A Practical Safari Packing List: What to Pack for a Safari
- Johan Siggesson
- Jul 27
- 6 min read
Preparing for a safari is exciting, but knowing what to pack can be a bit overwhelming. With the variety of climates, early mornings, long game drives, and remote camps, it is easy to either overpack or forget something important. A solid safari packing list can help you get it right the first time and make your trip more comfortable and enjoyable.
This guide focuses on practical, field-tested essentials that cover clothing, gear, personal items, and a few things you might not think of until you are out in the bush.
✅ Note: A practical downloadable list (PDF) is included at the end.
Clothing for an African Safari: What Works and What Doesn’t
One of the most common questions I get from people preparing for safari is about clothing. You do not need a new wardrobe, but there are a few rules of thumb that make a big difference out there.
Choose Neutral Colours
Stick to earthy tones like olive, khaki, beige, and brown. These colours blend in better with the environment and do not attract insects. Avoid bright colours and busy patterns. Also avoid white, which shows dust and dirt quickly, and black or dark blue, which can attract tsetse flies in some areas.
Tip: Avoid camouflage clothing as in some countries this can be seen as offensive.
Dress in Layers
Morning game drives can be cold, especially in open vehicles. By mid-morning, the temperature can rise quickly. Layering helps you stay comfortable throughout the day.
Essential clothing items:
Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts for sun and insect protection
Long trousers or convertible zip-off pants
A fleece or light insulated jacket or down jacket for early drives
A breathable rain jacket if you’re traveling in the wet season
A buff or scarf for dust
A wide-brimmed hat for sun protection
Comfortable walking shoes or lightweight boots
A pair of sandals or slip-ons for camp use
Tip: Most lodges offer laundry services to very reasonable prices, so you do not need to pack a full outfit for each day.
Safari Footwear: Comfort Comes First
You are unlikely to do much walking unless you are on a walking safari, but you will still need practical shoes.
Game drives: Comfortable closed-toe shoes or trainers work fine.
Camp life: Flip-flops or slip-ons are great for moving around.
Walking safaris: Lightweight hiking boots with ankle support are best.
Tip: Make sure any shoes you bring are well broken in before your trip. Avoid brand new footwear.
Camera Gear for Safari Photography
If photography is part of your safari experience, packing the right camera gear is important. A safari is one of the best opportunities to capture unique wildlife images, but the gear needs to be practical and portable.
Camera gear is very individual and depends on your level of ambition. If you are flying on small aircraft with strict luggage limits, consider choosing more compact setups.
Recommended camera gear:
DSLR or mirrorless camera with good low-light performance
Telephoto lens (at least 300mm, ideally 400mm or more)
Wide or mid-range zoom for close-ups when opportunity is given, landscapes and camp shots
Extra memory cards and batteries
Lens cleaning cloths and a blower for dust
Bean bag for camera support in the vehicle
Lightweight daypack for keeping gear handy during drives
Tip: Try to avoid changing lenses if possible. If possible, a seond camera body is advisable.
Safari Packing List Essentials
Beyond clothing and camera gear, there are other items that make a big difference in your comfort and experience.
Must-have items:
Binoculars – A good pair allows you to enjoy wildlife even without a camera.
Sunscreen and insect repellent – Essential for sun and bug protection.
Reusable water bottle – Many lodges offer filtered water.
Headlamp or torch – Useful for walking around camp after dark.
Power bank – Charging options may be limited during some safaris.
Personal toiletries – Bring what you need, including biodegradable soap and shampoo if possible.
Prescription medication – Pack extras, and include a basic first aid kit.
Travel documents – Passport, visa (if required), vaccination card, travel insurance.
Packing Tips for Safari Travel
A few small adjustments to how you pack can help you stay organised and within airline weight limits.
Use soft-sided luggage: Most bush planes and safari vehicles have limited space. Duffle bags or soft backpacks are preferred.
Pack light: You will not need much. Most camps are casual and offer laundry.
Use packing cubes: They help keep gear separated and easy to access.
Leave room for souvenirs: You may want to bring back textiles, crafts, or carved wooden animals.
Bring ziplock bags or dry sacks: Good for keeping electronics or documents safe from dust or rain.
Optional Extras You Might Appreciate
These are not essentials, but they often end up being useful or appreciated in camp life:
Notebook and pen – For journaling sightings or experiences.
Small pair of scissors or multi-tool – Always handy.
Travel-sized clothesline – For washing a few items if needed.
Eye mask and earplugs – For lighter sleepers.
Lightweight gloves – For chilly early drives.
Snacks – Some remote camps have limited food between meals.
What Not to Pack for a Safari
There are also a few things better left at home.
Drones: Almost all parks ban them.
Camouflage clothing: Illegal in some African countries and can cause problems.
Fancy or formal clothing: Lodges are casual.
Hard-shell suitcases: Not ideal for vehicle or small aircraft storage.
Valuables: Bring only what you are willing to carry and keep safe.
Customising Your Safari Packing List by Region and Season
While most items stay the same, some parts of your safari packing list may change depending on where and when you travel.
