Safari Packing List: What to Wear and What to Bring

Packing for your first safari can feel overwhelming. What do you really need? What should you leave at home? After years of organising safaris across Africa, we've created the ultimate packing guide to help you prepare for your adventure without overpacking.

The Golden Rules of Safari Packing:

1. Stick to Neutral Colours Khaki, beige, olive green, and brown are your friends. Avoid bright colours (especially blue and black, which attract tsetse flies) and white (shows dirt immediately). Dark colours also absorb heat.

2. Think Layers African weather can be unpredictable. Early morning game drives can be surprisingly cold, while midday temperatures soar. Layering is essential.

3. Pack Light Many safari lodges have laundry services, and small aircraft have strict weight limits (typically 15kg in soft bags). You need less than you think.

4. Prioritise Comfort You'll spend hours in safari vehicles on bumpy roads. Comfortable, practical clothing trumps fashion every time.

Clothing Essentials:

Tops

• 3-4 short-sleeve shirts in neutral colours (breathable cotton or quick-dry technical fabrics)

• 2-3 long-sleeve shirts (sun protection and mosquito defence for evenings)

• 1 lightweight fleece or sweater for early morning drives

• 1 warm jacket or down vest (essential for June-August in Southern Africa)

• 1 rain jacket or windbreaker (particularly important for rainy seasons)

Bottoms

• 2-3 pairs of comfortable trousers (zip-off pants are practical)

• 1-2 pairs of shorts (knee-length is respectful in rural areas)

• 1 pair of smart casual trousers for lodge dinners

• Underwear and socks (enough for your trip, though laundry is usually available)

Footwear

• Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes or hiking boots (essential for bush walks)

• Sandals or flip-flops for relaxing at lodges

• One pair of smart casual shoes (optional, for evening meals)

Pro Tip: Break in your walking shoes before you travel. Blisters can ruin your safari experience.

Accessories

• Wide-brimmed hat or safari cap (sun protection is crucial)

• Sunglasses with UV protection

• Buff or lightweight scarf (protects neck and face from sun and dust)

• Light gloves for cold morning drives (June-August)

• Swimwear (many lodges have pools)

• Sleepwear and comfortable clothes for lodge downtime

  
  

Essential Gear and Equipment:

Camera and Optics

• Camera with zoom lens

• Extra memory cards and batteries (charging facilities vary)

• Binoculars (8x42 or 10x42 are ideal for safari)

• Protective camera bag or cover (for dust protection)

• Phone with good camera (modern phones take excellent wildlife photos)

Don't Forget: Dust is everywhere on safari. Bring lens cleaning cloths and protective covers.

Sun Protection

• High SPF sunscreen (50+ recommended, reapply frequently)

• Lip balm with SPF

• After-sun lotion or aloe vera gel

The African sun is intense, even on overcast days. Sun damage can happen quickly at high altitudes and near the equator.

Insect Protection

• DEET-based insect repellent (at least 30% DEET for malaria areas)

• Permethrin spray for treating clothes (optional but effective)

• Anti-itch cream for bites

Malaria Prevention: If traveling to malaria areas, take prescribed antimalarials starting before your trip.

Health and Hygiene

• Personal medications in original packaging

• Basic first aid kit (plasters, painkillers, antihistamines, anti-diarrhea tablets)

• Hand sanitizer and wet wipes

• Prescription glasses or contact lenses (plus spares)

• Toiletries in travel sizes (most lodges provide basics)

• Feminine hygiene products (not always readily available)

Documents and Money

• Passport (valid for 6+ months)

• Printed visa documents (if required)

• Travel insurance documents

• Vaccination certificate (yellow fever if applicable)

• Printed safari itinerary and lodge details

• US dollars in cash (for tips and some purchases, small denominations)

• Credit/debit cards

• Photocopy of important documents (stored separately)

Power and Connectivity

• Universal adapter (varies by country - Kenya/Tanzania use UK plugs, South Africa uses unique plugs)

• Power bank for charging devices in vehicles

• Headlamp or small torch for navigating camps at night

• Multiple charging cables

Important: Many remote camps run on solar power with limited charging times. Bring a power bank.

