safari suitcase wiki

For any help

Whatsapp us at: +91 9651081944.

Utilities ˅

Safari industries' sudhir jatia's story: a visionary leader transforming the luggage landscape, who is sudhir jatia.

In business, success stories often emerge from individuals who overcome challenges, navigate uncertainties, and exhibit unwavering determination. Sudhir Mohanlal Jatia, the Owner, Chairman, and Managing Director of Safari Industries Ltd. , is a testament to the power of perseverance and strategic decision-making in the face of adversity. His struggles and remarkable journey have led him to become a prominent figure in the luggage manufacturing industry.

Finding multibagger stocks is important for building wealth. Discover potential multibaggers at  Sovrenn Discovery  

Sudhir Jatia‘s Early Life and Education:

Sudhir Jatia's journey began with humble roots, hailing from the city of Mumbai. He earned an undergraduate degree in Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Mumbai, setting the foundation for his future endeavours. To enhance his business acumen, Sudhir pursued further education at the prestigious Harvard Business School, where he obtained a degree in Owner/President Management in 2012. This academic pursuit laid the groundwork for his leadership roles in the business world.

Entry into the Luggage Industry:

Sudhir Jatia's foray into the luggage industry commenced during his tenure as the Managing Director of VIP Industries in the 2000s, a prominent player in the sector. His role at VIP allowed him to garner a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of the luggage market, preparing him for the challenges that lay ahead. However, in 2010, Sudhir decided to part ways with VIP as the company sought to usher in the next generation of leadership. 

Acquisition of Safari Industries Limited:

Undeterred by the challenges he faced at VIP, Sudhir Jatia displayed resilience by acquiring Safari Industries Limited in 2011. He took a bold step, he purchased a 56% stake in the Company for INR 29 Crores from his own money, eventually assuming the role of CEO. At the time of acquisition, Safari's valuation stood at INR 55 Crores. He was appointed as Safari's Managing Director on 18 th April 2012.

Investing has built huge wealth for several HNI investors. Learn investing FREE OF CHARGE at Sovrenn Education  

Sudhir Jatia Family

Sudhir Jatia's commitment to family values is evident in the way he has involved his family in the business. Currently, he holds a 47% stake, while his wife owns 5%. His two daughters Shivani and Tanisha have also been part of the Company. 

The elder one contributed six years of service before pursuing an MBA at Harvard Business School. The younger daughter, after returning from the US amid the COVID-19 pandemic, joined the Company.

Safari Industries India Ltd.

Safari Industries was founded in 1974 as a partnership firm. It is one of the largest luggage brands in the country and has been one of the fastest-growing luggage brands in India since 2013 when promoter Sudhir Jatia took over the company from its erstwhile owners.  It was promoted by Sumatichandra H. Mehta and was converted into a public limited company on 3 rd February 1986. 

It offers hard luggage, soft luggage and backpacks under Safari, Magnum, Genie and Genius brands. Safari’s products are mass-market yet aspirational and available through retail, e-commerce and institutional channels in India. Safari is listed on both the Bombay Stock Exchange and the National Stock Exchange of India.

Also Read About Story of Shreegopal Kabra that Turns Horrific Incident into Opportunity

At last, Sudhir Jatia's journey is a remarkable tale of resilience, determination, and success. From his early days in the luggage industry to acquiring and transforming Safari Industries Limited, he has navigated challenges with a strategic mindset.

Jatia's success story is not just about turning around a struggling company; it's also about investing in himself. The decision to purchase a majority stake in Safari Industries with his funds turned out to be a masterstroke. 

The story of Sudhir Jatia serves as an inspiration, highlighting the importance of hard work, investment in oneself, and the ability to overcome obstacles on the path to success. His journey is a testament to the fact that one can achieve one's goals with dedication and perseverance and create a lasting impact in the business world.

Sudhir Jatia net worth

The Market cap of Sudhir Jatia's Safari Industry is ₹ 9,625 Cr. Mr Jatia publicly owns 1 stock with a net worth of more than Rs 3,746.3 Cr, according to corporate shareholdings disclosed for December 31, 2023.

Also Read: Chatha Foods Approval, DMR Hydroengineering Excellent Results And H. G. Infra Engineering Subsidiary Incorporation

Sources  

Sudhir Jatia Wikipedia: Not available

https://www.moneycontrol.com/company-facts/safariindustries(india)/history/SII01

https://2point2capital.com/media-articles/How-2Point2-Capitals-bet-on-Safari-got-it-a-suitcase-full-of-returns.pdf

https://www.investcorp.com/portfolio/safari/#:~:text=Founded%20in%201974%2C%20Safari%20is,company%20from%20its%20erstwhile%20owners

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/siddharthraghuraman_this-is-one-of-the-most-legendary-ceo-stories-activity-7145017179023872000-qcWl

https://in.marketscreener.com/insider/SUDHIR-MOHANLAL-JATIA-A0K7F1/#:~:text=Sudhir%20Mohanlal%20Jatia%20holds%20the,of%20Safari%20Sales%20Pvt%20Ltd.

https://safariba gs.com/

Also Read: Ghazal Alagh: From Motherhood Challenges to Mamaearth's Billion-Dollar Triumph

Related Posts

Best safari luggage – Duffel bags & backpacks for African travels

The best African safari luggage is completely different to the necessary luggage for a city trip or backpacking expedition.

There are some very unique conditions that make it important to choose specific safari luggage. This includes the dusty savanna, cramped buses, and a jam-packed Land Cruiser bouncing into the wilderness.

The single most important part of African travel is having a suitable bag . Everything else you can work out after you have arrived.

But what is the best luggage for an African safari? Is it a duffel bag or backpack? And if so, what are the best safari bags for your trip?

In this guide, we’ll detail everything you need to know .

Best Luggage for Travel to Africa: The Basics

An elephant does not care what you look like. Neither does a lion or even a safari guide .

So put the fancy clothes away and get practical . The wilderness simply isn’t a place for frivolities, and that starts with your safari luggage.

First, take a look at our detailed guide on what to pack for an African safari. In short – pack light and keep it simple .

Why? Well, however you plan to travel in Africa, it’s going to be full, and there isn’t enough space for big safari luggage.

• Light aircraft safari flights have strict 15 kg baggage weight limits.
• Safari vehicles are generally designed for off-roading and don’t have much space for luggage.
• Travel on public transport, and you must be comfortable carrying your own luggage, including walking with it for more than a kilometer.

On an African adventure, you will be moving from place to place. On many safaris, you go to a different camp every day.

So there isn’t even time to unpack everything. Just take the basics and stay practical – this isn’t a fashion statement!

It doesn’t help if you are a wizard at folding safari clothing into crease-free, super-flat, super-organized piles. If your safari luggage is a complete dinosaur, it’s going to be disastrous.

And all the skillful arrangement adds up to nothing if your bag weighs more than King Kong with the Empire State Building in his left hand and a distressed blonde in his right!

What is the Best Luggage for Safari?

It is important to choose the right luggage for your African safari. This way, you can ensure the safety of all your belongings , whether on the plane, bus, or the savanna.

As mentioned above, you will need to pack light. And in addition to sticking to the strict weight limits, the bag should be able to hold all your clothing and gear .

Chances are you’ll need to pack several layers for those warm days and cold nights. You may also need space for your camera equipment .

Luckily, there are many lightweight duffel bags and backpacks that fit the bill. Below is a breakdown of the best safari duffel bags, backpacks, and travel bags for your next African adventure.

Best duffel bag for safari

Soft-sided luggage for safari is a must , and there are many duffel bags that offer exactly that. They are also spacious enough to store up to a week’s worth of clothing and toiletries, along with your other safari gear.

Depending on which African safari you’re visiting, it may help to look for a technical duffel bag .

These travel bags have unique features that can help a ton when out in the wilderness. Common features include a water-repellent shell and detachable straps .

But what is the best duffel bag for an African safari? Top brands to look out for include The North Face, Travelpro, and Red Oxx .

Best backpack for safari

While duffel bags are the preferred pick, backpacks are good too – especially if you’re going on a walking safari through Mana Pools National Park or elsewhere in Africa.

Like duffel bags, backpacks for safari need to be light , durable , and compressible . They also need to have enough pockets and compartments to store your belongings securely.

Backpacks also make for a good secondary bag. As such, opt for a roll-top as these can easily fit into your larger duffel bag during your flight and transfer. This way, you’re getting the best of both worlds.

What is the best safari backpack? Recommended picks include the Saddleback Leather backpack and the Targus Drifter.

Other safari travel bags

In addition to your safari duffel bag or backpack, there are a few other luggage items you may want to bring along.

These items are fanny packs , dopp kits , and camera bags . Each of these can easily fit into a larger bag and can come in hand when on a safari.

Remember to only bring these along if necessary as you might need the extra space.

How to Pick the Best Luggage for African Safari

Let’s recap on the conditions, especially if you haven’t been on a safari in Africa.

On an African safari, you will be driving off-road , often on arid landscapes shrouded in dust. If it’s not dusty, it will probably be muddy.

Take a holiday at an all-inclusive beach resort, and you only use your luggage once – to get from your home to the resort.

In Africa, you will be on the move .

Whether public or private transport, flights or local buses, all that moving means things will spill, and your safari luggage is going to get dirty .

There are usually two options when it comes to what to wear on holiday. Change your clothes every day, or change your destination every day instead.

As you regularly move between destinations, you won’t need lots of luggage . And don’t worry if your clothes are a little sweaty or dust-stained. You will look more out of place in incredibly clean clothes.

It’s going to be hot, probably very hot. You will be battling against humidity. If it’s the rainy season, you and your luggage will get drenched.

These can be tough conditions, so the fundamental principle of all safari luggage is to make it easier for yourself .

In addition to knowing what the best bags for exploring in the wild are, here is how to choose safari luggage . These are sure to make your African adventure easier and packing less challenging.

1. You need quality luggage for safari (but not designer or expensive)

The eternal conundrum is whether to head for an exclusive luggage shop or select the cheapest , most rubbish piece of safari baggage available at a local supermarket.

Airline baggage controllers do not distinguish between designer labels and care not for price tags. Your bags get completely stuffed up, whether you paid a small fortune or got them in the bargain bin.

Your bag will be treated like a bag of potatoes by the majority of the people who handle it, from baggage controllers to local bus boys squashing your carefully labeled luggage next to some chickens and maize sacks.

Be warned – fragile stickers don’t work , especially not when you are on safari.

Spending hundreds or thousands on Louis Vuitton’s finest or the very latest Antler miracle is not a wise thing. And the cheapest safari luggage won’t live up to the demands of traveling in Africa.

So go for a good , middle-of-the-road bag – the “iSpot” duffel bag range from Travelite is a recommended choice. They are durable and inexpensive.

iSpots are soft , relatively light, and have a built-in wheely handle so you can pull them along the road and runway when necessary.

iSpots have concealed zips , which all have locking facilities on them (so many lightweight safari bags only have locking docks on their main zips and not on side pockets).

They are hard-wearing , rugged , and spacious enough for two-week trips in Africa. The seams won’t rip and dispose of half your belongings onto a buffalo -covered savanna.

2. Safari travel bags should be soft

In Africa, there is plenty of space for elephants to charge around. But there is not enough space for luggage.

Keeping your weight below 15 kg is important. Your safari luggage needs to mold and squeeze into any available space.

Solid-state suitcases may be good for European city trips, but they are completely impractical for Africa .

These massive, stainless steel megalodons are too bulky, do not stack neatly, and take up too much unnecessary room.

African safaris require soft , squishy bags that can squeeze into small spaces. As previously mentioned, duffel bags are perfect for this.

Backpacks are also a good choice, provided they don’t have a protruding and inflexible frame.

So let’s recap. The perfect safari luggage is light , squishy , hard-wearing , rugged enough for the dusty African savanna , and spacious enough for the safari essentials.

3. Reduce the volume of your safari bag

That aside, you should also take the volume of your bag into account. A 70-liter capacity is around average.

There are some excellent duffels out there , especially those designed for diving or adventure pursuits, which offer more space.

Coming in at $14.95, you get what you pay for with a duffel bag like this. It may last one trip if you are lucky!

But remember that a tightly packed soft bag is better than a loosely packed one because it keeps your belongings from rolling around and getting damaged.

It also prevents your cosmetics bag from getting a bang and leaking its contents all over your clothes.

Some duffel bags have straps that can compress the contents inside. These are ideal, as you can start light and still compress. Then you can expand it if you end up purchasing half a bag of souvenirs.

4. Other key considerations for the best luggage for safari travel

A wet bag is a great idea for cosmetics. Don’t buy an expensive one. You can use a run-of-the-mill high-street supermarket bag and tie the handles up tight to prevent unwanted spillages.

Consider decanting things like shampoo and moisturizer into small containers, or buy them in small bottles, to begin with.

