What to Pack for an African Safari: 12 Tips as You Plan for Your Trip

The thought of packing for a continent and an experience as unique as an African safari can feel daunting, often leaving travelers wondering where to begin. The key is to break the process down into simple, manageable steps. By first considering the length and style of your trip, and identifying your absolute must-have items, you can create a solid foundation for packing efficiently and without stress.

• Trip length should be your first consideration to help determine the quantity of clothing you will need.
• Itinerary type will influence your choices; a trip combining a safari with a city or beach stay requires more variety.
• Essential items like specific medications or comfort items you can’t live without should be set aside first.
• Lay everything out on a bed or the floor to get a full visual inventory before putting anything in your bag.
• Pack systematically by making a final decision on the necessity of each item one by one to avoid overpacking.

For all you need to know before going on safari, see Zicasso’s comprehensive article on How to Plan an African Safari: Frequently Asked Questions.

On safari, the concept of "packing light" has a dual meaning, referring not only to the weight of your luggage, but also to the colour of your clothing. Adhering to a palette of neutral, earthy tones is essential for blending in with the bush environment. By packing versatile layers, you can stay comfortable and prepared for the fluctuating temperatures, from cool early mornings to the midday heat.

• Neutral colors like khaki, beige, olive, and tan are the best choices as they blend in with the natural landscape.
• Avoid brights as vibrant colours like red and yellow, as well as white, can startle wildlife or attract unwanted insects.
• Versatile layers are crucial; pack T-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, and a fleece or light jacket for changing conditions.
• One pair of comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes is all you need; heavy hiking boots are typically unnecessary.
• Essential accessories like a foldable sun hat, sunglasses, a scarf, and gloves will protect you from the sun and cold.

One of the most critical aspects of packing for a safari is adhering to the luggage restrictions for the small aircraft that service remote lodges. These flights are a thrilling part of the adventure, but they have non-negotiable rules regarding the weight of your luggage and, most importantly, the physical type of your bag.

• Weight limits on small safari aircraft are extremely strict, typically around 33 pounds per person, including hand luggage.
• Soft-sided bags are mandatory; hard-shell suitcases are rigid and cannot fit into the small, uniquely shaped aircraft holds.
• Duffel bags are the ideal choice as their pliable nature makes them easy for ground staff to load and stow.
• International flights have much larger allowances, so be sure to pack for the smallest, most restrictive leg of your journey.
• Porters assist with your luggage at every airstrip and lodge, so you only need to manage your personal daypack.

Your specific safari itinerary will directly influence your packing list and strategy. A straightforward bush safari moving between a couple of lodges has different requirements than a complex, multi-faceted trip that includes time in cities or on the coast. Fortunately, most safari operators offer helpful services like luggage storage and laundry, making any combination of destinations manageable. To find out more about places to stay, see our Types of Safari Accommodations and How to Choose

• Laundry services are offered at nearly all safari lodges and camps, allowing you to pack fewer clothes and refresh them on the go.
• Luggage storage is often provided by ground handlers, who can safely store larger suitcases while you travel with a smaller duffel on safari.
• Combined trips that blend a safari with a city or beach stay will require more clothing variety than a bush-only itinerary.
• Bush-only safaris are the easiest to pack for, requiring just a simple rotation of practical, neutral-coloured safari wear.
• Plan ahead by asking your travel specialist about the laundry and storage options available on your specific itinerary.

Your safari journey offers a wonderful opportunity to enrich your experience by giving back to the local communities you visit. Many safari properties have deep-rooted relationships with nearby villages, schools, or conservation projects. By using a small amount of your luggage space to bring needed supplies, you can make a meaningful and positive impact that extends far beyond your visit.

• Give back by using a small portion of your luggage allowance to bring items that support local education or healthcare.
• Ask first, as your lodge or travel specialist can provide a specific list of what their community partners need most.
• Purchase locally to support the destination's economy by buying the requested supplies upon arrival in a major African city.
• Support organizations that are vetted by your safari operator to ensure your contribution is responsible and effective.
• Enrich your experience by connecting with your destination on a deeper and more impactful level.

Africa is home to beautiful and unique handcrafted goods, and it’s wise to plan ahead if you intend to bring home mementos from your travels. Most safari itineraries include opportunities to visit local markets or trading stalls. Packing a foldable, lightweight bag is the perfect solution for carrying home your treasures without compromising your main luggage.

• Local markets are a highlight of many trips, offering the chance to purchase authentic, exquisitely crafted souvenirs directly from artisans.
• Pack foldable bags that take up almost no space on your way to Africa, but can be used as an extra carry-on for your return.
• Shipping options may be available for larger or more delicate items, so always inquire with the vendor if you fall in love with something big.
• Consider weight as your souvenirs will count towards your luggage allowance on small aircraft and your international flight home.
• Support artisans directly by purchasing their crafts, ensuring the economic benefits of tourism reach the local community.

A key part of packing smart is knowing what to leave behind, which helps you travel lighter and with greater peace of mind. This includes expensive jewelry, which is impractical for the bush, and certain high-wattage personal electronics that are incompatible with the electrical systems in Africa. Embracing simplicity is part of the safari experience.

• Check voltage as items from North America (110v), like most hair dryers and straighteners, will not work on Africa’s 220v-240v systems.
• Camera gear is almost always fine, as modern chargers for cameras, phones, and laptops are designed to handle dual voltage automatically.
• Valuable jewelry and sentimental items should be left safely at home for security and practical reasons.
• Limit cash and carry a maximum of two credit cards, informing your bank of your travel dates beforehand.
• Embrace simplicity and a more natural look; the wilderness is the one place you don't need to worry about perfect hair or heavy makeup.

