What to Pack for a Safari

A guide to getting it right, without overpacking and looking like rookie

Packing for safari is less about quantity and all about intention and practicality. The right pieces will keep you comfortable through early morning game drives, long afternoons in the bush, and cool evenings under the stars. Here’s exactly what I recommend bringing.

Clothing: You are doing it right if you blend with the environment

• Stick to neutrals: khaki, tan, olive, and brown. Avoid white (it shows dust), black and blue (they attract flies), and bright colors (too conspicuous for wildlife).

• Lightweight, breathable fabrics: cotton is ideal. Aim for non-synthetic pieces that keep you cool.

• Layering is key: mornings and evenings can be surprisingly cold as you are in an open-air vehicle. It is not uncommon for there to be a 30 degree swing in weather from the morning to afternoon. Bring a lightweight jacket, scarf, and pieces you can easily add or remove.

• Long sleeves and pants for evenings: helpful for both warmth and mosquito protection.

• Comfortable footwear: non-white sneakers or lightweight hiking boots.

• Accessories that work hard:

  • Hat for sun protection

  • Bandana for dust (and style)

  • Packable rain jacket

• Laundry: every camp that I send my clients to offers laundry service (often same-day or returned within 24 hours), which makes it feasible to stick to the strict luggage requirements, outlined below. It is also quite refreshing to have only a few outfits to chose from when you are waking up by 6am every morning! Some lodges will not wash women's underwear, but will leave laundry soap in the bathroom so you can handwash and hang dry underwear.

Non-Clothing Essentials: Small things that make a big difference once you’re out in the bush

• Plug adapter

• Motion sickness support (Dramamine or ginger pills)

• Anti-diarrheal medication and a basic pain reliever

• Roll-on bug spray

• Sunscreen

• Hand sanitizer

• Portable fan for warmer months

• Phone chain or strap (game drives are bumpy and you don’t want to miss the moment searching for your phone)

• Small battery pack if your phone battery dies quickly

• Of course, your toiletries

Luggage Guidelines: Safari travel includes small charter flights, which come with strict luggage requirements

• Soft duffel bags only — no hard-shell suitcases. I recommend this Patagonia bag or something similar

• Weight limits are strict unless it is a chartered flight:

  • Typically 33 lbs total (including hand luggage and camera gear)

  • Up to 44 lbs in parts of Southern Africa