Want to know what to pack for your Safari?

Type of Safari Length of your Safari

Women

Men

Kids

What to pack for your Safari

Prefer a hard-copy version of this safari packing list which you are able to print off? Download our interactive PDF packing list here.

This packing list calculates the total number of items you will require for the number of men, women, and children you have indicated above. Simply divide by the number of men, women, and children should you wish to work out the number of items required on a per person basis or, of course, set the number to one for each in the form above.

Please also note that if your safari is longer than 12 days - and if you will have a laundry service available on your safari - that you should only take the recommended number of items for a 12-day safari or you will run out of space in your safari luggage.

Comprehensive Tailor-made Safari Packing List & Safari Advice - for your safari: This is the ultimate safari packing list and we believe offers the best response to the frequently repeated question "What should I pack for my safari to Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, Mozambique, Zambia, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa". This safari packing list has been a decade in the making. Why do we spend so much time thinking through and creating our safari packing lists to ensure that they are the best out there? In a sentence: we are dedicated to ensuring that you have the most incredible time on safari and packing the right safari clothing, safari luggage, safari binoculars, and all the other important safari accessories is key to this.

This is the new version of our general safari packing list and it is a list of the essential safari clothing and supplies which you should not leave home without. The list has been made by our safari packing list experts to ensure that you pack the correct safari clothing and gear for just about all types of safaris: game drive safaris, walking safaris, canoe or paddling safari, horse safaris (don't forget your riding gear if not provided by the camp), and gorilla safaris & mountain trekking.

As a general introduction to the safari experience, most safaris start early in the morning and will be on open safari vehicles with little protection from wind and rain. The rule of thumb is to dress in layers for all activities. For more in-depth information on what to pack for your safari - and why - we recommend that you read through our safari clothing advice, safari luggage advice, safari binocular advice, and our safari accessories advice pages.

To find out what our experts have to say about each recommended item, please simply click on "more info" and following the advice link. We have also included accessories you may need for add-on safari activities such as gorilla safaris, plus everything else you will need to remember to pack in your bag.

Please also read our "top tips" section for handy insider information on the guidelines for packing for a safari and visit our expert advice pages too.

Find below your custom Safari Packing List for 1 woman, 1 man and 1 child for 9 days
Click here to adjust the number of travellers or number of days

Women's Safari Clothing to Pack for Your Safari

4 x Women's Safari Shirts More info

We guide you through the world of women's safari shirts to help you to decide which shirts are best to pack for your safari through our expert advice for women's safari shirts. We also show you which protective, stylish women's safari shirts to shop for your safari. Click here to view our range of Women's Safari Shirts

3 x Women's Safari Trousers and/or Shorts More info

Not sure which women's safari trousers, women's safari shorts, and women's safari zip-offs to pack? Simply read our expert packing advice for women's safari pants, convertibles, and shorts. Also explore the ideal women's safari, outdoor, and travel pants and shorts when you shop online for your safari. Click here to view our range of Women's Safari Trousers and/or Shorts

1 x Women's Safari Jacket or Fleece More info

Keep warm and cosy on any safari by packing a women's safari jacket or fleece. Find out why you should pack a warm layer on safari and shop here for the best selection of women's safari jackets and fleeces. Click here to view our range of Women's Safari Jacket or Fleece

1 x Women's Wide-brimmed Safari Hat More info

A wide-brimmed safari hat is very useful on all safaris, no matter the weather - find out why. Take a look at the wide variety of wide-brimmed safari hats available for women - there is a hat to suit just about any safari style. Click here to view our range of Women's Wide-brimmed Safari Hat

3 x Women's Safari Dress(es) and/or Skorts More info

Find out why you should pack a safari dress or safari skorts - and also learn what "skorts" are and why they are great for safari game drives. Add classical style and versatility to your safari look by shopping our range of safari dresses and skorts. Click here to view our range of Women's Safari Dress(es) and/or Skorts

4 x Blister-proof socks for walking safaris More info

To find out which Blister-proof socks for walking safaris are best to pack for your safari read our expert Blister-proof socks for walking safaris advice & shop for the ultimate in Blister-proof socks for walking safaris Click here to view our range of Blister-proof socks for walking safaris