The Body Shop , for example, has some great small bottles of products that are ideal for traveling. This reduces volume.

Your choice of safari luggage is peculiar to you and your needs , what you want to put in it and where you are going.

Whether you spend a lot of money on it or not, just make sure that it is secure with decent locks or, failing that, cable ties.

When flying, never put anything of value in it (jewelry, cameras, computers, cell phones, etc.).

And if it gets damaged by an airline’s baggage handler, make sure you stand up for your rights and get it either repaired or replaced.

Where to Take Your Safari Luggage

Having the right safari luggage can make or break your trip. But with this guide, you now know what to take and how to take it. So all that’s left is to go out and explore !

There are endless opportunities for a wild adventure in different locations – South Africa , Botswana , Namibia , Zambia , Zimbabwe , Tanzania , Kenya , Uganda , and gorilla trekking in Rwanda .

Hopefully, your safari luggage will keep you returning to Africa and experience as many incredible safaris as possible.

About The Author

Editorial Team

Related posts.

African safari packing list – What to bring on a trip to Africa

Best safari clothing: brands, clothes & tips for African safaris

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Finding the Universe

Travel tales, photography and a dash of humor

What to Pack for Safari – A Detailed Safari Packing List

Last updated: July 16, 2024 . Written by Laurence Norah - 4 Comments

So you’re going on safari. Awesome! We love safaris, and Jess and I have been lucky enough to take many safaris together. But now you might be wondering what to actually pack for safari.

Well, we’re here to help. We’ve taken safaris on a number of occasions in a variety of countries, including Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. From those trips, we’ve learned what items are essential for your safari packing list, and what you probably won’t need.

We’ll also share some tips on what to consider when packing and a detailed safari packing checklist for your reference.

Table of Contents:

What to Consider when Packing for Safari

Before you start putting your safari packing list together, you are going to need to know the answers to a few questions. These questions will help inform you as to what you need to pack.

There are many different types of safari across a range of destinations and accommodation types, so there is no “one size fits all” safari packing list.

Here are some questions that we think will help you figure out more clearly what you need to bring.

Where are you going?

The first question of course is where you are going on safari. Whilst many people will instantly think of the African continent when thinking of a safari trip, you can take a safari in destinations around the world.

Once you know where you are going, then you can start to research the answers to some of the other questions that are important to your safari trip planning.

What will the weather be like during your safari?

When it comes to packing clothes and travel gear, having an idea of the weather is definitely going to make a big difference. Whilst we often think of safaris as taking place in hot and dry places, this is certainly not always the case.

If you are visiting Africa, this is obviously a huge continent, with very variable weather. If you are visiting the more southern countries like South Africa, these have a weather pattern similar to Europe or the USA, with cool winters and hot summers. Although of course being in the southern hemisphere, the seasons are reversed.

If you are visiting countries closer to the equator, like Kenya or Tanzania, then their proximity to the equator means that they tend to be quite warm year-round, and their seasons are instead divided into dry seasons and wet seasons.

The wet season, as the name suggests, is when you are more likely to get a lot more rain, whilst the dry season will be, well, drier. Of course, rain is theoretically possible at any time, but it is much less common in the dry season.

In some areas, it can get pretty cold, especially at higher elevations or when next to water. For example, if you are visiting Tanzania to hike Kilimanjaro , then even if it is hot in the plains, it is likely to be very cold near the summit.

So be sure to check into that, especially if you are visiting during the winter season of that country. You may be surprised to know you might need to bring a coat, gloves, hats, etc.

So take a look at the average temperatures, humidity, and rainfall in the places you plan to go at the time of the year you plan to visit. Also note that some countries may have very different climates across regions so be sure to take that into account as well.

One good website for checking average temperatures, precipitation, and humidity for the destinations on your trip is the “Climate (averages)” section of timeanddate.com . It allows for you to check the historical averages by month as well as the current weather.

How long is your safari?

The duration of your safari will definitely make an impact on how much you pack.

If you are traveling for a few days, then you will likely need fewer items of clothing compared to a safari lasting for a few weeks or even months. For longer safaris, you’ll want to consider how to handle laundry, which we cover in a different section.

What types of transport will you be using?

It’s important to have an understanding of the transport you will be using when you are on safari, as this will often make a big difference in terms of what you can bring with you, and also the sort of luggage you can bring.

For example, if you are going on safari in an African country, many airlines flying to and from these destinations will have very generous luggage allowances, so it can be tempting to pack a lot in a big suitcase just in case.

However, once you are actually in the country, your local transport might not have quite so much room. If you are taking a group safari especially, with multiple people, there will be limited space available for each person.

Another big restricting factor is if you are taking any domestic flights on smaller aircraft. These are often used in-country to get to and from safari parks, and can skip long drives.

Smaller aircraft tend to be particularly restrictive when it comes to luggage allowances, both in terms of weight and also volume. The small holds mean they can only carry so much, and larger hard sided luggage for example might not even fit through the hatch. So many don’t allow you to bring any kind of hard-sided luggage.

If you are doing a multi-day hike, such as up Mt. Kilimanjaro or Mt. Kenya, your trekking guide and company will generally set size and weight restrictions on what can be carried.

Generally, you are allowed one duffel bag (carried by a porter) and then one personal backpack that you have on you at all times. Most companies (or hotels if staying at the same one before and after) will have somewhere you can store additional luggage before your hike if needed but you will need to check and make arrangements.

You will definitely want to talk to your safari organizer prior to packing. They should be able to give you clear instructions regarding luggage limits and restrictions. If you are flying on smaller aircraft, you will generally find that soft luggage is going to be preferable.

What activities will you be doing on your safari trip?

Every safari is different, and it’s important that you pack according to what you will be doing.

For example, a safari where you are going to spend the majority of your time in a vehicle looking at wildlife in game reserves will probably pack a bit differently than someone going on a safari which includes gorilla trekking , long hikes, climbing a mountain, fishing, cycling, camping, or spending a lot of time birdwatching on foot in swampy areas.

So it is good to have an idea of those activities. How much time will be spent in vehicles, walking, hiking, boating, biking, etc.? Will you be spending any time in cities doing activities like visiting museums, shopping, visiting restaurants, etc. Will you be going to a beach or spending a bit of time in swimming pools?

You should have a full itinerary for your safari so you should know what to bring, and a good tour operator should also give some suggestions as to essential items to bring.

What sort of accommodation will you be staying in during your safari?

Safari accommodation varies wildly, from very simple budget camping options through to high end 5-star luxury lodges.

Whilst the majority of accommodation options that we have stayed at on safari have a fairly relaxed dress code, even at the luxury end, it is worth checking to see what the dress code is, if any. Sometimes evening attire might require a button up shirt for men for example or close toed shoes.

On the other end of the scale, if you are staying in a tent then you might need to consider things like shower shoes or nightwear that is suitable for midnight bathroom breaks at shared toilet blocks.

General Tips when Packing for Safari

Before we go through the packing list, we wanted to share some tips to help you pick what to bring with you on safari.

Clothing Color for Safari

Perhaps one of the more important things to consider when packing for safari is the color of the clothes you bring with you.

Generally, brown and green colors, or variants thereof, are regarded as the best. They generally blend into the surroundings, and have the bonus that they don’t show dirt quite as well, which is a benefit on dusty drives.

Bright primary colors are discouraged as they make you stand out more.

Blue, dark purple, and black colors should also be avoided. These colors are known to attract Tsetse flies, which have a very nasty bite and which can carry disease.

How Easy is it to Wash?

When putting your clothing list together, especially on a trip longer than a week or so, you will want to think about how easy each item of clothing is to wash. You might also want to consider how long it might take to dry.

A safari can be both a dusty and sweaty environment, meaning that unless you want to carry a lot of clothes, you will have to plan to do some laundry as you go on a longer trip. Most lodges will likely offer laundry, or you can do your own hand laundry easily enough.

With this in mind, high-end clothing which requires dry-cleaning or a careful delicate cycle might be best left at home if you don’t want it ruined. We’d suggest sticking to clothes that wash easily in hot or cold water, and which air-dry quickly (the majority of locations we’ve visited do not have electric driers).

Versatility

When it comes to choosing clothing and putting outfits together, we’d suggest giving priority to clothing that can be worn in multiple situations or in multiple outfits, to avoid having to bring too much clothing.

So a top that works as well on a safari as at an evening meal would definitely be a better choice if possible, compared to bringing multiple options for different occasions.

Safari Packing List

We’ll now go through a guide to what we think are essentials for safari, which is based on multiple safaris we have taken, some of which have been over quite prolonged multi-week trips.

Of course, there is no definitive list, and you should adjust this list based on what you feel you need to take with you. But this should give you a good starting point.

Shirts for Safari

Wherever you are going on safari, and whatever the weather, you will need a number of shirts or tops. We usually travel with a number of layers, because even in hot countries our experience is that it can be cooler at night.

So for us, we normally pack a bunch of t-shirts, some long sleeve button-up safari style shirts, and a couple of fleece outer layers.

For t-shirts, we prefer these made of wicking material, which is cool and fast drying. So something like this for Laurence and these for Jess . We also travel with a few cotton t-shirts as well, but note that these tend to hold sweat and not dry as fast.

Next, we also like to travel with button-up shirts that are specifically designed for safari, and for that we like the Craghoppers brand of clothing. We mostly wear long-sleeved ones as these protect against both the sun and insect bites.

Craghoppers make a whole range of clothes which are excellent for all sorts of outdoor activities, but we think they are particularly suited to safari. If you spend time on safari, you’ll likely recognize that this is probably the most common brand worn by more experienced travelers, especially those from Europe.

Their clothes are fast drying, very lightweight, durable, usually have multiple handy pockets, and many of them have built-in insect repellent as well!

For shirts, we both like the Craghoppers NosiLife shirts, available for men here and for women here . We’ve worn them on safari all across East Africa and they have proven to be very capable items of clothing.

Unfortunately, Craghoppers have stopped selling their products directly in the US, although you can usually find them on Amazon . If you are in the US, we’d highly recommend checking out Patagonia’s options as an alternative .

Of course, there are many more options out there, and you can see a range of moisture-wicking fast-drying button up shirts on Amazon here .

Finally, when it comes to general top layers, we usually also pack at least one warmer top which can go over everything else. This can be handy for those cooler early morning safaris or evenings in the camp, when temperatures can drop, especially if you are at higher elevations.

Generally, we prefer a top with a full zip down the front as it allows us to control our temperatures a bit more by zipping or unzipping the front, but this is a personal choice.

For tops, we love clothes from Patagonia . Their sustainable ethos and approach to rewearability is something we really appreciate, plus their clothing happens to be fantastic quality. It is definitely a little on the more expensive side, but it should last you a long time!

Jess in particular really likes her Patagonia full-zip better sweater , and there’s a men’s version as well . We’ve also had good experiences with the North Face range of fleeces, which is my current fleece, and you can see a full range of those here .

If you are on a budget, we have had good luck getting secondhand high quality fleeces and pullovers secondhand from thrift stores or online secondhand clothing websites.

Trousers / Pants / Dresses for Safari

Generally we both prefer to wear long pants for safari, even on hotter days. We like lightweight hiking style pants that offer good sun protection, as well as some protection from biting insects and branches. Jeans generally are a bit too heavy and hot in our experience.

When it comes to specific brands, we again like Craghoppers for their range of pants. Their NosiLife technology helps keep biting insects away and they have a range of hiking pants with this technology built in. Their products are also very lightweight and fast drying.

When it comes to specific products that we have used, Laurence likes more baggy cargo style trousers , whilst Jess prefers slightly more fitted pants .

Again, there are multiple brands offering high quality pants, including these options from Patagonia , and this extensive selection on Amazon .

Jess also likes to travel with some easy wear lightweight dresses which are good for wearing in the evening for dinner and non-safari days.

Shoes for Safari

Choosing the right footwear for safari will of course depend on the kind of activities you are going to be doing.

If you will be doing any hiking, including game walks, chimpanzee trekking or gorilla trekking , then we highly recommend a good pair of waterproof hiking boots.

We both have a pair of Scarpa hiking boots , Laurence has these ones and Jess has these .

Of course, there are lot of other great brands . We’ve had various pairs, Jess in particular liked her Merrell hiking boots and she hiked Mt. Kilimanjaro in those.

If your trip doesn’t involve a lot of hiking, then you can probably skip proper hiking boots. They are quite heavy and take up a fair bit of space, so will save you some luggage space if not required.

We just recommend you bring one good pair of comfortable closed-toed shoes. A pair of lightweight flip flops or sandals is also likely a good idea if you plan to spend time relaxing at the pool, resort, or going to the beach.

For more tips on shoes for travel, see our guide to the best travel shoes for men , and the best travel shoes for women .

