - There are some essentials that you should never be without. After many years of exploring every nook and cranny of Africa, our travel team has drilled down their list of essentials to the following:

What to pack for your safari: essential items for your adventure

(Download our packing list here)

Clothing

Comfortable, casual clothes are best. Muted colours and neutral tones such as beige, khaki and green are recommended for game viewing. Steer clear of bright colours like red, yellow, purple and white. Game drives are conducted in the early morning and late afternoon, which can be very cold, especially in winter.

• Shirts with long sleeves (even in summer for protection from the sun and insects)

• T-shirts / cotton blouses

• Long socks as bug protection

• Light scarf / buff for dust and sun protection

• Hat, cap and/or beanie

• Shorts or a light skirt (short skirts aren’t practical)

• Jeans or safari trousers for evenings and cooler days

• Jackets, sweaters, a scarf and gloves are recommended for early morning and evening game drives during winter

• Lightweight water-proof jacket

• Swim- and beach-wear

• Underwear – roads can be bumpy so suitable women’s attire is suggested

• Formal attire if you are staying at a prestigious hotel/luxury train

• Comfortable walking shoes and sandals (heels aren’t recommended)

Equipment

• Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, lip protection (SPF30 or higher recommended)

• If you wear contact lenses, we recommend you bring a pair of glasses along should your eyes get irritated by dust

• Personal medical kit including malaria prophylactics if applicable

• Personal toiletries (basic amenities are supplied by most hotels/lodges).

• Important travel documents, and digital and physical copies thereof

• Insect repellent for body application

• Lightweight backpack to carry essentials on walking safaris

• Tote bag / waist bag

• Insulated water bottle

• Sweat/gym towel

• Tissues / hand wipes / sanitiser. Pack a spare toilet roll, just in case

• Binoculars: general purpose specifications are 8x40 or 10x42

• Camera & video equipment including spare memory cards, batteries, charging cables

• Waterproof / dust-proof bags for camera equipment

• Mobile phone chargers

• Torch and reading headlamp + batteries

• Padlocks / cable ties to lock your luggage

• Ziplock bags of various sizes

• Ear plugs

• Travel pillow

• Power bank for on-the-go charging

• Country-specific plugs and adaptors

• Envelopes for tipping

• Notebook and pencil

• Relevant bird book/app – ask us for recommendations

• Favourite entertainment to relax – sketch book / colouring-in book / Kindle / books / magazines