What to Pack for an african safari

best African Safari Packing List Guide

What to Pack for an african safari

best African Safari Packing List Guide

What To Pack For Safari: The Ultimate Safari Packing List

So you are going on an African safari! and wondering what to pack for an African Safari. Preparing to try something new is always an exciting endeavor, but figuring out what to pack for a safari can be a little overwhelming. It would help if you considered the weather, the culture, and the activities for a trip you’ve never taken.

It’s important to pack the right things to keep you comfortable during your African safari so you can focus on the important things – like spotting elusive wildlife and enjoying one of the most exciting adventures you’ll ever go on. We’re here to help ease your mind when it comes to what to pack! Here’s a helpful list of the things you don’t want to forget.

The thought of packing for an African safari might just be intimidating—you hear about all kinds of restrictions, such as the fact that small charter planes only accept luggage under 40 pounds and that it must be soft-shelled. While our experts are equipped to prepare you adequately for your African safari adventure, we thought we would put together a packing list guide for you to use as a reference while you’re preparing to come to Africa.

What to wear on a safari game drive

When planning your African safari, it’s important to consider the best time to visit each region. The dry season from June to October is generally considered the best time for game viewing as animals congregate around water sources. However, some regions have unique seasons that offer a different kind of experience.

  • Best Long-sleeved Shirt: Columbia Men’s and Women’s PFG Tamiami II Long-sleeve Shirt at Columbia
  • Best Short-sleeved Shirt: L.L. Bean Men’s and Women’s Tropicwear Shirt, Short-sleeve at L.L. Bean
  • Best Pants: REI Co-op Men’s and Women’s Sahara Convertible Pants at REI
  • Best Warm Layer: Patagonia Men’s and Women’s Better Sweater Fleece Jacket at REI
  • Best Rain Jacket: Marmot Men’s and Women’s Precip Waterproof Rain Jacket

Some Clothing Guide while on Safari in Africa:- 

  • Dress in a relaxed manner. You must be comfortable with your safari experience. Pack light clothing. Wearing cotton is great for safari.
  • Make sure you’re protected at night. Pack a few long-sleeved shirts (depending on the duration of your trip) and slacks to keep warm on your night-time game drives.
  • On game drives, you’ll need a jacket and scarf with you because temperatures drop quickly once the sun goes down in the evening.
  • Pack a swimsuit and some casual clothing for around camp.
  • It is not necessary to bring heavy hiking boots with you on this trip. Walking in hiking boots would not only be uncomfortable in the heat, but they are also cumbersome to transport. Any pair of robust closed-toe shoes will suffice in this situation.
  • Make use of the laundry service. Our camps provide laundry services, although they do not wash undergarments. Clothing that is simple to clean is recommended.
  • Pack a hat. You will need protection from the sun. It can get extremely hot in Africa. You need a durable hat.
  • Note: It is illegal to wear Camouflage in Tanzania, so stick to your one-toned khaki clothing
What to Pack for an african safari
What to Pack for an african safari

what to wear on safari in kenya and Tanzania

Best Safari Packing List Guide

While on safari in Kenya and Tanzania, its important to note that you are recommended to wear, dull-colored clothes, such as jungle green, brown, grey, white, and beige to avoid attention from wildlife. 

The weather in East Africa changes within seasons, as we have when it’s very hot, and other months that are very wet and cold. If you plan for a month that’s cold, it’s advisable to carry heavy clothes to keep you warm. 

Understand the different seasons we have in East Africa and when it is the best time to visit for safaris. Generally, it’s advisable to wear light and dull clothes as most moths in Kenya and Tanzania are cold and dry. 

What to Pack for an african safari
What to Pack for an african safari

What Ladies should Pack for An African Safari

safari dress code for women - Ladies Packing List

  • 3 pairs of light cotton pants or pants that convert to shorts, or 3 pairs of light cotton pants and 1-2 pairs of shorts
  • 1 pair of long cotton pants suitable for walking in the bush
  • 1 pair of jeans or other casual long pants for the evening
  • 3 short sleeve shirts
  • 2 long-sleeve shirts (styles with tabbed, rollable sleeves are most versatile)
  • 3 cotton t-shirts
  • 1 lightweight jacket or windbreaker
  • 1 safari vest for camera equipment (optional). We really like this one by ExOfficio for all of its interior pockets.
  • Raincoat (Optional)
  • 1 pair of lightweight hiking or walking shoes. We’re big fans of shoes like these Merrell sneakers and New Balance trail running shoes for how lightweight they are and how well they pack. In most cases, they can pull double duty as hiking/walking shoes, and casual shoes for the evening so you can save space in your luggage.
  • 1 pair of comfortable shoes for the evening
  • 1 pair of flip-flops or sandals for use in your room, at the spa, or around the pool
  • 10 pairs of socks
  • 10 pairs of undergarments
  • 1 wide-brimmed hat, especially to wear in safari vehicles while driving in the parks, as the tops are left open for game viewing and photography
  • 1 swimsuit
  • 1 bandana for dust and/or cooling
  • sunglasses with UV protection
What to Pack for an african safari
What to Pack for an african safari

What Men should Pack for An African Safari

safari dress code for Men - Men Packing List

  • 3 pairs of light cotton pants or pants that convert to shorts
  • 1 pair of long cotton pants suitable for walking in the bush
  • 1 pair of jeans or other casual long pants for the evening
  • 3 short sleeve shirts
  • 2 long sleeve shirts
  • 3 cotton t-shirts
  • 1 pair of lightweight hiking or walking shoes. In most cases, shoes like these Merrell sneakers will be sufficient and can pull double duty as hiking/walking shoes, and casual shoes for the evening so you can save space in your luggage. We’re also big fans of New Balance trail running shoes for how lightweight they are and how well they pack. In general, you will not need heavy footwear unless you plan to do a great deal of walking.
  • 1 pair of comfortable shoes for the evening
  • 1 pair of flip-flops or sandals for use in your room, at the spa, or around the pool
  • 4 – 6 pairs of socks
  • 6 pairs of undergarments
  • 1 wide-brimmed hat, especially to wear in safari vehicles while driving in the parks, as the tops are left open for game viewing and photography. This one packs nicely and resumes its shape!
  • 1 swimsuit
  • 1 bandana for dust and/or cooling
  • 1 lightweight jacket or windbreaker
  • sunglasses with UV protection
What to Pack for an african safari
What to Pack for an african safari

What Documents you should Pack for a Safari

Important Documents not to leave

Documents You Must Pack for Safari

Losing documents is a very common occurrence, especially while traveling. As a result, packing the necessary documents safely should be your priority before packing the rest of your luggage.

  1. A passport that has all of the necessary visas for every nation that your safari will visit or pass through.
  2. A small amount of cash, bank cards, and/or traveler’s checks are recommended. These days, you can also utilize e-wallet apps to avoid lugging around multiple credit cards and cash.
  3. Air tickets and travel vouchers for any pre-arranged organized safaris that have been purchased.
  4. Where necessary, vaccination certificates (yellow fever, mumps, etc.) will be provided. Some immunizations must be administered many weeks in advance (see Vaccinations needed for your African Safari).
  5. Medical treatment may include malaria prevention medications (see Malaria Made Simple) as well as any personal medications (also take your prescription in case of an emergency-your medication gets lost, wet, eaten by a baboon etc).
  6. The specifics of your travel insurance policy Your policy number, as well as the contact information for claims and emergencies, will be provided.
  7. Prepare a copy of all of your important documents, including your airline tickets, travel insurance policy, immunization records, and records of prescriptions and prescriptions.

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