Packing for safari doesn't have to be stressful. After countless game drives across Africa, we've refined our packing list to the essentials that actually matter—and learned what to leave behind.
The key to safari packing is understanding that you're not going on a regular vacation. Early morning game drives, dusty roads, dramatic temperature swings, and limited luggage allowances on bush flights all shape what you should bring. Get it right, and you'll be comfortable and camera-ready for every encounter.
Clothing Essentials
The Color Rule
Stick to neutral, earthy tones: khaki, olive, beige, brown, and soft gray. These colors blend with the environment (important for not startling wildlife), don't show dust, and photograph well against the African landscape.
Avoid: White (gets dirty immediately and can be too bright), black and navy blue (attract tsetse flies in some regions), bright colors (startle animals and look out of place in photos), and camouflage (associated with military and can cause issues in some countries).
Clothing Checklist
- 3-4 lightweight, long-sleeved safari shirts (moisture-wicking fabric)
- 2-3 pairs of safari pants/trousers (zip-off styles are versatile)
- 1-2 pairs of shorts (for warmer afternoons)
- 1 warm fleece or soft-shell jacket (mornings can be cold)
- 1 light rain jacket or windbreaker
- 4-5 pairs of underwear
- 4-5 pairs of socks (moisture-wicking)
- Comfortable walking shoes (closed-toe, broken in)
- Sandals for around camp
- Swimsuit (many lodges have pools)
- Light sleepwear
- Smart-casual outfit for evenings (most lodges are relaxed but appreciate some effort at dinner)
Layering is Key
Safari days often start cold (you're up before dawn), heat up significantly by midday, and cool down again in the evening. The ability to add and remove layers is essential. A fleece and a light windbreaker will see you through most conditions.
Photography Gear
For many travelers, wildlife photography is a major part of the safari experience. Here's what we recommend:
Camera Equipment
- Camera body (DSLR or mirrorless with good low-light performance)
- Telephoto lens (at minimum 200mm, ideally 100-400mm or similar)
- Wide-angle lens (for landscapes and lodge interiors)
- Extra batteries (at least 2-3; charging opportunities may be limited)
- Multiple memory cards (shoot RAW and you'll fill cards quickly)
- Lens cleaning kit (dust is inevitable)
- Bean bag or camera support (many safari vehicles have rests, but a bean bag helps stabilize long lenses)
- Camera bag with dust protection
Essential Gear
Must-Have Items
- Binoculars: 8x42 or 10x42 are ideal sizes. This might be the most important item after your camera.
- Sunglasses: Quality polarized lenses reduce glare and eye strain
- Wide-brimmed hat: Essential sun protection
- Buff or scarf: Protects face from dust on open vehicles
- Daypack: For carrying essentials on game drives
- Headlamp or small flashlight: Camps can be dark at night
- Reusable water bottle: Stay hydrated; most lodges provide filtered water
- Power bank: Keep devices charged between opportunities
- Universal power adapter: South Africa uses Type M plugs; East Africa typically uses UK-style Type G
Health and Toiletries
Health Essentials
- Prescription medications (bring more than you need, in original containers)
- Antimalarial medication (consult a travel health professional)
- High-SPF sunscreen (factor 50+ recommended)
- Insect repellent with DEET (30%+ for mosquitoes)
- After-bite cream
- Basic first aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic, pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication)
- Hand sanitizer
- Lip balm with SPF
- Eye drops (dust can irritate eyes)
- Motion sickness medication (if prone, for bush roads and small planes)
Toiletries
- Biodegradable toiletries (many camps are eco-conscious)
- Facial moisturizer (the air can be very dry)
- Wet wipes (invaluable for freshening up)
- Minimal makeup (if any—the bush calls for a natural look)
- Deodorant
- Hair ties and simple hair care
Documents and Money
Essential Documents
- Passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond travel dates, with blank pages)
- Visa documentation (if required)
- Yellow fever certificate (required for entry to many African countries)
- Travel insurance documents
- Copies of all documents (digital and paper)
- Credit cards (Visa widely accepted; inform your bank of travel plans)
- Cash in USD for tips (clean, new bills; small denominations)
- Emergency contact information
What to Leave Behind
Just as important as what to pack is knowing what not to bring:
- Too many clothes: Laundry service means you need less than you think
- Expensive jewelry: Unnecessary and potentially attractive to thieves
- Hard-sided luggage: Soft duffels are essential for small plane transfers
- Hair dryers/straighteners: Most lodges provide these; power can be limited
- High heels: Utterly impractical
- Multiple books: One is enough; e-readers are better
- Drone: Often prohibited in national parks and reserves
Luggage Considerations
If your safari includes bush flights (common in Botswana, Tanzania, and Kenya), you'll face strict luggage limits—typically 15-20kg (33-44 lbs) including carry-on, in soft-sided bags only. Hard suitcases won't fit in small aircraft cargo holds.
"The first time I packed for safari, I brought way too much. Now I travel with a single soft duffel and a camera bag. Less really is more."
Packing by Season
Dry Season (May-October)
Mornings and evenings can be quite cold, especially in Southern Africa (Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia). Pack warmer layers, including a proper jacket for early morning game drives. A warm hat and gloves aren't overkill for July/August.
Wet Season (November-April)
Temperatures are warmer, but pack a quality rain jacket. Afternoons often bring thunderstorms. The air is more humid, so quick-dry fabrics are even more important.
Final Checklist
Before you leave, run through these final checks:
- Check visa requirements for every country you're visiting
- Confirm vaccination requirements (yellow fever, COVID-19)
- Notify your bank and credit card company of travel dates
- Download offline maps and guides to your phone
- Confirm luggage allowances with your operator
- Leave a copy of your itinerary with someone at home
Explore our Namibia Safari itinerary for inspiration on your first African adventure.