The Ultimate Packing Guide for Your African Safari

I am Lori Robinson, a safari specialist since 2004. I want to help you pack the right things in the right amount so you have everything you need for your safari.

Here is the safari packing guide I give to all of my clients.

The packing requirements are different than 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.

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.

A. 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 in a timely manner, and therefore lessens the number of clothes you need to take.

In general you want to 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 pair 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

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 your 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 light weight so your luggage isn’t using up a large portion of your weight allotment. I love Eagle Creek duffles for safaris. 

B. Useful Items List

Other items you might find necessary and/or useful.

• • 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 –there are not a lot of bugs. Read more about this.
• 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 on a regular basis, in original packaging – and your anti-malaria pills
• Passport, leave a copy of your passport with someone you can reach 
• Prescription glasses
• 2 Protein bars or 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