Hats for Safari

Many safari destinations tend to be quite hot and sunny, and you’re going to be spending a lot of time outdoors. So a good hat is going to be essential for your trip. You just want to make sure that the hat you choose has a wide enough brim to shade your entire face. Some may also want one with a neck flap.

We personally love our Tilley hats . They are well constructed, easy to pack, lightweight, machine washable, and come with a very solid guarantee. For safari, we’d recommend the LTM6 Airflo hat , which is what Laurence uses, or for even more cooling, the LTM8 Airflo hat .

We have also had other hats of course. In addition to a Tilley Airflo hat, Jess also has a hat with a foldable neck flap like this one , which keeps the sun off her neck as well as her head. My parents both took hats with sunflaps with them on safari to be able to protect their necks. So that is also a great option.

Swimwear for Safari

Whilst you are unlikely to be going for a swim whilst out on safari, what with the risk of crocodiles and hippos, that doesn’t mean you should leave your swimwear at home.

Many safari lodges and camps have absolutely wonderful pool areas, and if you have downtime between game drives on a hot day, then a dip in the pool can be a wonderful way to relax and cool down. Many safaris might also include some relaxation time on a beach or island.

We always pack swimwear when we go on safari for just this reason, and we’ve had some lovely swimming experiences as a result.

You can search for swimwear for men on Amazon here , and for women here .

Socks and Underwear for Safari

This one will be a brief entry. Obviously, you’re going to need undergarments and socks for safari!

Our main tips are to be sure to pack enough to last either your trip (if a week or less) or the longest stretch of your trip you plan to go without doing laundry. Ideally pick lightweight and quick-drying underwear and socks that can be easily washed on the go. We tended to handwash these types of items every 4-5 days so we never ran out of them.

If you are looking for a brand, ExOfficio (nylon) or Smartwool (merino wool) are a couple of brands you might check out for travel-friendly quick-drying undergarments.

If hiking or planning to do a lot of walking, be sure to bring good quality hiking socks along. You want good socks that will provide a bit of cushion, wick away moisture, and help prevent blisters. A few brands we like are Smartwool , Darn Tough , and Farm to Feet .

Also, for women, it is a good idea to bring along a supportive sports bra or two. Jess says these are a must-have for bumpy roads and climbing.

Raingear for Safari

Whatever time of year you are planning on going on safari, and whatever activities you will be doing, we still recommend packing some sort of raingear just in case.

This might be a lightweight breathable rain jacket that you can wear over your clothes, or a pack away rain poncho . Just make sure whatever you bring has a hood.

We always travel with rain protection of some kind, just in case.

Camera Gear for Safari

I’ve already written a very comprehensive guide to the best camera for safari , as well as the best bean bag for safari , so I would definitely recommend reading those if you want to get some great images on your trip.

In summary though, if you want to get great images of wildlife, you will need a couple of things. First, a camera with a good zoom lens. Second, a bean bag to stabilize your gear.

When it comes to specific camera suggestions, many folks find that a bridge camera like the Sony RX10 IV  is a good option. At the higher end of the budget and size spectrum, you’ll want a high end dedicated mirrorless camera with at least a 400mm zoom lens.

A camera can be a huge investment, so we also suggest renting as an option to consider. A company like  Lens Rentals will allow you to rent a lens and a camera body at a much lower cost than buying it outright.

They also give you the option to purchase the gear rather than return it, so if you love the experience then you can invest having tested the gear out.

If you decide to rent through Lens Rentals , you can save 15% on any rental by using our discount code, LAURENCE15. Just enter it at checkout.

We also highly recommend a photography bean bag if you will mainly be shooting from inside vehicle. We use these extensively on safari trips, and they are really an invaluable item.

We have a guide to some of the best safari photography bean bags here , but recommend checking out either the  Kinesis SafariSack 4.2  or  LensCoat LensSack Pro Jr as a starting point. We also have more options and tips in our guide to general photography bean bags .

Finally, don’t forget a good camera bag to keep your gear safe, lots of spare batteries , memory cards , your chargers, and ideally a waterproof camera cover to protect your gear in case it rains.

Binoculars for Safari

We can highly recommend taking a good pair of binoculars with you when on safari. Not every bird or animal is going to conveniently place itself within easy viewing range, and a pair of binoculars will let you get a much better view of the wildlife.

You don’t need to spend a massive amount to get a reasonable pair of binoculars, but we’d suggest setting a minimum budget of around $80 USD. Below this price point build and image quality will likely suffer.

We’d suggest looking for a pair with around an 8x to 10x magnification.

Some recommended options include:

• Vanguard Vesta 8×25 . a great entry level option if don’t want to spend a fortune. They are very light and offer both waterproofing and fogproofing. These are a great value option, plus you can save 20% on the price by using our exclusive discount code FindingTheUniverse at checkout on the Vanguard store.
• Celestron Nature DX 8×42 . This is a well-regarded and popular budget option. Fog and waterproof with a tough construction.
• Vanguard VEO HD2 8×42 binoculars – an excellent, well priced and still reasonably compact pair of binoculars featuring extra low dispersion glass carbon-composite construction, waterproofing and fogproofing. We use a pair like this.
• Nikon 8×42 Monarch M5 – lightweight, durable, waterproof and fogproof. Nikon make quite a few binoculars, and these are a popular mid-range option.
• Swarokvski 8.5×42 – we had a pair of Swarovski binoculars loaned to us for several months, and they are magnificent, with wonderful bright and sharp images. This pair offers excellent performance, but are definitely at the premium end of the price spectrum!

As you can see, there’s no shortage of choice across a range of price points. If you are interested in bird watching on safari, or getting into birding, see our beginners’ guide to birdwatching for some tips.

Electronics for Safari

You don’t really need a lot of electronics for safari, however there are a few things you might find useful.

First, a USB battery pack . These will let you charge your phone on the go, as well as any other device that uses USB.

Whilst the majority of accommodation options we’ve stayed at on safari have had had power, even the most remote, this isn’t always guaranteed. So a USB battery pack is a great fallback option.

The second thing we recommend, if your camera has removable batteries, is to see if you can get a USB powered battery charger for it.

This is because sometimes, more remote lodges don’t have regular plug sockets. However, they do often have USB outputs. While some cameras support direct charging by USB, this is by no means the standard.

We personally travel with a USB charger which is compatible with our DSLR and mirrorless Canon cameras, which both use the same type of battery. You will need to search for a USB battery charger that is compatible with the batteries your camera uses.

You can see some examples for a range of brands on Amazon here .

Insect Repellent for Safari

One slightly less exciting aspect of safari is the potential for biting insects. Mosquitoes are the obvious one, but there are a range of other insects that can bite you.

Ideally, you want to avoid being bitten if you can help it. Many insects carry various diseases, including malaria, yellow fever, dengue fever, and so on. Whilst you can take medication or vaccines to help prevent some of these diseases like malaria (definitely recommend considering taking antimalarials), prevention is also a really important step.

With this in mind, a good insect repellent like this is a must for safari. Most experts recommend products with DEET in, which are generally regarded as the most effective against most biting insects, including mosquitoes. However, there are also some DEET free options out there for those who want to avoid it, just note they may not be as effective.

Also for those planning to do much trekking, hiking, or walking, depending on your destination, you will also want to think more about crawling insects like safari ants, leeches, stinging caterpillars, ticks, etc.  Generally insect repellent along with long sleeves, long pants, and pulling hiking socks up over your pants are fine to avoid these for most people.

Those going to wetter areas and jungles might also want to consider leech socks or gaiters for those going into wetter areas like jungles where leeches are common.

We own these leech socks and they work great, but they are probably overkill for most people on safari trips. But if you have gaiters for hiking anyway to keep out dirt and stones, these can generally also work to help guard against leeches and ticks.

Toiletries / Medicines for Safari

You will want to bring a range of toiletries and medicines with you, some of which should be fairly obvious, and some which may be less obvious.

Falling into the latter camp, we always travel with and recommend rehydration salts . Dehydration is no joke, and drinking plenty of water is really important. However, as you sweat you can lose salt, and rehydration salts can help replace what you lose.

It’s also important to remember that you may be in some pretty remote places and it is good to be prepared to be able to tend to minor health issues such as cuts, scrapes, blisters, bug bites, headache, common stomach complaints, etc.

Here’s a quick list of things to think about packing in your toiletry / medicine kit for safari:

• High SPF (30+) sun cream or sunscreen
• Lip-balm with SPF
• Rehydration salts
• Basic meds like pain relievers, anti-diarrheal tablets , and antacids
• Mini first aid kit with bandages, blister covers, antiseptic wipes, etc.
• Toothpaste / toothbrush
• Sanitary items (in our experience tampons are not always available in country, depending on where you are going)
• Anti-malarial / other required medication
• Razor / spare blades
• Ear plugs / eye mask
• Hand sanitizer
• Moisturizer / lotion

Of course, your list may vary somewhat but we think the above should be a good starting point.

Laundry on Safari

Depending on how long your safari trip is, it’s possible that you might need to do a little laundry as you travel. We’ve done a couple of five-week safari trips, and we had to do laundry a few times on both of those trips.

Whilst many lodges and hotels will do your laundry for you if you stay more than 1 night, you can also normally just handwash a few items yourself, which is what we often end up doing. In hot countries it can often dry in an afternoon.

The main things you will need are going to be some form of travel wash, a sink stopper, and a portable clothesline to hang your clothes.

For laundry wash in a travel sized bottle or tube we like the Dr. Beckmanns travel wash , Sink Suds , or the Sea to Summit Wash , all of which we have used to do laundry whilst traveling all around the world. Or just put your favorite liquid laundry detergent in a reusable plastic or silicone bottle and pack it along.

For a clothesline, there are lots of portable clotheslines on Amazon . We particularly like this one as it packs away small and you don’t need to pack pegs. For a sink stopper, Jess has been using this one for over 10 years.

For more tips on laundry, see our complete guide to laundry when you travel .

Luggage for Safari

When it comes to choosing what to pack all your belongings into for your safari trip, a lot will come down to the type of trip you are taking, especially around the transport.

If you’re going to be using small planes for example, this will have a big impact, and you will like find a sturdy duffle travel bag like this might be the best option.

You might be wondering if wheeled luggage makes sense for safari. In our experience, the majority of accommodation options don’t really suit wheeled luggage as the ground is simply too rough. So whilst it will be nice at the airport, beyond that you’re likely going to have to carry the bag (or rely on the enthusiastic hotel staff).

However, if you already have wheeled luggage and won’t be taking small planes, then by all means don’t feel you need to purchase new bags. We’ve taken a number of safaris with hard sided wheeled luggage and it worked out great.

As well as larger luggage, we highly recommend bringing a small backpack or shoulder bag that you can use on a day-to-day basis. This can be used to carry things like your water bottle, battery charger, guide books, suncream and insect repellent, for example.

We use a small Osprey day pack as well as a larger Vanguard camera bag for our camera gear on a day-to-day basis.

If you’re looking for a new bag anyway, we have no hesitation recommending Eagle Creek or  Osprey specifically for safari.

For hard sided luggage with wheels, we use and can recommend Level8 or Delsey , both of which we have used on trips around the world including safaris (without domestic flights).

For camera gear, we use Vanguard for our camera bags, they offer a great mix of high quality and great value. Laurence has been a Vanguard ambassador since 2014 and is always happy to recommend their gear.

Books for Safari

When you go on safari you are going to be seeing a lot of new animals and birds.

Your guide will normally be very knowledgeable to help you identify what you are seeing, but it is also nice to be able to develop your own recognition skills.

We’d also often see birds or animals around our hotel when we were not with our guide and want to know what they were.

For this reason, we recommend bringing along a guidebook or two to the likely animals and birds you might see. Whilst your guide will probably have a giant and super comprehensive book, we suggest that a smaller book that covers the most common animals and birds will be more practical for packing.

We particularly like the Pocket Guide books, which we have used on various trips. For example, there’s the Pocket Guide to the Birds of East Africa , the Pocket Guide to the Mammals of East Africa , and the Pocket Guide to the Mammals of Southern Africa .

We have found that having a small reference guide can definitely make the safari experience a lot more fun and hands on, and well worth the small investment.

Reusable Water Bottle / Water Filter

You will definitely need to drink a lot of water on safari. Unfortunately, most safari destinations do not have safe drinking water, meaning you need to either drink bottled water, or figure out a way to purify it yourself.

We prefer the latter option as it means we can cut down on plastic waste. Depending on your safari operator, they may also purchase a large refillable water bottle that you can refill your own bottle from. Some hotels also filter their own water on site.

In either case, we highly recommend travelling with at least one refillable water bottle per person on your trip. Just make sure to get one with a lid that seals and doesn’t drip and one that will fit into a standard cup holder or can be placed in the back of a vehicle seat pouch.

For water bottles, we use and love the Klean Kanteen range , and they have a range of bottles to choose from. Jess uses the classic , whilst Laurence likes the wide mouth version .