1 x Safari Belt More info

Shop for leather safari belts for women. Click here to view our range of Safari Belt

1 x Women's Safari Beanie & Scarf More info

When you get chilly on safari, will you will definitely wish you had packed some small, light layers to keep your head, neck, and hands warm. Read our guide on why you need to pack a women's safari beanie and scarf and also shop our range of safari scarves, safari beanies, and safari knitted accessories which will keep you warm. Click here to view our range of Women's Safari Beanie & Scarf

2 x Women's Safari Shoes (walking shoes + camp shoes) More info

To find out which Women's Safari Shoes (walking shoes + camp shoes) are best to pack for your safari read our expert Women's Safari Shoes (walking shoes + camp shoes) advice & shop for the ultimate in Women's Safari Shoes (walking shoes + camp shoes) Click here to view our range of Women's Safari Shoes (walking shoes + camp shoes)

Men's Safari Clothing to Pack for Your Safari

4 x Men's Safari Shirts More info

To find out which men's safari shirts are best to pack for your safari, read our expert men's safari shirt advice & shop for the ultimate in men's safari, adventure, and outdoor shirts. Click here to view our range of Men's Safari Shirts

3 x Men's Safari Trousers and/or Shorts More info

Get the right number and combination of men's safari zip-off trousers, men's safari shorts, and men's safari trousers in recommended styles and fabrics by following our expert advice for men's safari pants and shorts. Discover men's outdoor and travel pants and the perfect walking trousers when you shop for your safari. Click here to view our range of Men's Safari Trousers and/or Shorts

1 x Men's Safari Fleece or Jacket More info

It truly does get cold on safari. Read our advice on why you need to pack a men's safari jacket or fleece and potentially a waterproof safari jacket too - and view our safari-suitable range as you shop online. Click here to view our range of Men's Safari Fleece or Jacket

1 x Men's Wide-brimmed Safari Hat More info

Rain or shine, find out why you need to pack a wide-brimmed men's safari hat - and shop for the best in safari-suitable wide-brimmed hats. Click here to view our range of Men's Wide-brimmed Safari Hat

4 x Blister-proof socks for walking safaris More info

1 x Safari Belt More info

Shop for leather safari belts for men. Click here to view our range of Safari Belt

1 x Men's Safari Beanie & Scarf More info

Africa gets cold during winter - of that there is no doubt. Read our advice on why you need to pack a safari beanie and scarf and also shop our range of handmade wool safari accessories which will keep you warm. Click here to view our range of Men's Safari Beanie & Scarf

2 x Men's Safari Shoes (walking shoes + camp shoes) More info

To find out which Men's Safari Shoes (walking shoes + camp shoes) are best to pack for your safari read our expert Men's Safari Shoes (walking shoes + camp shoes) advice & shop for the ultimate in Men's Safari Shoes (walking shoes + camp shoes) Click here to view our range of Men's Safari Shoes (walking shoes + camp shoes)

Kid's Safari Clothing to Pack for Your Safari

4 x Boy's and Girl's Safari Shirts More info

Find out what safari shirts kids should wear on safari with our expert advice for children's safari shirts. Our specialised boys' and girls' safari and outdoor shirts have features for sun and insect protection and comfort. Click here to view our range of Boy's and Girl's Safari Shirts

3 x Boy's and Girl's Safari Trousers and/or Shorts More info

Get expert advice on which kids' safari trousers are ideal for your children while on safari and find the best pair of safari convertible pants by shopping here. Click here to view our range of Boy's and Girl's Safari Trousers and/or Shorts

1 x Boy's and Girl's Safari Jacket or Fleece More info

Find out why you should pack outer layers to keep your kids warm and dry on safari. Shop here for the ultimate selection of warm layers . Click here to view our range of Boy's and Girl's Safari Jacket or Fleece

1 x Boy's and Girl's Wide-Brimmed Safari Hat More info

Learn why it is important to pack a children's wide-brimmed safari hat to help prevent sunburn to their face and neck during safari activities. Shop our range of the best in children's safari hats. Click here to view our range of Boy's and Girl's Wide-Brimmed Safari Hat

1 x Boy's and Girl's Safari Beanie & Scarf More info

Africa gets cold during winter - of that there is no doubt. Read our advice on why you need to pack a warm safari beanie and scarf for your children for just about all safaris, and browse the best range of safari beanies and scarves available online. Click here to view our range of Boy's and Girl's Safari Beanie & Scarf

Safari shoes and socks for children More info

Keeping your various devices fully charged is key to recording, sharing and staying in touch with loved ones on safari. Make sure to work out how many devices you need to charge and take enough adaptors and usb cables with you to simultaneously charge all your devices.

