WHAT TO BRING

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African Safari Packing List

Knowing what to bring on an African safari can make a significant difference to your comfort and enjoyment while travelling. Safari days often begin in the cool early morning, become warm during the middle of the day, and end beneath the stars. Therefore, packing practical layers and a few carefully selected essentials is far more useful than bringing a large wardrobe.

Furthermore, many safari itineraries include light aircraft transfers to remote camps and lodges. Luggage space can be limited, so packing lightly and choosing the correct type of bag is particularly important.

The good news is that most safari camps offer laundry services. As a result, you can pack far less clothing than you might expect.

Safari Luggage and Light Aircraft Restrictions

If your safari includes light aircraft transfers, your luggage may need to meet specific weight and size restrictions.

Soft-sided duffel-style bags are generally required because they can be manoeuvred into the small luggage compartments of safari aircraft. Hard-shell suitcases and rigid bags may not fit into these compartments.

Many safari air transfers operate with luggage allowances of approximately 20 kg per person, including hand luggage and camera equipment. However, allowances and permitted dimensions vary between operators and aircraft. Therefore, always follow the luggage information provided with your Think Africa Travel itinerary.

We recommend:

  • Soft-sided duffel-style luggage
  • A lightweight day bag or backpack
  • Packing cubes or small organisers
  • A luggage tag
  • A lightweight waterproof bag for electronics
  • Leaving unnecessary items at home

Most importantly, check your specific luggage allowance before travelling. Your Think Africa Travel consultant can advise you on the requirements for the flights included in your safari.

What to Wear on Safari

Safari clothing should be comfortable, practical, and suitable for changing temperatures.

Neutral colours such as khaki, olive, brown, beige, and muted greens work particularly well in the bush. Dressing in layers is also recommended because early morning game drives can be considerably cooler than the middle of the day.

Consider packing:

  • Lightweight shirts or T-shirts
  • Long-sleeved shirts
  • Comfortable shorts
  • Lightweight long trousers
  • A warm fleece or jacket
  • A lightweight waterproof jacket
  • Comfortable sleepwear
  • Underwear and socks
  • A swimsuit
  • A wide-brimmed hat or cap

Avoid packing too many clothes. Many safari camps provide laundry services, making it easy to travel with a small selection of practical clothing.

Safari Footwear

You do not need heavy hiking boots for a traditional vehicle-based safari.

Comfortable closed walking shoes or trainers are usually suitable for game drives and moving around camp. However, travellers taking part in dedicated walking safaris may require more supportive footwear depending on the terrain and itinerary.

We recommend:

  • Comfortable closed walking shoes
  • Lightweight trainers or trail shoes
  • Sandals or flip-flops for relaxing at camp

If your itinerary includes extensive walking, ask your Think Africa Travel consultant whether more specialised footwear is recommended.

Sun Protection

The African sun can be strong, particularly when spending several hours outdoors on game drives, boats, or walking safaris.

Therefore, good sun protection should form an essential part of your safari packing list.

Bring:

  • High-factor sunscreen
  • Wide-brimmed hat or cap
  • Sunglasses
  • Lip balm with sun protection
  • Lightweight long-sleeved clothing

In addition, remember to reapply sunscreen during the day, particularly after swimming or spending time on the water.

Insect Repellent

Insects are a natural part of the African wilderness. Consequently, a good insect repellent is an important safari essential. The existing Think Africa packing advice recommends carrying strong insect repellent as well as antihistamine cream or tablets. Long trousers and long-sleeved shirts can also provide additional protection during the early morning and evening. If you are travelling to a malaria area, seek professional medical advice regarding malaria prevention before travelling.

Medication and Personal Health Items

Bring enough prescription medication for your entire journey and carry essential medication in your hand luggage.

A small personal medical kit may also be useful. Consider including:

  • Prescription medication
  • Pain relief
  • Antihistamines
  • Anti-diarrhoea medication
  • Rehydration salts
  • Plasters and bandages
  • Antiseptic cream or wipes
  • Personal medical supplies

Furthermore, keep medication in its original packaging where possible and carry copies of important prescriptions.

Think Africa Travel recommends consulting a travel health professional before travelling for advice specific to your destination and personal health requirements.

Camera Equipment

Africa offers extraordinary photographic opportunities, whether you are using a professional camera or a mobile phone.

Consider bringing:

  • Camera and lenses
  • Spare batteries
  • Battery charger
  • Additional memory cards
  • Lens cleaning cloth
  • Protective camera bag
  • Mobile phone
  • Portable power bank

Dust can be a challenge in safari environments. Therefore, a lens cloth and simple camera cleaning equipment are particularly useful.

Furthermore, remember that camera equipment may form part of your total luggage allowance on light aircraft transfers.

Binoculars

A good pair of binoculars can completely transform your safari experience. Binoculars allow you to observe birds, distant wildlife, and animal behaviour that may be difficult to appreciate with the naked eye. Safari operators also commonly include binoculars on recommended packing lists. Although guides often carry binoculars, having your own pair means you never have to wait to use them. For couples travelling together, ideally bring one pair each.

Travel Documents

Keep important travel documents together and easily accessible throughout your journey.

Remember to bring:

  • Passport
  • Visas where required
  • Travel insurance details
  • Flight information
  • Safari itinerary
  • Emergency contact information
  • Copies of important travel documents

We also recommend keeping secure digital copies of your passport, insurance documents, and itinerary.

Chargers and Travel Adapters

Plug types and electrical systems vary between African countries and safari properties. Therefore, bring a suitable international travel adapter and the charging cables required for your devices. A small power bank is also useful for long travel days and remote safari transfers. However, some camps have restrictions on high-powered electrical appliances. Hairdryers and similar appliances may not be suitable for use at remote safari camps.

Toiletries

Most safari camps and lodges provide basic toiletries such as shampoo, conditioner, body wash, or soap. The current Think Africa page also notes that camps generally provide shampoo and body lotion. Consequently, there is usually no need to pack large bottles of toiletries.

Consider bringing:

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Personal skincare products
  • Deodorant
  • Moisturiser
  • Lip balm
  • Personal hygiene products
  • Small travel-sized toiletries

Packing travel-sized products also helps keep luggage weight to a minimum.

Useful Safari Extras

A few small items can make safari travel considerably more comfortable.

Consider packing:

  • Reusable water bottle
  • Small torch or headlamp
  • Lightweight scarf or buff
  • Small day bag
  • Notebook and pen
  • Book or e-reader
  • Zip-lock or reusable waterproof bags

A scarf or buff is particularly useful on dusty game drives, while a small day bag keeps sunscreen, sunglasses, and camera equipment easily accessible.

What Not to Bring on Safari

Packing lightly is one of the best things you can do when preparing for a safari. Avoid unnecessary formal clothing, heavy shoes, excessive toiletries, and large amounts of clothing.

Furthermore, hard-shell luggage may not be accepted on certain light aircraft transfers because of limited luggage compartment space. Most safari lodges have a relaxed dress code. Therefore, comfortable and practical clothing is usually perfectly suitable for dinner and evenings in camp.

Pack Light and Travel Comfortably

The best safari packing list is simple, practical, and designed around your individual itinerary. Whether you are flying into the Okavango Delta, exploring Victoria Falls, travelling through Namibia, or combining several Southern African destinations, lightweight clothing, comfortable footwear, sun protection, and the correct luggage will make your journey far easier.

Ultimately, you do not need to bring everything with you on safari. Pack lightly, dress in layers, and focus on the items that will help you enjoy your time in the African wilderness.

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