# Safari Packing List URL: https://emptvl.vercel.app/packing-lists/safari Publisher: Empyrean Travel (https://emptvl.vercel.app/) Last reviewed: 2026-10-19 What to pack for an African safari: a soft duffel for bush-plane weight limits, neutral layers for cold dawns, binoculars, and health essentials like repellent. **Quick answer:** Pack for a safari in a soft-sided duffel that fits light-aircraft limits, often about 15–20 kg (33–44 lb) including hand luggage, so check your operator’s limit. Bring neutral layers for cold dawn drives and hot afternoons, a warm fleece, a wide-brim hat, binoculars, sunscreen, insect repellent and any antimalarials your doctor prescribes. - Bag: Soft duffel, ~15–20 kg incl. hand luggage (check operator) - Climate: Cold dawns, hot afternoons - Dress code: Khaki, olive and tan; no camouflage - Don't forget: Binoculars for every traveler ## Checklist **Documents & money:** Passport valid 6+ months with at least two blank pages; Visas or eTAs printed and saved offline; Yellow fever certificate, if your route requires it; Travel insurance that includes medical evacuation; Copies of passport and insurance; International and light-aircraft flight details; Camp and transfer confirmations; Recent-series U.S. dollars in small bills for tips; Credit card plus a backup card **Safari clothing:** 3–4 neutral shirts (khaki, olive, tan); Long-sleeve shirts for sun and insects; 2 pairs of lightweight trousers; 1 pair of shorts; Warm fleece or light down jacket for dawn drives; Lightweight rain jacket (green season); Wide-brim hat with a chin strap; Neck gaiter or scarf for dust; Comfortable closed shoes or light hiking shoes; Sandals for camp; Swimsuit; Smart-casual outfit for dinner; Sleepwear **Safari specifics:** Soft-sided duffel within your operator’s weight limit; Binoculars (one pair per person); Headlamp or small flashlight; Small daypack for game drives; Reusable water bottle; Packing cubes instead of plastic bags; Polarized sunglasses; Lip balm with SPF; Offline bird and mammal guide app; No camouflage prints **Photography & tech:** Camera with a zoom lens; Spare batteries and memory cards; Lens cloth and air blower for dust; Bean bag or soft support for the vehicle; Power bank (carry-on only); Universal plug adapter; Phone with offline maps; Charging cables; Backup drive or cloud upload plan **Health & toiletries:** Antimalarial medication, if prescribed; Insect repellent (DEET or picaridin); High-SPF sunscreen; Prescription medication in original containers; Anti-diarrheal and oral rehydration salts; Antihistamine; Motion-sickness tablets for small planes; Eye drops for dust; Hand sanitizer and wet wipes; Basic first-aid kit; Moisturizer **Carry-on essentials:** Change of clothes, in case bags are delayed; All medication; Camera gear; Binoculars; Passport and travel documents; Warm layer for the flight; Valuables; Snacks ## Why do safari camps require soft-sided bags? Many safaris use small aircraft between camps, and their luggage holds only take soft bags that can be squeezed into place. Weight limits are strict and often include your camera bag and handbag. Expect something in the range of 15–20 kg (33–44 lb) per person, but always use the exact limit your operator gives you. Many camps offer a laundry service, so three or four days of clothing is usually plenty. If you’re combining a safari with a city stay, ask whether extra luggage can be stored in Nairobi, Johannesburg or Arusha. Our fly-in safari glossary entry explains how these flights work. ## What colors should you wear on safari? Wear khaki, olive, tan, brown and soft green. These colors blend with the bush, hide dust and don’t distract wildlife on walking safaris. Bright white shows every speck of dirt, and dark blue and black can attract tsetse flies in some regions. Leave camouflage prints at home. Several countries, including Zimbabwe and Zambia, prohibit civilians from wearing camouflage clothing, and it’s simplest to avoid it everywhere. ## What health items should you pack for a safari? See a travel medicine provider four to six weeks before you go. Many safari regions carry a malaria risk, and some routes require a yellow fever certificate; our safari health guide covers both. Pack repellent with DEET or picaridin and long sleeves for evenings. Kenya and Tanzania restrict single-use plastic bags, so organize your duffel with packing cubes or fabric pouches instead. If this is your first trip, read our first safari guide before you shop. ## Frequently asked questions **Q: What is the luggage limit on safari bush flights?** A: Limits on light-aircraft safari flights are commonly around 15–20 kg (33–44 lb) per person, and they usually include your hand luggage and camera bag. Bags must be soft-sided with no wheels or rigid frame so they fit the small hold. Limits vary by operator and route, so use the figure on your own confirmation. Extra seats for luggage can sometimes be purchased. **Q: Can I wear jeans on safari?** A: You can, but they aren’t ideal. Denim is heavy, takes up valuable weight allowance, and dries slowly if it gets wet. Lightweight cotton or quick-dry trousers in khaki or olive are cooler during the day and easier to wash at camp. If you love jeans, bring one pair for travel days and wear lighter trousers on game drives. **Q: Do I really need binoculars on safari?** A: Yes. Binoculars turn distant shapes into leopards and make birding far more rewarding. Bring one pair per person so no one waits to see a sighting; 8x42 or 10x42 models are a popular balance of magnification and brightness. Some camps keep spare pairs in vehicles, but it’s better not to count on it, especially on shared drives. **Q: What should I wear for gorilla trekking?** A: Wear long trousers tucked into socks, a long-sleeve shirt, waterproof hiking boots and a rain jacket. Gardening gloves help when you grab vines or nettles, and gaiters keep out mud and ants. Porters can usually be hired to carry your daypack. Our gorilla trekking guide covers permits, fitness and what a trekking day looks like. **Q: Do luxury safari lodges have a dress code?** A: No formal dress code is typical. Smart-casual clothing at dinner is the most you’ll need: a collared shirt or a simple dress with a warm layer, since evenings can be cold. Comfort matters more than fashion on game drives. Our guide to luxury safari lodges explains what daily life at camp is really like. ## Sources - [CDC Travelers’ Health: Destinations](https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list) - [CDC: Avoid Bug Bites](https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/avoid-bug-bites)