Planning a safari in Africa? Here is my complete African safari packing list to make sure you have everything you will need out in the bush!
Dane and I have taken quite a few safari trips to Africa, both in South Africa and around Kenya, and while I would never consider myself an expert, I’ve gotten my African safari packing list down to a science. My secret: packing cubes and keeping things simple. Whether you’re packing for your own safari trip or just trying to pick up some packing tips, today’s post is for you.
African Safari Packing List
Before you start packing, check the bush plane regulations for inter-country travel to safari camps. Most will have suitcase and weight regulations and they can be very strict. After extensive research before our first trip to Kenya, Dane and I both settled on using The North Face 65L Banshee Packs and they are comfortable for moving, provide more than enough packing room for 15+ days of travel and have lasted the course of many adventures where they have been tossed around. I also highly recommend the use of packing cubes to keep it all organized in your pack!
I have never purchased any safari-specific clothing and I would recommend anyone planning a trip to do the same. The winning combination for me is outfits that work in layers and utilizing a multi-way scarf that I can wear for warmth in the morning, cover my face for particularly dusty excursions and use as a blanket when things got cool again in the evenings.
Packing List For Safari
Also worth noting, many safari camps offer laundry services (check websites before traveling), so don’t panic about not having enough clothes. Even if your camp doesn’t offer laundry service, you can always stow some sink packs in your suitcase and rinse your clothes in the shower.
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One final thought is that before our first trip to Kenya, I read a lot of posts travelers shared about not wearing dark colors, but I’ve always packed at least one pair of black leggings and been OK. Just my two cents!
Safari Packing List For Women
3 long-sleeved tops
2 light short-sleeve tops
1 button up shirt (I prefer a chambray!)
3 pairs of pants (leggings, sport pants or loose-fitting pants)
1-2 pairs fitness shorts
2 tank tops
8 pairs of underwear (I think based on the tempo of game drives, pool time and workouts, I go through more pairs of underwear than usual)
3 sports bras (I stand by the fact that sports bras are the most supportive and work the best for safari!)
swimsuit and cover-up
sweatshirt
toiletries (A couple important notes here: 1. making sure you pack a nasal spray is imperative! The climate on safari can be so, so dry) 2.Don’t forget the bug spray, reliable hair ties + a good facial moisturizer. I also recommend a quality chapstick or lip moisturizer!)
active sandals or Birkenstocks
sneakers
socks
pajamas
multi-use scarf or pashmina
If you liked this post, you may also enjoy reading about our travels throughout Africa!
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