When it comes to traveling with any prescription medication, careful preparation is paramount for a smooth and healthy journey. It is absolutely essential to pack all necessary medicines in your hand luggage, keeping them in their original containers with clear labels and bringing along copies of the official prescriptions.

• Carry-on only is the golden rule; never place essential medications in your checked baggage in case of delays or loss.
• Original packaging is crucial for identifying your medication and clearing any questions at customs or security.
• Include prescriptions by carrying a copy of the official doctor’s script for each medication you have.
• Check restrictions with your travel specialist or embassy before you travel, as some countries have strict rules about specific medications.
• List instructions for yourself, detailing storage requirements or what to do in a medical emergency related to your condition.

Given the strict ban on single-use plastic bags in many African safari destinations, packing cubes are a traveler’s best friend. These versatile, reusable pouches are perfect for compartmentalizing your clothing, toiletries, and electronics within your soft-sided duffel bag. They keep you organized and make it incredibly easy to find what you need as you move between different camps and lodges.

• Stay organized by separating your T-shirts, trousers, undergarments, and electronics into different, easy-to-identify cubes.
• Replace plastics as packing cubes are the ideal, environmentally-friendly alternative to plastic bags, which are banned in nations like Kenya and Tanzania.
• Maximize space by tightly rolling your clothes before placing them in the cubes, which helps compress them slightly.
• Easy unpacking is a huge benefit; you can simply transfer the cubes from your duffel to the shelves or drawers at each new lodge.
• Protect items by using separate cubes for your shoes or to contain any toiletries that could potentially leak during transit.

While thorough preparation is always recommended, forgetting a minor item like a toothbrush or sunscreen is not a catastrophe. Most safari itineraries include a stop in an arrival city where you can pick up last-minute supplies. Even in the most remote bush locations, safari lodge shops are typically well-stocked with essential toiletries to ensure your comfort.

• City stops at the beginning of your journey often provide a convenient opportunity to purchase any forgotten items.
• Lodge shops almost always carry key essentials such as sunscreen, toothpaste, insect repellent, and batteries.
• Essentials provided at many luxury camps include high-quality toiletries like shampoo, conditioner, and body lotion.
• Ask your guide for assistance if you need something specific, as they are incredibly resourceful and can often help source it.
• Relax more knowing you are on a fully guided and supported journey where everyday necessities are almost always accessible.

For your peace of mind and theirs, leaving a detailed copy of your safari itinerary with a friend or family member is always a wise decision. This provides a reliable point of contact in case of an emergency, which is especially important given cell phone service and internet access can be unreliable or non-existent in remote bush areas.

• Emergency contact is the primary reason, allowing someone to reach you through the lodge management if direct contact fails.
• Peace of mind for both you and your loved ones is invaluable, knowing there is a clear communication channel.
• Poor reception is a reality in many safari locations, making direct calls or texts from the bush very difficult.
• Arrange surprises as family members can easily coordinate with the lodge staff to plan a special gesture for a birthday or anniversary.
• Provide details by leaving a complete copy of your itinerary, including lodge names, contact numbers, and flight information.

Embarking on an African safari is an exciting invitation to immerse yourself in a culture that may be very different from your own, and a little preparation can greatly enrich your experience. Taking the time to learn about the customs, traditions, and conservation ethos of the country you are visiting will lead to a deeper appreciation and more meaningful interactions throughout your journey.

• Enhance your overall experience by arriving with a basic understanding of the cultural and historical context of your destination.
• Show respect by being aware of local customs and social etiquette when interacting with lodge staff and community members.
• Learn words in the local language; a simple "hello" (Jambo) or "thank you" (Asante) is always warmly received and appreciated.
• Understand conservation by reading about the wildlife ethos of the parks and the lodges you will be visiting.
• Ask questions because your local guides are a fantastic source of knowledge and are always happy to share insights about their culture.

For more insight, take a look at Zicasso’s Best Places to Visit in Africa on Safari.

Here is a snapshot of what is considered a standard list for anyone going on an African safari.

• High-SPF sunscreen
• Sunhat or baseball cap
• Comfortable lightweight clothes of neutral colors, including t-shirts, jeans, khaki or linen pants, lightweight long-sleeve shirts, bathing suits, personal garments, etc
• Avoid camouflage or military-inspired clothing
• Comfortable closed shoes
• Good walking shoes are ideal, while boots are not necessary
• First aid and toiletries
• A light fleece or sweater for the evenings
• Insect repellent
• Scarf, gloves, and a beanie for cold mornings
• Camera and binoculars
• Essential medications
• Books, card games, or other leisure activities
• Your Zicasso safari specialist will provide a list of necessary vaccinations, passport information, recommended travel insurance, credit cards, cash, and more

In the end, packing for an African safari is far simpler and less daunting than it might first appear. It is an exercise in thoughtful practicality, where the goal is not to anticipate every possibility, but to pack the right essentials that provide comfort and versatility. By traveling light and smart, you arrive unburdened, ready to focus your energy on the breathtaking landscapes and wildlife unfolding before you.

Whether you picture yourself feeling perfectly comfortable in light layers on a cool morning game drive or moving effortlessly between remote camps with your well-packed duffel, you can learn more about what to expect on your trip with our Africa safari guide or explore featured itineraries with our sample all-inclusive African safaris.