10 Top Tips For Packing For Your African Safari

Embarking on an African safari holiday is an exciting adventure, but packing for such a trip can be daunting. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a first-time safari-goer, knowing what to bring is crucial for a comfortable and enjoyable experience. This blog will provide you with top tips for packing for your African safari holiday, ensuring you're well-prepared for the journey ahead.

Tip 1 - Pack Light
When preparing for your safari trip, it is crucial to carefully consider the amount of luggage you bring with you due to strict weight and space restrictions on the light aircraft. The allowance varies depending on your destination, so be sure to confirm with your safari consultant. Typically, the usual allowance is 15kg per person, which includes your check-in bag, hand luggage, and other items. Packing smart and avoiding overpacking is essential to ensure your belongings can be accommodated on the aircraft without exceeding the weight limit. If you anticipate exceeding the allowance, it is highly recommended to purchase a freight seat, which offers an additional 75kg. Keeping your luggage to a minimum will help ensure a smooth and hassle-free safari experience.

Tip 2 - Pack Soft Bags
When traveling on internal safari flights, it is important to use lockable soft bags instead of large rectangular suitcases. This is because there is limited space for luggage storage on the aircraft. Additionally, safari vehicles also find it easier to transport soft bags rather than hard suitcases due to space constraints. Therefore, it is recommended to opt for a soft rucksack or holdall style bag that can easily be stored, rather than the hard, wheel style suitcases. By using soft bags, you can ensure a smoother and more convenient travel experience during your safari adventure.

Tip 3 - NO to Plastic Bags
Since 2017, plastic bags have been banned in Kenya and other African destinations. It is important not to bring them into the country and instead travel with reusable cotton bags such as a tote bag. It's also worth noting that in airports, you may be given plastic bags for duty-free or toiletries. Please make sure to dispose of these before boarding the plane to your African destination.

Tip 4 - Colour is key
When packing for your African safari holiday, choosing the right clothing is paramount. Opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics in neutral colours like greens, khaki, beige and olive. These shades blend well with the natural environment, won't attract insects and also hide the dirt.
Bright colours are best avoided for obvious reasons - keep those for the beach - and white too, as it is impossible to keep it looking clean for very long with all the dust!
It is also thought that navy or dark blue attracts tsetse flies, so this is also worth considering and avoiding.
Finally, camouflage-patterned clothes are illegal because they are worn by local soldiers.

Tip 5 - Layer Up
When going on a safari, it's important to pack layers as temperatures can fluctuate throughout the day. The early morning game drives can be chilly, especially on open safari vehicles, before the sun rises. Once the sun is up, the temperature tends to rise quickly. Evenings are cooler, and after sunset, the temperature drops. The location of your safari and the time of year will also determine what to pack, which is covered in separate blogs.

Tip 6 - Stay Organised
When trying to keep everything to the bare essentials, it is key to be organised in your packing. Use packing cubes or bags to separate your items in the main bag. Bringing a separate bag for dirty clothes and shoes is also a good idea to avoid mixing them with clean items. Most camps/lodges will offer a laundry service, although not for underwear, so bring a bag to store this.
With the multitude of tech we carry, it's important to keep chargers, batteries, and adapters organised in their own travel case, this will serve you well when it comes to using and charging your tech on safari.

Tip 7 - E-Reader
It is a great idea to bring a fully stocked Kindle with your holiday reads, as well as wildlife guide books and bird books. This is especially beneficial with luggage allowances, and bringing just one Kindle is a great way to travel without having to leave your books at home. Our Books section offers a Kindle option, where available, for our recommendations, and Amazon has thousands of books available on it's Kindle platform.

Tip 8 - Sun Protection & Hydration
This is a rather obvious tip, but worth mentioning that it is important to protect yourself from the strong sun, especially when you are in an open safari vehicle. Be sure to pack plenty of high SPF sunscreen, polarised sun glasses which are designed to reduce glare and also offer UV protection, a wide brimmed hat as well as a scarf or neck gaiter to shield you from the sun. Additionally, bringing a reusable water bottle will help keep you hydrated during your safari and on travel days. These simple precautions can make a big difference in ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable safari experience.

Tip 9 - Toiletries
Taking excess toiletries can also increase your luggage weight, so it's worth checking if the camps or lodges you're staying at provide their own toiletries. For example, our Porini camps offer handmade soap, shampoo, and conditioner, so you don't need to bring your own. If you do prefer to bring your own toiletries, consider purchasing small small reusable travel size bottles and decanting from your larger bottles at home to save space and weight in your luggage. This way, you can still have your preferred products without adding unnecessary weight to your bags.

Tip 10 - Local Currency
When traveling internationally, it is essential to have your Visa and Mastercard with you. However, when on safari, cash is the preferred method for tipping, buying drinks or snacks, or paying for small items. Local currency in cash is greatly appreciated. You can pre-order Kenya shillings (or other African currencies) from online travel exchanges before your trip - just make sure to check that the exchange rates are favourable and you get the buy back scheme if on offer. This eliminates the need of trying to exchange money in Nairobi or using an ATM in the airport, which may not always be working. It also gives you the confidence that you have money for those extra expenses.

Packing for your African safari holiday doesn't have to be overwhelming. By following these tips and being mindful of what you'll need, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.

See below for our comprehensive packing list tailored for both men and women - Happy packing!

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Get in touch with your own recommendations:

If you have been on a safari with Gamewatchers or stayed at the Porini Camps and would like to share your own safari travel must-haves, please send an email to info@poriniduka.com with your recommendation and why you wouldn't travel on a safari without this item, we will then add it to the list of travel recommendations.

Safari Packing List

Download our packing lists as a Guide to help you what to pack for your safari.

Must haves:

• Long-sleeve shirts and trousers for evenings and also insect protection

• Short-sleeve shirts and shorts for warmer days

• A waterproof, lightweight jacket to cover up if wet or windy

• A fleece for cooler mornings and evenings

• A wide-brimmed hat and polarised sunglasses for sun protection

• Comfortable, lightweight walking shoes or safari style boots