If you decide to go down the route of filtering your own water, we recommend reading our guide to safe drinking water when travelling , as well as the best water filters for travel , which contain lots of useful advice and information to help you pick the right product for your trip.

If you have questions or want advice based on our experience, just ask in the comments section of this post or in either of those water related articles.

Entertainment Items

Whilst a safari is very entertaining in of itself, there will be periods of downtime, such as long drives between game reserves, flights, or afternoon and evening periods between game drives.

For these periods, you may want to bring some entertainment. We always like to travel with a pack of playing cards for example, as well as some books to read.

Many hotels and safari lodges will have a small book swap service, so you can often swap books as you go. A Kindle or similar eBook reader can also be a good investment if you read a lot.

Another thing we love to do when we travel is to keep a travel journal. On safari this can serve as a reminder of what we have seen and done each day, and it makes for a lovely keepsake.

See our guide to the best travel journals for some of our favourites.

Safari Packing Checklist

Here’s a full safari packing checklist to help you remember what to bring on your trip for reference.

We’ve also created a handy shoppable safari packing list on Amazon which you can check out here for easy reference.

• T-shirts / tops
• Button down shirts
• Sweater / fleeces for layering
• Trousers / Pants / Shorts
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Hiking boots (if needed)
• Sandals (if needed)
• Nicer outfit for evening wear if required
• Wide-brimmed hat
• Raincoat or poncho
• Coat (if needed)
• Hat / gloves (if needed)
• Reusable water bottle / water filter
• Skincare items (cleansers/soap/creams etc.)
• Chapstick with SPF
• Sun cream / Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
• Insect repellent
• Basic Medications and first aid items (incl. anti-malarials and prescriptions)
• Hygiene Products
• Hair care items (shampoo/comb/hair ties, etc.)
• Razor / tweezers / nail clippers
• Eye mask / ear plugs
• Other __________________
• Camera and lenses
• Photography bean bag
• Memory cards
• Spare batteries / chargers
• Camera accessories
• Headphones / ear buds
• Portable power pack
• Travel adaptor
• Cables / chargers
• hiking day bag, duffel bag (if needed for porter), gaiters or leech socks / hiking poles / hiking clothing, reusable water bottle or hydration pack (like Camelbak), head lamp or flashlight, any camping gear like sleeping bag etc. (if not provided), Other
• Checked bag
• Carry-on bag
• Visa / proof of onward travel etc (if required)
• Vaccination records
• Jewelry / watch
• Laundry supplies
• Travel journal
• Mini sewing kit
• Reading materials
• Cards / games / puzzle books
• Other ___________________

Further Reading

That’s it for our guide to what to pack on safari! We hope you found it useful. We do have some more content that we also think you might find handy when planning your safari.

• Our guide to getting better photos on safari , as well as choosing the best camera for safari
• We also have a guide to the best photography bean bags for safari
• If you are keen on seeing primates, we have a guide to gorilla trekking as well as a guide to chimpanzee trekking
• We have a guide to  getting online when travelling , to help you stay connected on the go
• You’re going to need to power all your devices when you travel – see our guide to the  best travel adapters so you can choose the right one for your trip

And that’s it! As always, we are happy to try to answer any questions you may have about planning your own safari. Just pop them in the comments below, and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

Or if you have been on safari and want to share your own experiences or advice about packing for a safari, feel free to share it below!

Enjoyed this post? Why not share it!

There are 4 comments on this post

Please scroll to the end to leave a comment

25th March 2024 at 12:26 pm

Hello there, I am wondering about packing jackets or coats for an upcoming safari trip to South Africa? It will be myself, a friend, and my teenage daughter. We have never been and will be visiting during the country’s winter season (July). We’ll be in both north and south parts of the country and we’ve been told to prepare for cool weather and rain, as well as warm sunny weather, but not too much else. Going on a 10 day planned safari tour and need to keep our packing to a minimum as I think there are size/weight requirements for parts of the journey. Wondering how you would decide about what to bring for warmth and rain given the time of year?

Also, if the 3 of us share a photo beanbag, which one might you suggest for someone who has little space?

Appreciative of any advice you can share with me and thanks for such a great article on packing for a safari – it has been a great help for us as we come up with what we need to buy for our trip to South Africa!

Laurence Norah says

25th March 2024 at 6:41 pm

Sounds like you have a wonderful trip coming up!

Having visited South Africa in July I can confirm that it definitely gets pretty cold, especially at higher elevations. In July in Johannesburg it’s not unusual to have temperatures close to freezing for example. So you are definitely going to want warm clothes for your trip.

I would recommend packing a number of layers so you can take them on and off as the day warms and cools, and you can also then mix and match to suit. If you are particularly sensitive to the cold you might consider thermal baselayers, but the challenge with those is that as it gets warmer you will likely find they are too hot and removing a base layer in the middle of a safari is going to be more challenging.

So a good warm coat as your outer layer is probably going to be your best bet, and then a long sleeve mid-layer fleece followed by a baselayer. You might also appreciate a warm hat and gloves. A lot of safari time takes place early in the morning and in the evening, when temperatures are going to be lower. I would personally bring a lightweight rain jacket or poncho and a warmer jacket. Then if it’s warmer in the day and raining I can still wear the rain jacket, rather than having a heavy waterproof jacket that might be too warm.

A good down (or down style) jacket will be fairly lightweight and still warm, so that might be the best option. Fleece is also a light material.

For a photo bean bag I’d probably recommend the smaller Kinesis Safari Sack 1.4 which is pretty small. If you get buckwheat that is very light, or you can buy something like kidney beans when you arrive in country. If you have larger camera gear then the Kinesis 4.2 is also a great pick, I own of these and it works great. It’s also worth noting that most bean bags are very light and small when empty, they only start to take up weight and space when they’re full.

I hope this helps, have an amazing time on safari and let me know if you have any more questions!

Glenn M. says

9th September 2023 at 6:32 pm

Just wanted to stop by and say that this is such a wonderful post for anyone packing for a safari for the first time (or second time!). We have been lucky to do a couple of African safaris in our life and it was fun to read over this and remember them even if our safari days have probably come to an end. Definitely second the recommendations for Craghoppers (if you know, you know!) and for bringing soft sided luggage, hard wearing clothes, comfortable high-top hiking shoes/boots, lots of sun cream & insect repellent, a hat, earbuds, and some physical things to do (books, cards, journals, etc.) in the evenings and on long driving days.

Also woudl add for those who wear glasses like myself, those eye glass things that attach to your glasses with a cord and keep your glasses from coming off. Can also be useful for sunglasses as my wife and son wore them as well. They saved my glasses a couple of times and they are very cheap to buy. Maybe somethign to add to your otherwise great safari packing list here?

Also my wife always brought a few little souvenirs or useful items from home for our main driver and guide on the trips to give them as a small token of our appreication.

10th September 2023 at 2:57 pm

Thanks so much! Your tip on a sunglasses holder is a good one, Jess does actually normally travel with one and also finds it invaluable. I will definitely add that to our post. I also like your idea of bringing things from home as gifts for your guide, that’s a lovely idea.

Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts! I’m actually hiking in Wales in my Craghoppers at the moment. Such great pants 🙂

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Let me know when there's a reply to my comment (just replies to your comment, no other e-mails, we promise!)

Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter where we share our latest travel news and tips. This also makes you eligible to enter our monthly giveaways!

We only ask for your e-mail so we can verify you are human and if requested notify you of a reply. To do this, we store your data as outlined in our privacy policy . Your e-mail will not be published or used for any other reason other than those outlined above.

• Safari Stories
• SAFARI LUGGAGE PACKING ADVICE: What Luggage Should I Take On Safari?

Stories: ALL | ADVICE | EXPEDITIONS | DESTINATIONS | NEWS | PROJECTS

SAFARI LUGGAGE PACKING ADVICE: What luggage should I take on safari?

We answer your safari luggage questions on what to pack your safari clothing and gear into for your safari. You will learn why 'soft' and 'squashable' are the keys to ensuring that your luggage is safari-suitable.

The majority of safari lodges are located in remote areas, with access only by light aircraft and not by airliners. This, in part, dictates the luggage to pack for your safari.

Top 7 tips for selecting the best safari luggage.

Follow our safari luggage advice to find out what luggage - large and small - you will need for your safari.

1. For your main large duffel or holdall, choose safari luggage which is soft and squashable and which has no frame : This is especially true for safari travel to Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Mozambique, Malawi, Tanzania, and Kenya. The reason for this is rather a practical one. The majority of safari lodges and camps within these countries are accessible only by light aircraft - such as the Cessna 210 shown on this page. As a result, in order for your pilot to fit your luggage into the small, cramped hold, your luggage must not have hard sides, nor rigid frames or structure, and should rather be soft-sided so that the pilot is able to fit (squash) your bag into the plane. The same is true for some overland and expedition-style safaris where there will be limited space for luggage in the safari 4x4.

2. Check on safari luggage limitations : Please check with the safari company you have booked with about luggage limitations for your safari, as the requirements may vary from safari to safari. Where luggage weight limitations are specified, please note that - as the maximum take-off weight in any aircraft has to be strictly adhered to by pilots to maximise your safety on each flight - you may find that your pilot will not be able to take any luggage over the maximum allowed weight per passenger. In this instance, you may have to pay for your luggage to be flown separately.

3. The ideal size for main safari luggage : We recommend that your main safari luggage holdall or duffel should measure 70 x 30 x 30cm in size when full.

4. Carry-on safari luggage : Also take one one smaller carry-on type safari bag to use when you travel - and to take your binoculars and accessories on game drives and walks.

5. Walking safaris : For safaris with a daily walking element, we recommend that you take the large safari holdall as above plus a small safari satchel or safari backpack .This may be the same bag as your carry-on safari bag also.

6. Luggage accessories : Your holdall and daypack are important - but don't forget the ever-important supporting role of smaller luggage items too. Complement your canvas and leather safari duffel bag with a classic, safari-styled toiletry bag in a range of practical designs. As you travel, our African-made canvas and leather Safari Travel Wallet keeps your passport and documents close at hand in style. It's also handy to get a travel lock in advance of your departure and to pack a luggage scale to ensure your bags are within weight limits.

7. Let a travel trolley carry the load : As you are not meant to take safari luggage with a frame, using a travel trolley which is collapsible is a good idea. Simply remove from your safari luggage when you do not need to wheel your safari luggage.

More Stories

Safari Clothing Packing Advice: What clothing to pack for your safari.

WALKING SAFARIS

This website uses cookies for it's shopping basket, you must have cookies enabled in order to use this site.

Sustainability

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Corporate Governance

Investor Relations

Private Equity

Real Estate

Credit Management

Absolute Return Investments

Strategic Capital (GP Staking)

Infrastructure

Mumbai, India

Founded in 1974, Safari is India’s third largest luggage brand. It has been one of the fastest growing luggage brands in India since 2013 when promoter Sudhir Jatia took over the company from its erstwhile owners. It offers hard luggage, soft luggage and backpacks under Safari, Magnum, Genie and Genius brands. Safari’s products are mass market yet aspirational and available through retail, e-commerce and institutional channels in India. Safari is listed on both The Bombay Stock Exchange and The National Stock Exchange of India.

https://www.safaribags.com

• Sao Tome and Principe
• The Seychelles
• South Africa
• Family Safaris
• Luxury Safaris
• Wildebeest Migration
• Primate Safaris
• Riding Safaris
• Kilimanjaro Climbs
• Cycling Safari
• Mobile Safaris
• Beach Holidays
• Exclusively yours
• Canoe and Mokoro Safaris
• Weddings & Honeymoons
• Specialist Photographic Safaris
• Walking Safaris
• Small Group Travel
• Single Travellers
• Self Drive Adventures
• Planning a Safari
• When to Travel
• Aardvark Safaris Brochure
• Safari Pricing
• Accommodation
• A Day on Safari
• Safari Tipping Guide
• The Insider’s Guide
• Why Aardvark?
• The Aardvark Story
• Meet the team
• Feedback we loved
• Responsible Tourism
• Booking Conditions
• Aardvark Guarantee

What luggage for safari?

Luggage weights on safari

Luxury safaris normally include light aircraft flights to minimise travel times and maximise enjoyment. You’ll get a great bird’s eye view of the scenery below, but your luggage will have to meet strict weight limits.

Typically on safari your baggage weight limit will be:

• 20kg (44lbs) in Southern Africa
• 15kg (33lbs) in East Africa

These limits are a total and include hand baggage as well as your main bag. Be aware that different African countries, and internal airlines, may have different weight allowances. We’ve listed specific requirements for the main airlines in this blog as a general guide.

You shouldn’t need more than these limits since:

• Safari camps and lodges provide toiletries and towels
• Laundry can be done daily
• Dress on safari is casual throughout the day and into the evening

Bags have to fit into the luggage pod on a light aircraft. If you do need a higher luggage limit – generally something only really required by photographers with multiple camera bodies and long lenses – you can buy an extra seat on the light aircraft to make things more flexible.

