Packing for Safari: Everything You Need to Know & More

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Preparing and packing for safari can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time. With challenges like luggage restrictions, unpredictable weather, and unfamiliar conditions, it’s easy to get lost in the details of what to bring. Getting ready for your safari should be an exciting part of the journey, not a stressful one.

To make the process easier, I’ve compiled this guide based on personal experience and thorough research. From essential safari packing tips to advice on what to wear, how to choose the best safari camera, and more, this guide is designed to help you pack with confidence. Whether you’re embarking on game drives, walking safaris, or relaxing at your lodge, you’ll find everything you need to prepare for an unforgettable adventure.

Preparing for Safari

Proper preparation is essential for a safe and enjoyable safari, and it’s important to begin as early as possible. Some vaccines require two or three doses spaced apart, so starting the process well ahead of your departure ensures you’re fully protected when the time comes to embark on your adventure.

Get Necessary Vaccines

Before traveling, ensure you’re current on basic vaccines, including Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR), Hepatitis A and B, and Tetanus. Depending on your destination, additional vaccines may be recommended or even required. Key vaccines to consider include Yellow Fever, Typhoid, and Meningitis:

Yellow Fever: This mosquito-borne illness is prevalent in many African countries. While the vaccine is often recommended, it may be required if you’re traveling from a country with a high risk of Yellow Fever transmission.

Typhoid: Typhoid, a bacterial infection spread through contaminated food and water, is common in areas with limited sanitation. Most travel doctors strongly recommend this vaccine for safari.

Meningitis: This infection affects the brain and spinal cord, causing severe swelling. If you’re visiting Kenya, Ethiopia, or countries within Africa’s “Meningitis Belt,” the vaccine may be required.

Consult a travel health clinic or doctor to determine the necessary vaccines based on your safari destination and travel route.

Antimalarials for Safari Travel

Most travel doctors recommend taking antimalarials when visiting areas where malaria is a risk. Malaria, a mosquito-borne illness, is common in hot and humid regions, especially near bodies of water. Even if mosquitoes aren’t immediately noticeable, the risk of malaria should not be underestimated when traveling to high-risk areas.

Antimalarials are used both for the prevention and treatment of malaria infections. There are several types available, with some taken daily and others weekly. Regardless of the type prescribed, antimalarials must be started before departure and continued after returning home to ensure full protection. The exact duration will depend on the specific medication and your travel schedule.

It’s worth noting that antimalarials can cause side effects, such as nausea or dizziness. To minimize discomfort, consider bringing anti-nausea medication and starting your antimalarials several days before your trip to allow your body to adjust. This preparation can help ensure you experience fewer side effects while traveling. Consult your doctor or travel health clinic to determine the best antimalarial for your destination and personal needs.

Packing for Safari

Packing for safari requires careful consideration, especially when it comes to luggage weight and type. If your safari involves small bush planes for transport between parks, you’ll likely encounter strict weight limits—typically 33 lbs (15 kg), including hand luggage. Confirm with your safari operator in advance to avoid surprises. If you’re traveling to your safari destination by vehicle, weight limits are usually less of a concern.

Luggage type is another important factor. Hard-sided suitcases are often prohibited on bush planes, as they can be difficult to fit in cargo holds. Instead, opt for a duffel bag or soft-sided luggage. If your safari is part of a longer trip, consider packing a small collapsible duffel bag within your main luggage. You can transfer essentials into the duffel for your safari while storing the rest of your belongings at your last hotel or the safari operator’s office.

When it comes to clothing, less is more. Most safari camps offer laundry service for a fee, so don’t be afraid to pack light. Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics that are easy to wash and dry. Plan on bringing three sets of safari clothes and a couple of casual but nice dinner outfits. Safari days can be dusty, and you’ll likely want a fresh set of clothes for dinner each evening. Note that some camps may not launder undergarments, so bring enough to last your stay.

What to Wear on Safari:

While there are no strict rules about what to wear on safari, following a few helpful guidelines will ensure you’re comfortable, protected, and well-prepared for your adventure. The right clothing can make a significant difference, especially when spending long hours in vehicles or venturing into the bush.

Pack Comfortable and Lightweight Clothing

Lightweight, breathable clothing is a must for any safari. Many safaris, especially those involving small bush planes, have strict luggage weight limits, often requiring travelers to pack efficiently. Opting for lightweight fabrics helps you stay within these restrictions. Additionally, these materials dry quickly, which is ideal for camps offering laundry services with line-drying only, ensuring your clothes are ready for the next day.

In warm and often dusty safari conditions during the dry season, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen are perfect for staying cool and comfortable. Moisture-wicking clothing is especially useful in hot, humid weather. Linen pants, cotton tops, and quick-drying shorts are excellent choices for long days under the sun.

Since most of your safari time will be spent seated in a vehicle on game drives, prioritize clothing that allows all-day comfort. Footwear is equally important—while sneakers are great, ankle boots are a better option. They offer your foot a bit more protection when stepping out of the vehicle for bathroom breaks or picnic stops.

Choose Neutral Colors

Blending into your surroundings is important to consider when packing for safari, especially if you’re participating in a walking safari. Stick to traditional safari colors such as brown, tan, khaki, and olive green, which help you stay inconspicuous in the bush. You’ll want to avoid camouflage prints, as they are illegal in many African countries.

