A Complete Packing List for Your First African Safari

This is the final episode in my series all about planning the perfect safari trip! In this episode I am going to break down everything I brought on my trip to help you create a safari packing list!

Packing for this safari trip took a lot more planning and thinking about what I wanted to pack. This trip was so new and different from what I am used to, so there was a lot to think about. I hope that this info is helpful to anyone who is thinking about going on a safari soon!

How to pack everything?

  • For our trip, we were required to bring a soft-sided duffle bag. We brought Patagonia Black Hole Duffels. 

    • They were perfect! We had the 55L bags, which qualify as carry-on bags. 

    • They fit more than any carry-on suitcase I’ve had!

  • Our friends on the trip got these duffels on Amazon and they worked great also.

  • I also brought a smaller backpack from Target as my personal item while traveling. It held any extra things that didn’t fit in my duffle.

  • You might not have to get a soft sided bag! This was required because of a charter flight that we took. Just be sure to check ahead of time.

  • I LOVE packing cubes! I like to pack similar items each in their own cube. This keeps everything so organized and easy to find.

What to pack

  • Pack neutral colors with minimal prints. This makes it easier to mix and match things! Also, some safari sites ask that you do not wear certain bright colors or camouflage patterns. 

  • Don't bring your favorite clothing items. They will be washed by people at the camps, so if you really care about the way something needs to be washed or dried, don't bring it.

  • You won’t need to dress up! We stayed at nice places, but no one ever wore dresses/skirts, so they aren’t necessary to pack.

  • Pants

    • I brought 3 pairs of pants: in olive green, khaki, and mustard. These went with all my shirts and made more easy mix and matching.

    • I wore pants on all of the safaris, whether it was cold or warm. They were great for sun and bug protection.

  • Shorts

    • I brought 2 pairs of shorts BUT definitely could have SKIPPED these! 

    • I visited in September, so if you’re going during a warmer month you might want to bring one pair of shorts. However, you might only want pants depending on how many bugs there are in the region.

  • T shirts/tops

    • I bought 4 shirts

    • Mine were cream, black, and white. Nothing fancy!

  • Long sleeve linen/light cotton shirt

    • This was perfect for layering when I wanted a little more coverage without adding a lot of bulk.

  • Light weight sweater or sweatshirt

  • Utility jacket

    • This isn’t a necessity, but I loved having it. I got mine on Amazon and it was great.

    • It was army green with big pockets, which felt perfect for a safari. It was very nice in the mornings and evenings when it got chilly.

  • Rain coat

    • Bring a packable raincoat. Amazon has tons of great options! 

  • Lightweight puffer jacket

    • I didn’t bring this, but I wished I had one on the colder days.

  • Leggings

    • I brought leggings thinking that I would work out, but that didn’t end up happening besides some hikes.

    • However, they ended up being great for layering under pants when it was cold.

  • Pajamas

    • You only need one pair of pajamas! Trust me, it saves space and was totally fine.

    • I brought Vuori joggers (lightweight cotton)

  • Socks and underwear

    • Check ahead of time if your lodge will wash these for you! That will determine how many you need to bring.

  • Shoes

    • Tennis shoes: I wore these everyday on the safaris and hikes

    • Slide sandals: These are so nice to wear while hanging out around the camp

    • Ankle boots: I didn’t bring these but I wish I had! I have these waterproof Vessi boots that would have been perfect.

  • Miscellaneous

    • Reusable water bottle

    • Accent handkerchief (kept the sun off or pulled it on my face when it was dusty)

      • Or a Buff (around my neck)

    • Hats

      • Wide brim wicker hat (typical safari hat)

      • Baseball cap (more practical than a safari hat. Holds your hair out of your face.)

      • Beanie (I was skeptical, but was SO glad I had one. We had a lot of cold mornings.)

    • Sunglasses

    • Binoculars

      • These were fun to have, but we didn’t use them a ton.

    • Toiletries

      • Deodorant

      • toothpaste/toothbrush

      • I usually bring my own shower stuff, but I chose to use what the camp provided

    • Day pack

      • You will want a small backpack or a fanny pack.

      • I brought a large fanny pack from Walker Family Goods. It could hold my hat, water, sunscreen, etc.

    • Sunscreen

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Lisa AndrewsComment