Safari Luggage

3 x Large Soft-sided Safari holdall or duffle More info

Get expert advice on why you need to pack your safari clothing and safari gear into a large, soft-sided safari bag and shop online for our hand-picked selection of great safari-suitable luggage for your safari. Click here to view our range of Large Soft-sided Safari holdall or duffle

3 x Small Safari Bag for Game Drives, Walks, and Safari Activities. More info

Read our advice on why you should pack a smaller safari bag for your safari. View our range of the ideal safari-suitable small bags. Click here to view our range of Small Safari Bag for Game Drives, Walks, and Safari Activities.

3 x Safari Hydration Backpack More info

Read our expert safari hydration backpack advice & shop for the ultimate in safari hydration backpacks. Click here to view our range of Safari Hydration Backpack

3 x Collapsible Luggage Trolley More info

Read our expert luggage trolley advice to find out why you will need one for your safari & shop for the ultimate luggage trolley. Click here to view our range of Collapsible Luggage Trolley

3 x Safari Washbag More info

To find out why you should pack a safari washbag, read our expert safari washbag advice & shop for the ultimate in safari washbags. Click here to view our range of Safari Washbag

Safari Binoculars

3 x Safari Binoculars More info

Safari binoculars are the number one safari essential - find out why. We have carefully selected our range of binoculars to either purchase or rent (UK only for rentals). Click here to view our range of Safari Binoculars

3 x Sets safari-suitable camera and lenses More info

To find out which camera options are best for safari photography, read our expert safari photography advice & shop for the safari photography options which we use on safari. Click here to view our range of Sets safari-suitable camera and lenses

Safari Accessories

7 x Insect Repellent (Africa-tested) More info

Read our advice on why it is vitally important that you pack a safari insect repellent which actually works - and shop our range of expedition and safari tested insect repellents which you should pack for your safari. Click here to view our range of Insect Repellent (Africa-tested)

6 x Safari-suitable Sunscreen More info

Get the best protection from the sun by following our safari sunscreen advice - and shop for safari sunscreens which are tried and trusted by our team. Click here to view our range of Safari-suitable Sunscreen

3 x Sunglasses More info

Given that we only get one pair of eyes, we all know just how important it is to wear a good pair of sunglasses. Read our advice on why this is particularly so for your safari to Africa. We have also tested and now stock some of the best sunglasses available for your safari. View our range. Click here to view our range of Sunglasses

3 x Safari Torch/Flashlight More info

Packing a good safari torch - and, for more basic safaris, also a small lamp or lantern - is important for all safaris. Click here to find out why. We have selected the ideal range of safari-suitable and Africa-tested flashlights for you to take on safari. Click here to view our range of Safari Torch/Flashlight

3 x Travel Adaptors More info

3 x Spare batteries, chargers, memory More info

Always take spare batteries and make sure you pack chargers for your smartphone, torch, camera, laptop, tablet computers, and any other electronic devices. Our rule of thumb is to always take more batteries than you think you will need - and the same is true for memory cards for your photographic devices. It would be very sad to run out of power and memory on your camera halfway through your safari. Also investigate what power source will be available to you for charging devices while you are on safari.

Specialist Safari Clothing And Gear To Pack

6 x Anti-chafe tights for walking & active safaris More info

Bad chafing - as with bad blisters - may make your walking or active safari very uncomfortable. We recommend that you wear a pair of anti-chafe running tights under your safari trousers or safari shorts just to make sure that your inner thighs do not chafe.

3 x Pair of gardening gloves for gorilla safaris More info

The forests of Rwanda, Uganda, and eastern Congo where the last remaining mountain gorillas are found can be challenging, thickly-vegetated places to go trekking. As this vegetation is made up of all sorts of plants with thorns, serrated leaves, and sword-like fronds, it is advisable to pack a pair of gardening gloves so that you do not cut your hands as you scramble up steep slopes and pull back bushes to make your way in search of these elusive great apes.

