A Packing List For Your First African Safari
Please DON’T OVERDO it, but ensure you’re including at least the following.
You will be on the move a lot, so our advice is to pack as lightly as possible.
Your baggage should be clearly labelled and limited to at least one soft compact suitcase, sports bag, or backpack, at least maximum 15kg, plus a daypack.
Reasons?
^ Luggage Limits on airlines are strictly enforced.
^ Due To Limited Safari Vehicle Capacity.
Best advice?
It is important to pack clothes for warm days and cool evenings, as well as a warm jacket for early morning wildlife safari drives. Light, quick-drying, practical clothes are advisable for this safari trip. A set of smart casual clothes is also advisable for your safari time.
What To Pack For African Fly-In Safaris
When deciding what to pack for domestic flight safaris, practicality and comfort are the focus here. Space and weight are limited on domestic flight carriers–a STRICT 15Kgs total weight allowance per person (including carry-on bags) on light aircraft, 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.
-15Kgs per person for domestic flights to Tanzania safari parks (STRICTLY).
-20Kgs total per person for domestic flights to Tanzania beach destinations – Zanzibar‚ Diani‚ Lamu‚ Malindi‚ Entebbe and Mombasa which is 20Kgs‚ inclusive of hand baggage and in soft bags.
-Maximum dimensions for any bag should not exceed 60cm X 45cm X 30cm (HxLxW).
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 the safari 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.
Is there anywhere I can store excess baggage?
Yes‚ at an extra cost – there exist secure storage areas at most Airport Offices. Please inquire from the check-in counter.
Hot Air Balloon
A Complete Safari Packing Checklist For Africa
Packing For A Cold Weather
– Long-sleeved shirts or sweater
– Scarf
– Snow Boots
– Warm gloves
– Warm hat
– Warm layers
– Warm waterproof jacket
Packing Your Travel Documents
– Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
– Passport (Physical required) (With photocopies)
– Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)
– Passport (You can also have a soft copy too)
Overall Safari Essentials
– Binoculars (optional) – we already have in our vehicles
– Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
– Cash, credit and debit cards
– Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
– Ear plugs
– Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
– First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/ plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
– Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal) – mountain trekking
– Fleece top/sweater
– Footwear
– Sufficient amount of socks and underwear
– Locks for bags
– Long pants/jeans
– Money belt
– Outlet adapter
– Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
– Reusable water bottle
– Shirts/t-shirts
– Sleepwear
– Small travel towel
– Sunglasses
– Swimwear
– Watch and alarm clock
– Waterproof backpack cover
– Windproof rain jacket
Packing Your Medication, Health & Safety
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 or Tanzania.
Pharmacies in Nairobi stock a wide variety of medicines so you can buy what you need in your own country or in Nairobi City before the safari starts.
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.
– Hand sanitizer (you can carry)
Smart Dress Code
– Smart outfit (For evenings out)
– Smart casual clothes
Warm Weather Essentials
– Sandals/flip-flops
– Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
– Sturdy water shoes/sandals
– Sun hat/bandana
– Swimwear
Packing Your Safari Tech & Gear
– Camera
– Cellphone
– Memory Cards
– Chargers for all electronics
– Binoculars
– Country-specific adaptor plugs
Other Safari Items You Might Need To Bring
– Other important items that you should include in your packing list includes personal toiletries (such as travel size shampoo, conditioner, soap, deodorant, moisturizer, hair brush, toothpaste and toothbrush), sanitary products for ladies, wet wipes and hand sanitizers, small sewing kit, small scissors and pocket knife (not in carry-on bag), money pouch or money belt, reading materials, pen and a notebook.
What Should You Not Bring On An African Trip
– Garbage bags
– Duty free-bags
– Plastic water bottles
– Plastic bread bag tags
– Styrofoam takeaway containers
– Straws
– Plastic packaging materials
– Plastic cutlery
Mount Kenya
Ready To Plan Your African Safari Tour?
Early preparations always play a significant role in planning safaris to Africa. Understanding safari rhythms, seasonal patterns, and daily wildlife activity improves both photography opportunities and overall enjoyment.
Best Kenya Safari & Beach Tours
Browse our favorite Kenyan beach holiday packages or simply get in touch with one of our Africa safari experts to help custom-make a Kenyan beach holiday that matches your travel wishes. You can enjoy safaris in Kenya national parks on the mainland, then follow it up with a relaxed beach holiday at Malindi or Diani. Get to know the coastal Kenya, and what’s possible on your trip to these Indian Ocean beaches, discover some of the best-loved experiences and safari routes that we’ve found working particularly well with our travelers.
