The ultimate guide for how to pack for an African safari

Packing for an African safari can feel overwhelming, with lots of rumours circulating about luggage restrictions, colour no-nos and even the banning of plastic bags! So what should be included in your packing list if you’re heading off on safari? In this guide, we’ll share with you our insider advice to ensure you have an unforgettable adventure. 
 

We’ll break down the luggage rules and let you know what the ideal type of clothing is, as well as all the accessories you need to make your stay incredible. What can you expect to find at the camp/lodge (or should you take your own?) and how can you ensure you have your bases covered when it comes to medication and vaccinations?

Going on an African safari is a little different from other holidays, which is why it’s important that you don’t leave your packing to the last minute!

 

Choice of luggage

Before you even start packing, consider the type of suitcase or backpack you are planning on travelling with. If you’re taking any domestic flights in Africa on small aircraft, they will usually enforce a strict luggage allowance of 15 kilograms and implement rules that don’t permit hard-shell cases. So find a lightweight, soft-sided bag or suitcase (without wheels) that won’t take up valuable weight. 

In addition, you want a small carry-on case where you can keep your valuables (passport, money, tickets), plus any medications or items you can’t do without. This is important, particularly in the unlikely case that your checked bag is lost or delayed in transport.
 

What to Wear On an African Safari

When you’re deciding what clothes to take with you on safari in Africa, remember to pack minimally. Most camps and lodges will provide laundry services, so pack light (with the intention of being able to have your clothes cleaned every few days), rather than hauling a huge suitcase with you. 

Ideally, you want to select clothing with neutral colours such as beige, khaki or green, which will help you to blend in with the foliage. In reality, you can wear any coloured clothing on an African safari but stay away from bright colours such as red or purple that will attract the animal’s attention. Another combination to steer clear of is striped patterns with blue and black as (for some reason) tsetse flies are attracted to this!

 

Our recommended clothing packing list:

   •     3 or 4 casual T-shirts to wear during the daytime

   •     2 long-sleeve shirts for layering in the cool mornings and evenings

   •     A button-down shirt or blouse to wear at dinner

   •     Full-length pants (ideally with cut-offs) to wear during game drives

   •     2 pairs of shorts to wear during the middle of the day

   •     A pair of jeans or dressy slacks to wear at dinner

   •     A casual dress to wear at dinner

   •     A bathing suit/swimming shorts

   •     4 pairs of underwear (women may want to consider a sports bra for bumpy game drives!)

   •     4 pairs of socks

   •     A broad-rimmed hat to protect your face and neck against the sun

   •     A bandana that can be soaked and wrapped around your neck if you’re visiting during the humid months

   •     A comfortable pair of walking shoes with good tread (waterproof hiking boots are recommended for gorilla trekking)

   •     Flip-flops or slip-on shoes for wearing around the camp

   •     A windbreaker/waterproof/fleece jacket to wear in the cool mornings and evenings

   •     A beanie, scarf and gloves if you’re visiting high-altitude mountain regions
 

First aid and toiletries

When it comes to packing medication and first aid essentials, it’s important that you don’t forget anything, as finding replacements on arrival in Africa may be next to impossible. Toiletries will be easier to find, but if you’re being whisked from the airport to your safari lodge or camp, you may not have the opportunity to buy what you need. 

Book an appointment with your GP well before your planned travel date to chat with them about any vaccinations they may recommend (a Yellow Fever certificate may be required for entry to some countries). Some vaccinations can be administered during one appointment while others require multiple shots before they are effective. You can also use this opportunity to talk to them about the malaria precautions that are currently available and the best option for you. 
 

While we recommend that you take a basic first aid kit with you, most safari lodges and camps will have a comprehensive first aid kit on site. Having your own is useful if you stub your toe and want a bandage at quick notice or have a headache you want to nip in the bud. 

 

Our recommended first aid and toiletries packing list:

   •     A broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen

   •     Insect repellant

   •     Lip balm 

   •     Moisturiser and/or after-sun lotion

   •     Toothpaste and toothbrush

   •     Hairbrush/comb

   •     Nail scissors/clippers and/or tweezers

   •     Any prescription medication you need (ensure you have enough to last your entire trip)

   •     Bandages

   •     Antiseptic cream

   •     Painkillers for headaches/stomachaches

   •     Antihistamine tablets

 

Accessories and Electronics to Pack on an African Safari

Accessories and electronics can quickly add a lot of weight to your luggage, so be selective and opt for light-weight options wherever possible. Most camps will have binoculars for guests to use but it’s a good idea to have your own pair so you can use them whenever the opportunity presents itself. Similarly, international power adapters will usually be available at the camp/lodge reception but having your own is convenient and they don’t take up too much space in your luggage. 

 

Our recommended accessories and electronics packing list:
 

   •     A pair of sunglasses and reading glasses (if necessary)

   •     A pair of lightweight binoculars (8x40 or 8x42)

   •     A high-quality camera with a powerful telephoto zoom lens for capturing up-close wildlife action (also consider a camera support bean bag for extra-heavy lenses)

   •     Memory cards, batteries and camera power chargers

   •     A small flashlight or headlamp for getting around the camp at night

   •     Power adapter(s) that are compatible with your destination country

   •     A journal for documenting your experiences

   •     A book to read in the evenings or during the heat of the day

   •     A waterproof bag for storing your camera and valuables during boat/canoe safaris (this can also be useful to protect against dust during game drives)

 

Last but not least, don’t forget to put your passport, tickets, money and credit cards in a safe and secure place. Some African countries will require you to buy a visa at the border/airport (have some US dollars with you) while other countries now have eVisa systems. If this is the case, print out your visa and carry it with you so that it can easily be presented to officials on arrival. 

We also highly recommend that you take out a comprehensive travel insurance policy that will cover you in case of unexpected situations. Look for policies that cover loss of luggage and personal items, as well as medical expenses (including evacuation), which can otherwise be very expensive. 
 

What not to pack on an African Safari

So now we’ve covered what you should pack, here are a few things you shouldn’t:

   •     Camouflage or military-style clothing - this is prohibited in some countries (eg. Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda) and not recommended for safety reasons. 

   •     Drones - they are not allowed in most national parks and reserves across East Africa. 

   •     Plastics - many East African countries are going polythene-free for the sake of the environment, meaning that bringing in plastic bags is illegal (searches at the border are common). If you want to protect your toiletries from potentially leaking in your luggage, opt for a transparent, multi-use toiletry bag instead. 

   •     Hairdryers - these can significantly drain the power supplies of camps and lodges, so leave them at home and dry your hair naturally for the duration of the trip. 

Need a help to plan your African Safari? Vencha Travel safari experts will be happy to assist you stay in touch.