Ultimate Safari Packing List
For game drives, bush walks, and camp comfort
Daywear
3–4 lightweight long-sleeved shirts (sun protection + insect deterrence)
3–4 lightweight trousers (convertible zip-off pants are useful)
2–3 short-sleeved shirts or T-shirts
1–2 pairs of shorts (for around camp)
Layering
Light fleece or jumper (cool mornings and evenings)
Warm jacket or insulated layer (winter months, June–August)
Light waterproof/windproof jacket
Accessories
Wide-brimmed hat or cap
Buff or scarf (for dust on game drives)
Lightweight gloves (early morning drives in cooler months)
Footwear
Comfortable closed walking shoes or light hiking boots
Sandals or slip-on shoes (for camp use)
Sunglasses (UV protection)
High-SPF sunscreen
Lip balm with SPF
Insect repellent (DEET or natural alternative)
Binoculars (8×42 or similar for wildlife viewing)
Camera or smartphone with zoom capability
Spare memory cards & batteries/power bank
Lightweight daypack
Toiletries (biodegradable where possible)
Wet wipes & hand sanitiser
Quick-dry travel towel (if staying in basic camps)
Personal medication & small first aid kit
Reusable water bottle
- Passport (with required visa)
- Photocopies of passport & travel insurance
- Credit/debit cards & small amount of local currency
- Vaccination certificate (yellow fever if required)
- Lightweight tripod or monopod (for photography)
- Travel journal & pen
- Small torch or headlamp (for walking around camp at night)
- Ziplock bags (protect electronics from dust)
- Travel laundry soap & clothesline
- Avoid bright colours (especially white and neon) – they can scare wildlife or attract insects.
- Avoid camouflage clothing – it is reserved for military use in many African countries.
- Pack layers – mornings and evenings can be cold, afternoons hot.
- Keep your main luggage soft-sided – easier to fit into safari vehicles and small planes.
Daywear
3–4 lightweight long-sleeved shirts (sun protection + insect deterrence)
3–4 lightweight trousers (convertible zip-off pants are useful)
2–3 short-sleeved shirts or T-shirts
1–2 pairs of shorts (for around camp)
Layering
Light fleece or jumper (cool mornings and evenings)
Warm jacket or insulated layer (winter months, June–August)
Light waterproof/windproof jacket
Accessories
Wide-brimmed hat or cap
Buff or scarf (for dust on game drives)
Lightweight gloves (early morning drives in cooler months)
Footwear
Comfortable closed walking shoes or light hiking boots
Sandals or slip-on shoes (for camp use)
Sunglasses (UV protection)
High-SPF sunscreen
Lip balm with SPF
Insect repellent (DEET or natural alternative)
Binoculars (8×42 or similar for wildlife viewing)
Camera or smartphone with zoom capability
Spare memory cards & batteries/power bank
Lightweight daypack
Toiletries (biodegradable where possible)
Wet wipes & hand sanitiser
Quick-dry travel towel (if staying in basic camps)
Personal medication & small first aid kit
Reusable water bottle
- Passport (with required visa)
- Photocopies of passport & travel insurance
- Credit/debit cards & small amount of local currency
- Vaccination certificate (yellow fever if required)
- Lightweight tripod or monopod (for photography)
- Travel journal & pen
- Small torch or headlamp (for walking around camp at night)
- Ziplock bags (protect electronics from dust)
- Travel laundry soap & clothesline
- Avoid bright colours (especially white and neon) – they can scare wildlife or attract insects.
- Avoid camouflage clothing – it is reserved for military use in many African countries.
- Pack layers – mornings and evenings can be cold, afternoons hot.
- Keep your main luggage soft-sided – easier to fit into safari vehicles and small planes.