3 x Dry-bag for water-based safaris More info

For water-based safaris such as canoe safaris, boating safaris, green-season safaris, and dugout/mekoro safaris, pack your valuables into one of our smaller safari bags and then pack that into a waterproof dry-bag to keep your essential safari gear dry. We recommend that you first test your dry-bag by filling it with tissue paper, closing it, and submerging it under water in your bath or a pool. If the tissue gets wet, then try re-sealing your dry-bag or get a better dry-bag.

3 x Pair of ankle gaiters for walking safaris More info

Get extra protection for your ankles and your socks by using ankle gaiters. Shop ankle gaiters for your safari.

General Clothing To Pack For Your Safari

6 x Non-safari shirts for travel and around the camp More info

While safari-coloured clothing is ideal to wear when travelling to your safari and relaxing around camp, sometimes nothing beats a crisp white shirt to wear around camp or to dinner at night. When our founder, Steve, used to work as a safari guide, this is exactly what the guiding team used to do for dinner. After a long hot day in the sun, take a long bath or refreshing shower and put on a crisp white shirt or a stylish blue travel shirt for the evening to look and feel great.

Packing extra safari shirts will, of course, depend on how much space you have left in your safari luggage once you have packed the essential safari clothing and gear. View our range of non safari-coloured shirts here.

Note: If space is limited, only take an extra non safari-coloured shirt and wear it with your safari trousers or shorts.

6 x Casual trousers and/or shorts More info

While safari clothing doubles well as everyday clothing to wear when you travel and relax around the camp in the evenings and during the day, pack casual trousers and/or shorts if space allows.

7 x Casual shirts and/or t-shirts More info

While safari clothing doubles well as everyday clothing to wear when you travel and relax around the camp in the evenings and during the day, pack casual shirts and/or t-shirts if space allows. Also see "non-safari shirts for travel and around the camp" on this packing list.

3 x Swimming costume or trunks More info

Many lodges have a pool and it is great to be able to take a dip during the day.

12 x Underwear More info

The estimated underwear quantity to pack is based on being able to wash underwear quickly and easily.

3 x Pyjamas More info

If you sleep in pyjamas, pack one or two pairs. Most top-end safari lodges do provide gowns should you opt out of wearing pyjamas on safari.

3 x Kikoy or Sarong More info

A safari-coloured kikoy is very useful to pack for your safari simply as they are very versatile. Wear your kikoy as a scarf, on your head, or even as a skirt or dress. They are very useful for around the pool too.

Gym gear or Sportswear More info

If your safari camp or lodge has a gym, then by all means pack your gym clothing to stay fit on safari - and to counter all that delicious safari food and drink you will be served.

If you enjoy running, then some lodges may be able to take you for a run with one of their fitter guides - at your own risk of course. The way this would usually work is that you would drive in a safari 4x4 game-viewer to a big open plain or to the airstrip and then your guide would run with you while someone drives the safari 4x4 game-viewer close behind you.

Be sure to drink lots of water whenever you exercise in Africa as safari areas are often high above sea level and, if you exercise at midday, then pretty hot too. It is also a good idea to take some rehydration sachets or drink tea before and after exercising.

Seasonal Safari Clothing To Pack

3 x Waterproof Safari Jacket for the rainy season More info

Read our expert advice on why you may need a waterproof safari layer for your safari, when it rains in Africa. View our range of waterproof safari layers for men, women, and kids.

Important Items To Pack For Your Safari

Passports with any required visas More info

Safari Packing Advice for Passports:

For your safari, always ensure that your passport has two blank pages and is valid for 6 months after the end date of your safari.

Double check visa requirements and find out whether or not you are easily able to get visa on arrival at your safari destination or if getting visas beforehand is advisable.

Leave yourself with enough time before your safari to obtain visas should they be required.

Keeping a certified copy of your passport with your travel documentation and separate to your passport may come in handy should you lose your passport.

If you have more than one nationality and passport, we advise that you travel on safari with both just in case one goes missing so that you are able to prove who you are.

