Safari Packing List

Going on a safari trip can be one of the most unique and thrilling experiences of a lifetime. There’s something about getting up close and personal with Africa’s incredible wildlife that just can’t be matched by any other type of adventure. But as with any type of travel, there are certain things you need to keep in mind to ensure you have the best experience possible. One of the most important AND stressful things to consider is what to bring on a safari trip. Because these tours can take you deep into the bush, often far away from any stores or supplies, packing for a safari tour requires a bit of specialized know-how.

Since over 70% of our firm has been on safari, we’ve realized that there is no current guide that provides realistic expectations or helps travelers navigate what to pack for a safari trip. In this post, we’re going to share our top tips for packing for a safari trip, including a comprehensive packing list that covers everything you’ll need to make the most out of your adventure. We’ll also share some of our favorite tips and tricks for packing efficiently and effectively, as well as some insider knowledge about what to expect on a safari tour.

Safari Packing List

What To Pack For Safari

If you’ve never been on a safari tour before, you might be surprised by just how specialized your packing needs to be, but also how simple it can be! Unlike a typical vacation, where you can easily run out and buy anything you forgot, on a safari tour, you’re often in the middle of nowhere, far from any stores or supplies. That means you need to make sure you have everything you need before you set out. Also unlike most vacations, laundry is included at a majority of lodges making packing even simpler.

Safari Packing List

When it comes to packing for a safari trip, there are a few key things you need to keep in mind. First and foremost, you don’t have to dress in all khaki as seen on the movies. Instead, you need to make sure you’re packing for your comfort and safety. Make sure you’re packing for the right climate. Depending on where you’re going, you might be dealing with hot, dry weather, or cooler temperatures that require long sleeves and pants. You’ll also want to make sure you’re packing for the activities you’ll be doing, whether that’s game drives, walking, or just lounging around your safari camp.

To help you get started, we’ve put together a comprehensive safari packing list that covers everything you’ll need for your adventure. Here are the categories we’ll be covering:

Safari Clothing

Layers, layers, layers! We can’t preach this enough. This includes everything from long-sleeved shirts and pants to shorts and t-shirts. Depending on the time of year you travel, you may be cold in the morning, and sweating in the afternoon. These layers will be your saving grace!

Additionally, avoid bright colors. You don’t have to dress head to toe in khaki, but we recommend sticking with Earth-tones.

• 3 Long-Sleeved Shirts
• 3 Pairs of Long Pants
• 2 Pairs of Shorts
• 4 T-Shirts or Tank Tops
• 2 Button-up ‘Camp Shirts’ or Thin Cardigans
• 1 Lightweight Waterproof Jacket/Rain Jacket
• 2 Casual Dresses & 2 Button-ups (for men), for Dinner – Although most lodges you’ll find no one changes for dinner, your safari clothing are fine!
• 1-2 Sweaters or Fleeces (Depending on the climate)
• 2 Pairs of Pajamas
• Underwear & Socks (Enough for the length of your trip)
• 1-2 Swimsuits (Depending on your lodge)

Shoes

If you have a pair of hiking boots you would prefer for any walking or hiking, great! But despite what most people think, you don’t have to have hiking boots. The boots are great to keep your ankles covered from bugs. A pair of tennis shoes will be just fine, but keep in mind they will 100% get dirty. We also recommend having an extra pair of tennis shoes or comfortable shoes for lounging around your camp.

• 1 Pair of Sturdy Hiking Boots or Tennis Shoes
• 1 Pair of Comfortable Shoes for Lounging Around Camp
• 1 Pair of Sandals or Flip-Flops for Evening/Pool

Accessories

Remember those layers we were talking about? This includes everything from hats and sunglasses to scarves and gloves, depending on the climate and activities you’ll be doing.

• 1 Hat (w/ a brim to protect your face from the sun)
• 1 Pair of Sunglasses
• 2 Bandanas (For the dust)
• 1 Scarf (For cooler weather)
• 1 Pair of Gloves (For cooler weather)

Bags

Depending on the lodge you’ll be staying at, you might have to take a smaller aircraft to get there. That means hard luggage is highly discouraged. In this case, you’ll need a durable duffel bag for your main luggage, as well as a daypack for carrying around your essentials on game drives and other excursions.

• 1 Duffel Bag (Soft-sided, w/ a weight limit of 33 pounds/15 kilograms)
• 1 Daypack, For carrying around your essentials on game drives & other excursions. (Typical weight limit is approx. 11 pounds)

Shop our personal favorites and must have items for safari here!

Toiletries

You’ll want to make sure you’re packing all the essentials, including sunscreen, insect repellent, and any medications you might need.

• Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
• Insect Repellent (w/ at least 20% DEET)
• Lip Balm w/ SPF
• Toothbrush & Toothpaste
• Shampoo, Conditioner & Body Wash
• Prescription Medications (Enough for the length of your trip)
• First Aid Kit (Including band-aids, antiseptic cream, & any other essentials)
• Travel Medications – We partner with Runway Health to make your trip as smooth as possible. Runway is a tele-health platform that offers you access to licensed physicians, affordable travel medications, and extensive travel health guidance. Initiate your travel consultation here.

Electronics

When packing for a safari, you might not immediately think of bringing along electronics. However, they can be incredibly helpful for capturing memories. Just remember to put down your phone or camera and simply observe the animals and scenery without the lens

• 1 Good Quality Camera
• 1 Pair of Binoculars
• 1 Portable Charger
• 1 Universal Adapter

Documents

This is pretty self explanatory, but we can’t forget to mention it!

• Passport
• Visa – If Required
• Travel Insurance documents – HIGHLY Encouraged
• Flight Tickets & Itinerary
• Emergency Contact Information
• You must check for any required vaccines.

Safari Packing Guide

Now that you’ve got your safari packing list sorted, it’s time to start thinking about how to pack everything efficiently and effectively. Here are some of our top tips for packing for a safari tour:

• Use packing cubes or compression bags to save space and keep your items organized.
• Pack clothing that can be mixed and matched, so you can create multiple outfits with just a few pieces.
• Roll your clothing instead of folding it, as this can save space and reduce wrinkles.
• Pack your shoes in plastic bags to keep them separate from your other items. You thank us later when you see how dusty your shoes will become!
• Use a luggage scale to make sure you don’t exceed the weight limit for your duffel bag.
• Pack a laundry bag or plan to take advantage of laundry service at your safari camp, as you’ll likely need to wash some items during your trip.
• Bring a reusable water bottle to reduce waste and stay hydrated.

Related: 10 Adventurous Honeymoon Ideas

Safari Packing Checklist

To help you stay organized and make sure you don’t forget anything, we’ve put together a handy safari packing checklist that you can download or share on social media. Here’s what it includes:

Click here to view the download!

A safari trip is an adventure like no other, but it requires a bit of specialized packing know-how to ensure you have the best experience possible. By following our comprehensive safari packing list and our top tips for packing efficiently and effectively, you’ll be fully prepared for whatever your adventure throws your way. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready for the trip of a lifetime!