Main bags for safari

The key restriction is that, on safari, bags must be strictly soft sided bags only, no wheels or frames (don’t worry about not having wheels as there are trolleys at airports and someone to carry your bag to your room or tent in the safari camp).

Bags have to fit into the luggage pod on a light aircraft flying between safari camps and lodges. When the flight is full, bags often require a shove to squeeze them in.

‘Weekender’ leather safari luggage by Sandstorm Kenya 57 x 19 x 39 cm (22.4 x 7.5 x 15.4 inches)

Size restrictions are seldom explicitly defined, since the weight restriction generally means you only need a ‘medium bag’, but aim at something no bigger than the following:

• 62cm (24 inches) long
• 30cm (12 inches) high
• 25cm (10 inches) wide

In terms of ‘capacity’ this size is likely to be around 70 litres.

Day pack for safari

For many people on safari, their hand luggage on the international flights becomes their day pack to take out on a safari vehicle or when walking. Obviously, if you are going to walk with it, a small rucksack is easier than a tote bag.

Walking safari at Stanley Camp

Ideally your day pack is big enough to carry your camera and accessories (if you don’t have a big DSLR and a separate camera bag), a water bottle, sun cream, tissues and a portable battery charger.

Packing help

We’ve produced an interactive safari packing list, which asks three questions before tailoring a personal list for you based on destination, time of year and safari activities you’re undertaking. Click the link to try it out: Interactive Safari Packing List

Any questions?

If you’ve got this far and not found an answer to a question you have that we should have included, please ask in the comments section below, or pop us an email. We’ll be sure to reply and may amend the article to include our answer.

We would be delighted to help you plan a holiday, or answer any questions if you’re at an earlier stage. Our team of experts have travelled widely throughout Africa. They can offer expert advice on every type of safari from family and beach holidays to riding and primate safaris.  If you would like to talk to someone who has been there and done it, please just  send us an email  or  give us a call .

17 responses to “What luggage for safari?”

I’m going on a 7 day safari and then to a beach hotel for 7 days. What happens to my luggage for beach holiday whilst on safari?

Thanks for the question. Unless you have particularly heavy or bulky watersports equipment it would be normal to take it with you.

Can you please suggest some makes and models of duffle bags that match 62x30x25 as I am struggling to find this size?

Hi Adursh, thanks for your message. One of the team will be back in touch soon to try and help you with this.

I am struggling with fitting camera equipment and clothing for 14 days safari in a bag that weighs less than or equal to 33 pounds. Seems that bags either do one or the other. Camera bags that leave zero room for any clothing or a travel bag that has zero padding or dividers for equipment. Does anybody have a recommendation for a good bag that fills camera and clothing needs and is no larger than 28″X18″X10″?

I’ve asked around the office and got a quick reply from a couple of friendly photographers. Noone uses a single bag to achieve safety for their camera kit (they aren’t ever checking it in) and the rest of their luggage. Unless they only have a single day’s worth of clothes, they use two bags/cases/packs.

Hope you find a solution. Have a great trip.

Hi I would also like to get some recommendations on makes and models of bags measuring 62x30x25 as nothing I’ve seen matches this size. Thank you

Eva – bear in mind that luggage is fine if it can be ‘squashed’ to the sizes mentioned. The luggage pods of many light aircraft are an awkward shape. As long as the pilot can make your bag fit, your fine. Either a small bag absolutely full, or a bigger bag that’s half full and can be squashed to fit.

Travelling to South Africa this Oct 2023 . What do we do with our large cases . Staying in the Commodore Hotel first for a few days then on to Franschhoek for a few days then Whale watching. Before flying to Karegi for safari for 4 days then back to Belmond Mount Hotel . The cases are the problem. As the flight to safari is small . So any suggestions on what we do with cases please.

Dear Leslie We would offer our clients two options: (i) Pack less. Hopefully this doesn’t sound too obvious, but most people pack too much when they holiday. South Africa isn’t generally formal for meals and you can get laundry done everywhere. In most cases there is little reason to have more luggage than can go to a safari camp with you. (ii) Arrange for the cases you don’t need on safari to go direct to the next hotel. There would be a cost for them to be transported but most hotels have a storage area where they can look after them until you arrive. If you choose the second option, I hope your tour operator can make the arrangements for you.

Thank you Richard. Much appreciated

No problem at all Eva.

Might I presume that a Cotopaxi Allpa 35L travel pack, 22 x 10 x 12 inches would fit into the described baggage pod?

It sounds like an Osprey Porter 46 at 22 x 14 x 10 inches might be a bit too wide.

Good morning Alan, I will ask one of the team to get back in touch and they can help advise. Thanks Katy

Can I take a medium suitcase with wheels

Can it be a medium suit case for 8 days

Hi Katrina, thanks for getting in touch. It depends on where you are travelling to and whether or not you are taking internal flights. We would be more than happy to advise if you e-mail us direct – [email protected] . Thansk Katy

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

• © 2024 Aardvark Safaris
• Privacy Policy

Our website uses cookies

Privacy overview.

The Best Safari Luggage

All products and listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Choosing the right luggage for a safari can make or break the trip: One day, you might be rumbling along Botswana’s lush delta with nothing to protect your camera, and the next, you're boarding a tiny domestic aircraft that prohibits all suitcases with wheels. You'll need to pack light to adhere to strict weight limits, but still invest in something that can hold enough layers for warm days and cool nights, as well as a bag to hold all your gear while actually out on a game drive. Here, our picks of the best luggage to take on safari—from camera bags and dopp kits to backpacks and duffels.

All products featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

A backpack is going to be your best friend when you're out on a game drive all day. Choose one with plenty of pockets and compartments to hold everything from a change of clothes, to camera batteries, to sunscreen, and if you can, go for a roll top version that can be stashed away in your larger duffle when you don't need it.

Tumi Alpha Bravo Tyndall backpack ($495, saksfifthavenue.com ); Hobo River backpack ($298, hobobags.com ); Marni backpack ($1,090, eastdane.com ); Fjallraven Split Pack weekender bag ($175, backcountry.cocom ); Oakley roll top backpack ($93, amazon.com ); Herschel Supply Co. Heritage backpack ($65, herschel.com ).

Classic Duffel Bags

"You're usually on rough terrain once outside of the international airport, so wheels are not that helpful on safari," says West Coast editor Rebecca Misner. And given that most safari camps are only accessible by small propeller planes, hard-sided luggage is a no-go. Instead, invest in a soft-sided duffle that's roomy enough to hold everything you need for the week, but still meets all the requirements of your jumper plane.

Paravel Grand Tour ($365, tourparavel.com ); Anya Hindmarch Bespoke Walton suitcase ($1,550, anyahindmarch.com ); Wool & Oak Duffel Suitcase ($425, woolandoak.com ); Hobo Zeppelin Duffel ($598, hobobags.com ); Filson Large Rugged Twill duffel bag ($425, filson.com ); Ghurka Cavalier canvas duffel bag ($1,295, ghurka.com ).

While you still need all your beauty essentials (there's cocktail hour back at camp, after all), you don't want a dopp kit that takes up too much space. Opt for a soft one that can be squeezed easily down the side of a bag.

Prada cosmetic pouch ($525, prada.com ); Hobo cosmetic pouch ($78, hobobags.com ); Dolce & Gabbana Necessaire nylon case ($415, us.dolcegabbana.com ); Louis Vuitton Toiletry Bag 25 ($745, us.louisvuitton.com ); Bottega Veneta Intrecciato beauty case ($580, bottegaveneta.com ); Filson wash bag ($125, filson.com ).

Technical Duffel Bags

On safari, you never know what the day will bring. Find a bag that has a water-repellant shell and detachable straps that allow you to sling it over your shoulder—or even transform it into a backpack—at a moment's notice.

Patagonia duffel ($129, patagonia.com ); Best Made Co. SWS 100L roll top duffle ($198, bestmadeco.com ); Herschel Supply Co. Outfitter luggage ($140, herschel.com ); Cotopaxi Chumpi travel duffel ($110, cotopaxi.com ); Burton Backhill duffel ($109, amazon.com ); Eastpak Perce duffel ($77, selfridges.com ).

Fanny Packs

Given that you've traveled thousands of miles to catch a glimpse of wildlife roaming free, you'll want your hands free to grab your camera at any given moment. Luckily, fanny packs are in vogue again—perfect for holding all your essentials.

VereVerto Convertible Mini Mox bag ($295, shopbop.com ); Patagonia Ultralight hip pack ($29, patagonia.com ); Clare V. belt bag ($345, nordstrom.com ); Marc Jacobs belt bag ($315, marcjacobs.com ); Paravel belt bag ($35, tourparavel.com ); Herschel Supply Co. 17 hip pack ($45, herschel.com ).

Camera Bags

You'll want a compact, sturdy bag to protect that new camera you splurged on. We love the Palma camera bag from ONA, which comes with a handy compartment to store your spare memory cards or lenses in.

Madewell camera cross body bag ($128, madewell.com ); Lo & Sons Claremont leather camera bag ($368, loandsons.com ); Ganni tech bag ($135, ganni.com ); Yeezy Season 6 crossbody bag ($119, endclothing.com ); ONA The Palma camera bag ($329, amazon.com ); Tumi Luanda Flight bag ($295, tumi.com ).

• Create account

You can edit almost every page by Creating an account . Otherwise, see the FAQ .

Safari Industries India Ltd.

Safari Industries India Ltd is an Indian luggage & travel goods manufacturer and retailer. [2] The company was founded in 1974 to manufacture plastic moulded luggage. [1] It was promoted by Sumatichandra H. Mehta, incorporated in 1980 and converted into a public limited company in 1986. The company operates through retail stores and e-commerce channel. [1] Safari Industries is headquartered in Mumbai , India and employs around 1,000 people. [3]

• 4 References

History [ edit ]

Safari Industries initially offered plastic moulded suitcases, briefcases and vanity cases among other products. [4] Twelve years after its foundation, the company went public on 3rd February, 1986. [1]

Finance [ edit ]

In 2014, private equity firm Tano Capital, acquired a 20% stake in the company for 49.8 crore through a preferential allotment. As of 2018, Tano Capital holds over 14% stakes in the company. [4] Safari Industries (India) Ltd.’s current market capitalization stands at Rs 1,200 crore. [5]

Safari is currently the third largest brand in the luggage industry with 8 % market share in India. [6] [7]

Products [ edit ]

Safari started selling Polycarbonate and soft luggage, backpacks and travel accessories to meet the market demand for light and wheeled travel products. [8]

As of today, Safari manufactures and trades in wheel upright trolleys, duffles, rolling duffles, business cases, laptop satchels, tablet sleeves, casual and formal backpacks, backpack trolleys, as well as travel essentials and foldables. [3]

The Company also manufactures injection moulded plastic articles and vacuum formed plastic articles. [9]

References [ edit ]

• ↑ Editorial, Reuters. "Company Profile for ${Instrument_CompanyName}" . IN .
• ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Safari Industries (India) Limited: Private Company Information - Bloomberg" . www.bloomberg.com .
• ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Tano Capital picking 20% stake in luggage maker Safari for around $8.5M" . 16 June 2014.
• ↑ "Safari Industries (India) Share Price Live, Safari Industries (India) Stock Price Today" . The Economic Times .
• ↑ http://www.indiaretailing.com/2017/08/19/retail/rise-indian-luggage-industry-utility-fashion-accessory/
• ↑ http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/moneycontrol-research/good-quarter-from-safari-market-weakness-could-be-an-opportunity-to-buy-2513023.html
• ↑ "Good quarter from Safari – market weakness could be an opportunity to buy" . Moneycontrol .
• ↑ "Sudhir M. Jatia: Executive Profile & Biography - Bloomberg" . www.bloomberg.com .

This article "Safari Industries" is from Wikipedia . The list of its authors can be seen in its historical and/or the page Edithistory:Safari Industries . Articles copied from Draft Namespace on Wikipedia could be seen on the Draft Namespace of Wikipedia and not main one.

• Pages with non-numeric formatnum arguments

What To Wear On Safari: My Detailed Safari Packing List With Photos

Written by BELLA FALK

You’ve all seen the brochure photos: a smiling family is sitting at a camping table in the middle of the African bush. Behind them, the sun is setting, and perhaps a giraffe is crossing the savanna landscape.

Contents (click to view)

What are they wearing? I’m sure you can picture it: lightweight designer safari gear, all matching, in indistinguishable shades of beige, taupe and camel. Maybe the dad is wearing khaki chinos and the mum has a floppy-brimmed hat (colour: putty) on her head. They all have sand-coloured lace-up boots on, and from head to toe all their clothes are pristine, clean, and crease-free.

