Many travelers to southern and eastern Africa go on safaris/game drives. If you’ve never been on safari, then figuring out what to pack might be a daunting task. Don’t worry! Packing for safari is like packing for anything else with a few special considerations. The following is my packing guide for the essentials you need on safari.

Clothes

While earthy, dull colors are preferred, safari-specific gear is not required. Bring loose-fitting, lightweight clothing in khaki, green, light pinks, beige, and brown as most of your time will be spent in a vehicle. If you plan to go on a walking safari, then neutral colors are more important. Some travelers may want to invest in UV-resistant or quick dry shirts and pants.

Colors to avoid are white (game drives are very dusty) and black and dark blue (which attract tsetse flies). Do NOT wear camouflage. This is associated with the military and some countries, like Zimbabwe, prohibit civilians from wearing it.

It’s important to wear layers. Most game drives occur in the early morning and evening. These times are quite cold, especially during the winter peak season. When you dress in layers you can start bundled up and progressively remove layers as the day warms up; then add layers back after the sun sets on dusk game drives.

What to Wear:

  • Tops – T-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, and a fleece or hoodie for layering
  • Pants – Comfy hiking pants or shorts
  • Jackets – Jacket or coat with multiple pockets to hold your camera lenses, phone, room key, etc. You may need a rain jacket depending on the time of year.
  • Shoes – Tennis shoes/sneakers/trainers/tekkies (for game drives) and waterproof hiking boots or shoes (for walking safaris or gorilla trekking)
  • Swimsuit(s)
  • Underwear and socks – If you overpack anything, these would be it! You can re-wear or wash shirts and pants, but you will want clean socks and underwear after being out in the sun and dust all day.

Accessories

  • Hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Buff or scarf – A buff or scarf will keep you warm in the mornings and evenings. It also covers your face from wind and dust.
  • Crossbody bag or backpack – Have a small day bag to hold essentials for game drives or treks.
  • Waterproof bag – A waterproof bag may be needed depending on the season and type of safari. It is especially important for a mokoro safari in the Okavango Delta.

Luggage

You may have to take a bush flight or small plane to your safari location. Make sure to double- and triple-check your luggage restrictions. These flights typically have weight and/or size requirements as strict as 12 to 15 kgs (26 to 33 lbs.). You may need to leave large or heavy luggage in storage until your return.

Consider a lightweight duffle or soft-sided bag. Some small safari aircraft don’t allow hard-frame suitcases. I didn’t have this problem on my trips, but I didn’t take a bush flight.

Technology

  • Travel adapter(s) – A universal travel adapter is recommended. Double-check which adapter(s) you need before your trip. Sometimes a specific country is not included on the universal adapter. I have visited South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. South Africa and Botswana use a type M plug. Zimbabwe uses D and G plug types. Type G is included in most universal adapters; however, M and D types are not.
  • Power bank/portable charger – A power bank comes in handy when you take lots of photos and videos on your phone all day. I bring one on every trip no matter what I am doing.
  • Power strip/surge protector – There is often only one outlet in your room at the lodge or camp – a power strip lets you charge multiple things at once. Just plug in your adapter and then plug the power strip into that. I have a small one with two outlets and three USB ports that is the perfect size for packing.

Photography

  • Point-and-shoot, DSLR, or mirrorless camera – On my first safari, I brought a point-and-shoot camera. I took some good photos, but I wish I had a higher quality camera like the one I currently use. Which camera you choose is up to your budget and interest level. In any event, many animals will be too far out for a clear shot with your phone.
  • Lenses – Zoom lenses anywhere from 200mm to 400mm are perfect for most sightings. Camera kits typically come with a small (18-55mm) and zoom (70-300mm) lens. If you can afford it, I found that a combo lens, something like 18-300mm, is best so you don’t waste time changing lenses.
  • Extra camera batteries – You will drain your camera battery quickly on game drives. I carry at least three batteries and charge them every night.
  • Spare memory cards – You will take way more photos than you think. Having multiple memory cards means you’ll never have to miss an incredible shot. Even if the card isn’t full, you may want to change it out during the trip – that way if something happens to your memory card or camera you won’t lose all your photos.
  • Lens cleaner, cleaning cloths and/or air blower for cleaning dust off your camera and lenses.

Want more tips on how to use your camera? Check out my 12 Tips for Better Safari Photography.

Health

  • Vaccines and medication – Check which vaccines you need, which vary by country, and get them prior to your trip. If you plan to be in a malaria area, pack insect repellent and discuss antimalarial medication with your doctor.

Planning a safari? Check out What You Need to Know About Travel Vaccinations and Medications.

  • Bring a basic first-aid kit – The kit should include bandages, gauze, antibiotic ointment, pain/fever relievers, motion sickness pills or bands, and anti-diarrhea medication.
  • Sunblock/sunscreen and after-sun cream/aloe vera for sunburns – Even though our open-air 4×4 game vehicle had a roof, my arm got a horrible sunburn. Thankfully, I brought a small container of aloe vera which helped. I made sure to wear long sleeves for the next few days.
  • Hand sanitizer

Miscellaneous

  • Key documents – Passport, International Certificate of Vaccination (if required), and copies of reservations/confirmations.
  • Binoculars – I did not feel the need to have binoculars because I had the zoom lens on my camera; however, if you don’t have a strong zoom lens you may want to bring a pair. Binoculars are especially useful if you are traveling with kids to keep them engaged and help them see wildlife in the distance.
  • Headlamp or small flashlight
  • Cash in low denominations – $1, $5, and $10 to tip your guides and staff.
  • Travel journal to write what you saw and did that day.
  • Country- or activity-specific items – If you are camping, you may need a sleeping bag; otherwise, it is unnecessary. Some countries, such as Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, have made plastic bags illegal so bring transparent toiletry bags instead.

Hopefully this guide will help you when packing the essentials for your next safari!

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