Bright colors like red should also be avoided, as they can attract unwanted attention from wildlife. Similarly, black and dark blue are best left at home since these shades attract tsetse flies and can be uncomfortable under the hot sun. White clothing is fine but less practical due to how quickly it will show dust and dirt.

Prepare for Temperature Changes by Dressing in Layers

Game drives often start early in the morning and extend into the evening. These times of day offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities but temperature can vary significantly throughout the day. Mornings and evenings are often chilly, especially during the cooler months or in higher altitudes, while midday temperatures can rise quickly, becoming warm or even hot under the intense sun.

When packing for safari, layering is key to staying comfortable throughout the day. During warmer months, start with a lightweight base layer and add a jacket or fleece for the cooler mornings and evenings. A scarf is another versatile accessory—perfect for extra warmth during game drives and useful for protecting your face from dust on dry days.

If you’re traveling during cooler months or to regions where nighttime temperatures drop significantly, consider bringing a heavier jacket or thermal layers to stay warm on open safari vehicles, which can feel particularly cold when in motion. For those visiting during the rainy season, a packable waterproof jacket is a great addition to keep you dry during sudden showers.

Long-sleeved shirts and lightweight pants are recommended year-round, not just for warmth but also for protection against mosquitoes and other insects.

Additional Essentials & Accessories

Packing the right clothing accessories can make your safari more comfortable and enjoyable. Here are a few additional items to include in your wardrobe:

Gloves: In colder seasons, lightweight gloves can make morning game drives more comfortable, especially in open vehicles where the wind can feel cold.

Wide-brimmed Hat: A wide-brimmed or breathable hat is essential for sun protection, shielding your face, and neck from the intense sun. For the rainy season, consider a waterproof or water-resistant hat to stay dry during unexpected showers.

Bandana or Scarf: A bandana can protect your nose and mouth from dust on dry game drives, reducing sinus discomfort or irritation. Alternatively, a scarf is a great multi-purpose accessory that provides extra warmth on chilly mornings and can double as protection from dust or sun.

Moisture-Wicking Socks: Comfortable, moisture-wicking socks are great for long days in the bush. They help prevent blisters and keep your feet cool and dry in hot conditions.

Convertible Pants: Pants that convert into shorts with zip-off legs offer versatility, allowing you to adapt to changing temperatures throughout the day.

Safari Clothing Packing List

The following list of clothing should be perfect for a 5-day safari:

• 3 Safari shirts
• 3 Safari pants or shorts
• 1 Sweater
• 1 Jacket
• 2 Dinner shirts
• 2 Dinner pants
• Undergarments/ Socks
• Sneakers/ boots
• Hat
• Bandana or Scarf
• Swimsuit/ pool shoes
• Sunglasses

Safari Photography Equipment

When packing for a safari, a good camera with a powerful zoom lens is a must for capturing incredible wildlife moments. While there are many options on the market, selecting the right camera depends on your needs, budget, and photography experience. I recommend a lens with a minimum zoom of 200 mm, though a 300 mm or even 400 mm lens will provide better reach for distant animals. The following are my recommendations for beginners.

Canon EOS Rebel T7

Canon EOS Rebel T7 is Canon’s most basic and budget-friendly DSLR camera, making it an excellent option for beginners looking to capture high-quality safari images without breaking the bank. However, it’s important to note that the T7 has its limitations—it shoots at a single speed, which can make photographing fast-moving wildlife more challenging. Despite this, it’s a solid introductory camera that provides good image quality for those new to photography.

For optimal results, pair the T7 with two lenses: an 18-55 mm lens for wide-angle shots, such as landscapes and group photos, and a 75-300 mm lens for zooming in on wildlife. The 75-300 mm lens is adequate for most situations. However, for those moments when animals are farther away, a longer 400 mm lens would provide sharper detail and improved reach.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ2500

For those looking for a simpler and more convenient alternative to a DSLR, a mirrorless camera is an excellent choice. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ2500 is great for safari photography, offering a full-frame sensor and an impressive built-in superzoom with a lens range equivalent to 25-600 mm on a DSLR. This versatile range allows you to effortlessly capture everything from sweeping landscapes to detailed close-ups of wildlife, all without the hassle of switching lenses. The Lumix is also user-friendly, making it perfect for beginners. Out of the two options, this would be my top pick.

If you’re not ready to invest in a camera or don’t anticipate needing one after your safari, renting a camera may be a smart alternative. Several online retailers, such as Borrow Lenses, offer affordable camera rental options with flexible timeframes. This allows you to access high-quality equipment without committing to a purchase.

Regardless of your camera choice, you won’t want to forget these key accessories when packing for safari:

• Extra Memory Cards
• Additional Battery
• Cleaning Kit
• Travel Tripod

Safari Essentials

When packing for safari, the following are some small but very important items that often get overlooked and/or forgotten.

• Portable electronics charger
• Plug adapters
• Binoculars
• Small flashlight
• Outlet converter
• PackTowel
• Imodium
• Camping TP
• Mosquito Repellent
• Detergent packets
• Hydrocortisone cream for bug bites
• Anti-bacterial wipes
• Plastic compression bags for dirty/wet clothes
• Sunscreen
• First Aid / Band-Aids
• Advil

Have you been on a safari? Is there anything that I missed that you would suggest packing for safari? If you’ve enjoyed this post, please leave a comment or share using the social media buttons below. Want to learn more about the safari experience? Continue to my post, “What to Expect on Safari in Tanzania“.