If it’s your first time figuring out what to wear on safari, it might feel like this is the model you have to follow. Like, having booked the blindingly expensive trip of a lifetime, you now have to go out and splurge hundreds more on the ‘proper’ kit, otherwise people will laugh at you and you may even get into trouble for not doing it right.

Well I’m here to reassure you: that’s rubbish.

What should you wear on safari?

I’ve been on five safaris (to Kenya , Botswana , Tanzania , Uganda and South Africa) and I still don’t own any ‘official’ safari clothes. I’ve always worn stuff I already own and been just fine.

That said, there are some dos and don’ts about packing for a safari, some things it’s a good idea to make sure you bring with you, and some stuff you should definitely leave at home.

So welcome to my complete safari packing guide. I’m going to go through a few points and FAQs, and then make a handy list at the end. Scroll down if you just want to skip ahead to that.

What happens on a safari?

Days on safari follow a similar schedule. You wake early and head out shortly after sunrise for a morning activity – usually a game drive but sometimes a boat cruise, guided walk, or scenic flight.

You return to the camp mid-morning for brunch and have some hours to relax in the heat of the day before heading out again for another activity later in the afternoon. Your afternoon game drive or boat cruise normally ends with sunset drinks in a beautiful location, before you head back to the camp for dinner.

After dinner you might sit round the campfire or boma enjoying a few drinks with your fellow guests, but most people go to bed fairly early, ready for another dawn start the next day.

Read more: Top 50 African Birds: A Safari Photo Guide

What to wear on safari during the day

The most important thing to note is that a safari is not a fashion show. It can be hot and dusty, or rainy and muddy, so it’s important to dress for comfort and practicality, so leave the designer gear, luxury fabrics and bling jewellery at home. Instead, bring stuff that washes easily, dries quickly and hides the dirt well!

You’ll also be coating yourself daily in suncream and insect repellent, so don’t bring anything that won’t mix well with those!

When I was in Botswana in December, some days reached 40 degrees C (104 F) with high humidity, so think lightweight breathable fabrics like cotton, viscose or sweat-wicking sportswear, or even linen if you don’t mind the creases).

T-shirts and shorts are your friends, but I’d avoid strappy vests for two reasons:

• Many African countries are quite conservative, and it doesn’t do to flash a lot of skin.
• The sun is extremely strong and the more skin you show, the more of you there is to get burned, even in a shaded safari car.

What to wear on a game drive or boat cruise

On wildlife viewing trips you’ll be sitting in a car for several hours, so it’s important to be comfortable. T-shirts and shorts are a great option.

Early mornings in Africa can be chilly, so bring a long-sleeved shirt, light sweater or jacket just in case.

Don’t forget your hat and sunglasses. Safari cars have roofs, but sometimes the roof rolls back so you can stand up, and when the sun is low in the sky it can shine in from the side very strongly. I was surprised by how much I ended up needing my hat.

Since you won’t be walking around much, light sneakers or sandals are fine.  

Safari cars are open-sided, so if it rains you may get a bit wet. Most safari companies carry ponchos in the car, to hand out to guests when it rains, but you might want to bring your own light waterproof raincoat just in case.

What to wear on a walking safari

For a walking safari the principles are the same, but you should wear long trousers to prevent your legs being cut or scratched by branches, and closed-toed shoes to protect you from biting or stinging animals or insects.

Although walking safaris can sometimes last for three or four hours, you don’t actually walk that far because there’s a lot of stopping and looking at stuff. So you don’t need hiking boots; comfortable trainers or walking shoes are fine. If you’re travelling in rainy season you might want to bring waterproof or Gore-Tex ones.

Read more: 46 Amazing African Safari Animals – A Photo Guide

Do I need warm clothes on safari?

We think of Africa as being hot, and it is, but it can also be extremely cold. If you travel during the northern hemisphere summer, that’s winter in most of Africa, and temperatures can drop below freezing especially in desert areas, if you’re at altitude, and the further south you go.

In Botswana and South Africa during the winter, average nighttime temperatures can be 0 or even -2 degrees C (28-32 F), and remember that most safari cabins and tents are not heated!

Even in Kenya, which is much closer to the equator and therefore not as cold, nights and early mornings can definitely be chilly.

Staff in camps will provide you with hot water bottles and blankets both in your tent and on game drives, but you still need to bring warm clothes with you as well.

If you’re travelling to the southern African countries between April and October, I’d recommend bringing at least one pair of long trousers, one long-sleeved top, one jumper, and a packable down jacket.

But remember to dress in layers, as the day quickly warms once the sun’s up, and even if it’s close to freezing during the night, afternoon temperatures can ramp up to high 20s (70+ F) or more.

It’s very important to check the weather forecast before you travel, as different regions’ climates can vary.

What colour should you wear on safari?

It’s recommended that you wear plain designs in neutral, earthy or natural colours, such as shades of beige, grey, brown or natural greens.

Avoid vibrant, bright colours like orange, red and yellow, or vivid patterns. This is for two reasons:

• It helps to make you less noticeable to animals.
• You can get pretty dusty on safari, and natural shades don’t show the dirt so much!

Bright white and full black are also not recommended. This is not only because they show the dust really badly, but because many animals actually only see in black and white, and large gleaming white shapes or dark black ones are very noticeable to them.

With that all said, I wouldn’t worry about it too much, and you certainly don’t need to rush out and buy an entire new wardrobe full of khaki and beige. As I just mentioned, many animals only see in black and white, and when you’re inside the car, most only see the car as one large object, and not the people inside.

It’s more important to stick to the rules when you’re on a walking safari and don’t have the protection of the car.

But in general, if you pack plain, neutral-ish colours, you’ll be fine.

Why not wear blue on safari?

Some people recommend not wearing blue on safari. Apart from being a pretty noticeable bright colour, it’s said to attract tsetse flies, which are prevalent in some areas of southern Africa and can deliver a nasty bite and spread disease. They are also thought to prefer black (another reason not to wear it).

That said, my light down jacket is bright blue, and I also took a blue t-shirt and a pale blue cardigan to Kenya, and I wore all three with no problems.

Read more: An Epic Uganda Itinerary In 2 Weeks

What to wear on safari evenings

Most people like to dress up when they go on holiday, so you might think about throwing a few glamorous dresses, high heels or some party shirts into your suitcase.

But you probably won’t wear them. Even in the luxury camps, most people really don’t dress up for dinner, for four main reasons:

• At night it’s a good idea to cover your arms and legs to avoid insect bites, so floaty skirts and strappy tops are a bad idea.
• It can get quite chilly at night, so you’ll probably be more comfortable in trousers and a fleece anyway.
• You’ll be tired after a long day and an early start; you’ll probably find you can’t be bothered to dress for dinner as you’ll be going to bed soon afterwards anyway.
• Walking round camp after dark you may run into snakes or spiders, and paths can be muddy and uneven, so high-heels are a definite no-no.

When I was in Botswana in December (the height of their summer) it was still 30+ degrees (86 F) in the evening, so I wore lightweight trousers or a long casual dress and then liberally coated myself with insect repellent. In Kenya in September it was a bit cooler, around low 20s (70 F), so I wore trousers, a t-shirt and a light cardigan, and had my jacket handy for later in the evening as the temperature dropped.

Is it OK to wear jeans on safari?

It’s perfectly fine to bring a pair of jeans for the cooler evenings, especially if you’re travelling in winter when you know it will be chilly at night.

However jeans aren’t recommended for game drives as you’ll probably be too hot in them during the day, and if you need to wash them they’ll take ages to dry.

As a general rule I wouldn’t take jeans on safari but instead bring lightweight trousers. The convertible zip-off ones that turn into shorts are especially good as you can have long pants for cold mornings and safari walks, and convert them into shorts once the day’s warmed up.

Pro tip: Whatever you choose to bring, make sure you have some ‘room to grow’! The food on safari is usually really good and you won’t be doing much exercise, so stretchy waistbands are a good idea!

Can you wear leggings on safari?

Yes, absolutely. Leggings are a great thing to bring on safari because they’re lightweight, wash and dry easily, are comfortable, and protect you from bugs and the sun. Just stick to neutral colours and leave the snazzy activewear designs at home!

I always pack a pair of leggings for safari – and if there’s a gym in the hotel then I can also use them for a workout!

What are the best shoes to wear on safari?

As I mentioned above, high heels and smart shoes are definitely not the thing to bring on safari. For game drives it’s fine to wear sandals or light sneakers, and for safari walks you want closed-toed comfortable walking shoes.  You definitely don’t need to buy special safari boots, no matter what the sales people might say.

If your lodge or hotel has a pool, you might want to bring some flipflops (also handy to have for walking around in your tent at night, or for nipping to the bathroom block if you’re staying in a campsite).

Can you wear trainers on safari?

Yes, absolutely. I always pack a pair of Asics Gore-Tex trail trainers that I wear for exercise, when it’s muddy or raining, and for walking or hiking. On game drives and boat cruises, and for walking around the camp in the evening, I have a pair of Skechers Go-Walk sneakers that are super comfortable and easy to slip on and off.

Read more: Kenya Vs Tanzania: Travel Experts Decide

What to pack for the beach in Kenya or Tanzania

Many people like to combine their safari with a few days on the beach, perhaps in Zanzibar in Tanzania, or at Diani or Vipingo in Kenya .

Here’s where you will get the chance to dress up a bit – as if you’re staying in a nice hotel or beach resort destination, there will definitely be opportunities to put on a strappy dress, holiday shirt, or some sparkly sandals.

If you’re planning to hit the beach for a few days at the end of your trip, you’ll definitely want to throw in one or two nice evening outfits. And don’t forget swimwear and a beach cover-up too!

Can you wash clothes on safari?

This is a very important question, and the answer is yes! Almost all safari lodges and camps offer a laundry service and most of the time it’s included in the price of your stay. So you can wash your clothes as often as you like at no extra cost – which means you really don’t need to bring huge amounts of luggage as you can wash and re-wear your clothes several times.

Note that in many places the laundry is done by hand by the hotel staff, dried out in the sun, and ironed using an old-fashioned coal iron. This is yet another reason not to bring anything too delicate or precious, as there’s a small chance it may get damaged during the laundry process.

What sort of underwear should I bring for safari?

Ladies: remember that you may spend many hours bouncing around over unsealed and bumpy roads in the back of a safari car. Being quite an athletic build, this is not something that’s ever bothered me, but I’ve been reliably informed by more curvy girls that a sports bra can be a life-saver in this situation. So if you’re particularly susceptible to bouncing, bring sports bras!

It’s also important to note that the people who handwash your clothes are usually male, and for cultural and hygiene reasons they won’t wash women’s underwear. Ladies will need to bring a small amount of hand wash (though sometimes laundry soap is provided) and wash your own pants and bras in the basin. For this reason it’s a good idea not to bring anything too fancy or delicate: lightweight, quick-drying microfibre underwear is best.

Read more: Chimpanzee Trekking In Uganda: A Breathtaking Wildlife Adventure

Other things to pack for safari

Of course, packing is not all about clothes. Here are a few other things you won’t want to forget (more in the complete packing list below):

Camera, spare batteries, chargers, plug adapters

Can you imagine going all that way on safari on the trip of a lifetime and then forgetting your phone charger or camera? I know, I’d die!

So definitely make sure you pack all your gadgets, and all the cables and plugs you’ll need to make them work! And then bring spares!

Often hotel rooms and safari tents only have a limited number of plug sockets, so if you have loads of gadgets, it’s a good idea to bring a multi-socket splitter. I recommend one with surge protection : power cuts can happen frequently and if there’s a surge when the power comes back, your devices can get fried. This happened to me the night before my Tanzania safari , so now I’m extra careful!

Medication and toiletries

Most of the places you’ll be staying will be out in the bush, with limited access to shops. Make sure you bring all the toiletries, medicines and personal items you’ll need, as once you leave the airport, opportunities to replace anything that’s missing will be very limited.

Do you need malaria tablets for safari?

Large parts of Africa have malaria, including popular safari countries like Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe, so it’s very likely that you may need to take malaria tables on safari. I usually take doxycycline which is cheaper than malarone, but may not be suitable for everyone so speak to your pharmacist or travel clinic.

You can check the malaria risk for the country you’re visiting, as well as any other vaccine requirements at the Travel Health Pro website here .

Some countries also require you to have a proof of yellow fever vaccination – you can check if this is needed on the website above as well. For example, places like Kenya and Tanzania won’t let you in without proof of vaccination if you’ve spent time in a yellow-fever-risk country before arriving. If you have already had your yellow fever jab, make sure you pack the certificate!

What to wear for safari in Tanzania

If you’re planning your safari in Tanzania or Kenya as part of a trip that also involves climbing Kilimanjaro (or any other mountain), then check out my essential Kilimanjaro packing list here .

