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Stories · Destination Guides

What to Pack for Your Safari

The essential list · 8 min read

Packing for a safari is its own small art. Bring too much and you’ll haul it between tight bush flights; bring too little and you’ll wish you’d known. Here’s a simple, field-tested list.

Soft bags only — aircraft can’t take hard cases.   ~15 kg (33 lb) incl. hand luggage.   Neutral colours — skip blue & black.   Lodges do laundry.
Couple in safari clothing walking through golden grassland on African adventure travel experience

Your safari checklist

Clothing

  • 3–4 neutral shirts / tees
  • 2 long-sleeve shirts
  • 2 lightweight trousers
  • 1 pair shorts
  • Warm fleece or jacket
  • Light rain jacket
  • Wide-brim hat
  • Buff or scarf
  • Swimwear
  • Sleepwear
  • Underwear & socks

Footwear

  • Closed-toe walking shoes
  • Camp sandals or flip-flops

Optics & gadgets

  • Binoculars (one pair each)
  • Camera, batteries & cards
  • Phone & charger
  • Travel adapter
  • Power bank
  • Head-torch
  • Sunglasses

Health & toiletries

  • Sunscreen & lip balm
  • Insect repellent (DEET)
  • Medication & first-aid
  • Malaria tablets
  • Hand sanitiser & wipes
  • Toiletries
  • Water bottle

Documents & money

  • Passport (6+ mths) & visas
  • Travel insurance
  • Flights & itinerary
  • Vaccination certificate
  • US dollars for tips
  • Credit / debit card
hiking in the forest of bwindi

Heading into the forest?

Tracking gorillas or chimps in Uganda, Rwanda or the Congo Basin is steep, muddy and humid. Everything above still applies — just add:

  • Waterproof hiking boots
  • Thick gardening gloves
  • Waterproof trousers & jacket
  • Long, thick socks
  • Gaiters (optional)
  • Dry bag or rain cover
  • Extra insect repellent
  • Snacks & water
  • Walking pole
  • Face mask
  • Cash to tip a porter

Not sure about your specific trip? Tell us where you’re headed and we’ll send a tailored packing list.

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