I’m Lori Robinson, a safari specialist since 2004. Here you will find the ultimate what to pack for an African Safari. Whether you are going to East Africa, South Africa, or anywhere else, this list will work.
Safari packing guide, I give to all of my clients
If you are better at viewing, rather than reading, this safari packing guide can be seen along with all of my popular safari tips videos on my YouTube channel, LoriSavingWild.
Packing requirements are different from those for other vacations you may take. Why? Because of the strict weight restrictions and unique qualities of a safari adventure.
Don’t take these limitations lightly.
I’ve witnessed a small bush plane safari pilot leave luggage on the dirt airstrip to be picked up later. Why? Because the traveler’s luggage was overweight.
What to Pack for an African Safari: Clothing List
As you look over this list, feel free to tailor it for your own individual needs. Remember, everything calls for casual safari clothes for daytime and casual evening clothes for dinners. Packing quick-drying clothes will allow your laundry to be dried promptly, and therefore lessen the number of clothes you need to take.
In general, avoid heavy, slow-drying cotton when possible (unless you are going to a very hot, dry area like Namibia) in favor of quick-dry materials from Patagonia and other travel outfitters like Travel Smith and Magellan.
• 3-4 short sleeve shirts and tank tops
• 2-3 long sleeve shirts (one of which can be worn for dinner)
• 1 shawl for evening (women)
• 1 fleece jacket – it can be cold in the morning and evenings, especially in East Africa
• 1 warm underlayer top
• 1 rain jacket, which can also serve as a windbreaker (optional)
• 2 pairs of hiking-type pants (zip-off pants are great and serve as one short and one pant)
• 1-2 pairs of shorts or capris
• sun gloves
• 1 pair of closed-toe comfortable shoes for walking around your tent/ wearing in the safari jeep, and for bushwalks.
• Optional: Hiking shoes if you have signed up for trekking
• 1 pair of flip flops for poolside or lodge activities
• socks, underwear
• buff for wind and dust
• pajamas
• sarong or casual skirt for dinners, spa (also can be purchased on safari) (men and women, the men in Africa often wear sarong like material)
• 1 bathing suit
Safari/Sun hat
What to Pack for an African Safari: Luggage
You may be wondering what kind of luggage to use to pack all of this in. If your safari operator is sending you luggage, then you’re good to go. If not, find out the size restrictions and then choose something soft-sided so it can easily mold into spaces, something without wheels, and something lightweight so your luggage isn’t using up a large portion of your weight allotment. I love Eagle Creek duffles for safaris.
What to Pack for an African Safari: Other Useful Items
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- Alarm Clock – travel size or alarm watch, although the staff will wake you up each morning, or you can use your smartphone
- Currency Converter/Adapter specific to the country you are visiting (or an App)
- Batteries – extras, for all of your appliances and cameras
- Binoculars – essential
- Camera equipment and accessories. Read this first.
- chapstick and moisturizing cream
- Insect repellent
- Journal
- Keys – an extra set of luggage keys
- Laundry soap for hand-washing –FYI: camps in East Africa will not wash your intimate apparel
- Medication – over-the-counter or prescription medicine you take regularly, in original packaging – and your anti-malaria pills
- Passport, and leave a copy of your passport with someone you can reach
- Prescription glasses
- 2 Protein bars or a small bag of trail mix for emergencies
- Sunglasses (two pairs in case one is lost or misplaced)
- Sunscreen
- Tissues, moist towelettes, cooling body spritzer
- Toiletries and cosmetics (each place you stay will have shampoo and soap)
- Anti-bacterial hand sanitizer & small baggies come in handy for many uses.
- Small rechargeable flashlight
FOR MORE: CHECK OUT MY BEST SAFARI TIPS
Hi Lori!
Thanks for your videos. I would like to purchase a hat like you suggested. Can you please send information on where hats are available.
Thank you
Hi. Lori,
I was interested in your hats. Please let me know where I can purchase it.
Thanks
Thank you for sharing this informative guide! I really enjoyed how you broke down the essential items travelers should pack for an African safari. The practical tips on clothing, gear, and travel essentials make it much easier for first-time safari visitors to prepare properly. Packing can be overwhelming, but your article provides clear and useful advice that helps avoid common mistakes. Thanks again for sharing such valuable information and helping travelers get ready for an unforgettable safari experience!
That story about the bush plane pilot leaving luggage behind is a serious wake-up call about the weight limits! I’m definitely going to head over to your LoriSavingWild YouTube channel to watch the video guide before I start sorting out my gear for East Africa.
That story about a bush plane pilot actually leaving luggage behind is a huge wake-up call about how serious those weight limits are. I’m definitely going to head over to your LoriSavingWild YouTube channel to watch the visual packing guide before I start sorting through my gear.
The story about the bush plane pilot leaving luggage behind really drives home how serious those weight limits are! I’m definitely going to check out your LoriSavingWild channel to make sure I get my packing list right before heading out. It’s so different preparing for a safari compared to a regular vacation.
Lori’s point about bush plane weight restrictions hit home—I once read about travelers getting turned away at remote airstrips, and her warning about pilots “leaving luggage on” really drives home how serious those limits are. Also, love that she emphasizes the *why* behind the packing rules instead of just listing items; it makes it way easier to prioritize what to bring.
The point about bush plane weight restrictions is so real—I watched a guy get his suitcase pulled off the tarmac in Tanzania because he ignored the 15kg limit. Also appreciate that you mention this works for both East and South Africa since people tend to overthink the regional differences. Definitely heading to your YouTube channel for the video version since I’m more of a visual packer myself.
The bit about the bush pilot leaving luggage behind hit home — we had a similar scare in Tanzania when our bags came in a few kilos over and suddenly we were repacking on the tarmac. Having spent years on trips where I overpacked everything, it’s genuinely useful to see this approach from someone who’s been doing it since 2004. Also appreciate that this works across East and South Africa, since the weight limits caught us off guard in both places.
The bit about the bush plane pilot leaving luggage behind really hit home—I’ve seen that happen twice on airstrips in Tanzania, and it’s no joke. I appreciate how you stress the weight limits right upfront, because most people pack like they’re going to a resort, not a gravel strip in the Serengeti. Also, your point about packing being different from other vacations is spot on: it’s not just about clothes, it’s about how everything fits into a soft duffel that can squeeze under a seat. I’ll be checking out your YouTube channel for the video version before my trip next month.