The African Safari Packing List: What to Bring and What to Wear
The 15 kg bush-flight limit, the colours that work in the bush and the ones that do not, and the small things people wish they had brought.
The short answer: 15 kg in a soft duffel, in khaki, tan, olive or brown. Layers for the cold morning drive and the hot afternoon, 8x42 binoculars each, and no plastic bags — Kenya prohibits them.
After months of planning, your safari is finally here. Knowing what to pack for a safari in Kenya is what keeps the first two days comfortable rather than improvised.
This checklist covers the luggage rules, the clothing, the medical kit and the gear for your game drives.
Safari luggage allowance and rules
- 15 kg weight limit. Most domestic bush flights and safari Land Cruisers work to a strict 15 kg (33 lbs) per traveller.
- Soft duffel bags only. Soft-sided bags compress into the vehicle and the aircraft hold; hard-shell suitcases do not.
- No plastic bags. Kenya prohibits single-use plastic bags, and the ban is enforced on arrival. Use reusable canvas bags or packing cubes.
- Storage for the rest. Luggage you do not need in the bush can be stored safely at our office before you head out.
Documents and money
Keep these in your daypack or a body pouch throughout:
- Passport with at least six months' validity remaining.
- Visa and vaccination certificates — printed copies of your Kenya eTA or e-visa, and your yellow fever card where it applies.
- Flight tickets — printed e-tickets for both the international and the bush flights.
- Cash and cards. Major lodges take credit cards; carry Kenyan shillings in small notes for tips, village visits and souvenirs.
What to wear on safari
Safari weather swings from a cold pre-dawn game drive to a hot afternoon, so layering matters more than any single garment. Neutral colours that blend into the bush do the rest.
| Wear | Avoid | The reason |
|---|---|---|
| Khaki, tan, beige | Bright colours | Bright clothing is conspicuous and makes wildlife wary. |
| Olive green, dark brown | Dark blue and black | Dark blue and black attract tsetse flies. |
| Muted neutrals | Pure white | White shows the dust within an hour of leaving camp. |
- Layering tops. Light t-shirts and moisture-wicking long-sleeved shirts, which also cover you against sun and mosquitoes.
- A warm jacket. A fleece, windbreaker or light down jacket for the early morning drives, which are genuinely cold at altitude.
- Trousers and shorts. Lightweight khaki trousers, convertible cargo trousers and comfortable shorts.
- Footwear. Sturdy walking boots or trail shoes, plus sandals for camp.
- A wide-brimmed hat with a chin strap, for the open roof.
- Swimwear, for the lodge pool between drives.
Medical kit and toiletries
- Medication. Prescription drugs in their original packaging, with generic names noted, split across two bags.
- Preventative health. Insect repellent with DEET, malaria prophylaxis (consult your doctor) and motion sickness tablets.
- Sun and dust. SPF 30+ sunscreen, lip balm and lubricating eye drops — the last of these matters if you wear contact lenses in dusty parks.
- Personal care. Your preferred shampoo and conditioner, toothbrush and feminine hygiene products. Most luxury camps provide the basics.
Photography gear and accessories
- Binoculars. An 8x42 or 10x42 pair, one per person rather than one to share.
- Camera and lenses. Spare memory cards, spare batteries and a dust cover or cleaning cloth. Our photography safari guide goes into the full kit.
- Power. Kenya uses Type G three-pin square plugs at 240V, 50Hz. Bring a universal adapter and a power bank.
- A head torch for camp paths after dark.
- Polarised sunglasses for the midday glare.
