Luggage Guidance & Restrictions for African Safaris

For many first-time travelers to Africa, the strict luggage allowances can seem daunting. However, being well-prepared ensures that your safari runs smoothly, especially when dealing with space limitations on safari vehicles and small aircraft. Most safaris have a luggage limit of around 15kg, though it can range from 12kg to 20kg, depending on the type of safari and transport you’ll be using.

Bag Requirements

• Soft-sided bags are mandatory for safaris. A rolling duffel bag or similar is ideal.
• Bags must be 100% squashable, meaning no hard sides or wheels, as space is limited in 4WD vehicles and the luggage compartments of light aircraft are small and irregularly shaped.

Luggage Restrictions Based on Itinerary

1. Road-Based Itineraries

For road-based safaris, it’s crucial to pack light due to the limited luggage space in safari vehicles.

• Luggage allowance: One soft-sided bag per person, plus a small day bag.
• Weight limits: These will vary depending on the itinerary, so it’s important to confirm your allowance at the time of booking.

2. Fly-In Itineraries

On fly-in safaris, particularly in East Africa and Southern Africa, strict luggage guidelines apply to account for the space limitations on light aircraft.

• East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda):

  • Weight: 15kg total (includes main bag and hand luggage).
  • Dimensions: 30cm x 30cm x 70cm*.

• Southern Africa (Namibia, Botswana, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe):

  • Weight: 15kg to 20kg (varies by destination, please check with your safari operator).
  • Dimensions: 30cm x 30cm x 70cm*.

Note: The dimensions are flexible as long as the bag is 100% soft-sided and can be easily manipulated into the small luggage compartments of the plane. Bags with wheels or hard cases are not allowed, as they won’t fit in the aircraft’s storage area.

Storing Additional Luggage

If you’re traveling onward after your safari and need to carry additional luggage, let us know. Depending on your itinerary, we can arrange for luggage storage at our offices, where you can collect it after your safari.

By adhering to these luggage guidelines, you’ll ensure that your African safari is smooth and stress-free!