Safari Packing Tips

Safari Essentials: Packing Tips for Your Safari Adventure

Travel Light:

If you're flying to your safari destination on a small regional flight, remember that your luggage should be packed in a soft tote or duffel bag, with a maximum weight limit of 15 kilograms. You can have one hard side to your bag, and you can have wheels, but traditional hard-shell suitcases are not suitable for small planes. I find compression packing cubes invaluable when you are limited on space and to keep your bag organised. Check out the great duffel on wheels I found for you.

Keep in mind these guidelines for luggage size and weight for most regional flights:

  • Maximum luggage weight: 20kg/44lbs (in the hold)

  • Luggage size: 40cm (16 inches) wide x 30cm (12 inches) high x 60cm (24 inches) long

  • Maximum hand luggage: 5kg/11lbs (1 soft piece allowed with ONE flat side only)

Dressing for Safaris:

  • Keep it casual and comfortable with essentials like tee shirts, long-sleeved breathable shirts, shorts, lightweight cotton trousers, and lightweight sports or lace-up walking shoes. Avoid jeans during the day, as they can get too hot.

  • Choose non-synthetic materials, with cotton and linen being ideal or easy dry, wicking-type gear

  • Dress casually unless otherwise specified (e.g., for luxury train journeys). Choose non-synthetic materials, with cotton being ideal.

  • Layer your clothing for the changing temperatures. Start the day with lightweight layers and adjust as needed.

  • Choose neutral colours like greens, olives, browns, and khakis.

  • Avoid camouflage items as these are prohibited in some African countries and reserved for use by the army only.

  • Pack a fleece, sweater, or windbreaker for cooler game drives, as temperature variations can be steep in some areas.

  • Avoid white clothing, as it makes you more visible to wildlife and gets dirty quickly. In Tanzania, skip navy and black to avoid Tsetse flies, whose bites are painful.

  • Essential clothing items include:

    • 1 wide-brim Safari Hat – see the great foldable one I have found for you! 

    • 1 Safari Beanie or hoodie for winter – I have found a super loose hoodie, ideal for sun and wind.

    • 3 Safari Shirts with collars – Men's Shirt, Women's Shirt

    • 2 cotton tank tops – ideal for layering and compact packing

    • 1 warm Safari Fleece or Jacket – thickness dependent on when you are travelling – Men's Jacket, Women's Jacket

    • Optional Safari Dress or Skirts for women

    • 2 pairs of Safari Trousers and/or Shorts

    • 2 pairs of Safari Socks

    • 1 pair of Safari Shoes

    • 1 pair of sandals, like Birkenstocks, for walking around at the lodge

    • Many lodges have small gyms, so bring workout clothes if you like.

    • I always recommend women pack a light shawl or pashmina: for warmth, sunshade or a touch of glamour at dinner!

    • Don't forget a swimsuit for mid-day dips.

Important:

  • Check your visa and passport requirements, ensuring your passport is valid for at least six months from your departure date.

  • Carry at least one other picture ID, like your driver's license.

  • Keep a photocopy of your passport page in your wallet, separate from your passport.

  • Check for recommended inoculations. For Tanzania, you'll need a Yellow Fever certificate issued more than 10 days before travelling.

  • Bring your Yellow Fever Certificate, it is valid for 10 years.

  • Get travel insurance to cover unforeseen disruptions to your safari. Upgrading to a policy that allows for all cancellation reasons, is highly recommended.

  • Most safari destinations are in malaria-risk areas, so consult your physician or travel clinic for the right prophylactics.

Don't Forget:

  • Insect repellent, sunglasses, hand wipes, a hat with a brim, binoculars, camera with accessories, phone charging cables, gloves for cold weather, sunscreen, moisturizer, lip balm, topical antibiotic, and any necessary medications.

  • If you have prescription medicine, carry a copy of the prescription.

  • Bring a lightweight book or Kindle to stay entertained during unexpected delays.

  • Most importantly, pack a spirit of adventure and a sense of humour!