What you pack for a safari can make or break the experience. From neutral-coloured clothing to the right camera setup, here is everything our guides recommend bringing — and what to leave at home.
## The Golden Rule: Pack Light
Most safari camps are reached by small charter aircraft — and small planes mean strict weight limits, typically 15 kg of luggage per person including hand luggage. Even if you drive between parks, packing light means you spend less time managing bags and more time watching wildlife. Use a soft-sided duffel bag rather than a hard-shell suitcase, which is easier to stow in luggage compartments.
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## Clothing
The single most important rule for safari clothing: **avoid bright colours**. White, blue, and red are visible to wildlife and attract biting insects. Neutral tones — khaki, olive, tan, stone — help you blend into the landscape and keep you cooler.
**Essential clothing:**
- 3–4 long-sleeved shirts (lightweight, neutral tones)
- 2–3 pairs of lightweight trousers or zip-off trousers
- 1 pair of shorts
- 1 warm fleece or lightweight down jacket (mornings on the savannah are genuinely cold, even in summer)
- 1 waterproof rain jacket
- Wide-brimmed hat for sun protection
- Bandana or buff (dust shield for open vehicles)
- 2 pairs of walking shoes or light hiking boots (already broken in)
- 1 pair of sandals for camp
**Skip:** Camouflage clothing — it is illegal in several African countries and can cause serious problems at borders.
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## Sun, Insects, and Health
- High-SPF sunscreen (SPF 50+) — reapply every two hours in an open vehicle
- Insect repellent containing DEET (50%+)
- Malaria prophylaxis — start before you travel and continue after (consult your doctor 6–8 weeks ahead)
- Any personal prescription medications with at least a week's extra supply
- Hand sanitiser
- Antihistamine cream for bites
- Electrolyte sachets for hot days
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## Camera and Electronics
A safari without a camera is still a safari — but most visitors want to document what they see.
**Camera basics:**
- A camera body you know how to operate instinctively
- Telephoto lens: 100–400mm or 150–600mm for wildlife
- A wider lens (24–70mm) for landscapes and camp life
- Two fully charged batteries and a charger (camp power may be limited)
- Multiple memory cards — shoot in RAW for best results
- Lens cloth and brush (dust is relentless)
**Other electronics:**
- Universal power adapter (Tanzania uses UK-style Type G sockets)
- Portable power bank
- Headlamp with spare batteries — essential after dark
---
## Luggage
- Soft-sided duffel bag: 15 kg max for charter flights
- Small daypack for in-vehicle use (binoculars, camera, snacks, sun cream)
- Waterproof dry bag or camera rain cover
---
## What Not to Pack
- Hard-shell suitcases (too heavy and bulky for small aircraft)
- Bright or white clothing
- Excessive toiletries — many camps provide shampoo, conditioner, and soap
- More than two pairs of shoes
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## The One Thing Most People Forget
**Binoculars.** A quality pair of 8x42 binoculars transforms a game drive. Suddenly that distant shape under a tree resolves into a pride of lions. That speck in the sky becomes a martial eagle. If you only buy one piece of safari kit, buy binoculars.
Most safari camps are reached by small charter aircraft — and small planes mean strict weight limits, typically 15 kg of luggage per person including hand luggage. Even if you drive between parks, packing light means you spend less time managing bags and more time watching wildlife. Use a soft-sided duffel bag rather than a hard-shell suitcase, which is easier to stow in luggage compartments.
---
## Clothing
The single most important rule for safari clothing: **avoid bright colours**. White, blue, and red are visible to wildlife and attract biting insects. Neutral tones — khaki, olive, tan, stone — help you blend into the landscape and keep you cooler.
**Essential clothing:**
- 3–4 long-sleeved shirts (lightweight, neutral tones)
- 2–3 pairs of lightweight trousers or zip-off trousers
- 1 pair of shorts
- 1 warm fleece or lightweight down jacket (mornings on the savannah are genuinely cold, even in summer)
- 1 waterproof rain jacket
- Wide-brimmed hat for sun protection
- Bandana or buff (dust shield for open vehicles)
- 2 pairs of walking shoes or light hiking boots (already broken in)
- 1 pair of sandals for camp
**Skip:** Camouflage clothing — it is illegal in several African countries and can cause serious problems at borders.
---
## Sun, Insects, and Health
- High-SPF sunscreen (SPF 50+) — reapply every two hours in an open vehicle
- Insect repellent containing DEET (50%+)
- Malaria prophylaxis — start before you travel and continue after (consult your doctor 6–8 weeks ahead)
- Any personal prescription medications with at least a week's extra supply
- Hand sanitiser
- Antihistamine cream for bites
- Electrolyte sachets for hot days
---
## Camera and Electronics
A safari without a camera is still a safari — but most visitors want to document what they see.
**Camera basics:**
- A camera body you know how to operate instinctively
- Telephoto lens: 100–400mm or 150–600mm for wildlife
- A wider lens (24–70mm) for landscapes and camp life
- Two fully charged batteries and a charger (camp power may be limited)
- Multiple memory cards — shoot in RAW for best results
- Lens cloth and brush (dust is relentless)
**Other electronics:**
- Universal power adapter (Tanzania uses UK-style Type G sockets)
- Portable power bank
- Headlamp with spare batteries — essential after dark
---
## Luggage
- Soft-sided duffel bag: 15 kg max for charter flights
- Small daypack for in-vehicle use (binoculars, camera, snacks, sun cream)
- Waterproof dry bag or camera rain cover
---
## What Not to Pack
- Hard-shell suitcases (too heavy and bulky for small aircraft)
- Bright or white clothing
- Excessive toiletries — many camps provide shampoo, conditioner, and soap
- More than two pairs of shoes
---
## The One Thing Most People Forget
**Binoculars.** A quality pair of 8x42 binoculars transforms a game drive. Suddenly that distant shape under a tree resolves into a pride of lions. That speck in the sky becomes a martial eagle. If you only buy one piece of safari kit, buy binoculars.
Category:
Planning