What Not to Bring:

• Camouflage clothing (illegal in some African countries)

• Excessive jewelry or valuables

• Bright white or blue clothing

• Hair dryer (most lodges provide them, or you won't need it)

• Too many shoes (2-3 pairs maximum)

• Large, hard-shell suitcases (use soft duffel bags for small aircraft)

  
  

Packing for Different Safari Types:

Luxury Lodge Safari

• Smart casual evening wear is appreciated (no need for formal wear)

• Lodges provide laundry services (often daily)

• Most amenities provided (toiletries, hairdryers, adapters)

• Pack lighter - you'll need less

Camping Safari

• Quick-dry clothing essential

• Bring all toiletries

• Extra layers for cold nights

• Sleeping bag liner (for hygiene, though sleeping bags usually provided)

• Wet wipes are invaluable

Mobile Camping/Walking Safari

• Absolute minimum luggage (weight restrictions are strict)

• Sturdy hiking boots essential

• Daypack for walking

• Water bottle (hydration crucial)

  
  

Seasonal Considerations:

Dry Season (June-October)

• Warmer layers for chilly mornings and evenings

• Less rain protection needed

• Dustier conditions - bring protective covers for gear

• More breathable fabrics as daytime temperatures rise

Wet Season (November-May, varies by region)

• Quality rain jacket essential

• Quick-dry clothing

• Waterproof bag for electronics

• Lighter layers as temperatures are generally warmer

• Expect muddy conditions - bring shoes you don't mind getting dirty

East Africa (Kenya/Tanzania)

• Two rainy seasons: March-May (long rains), November-December (short rains)

• Coastal areas are hot and humid - light, breathable fabrics

• Higher altitude areas (Ngorongoro) can be surprisingly cold

Southern Africa (Botswana/South Africa/Zambia)

• June-August is winter - it gets COLD on morning drives (4-10°C)

• Layers are absolutely essential

• Down jacket recommended for winter months

  
  

Special Considerations:

Traveling with Children

• Sun hats and high SPF sunscreen (children's formulas)

• Entertainment for drives (quiet activities, no noisy toys)

• Favorite snacks (dietary options may be limited)

• Comfort items (small toy or blanket)

Photography Enthusiasts

• Extra storage and batteries (more than you think you'll need)

• Lens cleaning kit

• Bean bag or window mount for vehicle photography

• Protective dust covers

• External hard drive for backing up photos

Honeymooners

• One nicer outfit for special dinners (lodges often arrange private dining)

• Sunscreen (getting sunburned on honeymoon is not romantic!)

• Camera for capturing memories

  
  

Packing Tips from Safari Experts:

1. Use Packing Cubes: Organise your luggage and find items quickly. Dust gets everywhere, so keeping things contained helps.

2. Wear Your Bulkiest Items on the Plane: Save luggage weight by wearing your hiking boots and jacket during travel.

3. Pack a Change of Clothes in Your Carry-On: Luggage can be delayed. Having safari basics accessible is wise.

4. Leave Room for Souvenirs: You'll likely want to bring home crafts, fabrics, or other treasures.

5. Roll, Don't Fold: Saves space and minimises wrinkles.

6. Put Toiletries in Sealed Bags: Pressure changes can cause leaks.

The Ultimate Safari Packing Checklist:

Download our comprehensive, printable safari packing checklist to ensure you don't forget anything essential. Just get in touch with Summit Wild, and we'll send it straight to your inbox along with personalised packing advice based on your specific safari destination and season.

Final Thoughts:

The key to successful safari packing is balancing preparedness with practicality. You don't need as much as you think, but what you bring should be functional and appropriate for the African bush.

Remember, you're going to one of the world's most spectacular wilderness areas. The wildlife doesn't care what you're wearing - comfort and practicality should be your priorities.

Most importantly, don't stress too much about packing. Lodges and camps are used to travellers arriving without something they need, and most items can be purchased in major cities or borrowed at camps.

Ready to Start Planning Your Safari?

At Summit Wild, we provide detailed packing advice tailored to your specific itinerary, season, and type of safari. We know every destination intimately and can ensure you're perfectly prepared for your African adventure.

Contact us today to start planning your dream safari. We'll handle all the details, including personalised packing guidance, so you can focus on the excitement ahead.