If you have another form of identification such as an identity book or driver's license, then travel with this also. Keep this separate to your main passport.

Another option is to leave your spare passport at home with a trusted family member or colleague for them to courier to you should your passport go missing on safari.

Health card and insurance details More info

Pack your health card and travel insurance details for your safari - and let your health insurer know that you are travelling to Africa. They will usually ask you for the dates for your trip too. Double check that you are covered for repatriation and medical expenses should anything go wrong while you are on safari.

Air tickets & vouchers More info

We advise that you take hard copies for your air tickets and hotel and travel vouchers on safari. Paper does not run out of battery life, whereas smartphones do.

Credit Card More info

We find that Visa is most widely accepted in Africa, but note that not all lodges accept credit cards, so it is best to find this out from your lodge or tour operator before you travel.

Calculator More info

Take a calculator on safari or use your smartphone for conversion calculations.

Money pouch with some cash in it More info

We prefer to use credit cards where possible, but taking some smaller denominations of US dollars is always a good idea for tipping and any emergencies. Opt for mostly US$5, $10, and $20 notes with a few $50 notes just in case. Do not travel with large sums of money, however, and note that many countries in Africa have cash points (ATMs) where you will be able to withdraw local currency too. Again, however, don't overdraw as you do not want to be heading home with a wallet full of a currency you cannot use.

Prescription Glasses & Hard Glasses Case More info

It would be a pity to travel all the way to Africa but forget to pack your glasses. Pack them in a hard suitcase so that they outlast even the roughest safari transfer or game drive - and also pack an extra emergency pair just in case you drop yours.

Safari reading material More info

Take along a small selection of good safari guides books, maps, and fiction and non-fiction books which cover areas which interest you. You will add to the enjoyment of your safari by being able to read up on the wildlife you view while on safari - and you will have lots of spare time between morning and evening safari activities. Always keep in mind the luggage allowance and how much you are able to carry on active safaris such as walking safari. Shop our range of safari books and safari maps.

Super glue More info

In our interview with Steve Backshall, he rated super glue as the one thing he won't leave home without: "I always carry superglue. That's my number one tip because it's fantastic for covering up blisters, for covering quite decent sized wounds - it can be used as a really good dressing - and then obviously you can use it to stick your fingers to your face if you feel like it or stick bits of your gear together or stick the sole of your boot back on if it's coming off".

Note: we are not so sure about the advice to use it as a dressing, so please do not do this. Rather get your lodge to assist you with their full medical aid kit.

Toiletries To Pack For Your Safari

Malaria prophylaxis for malaria areas More info

As a team, we sometimes do and sometimes don't take malaria medication. We always recommend that you discuss where you are going and the recommended medication to take with your medical doctor.

Motion sickness pills More info

Only if needed for light aircraft flights on safari.

Lip balm More info

Only pack lip balm for your safari if you use it regularly. We find that, by using it, you need it but, if you don't use it, then your body does a pretty good job of looking after your lips.

Shampoo/Conditioner More info

Most safari camps have shampoos and conditioners available in your room, but you may prefer to use your brand of choice on safari.

Deodorant More info

While some of our safari shirts feature silverplus technology which will keep your shirt smelling fresh for longer - always take deodorant. We usually pack roll-on simply as it lasts so long and is less bulky.

Toothpaste and toothbrush More info

This isn't usually something which safari lodges offer in their room so pack your toothbrush and favoured brand of toothpaste on your safari.

Dental floss More info

This is something we always take with us as it is surprisingly useful beyond being great from getting stuff out from between your teeth - it can be used as emergency twine too for repairing safari clothing, safari luggage and so on.

Hair brush / comb More info

Pack your hairbrush and comb for your safari - and hair straightener should the lodge have electricity. Or take a break from your routine and let your hair go a little bit wild.

Electric / hand razor More info

If you are not sure about the availability of electricity at your safari lodge, then either find out from the lodge or take a normal razor and shaving cream.

Emery boards, tweezers, etc. More info

Tweezers on safari are very useful not only for preening - annoying splinters on an active safari could hamper the enjoyment of your safari.

Hand & body lotion More info

With many safari areas high above sea level - and with all that dry dusty goodness - you may wish to moisturise your hands and body.

