Essentials to Pack for Your African Safari

Packing for an African safari can be a challenge, especially when you’ll be away from home for two weeks or more, and traveling to places where it’s hard to buy extras like sunscreen or socks. Additionally, safari luggage weight limits range from 12kg to 20kg per person, depending on the itinerary, and your bags must be 100% soft-sided – no suitcases or bags with wheels are allowed.

Here are some essential items to pack for your safari. Don’t forget to check out our detailed Packing for an African Safari blog post for more tips!

Documents and Essentials:

• Valid passport
• Valid visa (if required)
• One additional photo ID (e.g., driver’s license)
• Photocopy of passport page (carry in your wallet)
• Air tickets
• Vaccination certificate
• Credit cards and cash
• Comprehensive travel insurance policy

Dressing for Safari:

On safari, it’s common to wear shorts and a T-shirt during the day, and switch to long-sleeved shirts and pants in the evening for warmth and mosquito protection. If you’re sensitive to the sun, a loose cotton shirt is essential during the day. Stick to khaki, brown, olive, and beige colors for game drives and walks, as these colors blend into the environment and won’t attract wildlife. White is not recommended since it makes you more visible to animals and gets dirty quickly.

Remember to pack a fleece or sweater and a windbreaker for game drives. Temperatures can drop quickly, so layering your clothes is key to staying warm.

Suggested Clothing to Pack:

• 2 pairs of cotton pants
• 2 pairs of shorts
• 2 long-sleeved shirts/blouses (for sun protection and warmth)
• 1 light sweater or sweatshirt
• 1 lightweight, waterproof windbreaker
• Swimming costume
• Sturdy walking shoes
• Sandals
• 3-5 short-sleeved shirts or T-shirts
• 5 changes of underwear and socks
• Hat with a brim (baseball caps won’t protect your ears or neck)
• Gloves and a down vest or jacket (if you feel the cold)
• A sarong or kikoi

Many lodges and safari camps offer laundry services, and hotels offer laundry services at an additional cost. However, some may not wash underwear, so bring washing powder to do it yourself.

Safari Essentials:

• Toiletry kit
• Insect repellent and sunscreen
• Good quality sunglasses
• Hand wipes or baby wipes
• Stuff sacks or plastic bags to organize your items
• Repair kit (needle, thread, nylon cord, rip-stop tape)
• Camera
• Spare batteries or charger (you’ll take more photos than expected, so extra memory and batteries are a must)
• Binoculars
• Paperback, Kindle, or journal (keep weight minimal)
• Moisturizer and lip balm
• Personal first-aid kit (headache pills, rehydrate sachets, antihistamine pills/cream)
• Towel and washcloth (quick-drying) – necessary for camping safaris

If you take prescription medication, bring enough to last the entire trip. For longer trips, carry a copy of your prescription in case you need to replenish.

Luggage:

The best type of luggage for a safari is a soft bag or backpack with an internal frame. Suitcases or wheeled bags are not suitable. Storage space in safari vehicles is limited, so only one bag per person is allowed. You should also have a daypack for personal items like your camera and binoculars.

Light Aircraft Travel:

If your itinerary includes light aircraft flights, be aware of strict luggage weight restrictions. The limit is usually 12 to 15kg per person, and bags must be soft-sided. Since storage in light aircraft is limited, bulky or excessive luggage may not be allowed. Common aircraft for safari transfers include the Cessna 206, Cessna 210, and Cessna 208 Caravan.

Ultimately, the pilot has the final say regarding luggage. If your bags exceed the limit, you may need to arrange (and pay for) luggage forwarding or even an additional aircraft for transportation.

By packing smartly and following these tips, you can ensure that you’re well-prepared for an unforgettable African safari adventure!