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What to Pack for a Safari in Africa

Our Safari Packing Guide, Written by the NWS Safari Experts

It is best to pack as light as possible for safari; limit baggage to two items per person and always use soft bags rather than suitcases. If you are taking light aircraft flights, luggage may be limited to 15kg per person. Most hotels and lodges have laundry services, so an excessive amount of clothing should be unnecessary.

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Safari Packing List: The Essentials Checklist

  • Camera - with extra lenses, extra memory cards and batteries
  • Sun Protection - sunscreen and moisturiser, sunglasses with neck strap, bush hat with a brim
  • Binoculars
  • Ear plugs
  • Daypack / small rucksack
  • Towel – we suggest taking trek towels. These are lightweight, pack to a small size and dry quickly
  • Insect repellent - please note that DEET can affect man-made fibres and plastics
  • First Aid Kit – including Malaria tablets, anti-diarrhoea medicine, antihistamine tablets, rehydration sachets, aspirin, cold medication, antiseptic cream, plasters, motion sickness pills, lip balm, eyedrops and personal medication
  • Photocopies of your passport, visas, credit cards and airline tickets
  • Don't forget Sports Bras! The dirt roads in the National Parks can be extremely bumpy. Phoenix Marshall - Africa Team Leader

Where to Stay in Kenya

Top 10 Best Kenya Safari Lodges

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STORIES & INSPIRATION

The Circle Of Life By David Yarrow

The Last of the Big Tuskers

Renowned photographer David Yarrow has travelled across the globe to capture his inimitable black-and-white images of the world’s wildlife, from polar bears in the High Arctic and emperor penguins in Antarctica to the magnificent megafauna that range across the plains of Africa. One of his more recent assignments took him in search of the largest of the large: Africa’s “big tusker” elephants, so called because of their huge tusks that each weigh in excess of 50kg and reach almost to the ground.

Read more about David Yarrow

What to Pack: Clothing & Footwear


Game Drives

For game drives we suggest wearing layered clothing that can be removed as the day heats up. Neutral coloured, lightweight and comfortable clothing is recommended, along with good walking shoes for bush walks. You should avoid bright colours such as red, purple or blue as these can scare the wildlife.

On Safari Packing List
  • 1-2 lightweight, quick dry trousers
  • 1 pair of shorts
  • 1-2 long-sleeved shirts, preferably quick dry
  • 1-2 moisture wicking short-sleeved shirts
  • 1 lightweight waterproof, windproof and breathable jacket
  • Lightweight poncho
  • Sturdy and lightweight waterproof walking boots and lightweight hiking socks
  • Don't forget Sports Bras! The dirt roads in the National Parks can be extremely bumpy. Phoenix Marshall - Africa Team Leader



On The Beach

The coastal beach resorts of Kenya are in predominantly Muslim areas, so recognition of local customs and traditions is important and we suggest dressing modestly when away from the beach, swimwear is not acceptable in town and villages away from the main tourist resorts.

On The Beach Packing List
  • 1-3 long-sleeved shirts and or blouse
  • 1 dress and or skirt for ladies
  • 1 fleece, sweater or sweatshirt
  • 1 pair of trousers
  • Comfortable shoes
  • Flip-flops or sandals

For The Evening

Evenings can get a bit chilly, depending on where you are in Kenya. Most of Kenya is informal when it comes to dining.

For The Evening Packing List
  • 1-3 long-sleeved shirts and / or blouse
  • 1 dress / skirt for ladies
  • 1 fleece, sweater or sweatshirt
  • 1 pair of trousers
  • Flip-flops or sandals
  • Comfortable shoes

Electricals & Misc Packing List

  • Camera charger / converter / adapter for 220 / 240 AC voltage, plus cigarette lighter adapter is useful
  • Extra batteries
  • Plenty of memory cards
  • Small notebook
  • Bags for keeping valuables dry or storing wet clothes
  • Torch / flashlight (essential): LED models are lightweight and have a good battery life

What Not To Pack

  • Plastic Bags - For environmental reasons, plastic bags are illegal in Kenya and have been banned. For your liquid hand luggage please use transparent toiletry bags.
  • Camouflage Clothing - Wearing camouflage army-style clothing associates you with military wear. Also avoid dark colours as they attract insects and absorb the heat.
  • Drones
  • Hard Suitcases



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