You’ve just booked the safari of your dreams, flying across the iconic plains of Kenya and Tanzania, staying in luxury camps, and soaking up the magic of the African wild. But before your adventure begins, there’s one important question:
What should I pack?
No need to worry. Whether you’re heading to the Maasai Mara, Serengeti or the hidden gems like Tarangire and Laikipia, or any of East Africa’s stunning parks, this practical and stylish guide will help you pack smart and light.
Note: Most safari flights operate on small bush planes with a strict 15kg (33lb) weight limit. Only soft-sided bags are allowed, so pack strategically.
1. What to Wear on Safari
Stick to Nature-Inspired Colors Choose neutral tones like beige, khaki, olive, and brown. These help you blend into the natural surroundings and avoid attracting insects. Stay away from dark blue (tsetse flies love it), white, and bright colors.
Clothing Checklist:
- 3 to 4 lightweight, breathable shirts (long sleeves offer sun and bug protection)
- 2 to 3 pairs of safari trousers or convertible pants • 1 light jacket or fleece (mornings and evenings can be chilly)
- 1 to 2 pairs of shorts (ideal for hot afternoons)
- 1 smart-casual outfit for evening dinners at the lodge • Swimsuits (many lodges have pools or spas)
- Underwear and socks (quick-dry fabrics are a plus)
2. Footwear: Function Meets Comfort
- Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes or sneakers
- Flip flops or sandals (for lounging or using shared camp bathrooms)
3. Safari Essentials: Must-Have Gear
- Sun hat or wide-brimmed safari hat
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- High-SPF sunscreen and lip balm
- Insect repellent (DEET-based or natural)
- Reusable water bottle (many lodges provide one)
- Headlamp or flashlight (especially useful at solar-powered camps)
- Binoculars (you’ll appreciate having your own pair)
- Power bank for charging devices during drives
- Soft duffel bag (hard suitcases don’t fit in small aircraft)
- Reusable tote bag (plastic bags are banned in Kenya)
- Quick-dry towel or small face towel (useful on dusty game drives)
4. Health and Wellness
- Personal medications (always carry them in your hand luggage)
- Basic first aid kit (painkillers, band-aids, antiseptic, etc.)
- Anti-malarial medication (consult your doctor pre-trip)
- Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
- Motion sickness tablets (for bumpy drives or small planes)
- Yellow fever certificate (required if transiting through certain countries)
5. Tech and Travel Documents
- Camera with extra SD cards and batteries
- Mobile phone with international charging adapter
- Printed and digital copies of your passport, visas, and travel itinerary
- Travel journal (a great way to record your safari memories)
- Power adapter (UK-style Type G plug used in Kenya)
- Offline maps or downloaded itinerary (in case of limited connectivity)
- Local SIM card or eSIM (Safaricom is widely used)
6. Extras for a Touch of Luxury
- Scarf or pashmina (useful for layering or as a light blanket on drives)
- E-reader or a good book (perfect for afternoon relaxation)
- Small backpack or tote bag (handy for game drives)
- Lightweight gloves and a beanie (especially helpful during chilly morning drives)
- Travel lock for your luggage
- Small pouch to organize your essentials
Final Packing Tips:
- Pack in layers, as temperatures vary throughout the day.
- Don’t overpack. Most luxury lodges have laundry services.
- Use soft-sided duffel bags to meet air charter requirements.
Ready to Safari in Style?
With your bags packed and your checklist complete, all that’s left to bring is your sense of adventure. Entice Africa Safaris will be there to make sure every moment is extraordinary from the first welcome to your final toast at sunset.
See you in the wild.
