Packing List for Safari
The clothing you’ll need will depend on the time of year you go on safari. Here’s the type of weather you can expect at different times of the year:
- June through September: The days are dry and hot, with cooler evenings.
- October and December through March: Conditions can range from hot and dry to cool and overcast.
- November: The short rains happen at this time, so you can expect a mix of hot, dry conditions and sudden rain showers.
- April and May: The season of the long rains, when you can expect showers almost daily.
It’s a good rule of thumb to bring clothing you can layer as the temperature warms up or cools down. The fabrics you choose should be lightweight, durable, and comfortable.
We recommend these basics:
- Safari overshirts or tunics (mid-sleeve or long-sleeve)
- Moisture-wicking tank tops or t-shirts
- Lightweight, water-resistant safari pants
- Leggings or linen pants
- Fleece jacket
- Light pullover jersey
- Lightweight rain jacket or poncho
- Breathable, moisture-wicking underwear
- Swimsuit
- Sleepwear
- A casual outfit (slacks and shirt or a dress) for dinnertime
- A buff wrap to protect your face from dust.
Top tip – clothing colours make a difference: You’ve probably seen hundreds of photos of people on safari dressed in khakis and muted earthy colours. This isn’t just a fashion statement – these colours are the most suitable to wear in the bush, for a few good reasons.
- They don’t attract insects, like brighter colours tend to do
- They don’t absorb as much heat as dark colours, so they keep you cooler
- They don’t show dirt and dust as easily as other colours.
Good to know: Avoid wearing camouflage-patterned clothing, as some African countries reserve this for military personnel only.
Footwear:
- Pack lightweight synthetic hiking shoes instead of heavy hiking boots, and make sure you have several pairs of moisture-wicking socks.
- Bring a pair of sandals or flip-flops too, for times when you’re relaxing around camp.
Laundry: All camps provide a daily laundry service, which means you can re-wear your clothes, making it easier to stick to luggage limits.
Please note:
- All laundry in camp is done by hand and dried outdoors, therefore, turnaround time depends on the weather.
- Out of respect for local culture and customs, we do not wash underwear. Washing powder is provided in all our guest rooms, should guests wish to wash their own.
Safari Sun Protection: The Essentials
Protecting yourself from the African sun is essential all year round, even in the cooler and wetter months. Make sure you pack:
- A wide-brimmed safari hat
- SPF 50 sunscreen
- Soothing after-sun lotion
- Sunglasses with polarised lenses.
What Toiletries to Pack for an East African Safari
Our camps provide shampoo, conditioner, soaps, and insect repellent, so you don’t need to worry about bringing these with you unless you prefer to use a specific brand. Other items you should bring include:
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss
- Deodorant
- Moisturising lotion
- Lip balm
- Antibacterial hand gel (great for toilet stops in the wild)
- Hairbrush or comb
- Contact lens fluid (if needed)
- Wet wipes
- Feminine hygiene products (if needed).
Decant your toiletries into small, travel-friendly bottles with screw tops, to save yourself plenty of weight and space when packing. Save extra space where you can by packing travel-sized toothpaste, a compact hairbrush, etc.
What Electronics to Pack for an East African Safari
While you’re going on safari to unplug, there are still a few gadgets you should be sure to take with you:
- A small, powerful LED flashlight or a compact headlamp
- AC plug point converter to 3-prong square (East Africa)
- Your camera or mobile phone (for all those unforgettable photo opportunities)
- The correct chargers and cables
- If you’re a serious photographer, bring a backup hard drive for your images
- Lightweight binoculars
- A cheap, functional wristwatch with an alarm
- Batteries or a solar charger for your camera and other gadgets.
What Else Should You Pack?
Don’t forget these important items!
- Any prescription medication you need to take regularly
- All copies of your travel documents, including travel insurance policy, passport, and visa
- An inconspicuous money belt so you can keep your cash with you
- A mesh laundry bag for dirty clothing
- A small, lightweight backpack for game drives and walks.
What Not to Pack for a Safari
Here are a few things you can leave behind when packing for your safari trip:
- Camo-print clothing
- Expensive or delicate jewellery
- Disposable plastic bags (these are illegal in Kenya)
- Drones
- High-voltage beauty tools like hairdryers and straighteners
- Strong-smelling perfumes or sprays