Ladies' hygiene supplies More info

Take sufficient amounts for the length of your stay in Africa on safari.

Contact lenses and fluid More info

An African safari can be dusty so pack extra contact lenses and fluid.

Top tips from the safari experts

When packing for your safari, select safari clothing which offers some or all of the following six key travel garment technologies:
1. Safari clothing which is easy to pack, dries quickly, and wicks moisture away from the skin;
2. Safari Clothing which offers a built-in insect repellent. Insist on seeing proof that the built-in insect repellent has been proven to work by asking to see the laboratory test results;
3. Safari Clothing that offers protection from the sun. This will be shown as an SPF rating. 50+ is the highest rating available today;
4. Safari Clothing that is lightweight, but which also has built-in ripstop for added strength;
5. As we all prefer to smell fresh, select safari clothing that uses an anti-microbial or anti-bacterial fabric. This also means that you will be able to wear the same safari clothing for longer and so pack less and travel lighter.
6. Add to the protective performance of the safari clothing which you take on safari by packing a wide-brimmed, packable safari hat, an effective sunscreen, and insect repellent which has been proven to work to spray onto your safari clothing, safari hat and skin.
Safari Packing List - What safari clothing to pack for your safari
Use our safari clothing packing advice guide above for handy tips on what clothing to pack for your safari.

Trip preparation timeline

▢ 2 to 3 months before departure
VISA: If you require a visa and want to get it beforehand, make sure that you apply for the visa as soon as possible.
PASSPORT: Check that your passport has sufficient pages as most African countries require two blank pages or more, and that your passport does not expire within 6 months. Apply for new passport if needs be.
MEDICATION: Ensure that you visit your doctor and tell him where you are going. He will then advise you on malaria prophylactics, and other injections or medication that is necessary for your trip

▢ 8 Weeks Prior to Departure
PAY: Make sure that you have settled your balance due for your holiday with your tour operator.
SAFARI SUPPLIES: This is a good time to also contact The Safari Store for advice on what to pack, and to obtain your safari essentials (as above) in good time.
RE-CONFIRM: If travelling independently, you must go through your itinerary, check that all flight times (including dates) coincide with your holiday dates, and contact all lodges, camps, hotels, transfer, private guides & car hire companies to re-confirm your holiday details
PETS, HOUSES ETC: Make sure you have made arrangements for your pets, booked a house sitter, and any other arrangements you may need to make for post, services and so forth.

▢ 4 Weeks Prior to Departure:
DEPARTURE DAY PLANNING: A smooth departure day takes 3/4 of the stress out of your holiday. Make sure that you arrange parking at the airport, start looking into taxis or trains, and book where necessary
TRAVEL MONEY: Work out what you are going to do to pay for tips, purchases, extra tours etc while travelling.Arrange cash, credit & debit cards, travellers cheques accordingly (travellers cheques tend to be a pain to use in most parts of Africa - cash and credit cards are best! Take small denominations in cash in US Dollars - US$1, 5, 10 & 20 for tips and sundry purchases)

▢ 1 to 2 Weeks Prior to Departure
PACK: If you are organised, this is a good time to start packing for your trip. Ensure that you have all the correct safari clothing and luggage from The Safari Store - and don't forget to pack the BIG 5 Essentials (first page of this list, on the right). If you require any further supplies, contact The Safari Store. Also work out what you are taking as hand luggage, and what will go into the hold.
CHECK: Check again that you have your passport with visa, correct travel documentation, travel vouchers, confirmed itinerary, tickets, etc
TELL: Tell your bank & credit card provider that you are going away so they know to expect transactions from outside your home country; Let your mobile phone company know too, and set up your preferred setting for roaming; Remind friends and family that you are going away - passing on your itinerary, with hotel/lodge/camp contact details to people involved in managing your affairs while you are away is also a good idea.
CONFIRM: Taxis, train times, pet & house sitters. This may also be a good time to check on exchange rates for the country you are going to.

▢ Departure Day
NICE & RELAXED: With the proper preparation this should be as simple as picking up your luggage and travel documents, locking the front door, jumping into your taxi, or walking to the train station, checking in and taking off. Allowing yourself sufficient time to check in at the airport is vital in reducing the stress of travel. Arrive early, rather than late!

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