What To Pack For Safari In Kenya & Tanzania
Remember, all our itineraries are totally flexible and can be changed to suit you.
10 Things You Must Pack for Your Safari
Please don’t overdo.
Packing for a trip to Africa can be an intimidating experience even for an experienced safari traveler, let alone a first-time traveller. Packing for a Kenya Safari or for that matter packing for a Tanzania safari holiday is rightly so more than a simple affair, with careful consideration required for the weather, comfort, local culture and alot more. See our recommended Kenya &Tanzania Safari packing check list below. This also applies equally for a Uganda Safaris.
Kenya & Tanzania Safari Packing Checklist
You’ve waited months for your safari to finally come around. And now you have to decide what you must pack for your safari. Decisions, decisions, decisions. We’re here to help. Below are a few of our tips and those 10 things you must pack for an African safari.
What Should You Pack and Wear for a Safari?
A useful guide on how and what to pack for your safari experience. The below safari essentials list is supplied as a general guide on what to take on your safari. Where possible luggage should be kept to a minimum due to the weight / space restrictions of 15kg total weight allowance per person (including carry-on bags) on light aircraft.
“Pack Light”
What Should You Pack for Fly-In Africa Safaris?
When deciding what to pack for a safari, practicality and comfort are the focus here. Space and weight are limited on domestic flight carriers– typically a strict 15 kg including hand luggage, so light is best. Bags must be soft-sided, as hard-shell suitcases with wheels do not fit in the baggage pod of a small bush plane.
Is the 15kg baggage allowance inclusive of hand luggage?
Yes. If passengers have significant excess baggage on ‘safari’ and international routes, it is recommended they book a ‘freight’ seat at child rate (applicable on Y class fares), which permits confirmed carriage of an extra 75 kgs.
What happens if my baggage is over the weight limit?
In most circumstances our Check-in staff will use their discretion and allow a leeway of up to 2 kgs. However additional excess baggage will only be carried, at the sole discretion of the captain of the aircraft, if the payload of the aircraft and/or space permits and will be charged at the prevailing rate for carriage of freight (currently $ 2 + VAT per kg).
Why do you ask that my luggage is in a soft bag?
Most of our flights are operated by aircraft whose luggage compartments have limited volume and are of an irregular shape. It is thus more difficult for us to stow large rigid suitcases, which in an extreme situation, might have to be carried on the next available flight.
“Just what you need”
What Clothes to Pack for an African Safari
The clothing you’ll need will depend on the time of year you go on safari. Here’s the type of weather you can expect at different times of the year:
The clothes for safari that you choose should be lightweight, durable and comfortable.
-Safari overshirts or tunics (mid-sleeve or long-sleeve)
-Moisture-wicking tank tops or t-shirts
-Lightweight, water-resistant safari pants
-Hat
– 4 pairs sport socks
-Jacket / Windbreaker / Fleece for the very chilly early morning and evening game drives.
-Leggings or linen pants
-Fleece jacket
-Light pullover jersey
-Lightweight rain jacket or poncho
-Breathable, moisture-wicking underwear
-Swimsuit
-Sleepwear
-A casual outfit (slacks and shirt or a dress) for dinnertime
-A buff wrap to protect your face from dust.
-A few pairs of underwear and socks
Dress Considerations for Women and Gender-Diverse Travellers
In certain parts of Africa, we recommend women and gender-diverse travellers dress in a way that respects local customs and traditions. While there’s a wide range of cultural practices, we recommend packing a few items like skirts or shorts that reach just above the knee, tops that cover the shoulders, or cover-ups when stepping off the beach in coastal areas. Your leader will be able to advise you on when it is appropriate to dress more conservatively.
African Safari Clothing TIPS
– Ex-military or military style clothing and equipment is NOT recommended.
– Pack layers to add or remove as the temperatures fluctuate throughout the day.
– Wear neutral-colored clothing while on safari to blend in with the environment and avoid disturbing wildlife (not too bright clothing).
“Stay comfortable”
More Packing List for an African Safari
Footwear:
Pack lightweight synthetic hiking shoes or trail trainers instead of heavy hiking boots, and make sure you have several pairs of moisture-wicking socks.
Bring a pair of sandals or flip-flops too, for times when you’re relaxing around camp.
Laundry
At many camps and lodges a small amount of laundry may be done for you (e.g. one or two items per day per person). This is washed by hand and generally doesn’t include personal items such as underwear.
Out of respect for local culture and customs, we do not wash underwear. Washing powder is provided in all our guest rooms should guests wish to wash their own.
Remember these services are paid for, you can ask at the camp/lodge for more information.
Please note: All laundry in camps is done by hand and dried outdoors, therefore turnaround time depends on the weather.
“Stay comfortable”
Types of documents to pack for safaris in Africa
Passports (with visa entries)
Health cards (vaccination certificate)
Airline tickets / E-tickets
Cash & Travellers’ Cheques
Separate record of Travellers’ Cheque numbers
Credit Cards (VISA, Mastercard and / or American Express)
Photo-copy of passport / visas / insurance papers
Toiletries to Pack for a Kenya Safari
Other items you can bring include:
Toothbrush, toothpaste and floss
Deodorant
Moisturising lotion
Lip balm
Antibacterial hand gel (great for toilet stops in the wild)
Hairbrush or comb
Contact lens fluid (if needed)
Wet wipes
Feminine hygiene products (if needed).