Best suitcase for safari

This is important, so pay attention! Many safaris involve internal transfers by tiny plane or even helicopter. They all have pretty strict packing rules, with a maximum of 15 kg weight per person and no hard-shelled suitcases allowed. Luggage must be soft sided, and don’t overpack! You shouldn’t need to anyway, since you can wash everything when you’re there.

Wheels are OK as long as it’s a soft bag, so I recommend a soft holdall with or without wheels, or a wheely backpack like the one I have and love . This one came to Kenya and Botswana with me with no trouble at all.

Read more: Nature Vacations: 25 Amazing Places For An Outdoors Adventure

Packing for safari for photographers

If, like me, you’re travelling with 15 kg of camera gear , don’t stress. The little internal plane operators are used to photographers and will let you put your backpack of gear at the back of the plane. I travelled with 15 kg of hold luggage and another 15 kg of camera gear around Botswana and Kenya, and it was never an issue.

There’ll be more on safari camera gear in a separate post, coming soon!

Meanwhile, for safari photography tips, check out 40 Safari Photography Tips For Stunning Wildlife Photos .

What should you NOT take on safari?

Now I’ve told you all the things you should bring on safari, here are a few things it’s a good idea to leave at home.

Perfume: No one in your safari car will thank you for dosing yourself liberally with Eau de Whatever, and if you wear a very strong scent it may even allow animals to detect you sooner and run away faster.

Hairdryer: Many safari camps run on solar power and cannot support a hairdryer. Those that can (if they’re on the grid, or running off a generator), will usually provide one that’s suited to the electricity supply. As I said, no one really worries too much about their appearance or cares about what your hair looks like on safari anyway.

Camouflage clothing: This might surprise you, but wearing military-style camo print clothing is a no-no in many African countries, where it’s associated with the military. It’s actually illegal to wear camo gear in Ghana, Uganda, Zimbabwe and Zambia.

Plastic bags: Disposable plastic bags are banned in Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. You should be fine with the little zip-lock one for your liquids on the plane, and I’ve used reusable plastic packing bags many times with no problems, but try to keep plastic bags to a minimum or you may get a fine.

A drone: Unless you have special permission, drones are not allowed in most lodges and African National Parks.

Expensive watches, jewellery, and other valuable items: This doesn’t just apply to African safaris but to all travel. Jewellery can easily get lost, damaged or stolen, so if you care about it, leave it at home.

A hard-shelled suitcase: As mentioned above, all safari companies ask you to bring a soft bag or at most a wheeled soft holdall , as these are much easier to pack into the small luggage spaces on planes and in cars. You will not be thanked if you bring rigid-sided luggage.

Where to buy safari clothing

For the most part, you don’t need any specialist clothing for safari. You can wear your own normal clothes. However, there are some great companies that do excellent clothes for travel, in suitable colours, and made from practical fabrics that are sweat-wicking, comfortable and don’t crease.

My favourite brands for travel clothes are The North Face , Patagonia , Rab , Mountain Equipment , Arc’teryx and Craghoppers , and my favourite places to shop in the UK are Ellis Brigham and Cotswold Outdoor , which stock all these brands at competitive prices, have high-street stores where you can get advice and try stuff on, and often have good end-of-season sales too.

What to wear on safari: my Africa packing list

So now we’ve gone through the details, here’s what I would pack for a 10-day or two-week safari in Africa.

What to wear on safari: Clothes

• T-shirts in neutral or earthy colours x 5. The green t-shirt in the photo above is by Mountain Equipment . I love it so much I bought three!
• Long trousers x 1 pair. I really like my lightweight ones from The North Face .
• Shorts x 1 pair.
• Convertible trousers that zip-off into shorts, or a second pair of shorts . North Face and Craghoppers both do good convertible trousers for men and women .
• Leggings . I’m a big fan of Sweaty Betty.
• Long-sleeved shirt for covering up in bright sunshine.
• Lightweight jumper or cardigan for chilly evenings.
• Lightweight jacket , fleece or mid layer for cold nights. I have a fleece from Arc’teryx and a mine is a Nano puff from  Patagonia .
• Waterproof jacket . I have two, a lovely Zeta LT by  Arc’teryx  and a packable Meridien jacket by  Rab .
• Dress or smart shirt for the evening if you’re going to a city or the beach (x2). For packable jersey or lightweight viscose dresses I love Boden , Sugarhill Brighton and Joanie Clothing .
• Gym kit – if you think you’ll need or use it. But many safari camps don’t have fitness equipment and you can’t go for a run in the bush or you might get chased by a predator!
• Sports bras or comfortable wireless bralettes x 3.
• Underwear x 7. If you’re staying for longer you’ll need to handwash. I recommend something quick-drying and non-delicate like these microfibre ones from M&S .
• Swimwear . I get cute bikinis and swimwear from M&S , Next , or Pour Moi .
• Sarong or cover up (if you’re spending time on the beach)
• Sandals or flip flops . I love my walking sandals by Teva .
• Trainers or walking shoes for exercise and walking safaris. Mine are Gore-Tex trail trainers from Asics .
• Soft sneakers for walking round the camp, game drives and boat cruises. I’m a big fan of Skechers Go Walks .

Pro tip: if you’re going to the beach and plan to do a lot of snorkelling, pack a rash vest or t-shirt to swim in. The sun is super strong and we all got very burnt even though we were wearing Factor 50!

What to pack for safari in winter

If the forecast is for cold weather, I would add:

• Another long-sleeved top or baselayer .
• A warmer, packable insulated jacket .
• A pair of jeans.
• Beanie hat.

What to pack for safari: Accessories

• Baseball cap or hat. My cap is this one this one by Buff and I really like it.
• Scarf or buff to keep dust off (and you can dip it in water to cool you down on very hot days)
• Headphones or ear buds (for the plane), you won’t need them on the actual safari! I have these ones which are pretty good and much cheaper than Apple ones.
• Eye mask and ear plugs (if you’re a light sleeper).
• Camera, batteries, memory cards and charger
• Charger cables for all your devices
• Portable phone charger. Mine is this one from Anker .
• Plug adapter for the country you’re going to, or a universal plug adapter
• Plug splitter or 3-way adapter with surge protection
• Refillable water bottle (though some safari companies provide them, so check). An insulated water bottle will keep your water colder for longer on hot days.
• A padlock for your luggage to protect you from airport thieves

Safari packing list: Toiletries

As well as all your usual toiletries and medications, don’t forget:

• Suncream. I swear by  Riemann P20  because it’s hard wearing and you only need to apply it once a day. Or for the best face SPF you will ever find, that’s non-greasy and non-orange (!), I love  this one from the Body Shop .
• Insect repellant (though this is often provided in camp).
• Malaria tablets ( check to see if these are required in your destination )

Pro tip: Luggage goes missing more and more frequently these days, so pack your medication or anything else vital in your hand luggage.

My favourite travel tools and brands

To help you organise your trip, here’s a short list of some of the brands and tools I use over and over again when I’m planning my travels. You can see more on my Travel Resources page.

• Booking.com : A huge range of hotels to choose from, often with free cancellation. If you book hotels regularly you can earn discounts. I’m on Genius Level 3 which gets me 20% off!
• Expedia : Another great place to find hotels and Expedia also sell flights , car hire, and loads more all in one place.
• Skyscanner : The only place I ever go to search for flights and compare prices.
• Flight Centre : Booking a more complicated route? Let Flight Centre organise it for you (and deal with the drama when something goes wrong).
• Priority Pass: I love having access to 1600+ airport lounges when I fly, allowing me to enjoy my time at the airport. With my link you get 30% off a standard membership or 20% off standard plus .
• Airalo: Say goodbye to ridiculous mobile roaming charges. Did you know you can now buy an e-SIM , install it in your phone before you leave home, and then use data abroad at local prices? Game changer. Get US$3 credit with code BELLA5735 .
• TourRadar: If you prefer group travel and organised tours, TourRadar has a huge range of fantastic tours from respected operators. They’re very helpful and have 4.5 stars on TrustPilot.
• Viator: Part of the TripAdvisor brand, Viator is another great place to search for group adventures and day trips.
• GetYourGuide: A great place to find local tours and day trips in your destination.
• Wex Photo Video: The UK’s best camera gear store. Quote my name – Bella Falk – to get £20 off your first purchase.
• Ellis Brigham: Looking for good quality backpacks, travel clothes and other gear? Ellis Brigham is where I buy almost all of mine.
• Rentalcars.com: Part of the Booking.com family and the world’s largest online car rental service, with 24/7 customer service.
• World Nomads Travel Insurance: I never ever travel without travel insurance and nor should you!

Where to next?

If you liked this post, why not try some of my other safari and Africa posts?

• Leroo La Tau In Botswana: See The Incredible Zebra Migration
• Uganda Animals: The Amazing Wildlife of Uganda
• Ol Doinyo Lengai Tanzania – Climb the Terrifying Mountain of God
• Entebbe Zoo – Uganda’s Wildlife Education Centre
• An Epic Uganda Itinerary In 2 Weeks

Liked this post?

Social shares help support my hard work! You can share via the buttons at the bottom, or pin this handy Pinterest Pin. Thank you!

46 Amazing African Safari Animals – A Photo Guide

Is cardamom house in vipingo the best beach hotel in kenya.

Some of the links on this site are affiliate links. This means that if you click through and make a purchase, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Passport & Pixels is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

© 2024 Passport & Pixels. All Rights Reserved.

WORK WITH ME

• South Africa
• The Ultimate Safari Planning Guide
• Safari Packing List
• Safari Luggage
• Safari Budget Guide
• Safari Reading List
• First-Timer’s Tips
• A Typical Day on Safari

Africa , Kenya , South Africa

The best luggage for safari holidays.

Wherever you’re heading on your wildlife travels, picking the best luggage for safari is essential. 

Most safari companies specify a number of rules your safari luggage should follow, regarding the weight, material and features, in order to help it squeeze into cramped places in luggage compartments and your tent. 

But you also need to make sure it holds all your stuff… so what are we to do?! 

Never fear! I’ve done the research on the best bags to take with you, that not only fit your entire packing list but also meet all the requirements of the airlines AND look stylish too!

And remember, if you buy anything after clicking on a link in this post, you’re supporting my blog to keep bringing you unbiased safari luggage reviews like this one! 

Best safari holdalls and duffel bags

Most safari companies recommend a soft holdall case without wheels, as they’re easily squished into planes and onto the back of jeeps. 

If that’s what you’re after, read all about my favourite safari duffel bags right here:

Rufiji Canvas Duffel Bag

A traditional canvas holdall , available in two colour ways and holding an impressive 72 litres of stuff. 

Available exclusively from The Safari Store for £179. Use my code reallywildlife to get an awesome 5% off. 

This is a really stylish holdall in traditional safari colours, and there’ll be no mistaking your bag for another once it appears on the luggage carousel. 

It’s comfortable to carry (as long as you’ve kept within the weight limits!) using the short grab handles, as well as the longer over-the-shoulder strap. 

The zipper opens up really wide, allowing you to see all your belongings quickly and easily.

These bags can be pricey once you’ve already shelled out for the safari itself, but if you go on safaris fairly often, it’s a great investment for the future. 

There are no internal pockets at all, meaning everything is in the same main area when you open it. This isn’t necessarily a problem for everyone, but if you like to be organised and STAY organised, consider a few packing cubes to help. 

>> Click here to buy !

Rab Kit Bag II 80L

One of the largest options on our list of the best safari luggage, this rugged bag has plenty of room for up to 80L of your stuff.

Find it online at Cotswold Outdoor (UK) from £80.  

Despite the amount of stuff it can carry, the Rab kit bag is really easy to transport. Its detachable shoulder straps allow you to wear it like a backpack, while the 4 other handles give you the option of carrying it in many other ways too. 

It’s made from a very hard-wearing and water-resistant fabric, making sure your belongings stay safe and dry no matter how they’re squeezed into luggage compartments or thrown around by luggage handlers!

It’s a matter of personal preference, but I don’t find this bag to be particularly stylish. It’s a bog-standard style only available in a couple of muted colourways, so it doesn’t spark joy as much for me as other brightly coloured choices!

North Face Base Camp Duffel Bag

This medium-sized duffel bag is an iconic choice, offering 71L of space and a classic design.

You can find this holdall in lots of other colourways and sizes at Cotswold Outdoor (UK) for £120. 

The classic North Face holdall is hard-wearing and durable, while also being made from water-resistant, recycled materials. This makes it a sustainable and practical choice too. 

The large interior with a mesh pocket offers plenty of space for your clothes, while a separate compartment on the end can be used to store shoes or dirty laundry while travelling. 

It’s very easy to carry thanks to its flexible and adjustable straps, meaning you can wear it comfortably like a backpack or use the padded side handles to carry as a holdall. 

It’s genuinely difficult to find a con for this one; there are plenty of reasons to choose it as your next safari holdall, which may make it difficult to spot yours on the luggage carousel amongst many lookalike bags. It’s a very popular choice! 

