Get a personalised packing list for your African safari in under a minute. Tailored to your tour type, the season you're travelling in, and your trip length.
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Season affects what gear you'll need.
Longer trips need a few extra essentials.
Khaki, olive, tan and brown are the correct safari colours. Avoid white (shows dust), black (absorbs heat and attracts tsetse flies), and bright colours that startle wildlife.
Safari bush flights typically restrict luggage to 15kg (33 lbs) in a soft-sided bag. Rigid suitcases don't fit in small aircraft holds — use a soft duffel.
Start prophylaxis at least 48 hours before entering a malaria zone. Combine medication with DEET repellent and long-sleeved clothing at dusk and dawn.
First-time safari visitors consistently say binoculars transformed their experience. An 8x42 pair gives a bright, wide image perfect for tracking fast-moving animals.
Most permanent tented camps have solar charging points in rooms. Mobile camps may only charge at meal times. Bring a 20,000mAh power bank for long game drive days.
In dry season, protect camera equipment with a dry bag or ziplock. A buff or neck gaiter doubles as a dust mask on open vehicles.
Neutral earth tones — khaki, beige, olive, tan, and muted greens. Avoid bright colours, white, and black. Neutral colours help you blend into the environment, reduce heat absorption, and avoid attracting insects.
Most safari destinations require a visa. Kenya and Tanzania offer electronic visas applied for online before travel. Uganda and Rwanda also have online eVisas. South Africa is visa-free for most Western passport holders. Always check the latest requirements for your nationality well in advance.
Malaria is present in most lowland safari areas of East and Southern Africa. Consult a travel health clinic 4–6 weeks before travel for prophylaxis advice. Prevention also involves DEET repellent, long sleeves at dusk and dawn, and sleeping under treated nets.
For multi-lodge safaris using bush flights, use a soft-sided bag of no more than 15kg (33 lbs). Small charter aircraft have strict weight and size limits, and rigid suitcases do not fit in the holds. A 70–90L soft duffel bag is ideal.
Uganda and Rwanda require proof of yellow fever vaccination for all visitors. Several other countries require it if you are arriving from a yellow-fever endemic country. Carry the physical yellow card — not just a digital copy.
A telephoto lens of at least 200mm is needed for wildlife photography. A 100–400mm or 150–600mm zoom lens is ideal — it gives versatility from medium distances (elephants near the vehicle) to distant animals. A monopod helps stabilise longer lenses on bumpy drives.