When I think about safari, I don’t just think about lions in the tall grass or the rust-coloured dust rising behind the jeep. I also think of packing. Not the most romantic part of the journey, I know, but essential. A safari isn’t like other trips: the bush planes that whisk you into the heart of the savannah usually allow just 15 kilograms of luggage, sometimes less. That means your packing list must balance practicality with a touch of style – and yes, I admit I once created a mood board inspired by Out of Africa.
I’ve shared my personal safari stories on the blog before, from Sri Lanka to Kenya’s Tsavo East, that first safari that left me breathless and nostalgic for Africa ever since. Still, this time, I want to give you something different: a practical guide to packing when the safari itself is the destination. No city stopovers, no detours to the coast. Just the bush, the animals, and you.
Luggage: Soft and Simple
Forget your beloved hard-shell suitcase. For bush planes, you’ll need a soft-sided duffel or holdall, something that can squash into small compartments. I’ve often travelled with a Cabinzero backpack that’s water-resistant and easy to carry (even as hand luggage on low-cost airlines). For day-to-day use, a small crossbody or moon bag is perfect: just enough space for sunglasses, lip balm, tissues, and sunscreen during game drives. If you’re carrying heavy camera gear, a slightly larger daypack will save your back.
What to Wear on Safari
Safari style has evolved significantly since the days of stiff safari suits. These days, it’s all about comfort, layering and neutral tones. Here’s what always makes it into my bag:
- Trousers: cargos, stretchy trekking trousers, or even zip-off styles that double as shorts.
- Tops: breathable T-shirts and long-sleeved shirts in khaki, beige, or muted greens. Avoid bright colours (which spook animals) and especially blue or black, which attract tsetse flies.
- Layers: mornings and evenings can be chilly, so bring a light fleece, a thin down jacket or a windproof shell that folds up small.
- Accessories: a large, lightweight scarf is my secret weapon – for sun, dust, wind, or to throw over your shoulders at dinner.
- Hats: whether a Panama, Akubra, or a simple crushable wide-brimmed hat, it’s non-negotiable. In winter months (May to August in southern Africa), pack a beanie and gloves.
I’ll never forget one June safari morning in Tsavo when the air bit colder than I expected – I would have paid gold for an extra pair of wool socks!
Footwear
Shoes divide opinion, but here’s my rule:
- For game drives and short walks, light trail shoes are perfect. They dry quickly and keep you nimble.
- For longer walking safaris, go for proper hiking boots with ankle support.
- Around camp: sandals or flip-flops.
Whatever you choose, don’t underestimate the importance of socks. Merino wool blends (Smartwool are my favourite) keep feet warm in the morning and dry in the heat of the day.
Gadgets Worth Carrying
Yes, safaris are about switching off – but a few gadgets can really elevate the experience:
- Binoculars: my number-one essential. Don’t rely on borrowing from your guide. I use these light and compact 30×50 specs for crisp, clear vision.
- Camera gear: If you’re serious, bring a telephoto lens. But even a good mirrorless camera will do wonders.
- Torch or headlamp: lodges are dark at night, and nothing beats hands-free light when you’re fumbling for your toothbrush.
Toiletries & First Aid
Don’t overload your wash bag – most lodges provide eco-friendly toiletries. Still, there are a few things I never travel without:
- Insect repellent with at least 30% DEET.
- An insect bite healer (life-changing after a tsetse sting).
- Rehydration salts for hot days or dodgy stomachs.
- Aloe Cream, my miracle for sunburnt skin and cracked lips.
- A small first-aid kit with plasters, antihistamines and motion-sickness tablets (handy for bush flights).
And don’t forget sunscreen. High-altitude parks, such as the Serengeti or Ngorongoro, can be deceptively harsh on the skin.
Packing Tips I’ve Learned the Hard Way
- Pack light and bright: bush planes will weigh your bag.
- Extra underwear: lodges often don’t wash it.
- Swimming costume: many camps have pools, perfect for use after dusty game drives.
- Travel insurance: essential, especially for remote destinations.
- Malaria tablets and vaccination certificates: check requirements before you travel.
Why Packing Right Matters
I’ll never forget my very first safari. I was still learning, still romanticising Africa through Wilbur Smith novels I’d devoured as a teenager. I brought the wrong shoes, too many dresses, and not enough practical layers. But Africa has a way of forgiving you. Even as I sat shivering on a dawn drive, watching elephants cross the Galana River in Tsavo, I knew I was hooked.
Over time, I’ve come to see packing not just as preparation but as a ritual: the moment you start folding those earthy-toned clothes, slipping binoculars into their case, you’re already halfway into the bush.
Packing for safari isn’t about perfection. It’s about balance: being ready for chilly mornings and scorching afternoons, keeping it light enough for the planes, but thoughtful enough that you feel comfortable, prepared and – yes – a little stylish.
If your next trip is entirely safari-focused, this list will take you from airstrip to game drive, from campfire to lodge pool. And when you’re out there, remember: the most remarkable thing you can carry is curiosity.