If visiting during the rainy season:
Include a waterproof daypack cover
Add more socks and dry bags
Bring waterproof shoes or quick-drying footwear
If heading to East Africa (Kenya or Tanzania):
Prepare for cooler mornings and long drives
Bring warm layers, even if visiting in the dry season
If visiting Southern Africa (Namibia, Botswana, South Africa):
Check for temperature extremes
Bring a stronger fleece for cold desert mornings
Prepare for dust if traveling in the dry season
If trekking gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda:
Gloves for grabbing vegetation
Waterproof hiking boots
Long trousers and gaiters for protection against stinging nettles
Final Thoughts
Packing for a safari does not have to be complicated. With the right basics and a focus on comfort, protection, and practicality, you will be well prepared for anything the bush can throw at you. This safari packing list covers what you need, what to leave out, and a few things you may be glad you brought along.
Whether this is your first safari or your fifth, good preparation can help you enjoy the trip more fully and focus on what really matters: the experience, the wildlife, and the time away from everything else.
✅ Safari Packing Checklist
🎒 Clothing
Item | ✓ |
Lightweight long-sleeved shirts | ☐ |
Short-sleeved shirts | ☐ |
Long trousers or zip-off pants | ☐ |
Comfortable shorts (for camp use) | ☐ |
Fleece or light insulated jacket | ☐ |
Rain jacket or poncho | ☐ |
Neutral-coloured t-shirts | ☐ |
Buff or scarf (for dust) | ☐ |
Lightweight gloves (for cold mornings) | ☐ |
Wide-brimmed sun hat | ☐ |
Beanie or warm hat (for early drives) | ☐ |
Sleepwear | ☐ |
Swimsuit (some lodges have pools) | ☐ |
Undergarments | ☐ |
Socks (quick-drying if possible) | ☐ |
👟 Footwear
Item | ✓ |
Closed-toe walking shoes or hiking boots | ☐ |
Slip-ons or sandals for camp | ☐ |
Flip-flops (for showers or pool areas) | ☐ |
📷 Camera and Optics
Item | ✓ |
Camera body (DSLR or mirrorless) | ☐ |
Telephoto lens (300mm or more recommended) | ☐ |
Mid-range or wide-angle lens | ☐ |
Lens cleaning cloths and air blower | ☐ |
Extra memory cards | ☐ |
Extra camera batteries | ☐ |
Charger and adapter plugs | ☐ |
Bean bag or other camera stabiliser | ☐ |
Camera backpack or padded bag | ☐ |
Tripod or monopod (if space allows) | ☐ |
Protective rain cover for camera | ☐ |
🔭 Optics and Viewing
Item | ✓ |
Binoculars (8x42 or 10x42 recommended) | ☐ |
Rangefinder (optional for photographers) | ☐ |
🌞 Health and Comfort
Item | ✓ |
Sunscreen (high SPF) | ☐ |
Lip balm with SPF | ☐ |
Insect repellent with DEET | ☐ |
After-bite or anti-itch cream | ☐ |
Malaria medication (if advised) | ☐ |
Personal medications and prescriptions | ☐ |
Basic first aid kit (plasters, antiseptic, etc.) | ☐ |
Hand sanitiser | ☐ |
Antibacterial wipes | ☐ |
Tissues or toilet paper (for remote areas) | ☐ |
Rehydration tablets or electrolyte packets | ☐ |
Travel sickness tablets (if needed) | ☐ |
🧼 Toiletries
Item | ✓ |
Toothbrush and toothpaste | ☐ |
Shampoo and conditioner (biodegradable if possible) | ☐ |
Soap or body wash | ☐ |
Deodorant | ☐ |
Razor and shaving cream | ☐ |
Moisturiser | ☐ |
Hairbrush or comb | ☐ |
Nail clippers or scissors | ☐ |
Menstrual products (bring enough for whole trip) | ☐ |
🧳 Travel Essentials
Item | ✓ |
Passport (valid for at least 6 months) | ☐ |
Visa (if required) | ☐ |
Yellow fever certificate (if needed) | ☐ |
COVID-19 documentation (if applicable) | ☐ |
Flight tickets or e-confirmations | ☐ |
Travel insurance papers | ☐ |
Credit card and some cash in USD or local currency | ☐ |
Copies of important documents | ☐ |
Travel guidebook or maps | ☐ |
🔌 Electronics
Item | ✓ |
Power bank | ☐ |
Plug adaptors for destination country | ☐ |
Phone and charging cable | ☐ |
E-reader or book | ☐ |
Headphones | ☐ |
Flashlight or headlamp | ☐ |
Extra batteries for headlamp or torch | ☐ |
🛶 Other Handy Items
Item | ✓ |
Daypack or small backpack for game drives | ☐ |
Dry bags or waterproof pouches | ☐ |
Ziplock bags for organisation | ☐ |
Packing cubes | ☐ |
Travel pillow | ☐ |
Eye mask and earplugs | ☐ |
Travel laundry detergent | ☐ |
Travel clothesline | ☐ |
Snacks or energy bars | ☐ |
Notebook and pen | ☐ |
Small binocular repair kit or screwdriver | ☐ |
Lightweight travel towel | ☐ |
Reusable shopping bag | ☐ |
