Safari Packing Tips

Choose clothing that keeps you comfortable while blending naturally into your surroundings.

• Lightweight, breathable shirts and pants in neutral colors (khaki, olive, tan)
• Long-sleeved tops for sun and insect protection
• Convertible pants or lightweight trousers for changing temperatures
• A warm fleece or light jacket for early morning game drives and sunrise hot air balloon launches
• Comfortable sleepwear suitable for cooler evenings in camp
• Swimwear for camp pools

The right accessories add comfort and convenience throughout safari:

• Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes or lightweight hiking shoes
• Sandals or camp shoes for relaxing at lodges
• Wide-brimmed hat or cap for sun protection
• Polarized sunglasses to reduce glare during game drives
• Lightweight daypack for camera gear, sunscreen, and personal items
• High-SPF Sunscreen and lip balm
• Insect repellent with DEET or Picaridin

Safari travel requires thoughtful luggage choices due to limited space and safety regulations.

• Soft-sided duffel bag with flexible sides (required for bush flights & safari vehicles)
• Maximum weight of 15kgs (33 lbs)
• Lightweight packing cubes to organize clothing
• Small foldable tote for use at lodges
• Compact toiletry bags to save space

We recommend packing thoughtfully and embracing a streamlined approach. Laundry services are widely available at safari lodges, making it easy to travel lighter than expected. By packing efficiently, you’ll enjoy smoother transfers, easier movement between camps, and a more relaxed safari experience.

Certain colors and scents can interfere with wildlife viewing, attract insects, and impact your interaction with wildlife. We recommend avoiding:

• Bright reds, whites, neon colors, and bold patterns
• Dark blue and black, which can attract tsetse flies
• Strong perfumes, colognes, and scented lotions
• Camouflage cannot be worn in most African countries
• Formal evening attire – wearing your safari clothing to dinner is fashionable

Hard-sided luggage is not suitable for safari travel due to weight restrictions, tight spaces, and safety

• Hard-sided luggage is not permitted on bush flights
• Hard-sided luggage is difficult to store in safari vehicles due to limited space
• Soft-sided duffel bags are required by safari operators
• Weight matters, you are limited to a maximum weight of 15 kgs (33 lbs)

Some medications are regulated or prohibited in many African countries.

• Avoid OTC medications containing codeine or pseudophedrine
• Avoid tramadol unless prescribed

We recommend checking country-specific customs regulations before traveling. Information on medications can be found on the countries embassy website.

While capturing memories is an important part of any journey, the use of personal drones is highly restricted throughout Africa and is prohibited in most national parks, reserves, and private conservancies. Drones can disturb wildlife, interfere with conservation efforts, and pose safety concerns for both animals and guests. For these reasons, travelers should plan to leave drones at homes unless they have received explicit, written authorization from local authorities and park management.

Vaccinations are an important part of safari preparation. They help protect you from illnesses that are uncommon in everyday travel. These illnesses are found in certain regions of Africa. Immunization needs vary based on your destination, travel route, and personal medical history. It’s crucial to consult a healthcare provider or travel clinic well before departure. Staying up to date on recommended vaccines ensures peace of mind and helps you travel safely and responsibly. Recommended immunizations include:

• MMR ( Measles, Mumps, and Rubella)
• Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Whooping Cough)
• Hepatitis A & B
• Yellow Fever (Required if entering from or transiting through a Yellow Fever risk country)

Many safari destinations are located in natural ecosystems where insects are part of the environment. While the risk of malaria varies by region, preventative measures significantly reduce exposure and are an important part of safari health planning. Combining appropriate medication, insect repellent, and smart clothing choices allows you to comfortably and confidently enjoy evenings in camp and early-morning game drives. The following tips will help ensure you have a safe and healthy safari:

• Use Malaria prophylaxis if recommended by your doctor
• Bring insect repellent containing DEET or Picaridin
• Ensure you have lightweight long sleeves and pants for evenings
• Sleep under mosquito nets where provided

Access to pharmacies and medical supplies may be limited in remote safari regions, making it essential to travel with any medications you may need during your journey. Understanding medical regulations, correctly packing prescriptions, and knowing which over-the-counter medications are restricted help prevent delays at customs and ensure uninterrupted access to important treatments throughout your safari. Consider the following tips when considering medications to be brought on safari:

• Carry prescriptions in original labeled containers
• Bring a copy of prescriptions or a doctor’s letter
• Pack medications in your carry-on bag
• Avoid restricted OTC medications unless prescribed
• Bring a small personal medical kit (pain relievers, motion sickness tablets, rehydration salts)