The golden rule of safari packing is to travel light and neutral. Most camps offer same-day laundry, light aircraft impose strict luggage limits, and the wildlife responds best to muted colors. Here is everything you need — and nothing you don’t.
Clothing & colors
Stick to neutral, earthy tones — khaki, olive, tan and beige — which blend into the bush. Avoid bright white (it shows dust and spooks animals) and dark blue and black, which attract tsetse flies. Pack layers: mornings on an open game vehicle can be genuinely cold, while midday is hot. Long sleeves and trousers protect against sun and insects in the evening.
- —Neutral-tone shirts, trousers and a warm fleece or jacket
- —A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and a light scarf for dust
- —Closed walking shoes plus comfortable sandals for camp
- —Swimwear — many lodges have pools
Essentials
A few items make an enormous difference to the experience.
- —Binoculars (one pair per person, ideally)
- —Camera with a zoom lens and spare batteries / memory cards
- —High-SPF sunscreen, lip balm and insect repellent with DEET
- —Refillable water bottle and a small daypack
- —Universal power adapter and a power bank
Health & documents
Carry any prescribed antimalarial medication, a basic personal first-aid kit and hand sanitiser. Bring your passport (valid for at least six months with blank pages), any required visa or electronic travel authorisation, and a yellow-fever vaccination certificate if your route requires one. We confirm the exact requirements for your itinerary before you travel.
Luggage
Use a soft-sided duffel rather than a hard case — light aircraft between camps typically limit baggage to around 15 kg (33 lb) including hand luggage, and soft bags fit the small holds. Keep valuables, medication and a change of clothes in your carry-on.
Pack soft duffel bags only — light aircraft cap luggage at around 15kg.