Insect repellent
Shampoo and conditioner
Hand sanitizer
Rehydration & electrolyte sachets
Transfer your toiletries into small, travel-friendly bottles with screw tops, to save yourself plenty of weight and space when packing. Save extra space where you can by packing travel-sized toothpaste, a compact hairbrush, etc.
Sun Protection Packing list for Kenya & Tanzania Safari
Protecting yourself from the African sun is essential all year round, even in the cooler and wetter months. Make sure you pack:
Sunscreen (SPF 30–50) and lip balm with SPF
Soothing after-sun lotion
Sunglasses (polarised lens recommended)
Wide-brimmed safari hat for protection from the sun
Mobile phones and internet on safaris
Because you will be travelling deep-into the wilderness, network can be a challenge at times. Remember most African safari parks do not have network poles constructed inside parks because it is not allowed. Therefore, it is better to switch to a local network and enjoy cheap data charges.
Alternatively, you can buy a local SIM card on arrival in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda or Rwanda and change your home SIM for your Kenyan SIM, allowing you to use local cheap airtime and data rates. Ask your safari consultant if you would like advice on this.
Mobile phones are very widely used in Kenya and cellphone poles have been installed across the country, even in remote areas. 3G and 4G signals are widely available. If you take your mobile phone with you, it will most likely automatically partner with a local “roaming” provider, enabling you to make and receive calls and use data.
However, roaming charges are very high, so you are recommended to keep usage to a minimum, and restrict your data usage to when you have access to WiFi, which many hotels, and some African safari lodges and camps offer.
Medication for Africa Safari Holidays
Remember you will be in the “bush” so to say while on Safari and the nearest town or city may be hours away. Be sure to pack your most essential personal medications especially brands or medicines that may not be available locally in Kenya. Pharmacies in Nairobi stock a wide variety of medicines so for basic requirements such as pain relief, anti malaria pills or antacids and the like one can purchase once in Nairobi. Keep in mind to carry along any prescriptions when you bring along medication into Kenya in case you are required to show this at the airport.
Prescription drugs with copies of prescriptions (also bring the generic names for these drugs, good idea to pack 2 separate lots).
Motion sickness pills
Prescription medication (with copies of prescriptions)
Malaria tablets (consult your doctor prior to travel)
Rehydrate sachets/ rehydration salts
Antihistamines and painkillers
Plasters, antiseptic wipes, and tweezers
Hand sanitizer and tissues
Electronics Packing list for Kenya & Tanzania Safari
While you’re going on safari to unplug, there are still a few gadgets you should be sure to take with you:
A small, powerful LED flashlight or a compact headlamp
AC plug point converter to 3-prong square (East Africa)
Your camera or mobile phone (for all those unforgettable photo opportunities)
The correct chargers and cables
If you’re a serious photographer, bring a backup hard drive for your images
Lightweight binoculars
A cheap, functional wristwatch with an alarm
Batteries or a solar charger for your camera and other gadgets.
Memory cards
Binoculars
Headlamp or flashlight
Country-specific adaptor plugs
Your Kenya safari packing list goes far beyond clothes, as chances are you’re going to want to capture the memories. You’ll find some travellers choosing Kenya as their best destination for photographic safaris, given its incredible topography and wildlife sightings.
What Else Should You Pack for Africa Safaris?
Don’t forget these important items!
Any prescription medication you need to take regularly
All copies of your travel documents, including travel insurance policy, passport and visa
An inconspicuous money belt so you can keep your cash with you
A mesh laundry bag for dirty clothing
A small lightweight backpack for game drives and walks.
Binoculars (for most people magnification of 8x or 10x is ideal)
Favourite road snacks
Books / Magazines / Journal
Pen / notepad
Earplugs
What You Should Not Bring for Kenya & Tanzania Safari
Mentioned here are a few things you can leave behind when packing for your African safari trip:
Most African countries have implemented a single-use plastic ban, and Kenya is no different. This is due to the dangers that non-biodegradable materials have not only on the landscape, but on the wildlife. So, when packing for your safari, you’ll want to ensure that your luggage is free of any potentially polluting products. Most of the common single-use plastics that have been banned in Kenya & Tanzania include:
Camo-print clothing
Expensive or delicate jewellery
Disposable plastic bags (these are illegal in Kenya)
Drones (prohibited in many national parks)
High-voltage beauty tools like hairdryers and straighteners
Strong-smelling perfumes or sprays
Zip-lock bags
Grocery bags
Garbage bags
Duty free-bags
Plastic water bottles
Plastic bread bag tags
Styrofoam takeaway containers
Straws
Plastic packaging materials
Plastic cutlery
Hard-shell suitcases with wheels
When it comes to Recommended Safari Travel Essentials for African Holidays
Packing the correct clothing, tech and gear, toiletries and travel documents are all essential for a stress-free safari, but you also don’t want to be carrying around a big suitcase all holiday long!
Pack smart, and remember that less is more – especially when traveling via an airline with weight restriction limits, or embarking on a lengthy walking safari between lodges and camps.
What’s more, most African safari lodges and camps provide a same-day laundry service for added convenience, so you can re-wear the same items multiple times. Just one more reason you shouldn’t feel the need to pack a lot of stuff! After all, you’re going on a once-in-a lifetime trip where comfort and joy should take pride of place, without having to carry extra weight.
If you’re interested in a Kenya safari, have a look at our First Time Guide to Kenya Safaris, or get in touch with one of our Africa Safari Experts to help tailor-make an itinerary that’s right for you:
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