Best wheelie cases for taking on safari 

Though bags with wheels aren’t always recommended, they do make carrying your luggage a whole lot easier! 

My favourite safari suitcases are right here: 

Craghoppers 28” Wheelie Bag

A soft wheelie case , bursting with features and 70 litres of space for all your safari essentials. 

Buy direct from Craghoppers , where two of the colours are currently on sale for £136.50. 

This wheelie bag has tons of space in the main compartment, as well as a number of internal pockets to keep you organised when travelling. If you manage to fill the cavernous 70-litre interior, the wheels on this bag will make navigating through airports and the bush a breeze. 

The soft fabric is made from 19 recycled plastic bottles, so it boasts eco-credentials too. But that doesn’t make it any less secure:  it’s been designed to be slash-resistant for extra security! 

Yes, I’ve already listed the fact this bag has wheels as a pro. However, not all safari companies or airlines recommend bags with wheels as they can be more difficult to fit into the hold on small aeroplanes. That said I have seen wheelie cases being used widely across Africa – just make sure you do your research first.

Osprey Sojourn 60 Travel Pack 

The most suitcase-like bag on our list is packed with features and flexibility, from one of travel’s most widely recognised brands.

Choose between two different colourways from Cotswold Outdoor (UK) for £275.

This bag is incredibly flexible. Thanks to its wheeled chassis, walking through airports will be a breeze. And when you don’t have the option to use the wheels, pick the bag up and carry it like a backpack with its shoulder straps. 

At 60L, it’s not the largest bag on our list, but various compartments and mesh pockets will keep your clothes, toiletries and accessories safe and secure. Even if you overpack, the compression straps help you maximise capacity and meet any limits on dimensions. 

This bag is the most expensive bag reviewed so, naturally, the price will count against it. But if you’re after a well-made bag from a well-known brand, the Osprey Sojourn 60 is a great option. 

Despite the bag’s soft material, it is one of the most structured bags, particularly due to the plastic high road chassis that holds the wheels. That means it won’t be as flexible or as easy to squeeze into luggage compartments and you may get some disapproving looks from the pilot when loading. But the bag’s manoeuvrability is a worthy trade-off if your airline will allow it.

Cabin-friendly safari bags

Many safari-goers swear by keeping their luggage small and going with hand luggage only. This makes travel incredibly efficient, so consider these bags for your next trip:

Craghoppers 40L Holdall

A small but mighty backpack that’s compact enough to fit in the cabin but large enough to fit in plenty of stuff for a short break. 

Buy from the official Craghoppers site from £105. 

The small size means you’ll struggle to go over the weight limits imposed by small aeroplanes. It’s also incredibly comfortable to wear with adjustable straps that can be worn as a backpack or across your shoulder.

Despite its size, the holdall boasts lots of compartments to keep your laptop and tablet secure, as well as smaller internal organiser pockets so you won’t lose your essentials. 

The 40L interior won’t be big enough for long trips but is ideal if you’re committed to travelling with hand luggage only. Plus, many safari lodges offer laundry facilities so you can afford to take less with you.

——–

Whatever you’re looking for in a safari bag, whether it’s space, security or style, our unbiased reviews are designed to help you find it!

Anna is the founder of Really Wildlife. She's a 30-something lover of wildlife travel, vegetables and listening to the Lion King soundtrack on full blast.

The Ultimate African Safari Packing List: What to Wear on Safari, Best Safari Luggage, and More!

Posted on Published: November 4, 2019  - Last updated: July 6, 2024

Categories Africa , Blog , Packing Tips , Resources , Tanzania , Travel Planning

Alright, so you’ve decided to go on an African safari adventure and you’ve booked the trip of your dreams. As you plan for your trip, you’ll realize that packing for a safari isn’t as easy as other holidays. There are many limitations and restrictions that you don’t necessarily have on other vacations, especially if you’re traveling with checked luggage. Fear not, we’ve returned from a luxury safari in Tanzania and I’m going to show you exactly how to pack for a safari. This is my ultimate safari packing list, even if you’re traveling with heavy camera gear like we did (and you’re going to want to bring those long lenses to capture wildlife photos!).

Table of Contents

This article contains affiliate links, which help run this site at no extra cost to you.

Packing List for African Safari Video

Prefer to learn by a video rather than text? Check out our safari packing list video! There are details all about the best safari luggage, what to pack for an African safari, what to wear on an African safari, and so much more.

Safari Luggage Limit: How Much to Pack

If you’re flying into East Africa to an international airport on a huge jet, you likely won’t have to worry about the weight of your luggage. Though it will vary between airlines, we were allowed two pieces of checked luggage (up to 50 lbs), one carry on bag, and one personal item on Ethiopian Airlines . However, if you plan to take any light aircraft flights, you’ll need to be very cautious over the weight of your luggage and the type of bag to bring for the journey. This is where a carefully planned safari packing list comes into play, including the luggage itself.

After one night in Arusha, Justin and I visited two national parks in Tanzania for our safari: Tarangire National Park and Serengeti National Park (the northern section). To travel between Arusha, Tarangire, and Serengeti, we took small, 10-passenger planes on private airstrips. On a small aircraft in East Africa, the luggage limit is 15kg total per person, including hand luggage. We flew with Coastal Aviation with stops between national parks and remote sites in Tanzania with these restrictions. Here’s a fabulous master list of all safari luggage restrictions for various airlines in Africa.

Furthermore, you must bring a soft sided bag that can be manipulated into the small luggage holds in the bottom of the plane. Your safari duffel bag must not have any wheels as it must be completely flexible. Some pilots can be very strict on these limits, weighing all luggage and carry on items as you enter the plane (especially if it’s a full flight!). Make sure you follow the rules for a smooth travel experience.

How to Pack for a Safari: The Best Safari Luggage

Let’s start by choosing the best safari travel bags for your adventures in Africa. I did some extensive research as I searched for the best safari luggage. I’ve only ever traveled with wheeled luggage that typically has a hard case, so I didn’t own a safari duffel bag. I chose the best safari luggage that I could find on the market: the Red Oxx Safari Beanos PR5 bag.

First, these safari travel bags are perfect for your trip to Africa. They meet all of the restrictions to fit inside the small plane compartments as you fly between destinations within Tanzania, Kenya, or other countries. In fact, you can use this safari duffel bag no matter where you’re traveling as its the size of a carry on bag for domestic and international travel (it measures 24″L x 10″W x 10″H ). You’ll get lots of use out of this duffel carry on bag, and it’s the first item to consider on your safari packing list.

The Red Oxx Safari Duffel Bag

The Red Oxx Safari Beanos luggage is surprisingly spacious. There’s a generous top loading main compartment where you can place all of your clothes, packing cubes , and larger items. Then, there are numerous other zippered pockets on the sides of the bag for smaller items that you’d like to separate from everything else. Here’s a great tip: put your dirty laundry inside one of the smaller zipped spaces to keep it separated from your clean clothing.

Featuring its claw no slip shoulder strip and heavy duty 360 degree swivels, this durable bag is easy to throw over your shoulder and carry around with you. I was able to carry this bag across airport terminals with ease. It’s rugged and reliable, meant to withstand the abuse that a checked bag can receive. When we returned from our trip, both of our Red Oxx safari bags barely had a scratch on them, despite traveling in the luggage holds of numerous small airplanes and four international flights. It also comes with a lifetime warranty.

Red Oxx bags are made and manufactured in Montana, USA. They’re weather resistant, which is perfect for those rainstorms that can pop up in East Africa with little warning. They come in a variety of colors for every taste: we chose violet (purple) and khaki (tan). It’s the perfect bag to store everything on your safari packing list. We’ll definitely bring our Red Oxx safari luggage on all of our future adventures in Africa…and beyond!

What to Wear on Safari: Clothing Packing List

Now that you’ve chosen your safari duffel bags, it’s time to select the clothing that you’ll bring on your trip. While you don’t need to drape yourself in khaki from head to toe, there are some clothing choices that are better than others. First, neutral colors are the best choice. Light colors are great for staying cool, but it is quite dusty so I’d avoid wearing white. Earth tones and khaki are the best choices for blending in with your environment and looking clean.

Avoid wearing blue and black, if possible. Tsetse flies are attracted to dark colors, especially blue and black. Even without wearing those colors, I was still bitten quite a few times by these nasty flies. They can bite through clothing and they don’t seem to be deterred too much by bug spray. Their bites are extremely itchy and annoying, and tsetse flies even transmit a disease called African sleeping sickness . Try to avoid getting bitten by taking as many precautions as you can.

You’ll be spending most of your time on safari in an open air jeep seeking and observing animals. This means that you’ll be sitting for most of the time, partially in the shade. Wearing comfortable clothing is key. Most of the game drives take place early in the morning and late in the afternoon. You might even find that you’ll feel a little cold at times in the jeep when you’re driving around from the breeze. Bringing layers is the best solution for the changing temperatures throughout the day.

What to Pack for a Safari: Clothes and Accessories

Here’s a great safari packing list with the clothing items you’ll need on safari. If you’re traveling on a luxury safari, you won’t need to bring more than three outfits. There is laundry service at the tented camps, and generally it’s included with your stay. We brought enough pairs of socks and underwear for our whole trip, but our laundry services covered all of our clothing items (including undergarments). Some accommodations will only wash your tops and bottoms, and you’ll need to wash socks and underwear in the sink with some laundry soap.

I should also mention that there isn’t any need to bring any fancy clothing. The dress is totally casual at safari lodges, even at dinner. Unless it’s specifically noted at certain luxury safari lodges, you won’t need to bring any fancier dresses or suit jackets. Here’s a safari packing list for both men and women:

Tops & Bottoms:

• Womens Sahara Shirt from REI // Mens Silver Ridge Long Sleeved Shirt from Columbia
• Womens Cozy Up Tank Top from REI // Mens Sahara Solid Shirt from REI
• Womens Petra Cargo Top from prAna // Mens Hardesty Sleeveless T-Shirt from prAna
• Womens Meme Pants from prAna // Mens Silencr Convertible Pants from Kuhl
• Womens Convertible Pants from prAna // Mens Stretch Zion Pants from prAna
• Womens Cargo Capri Pants from Lee // Mens Classic Sahara Convertible Pants from REI
• Womens Regular Fit Shorts from Lee // Mens Sahara Cargo Shorts from REI
• Womens Lightweight Better Sweater from Patagonia // Mens Better Sweater from Patagonia

Accessories & Shoes:

There’s no need to bring any fancy hiking boots or footwear. Your regular sneakers will totally do. You won’t be getting out of the vehicle on safari, and you’ll be doing a whole lot of sitting. With that said, if you’re doing any hiking or walking safaris during your trip, it’s a good idea to bring some durable, waterproof hiking shoes.

• La Sportiva Trango Womens Hiking Boots (Vegan / Waterproof)
• La Sportiva Blade Mens Hiking Boots (Vegan / Waterproof )
• Pair of flip flops or sandals while relaxing by the pool

You won’t need too many accessories on your safari packing list, just a few important ones:

• Womens Khari One Piece Swimsuit from prAna // Mens Quatro Board Shorts from O’Neill
• Vented Safari Outback Hat OR Tilley Wanderer Hat
• Womens Polarized Sunglasses // Mens Polarized Sunglasses
• DSLR Camera and a telephoto camera lens
• High quality binoculars (sometimes your guides will have extra pairs)
• Smartphone (there’s Wi-Fi at your accommodation or get portable Wi-Fi throughout your stay with a Teppy device )
• Underwear, bras, socks, sleepwear

Toiletries & Personal Items:

Our safari lodge had all of the basics covered: towels, shampoo, body wash, moisturizer, and insect repellent. You can feel free to bring your own, but I’d suggest using theirs to save yourself the luggage space. Here’s what you definitely need to add to your safari packing list:

• Mosquito repellent (our lodge had bug spray for our use)
• Contact lens solution (if needed) and glasses
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Safety kit with Tums or Pepto-Bismol
• Hand sanitizer
• Any personal medications

Everything Else for a Safari Packing List:

• Cash in US dollars to use for tipping or souvenirs (no dates before 2006 are accepted in Tanzania)
• Passport (valid for at least 6 months before departure)
• Purchase your Visa ahead of time online ( here’s where we applied for ours in Tanzania)
• See a travel clinic for appropriate vaccinations and bring proof of certain vaccinations, if needed (ie. Yellow Fever vaccination)
• Malaria pills (see travel clinic for more details)
• Get travel insurance ahead of time and bring proof of travel insurance

What You Shouldn’t Bring on Safari

Plastic bags are illegal in Tanzania , so please don’t pack any in your bags. If you do, you will have to dispose of them at the airport. We were very impressed with the lack of plastic use in the country. Every drink came in a glass bottle. All of the toiletries at our lodges were also in glass bottles. When I purchased coffee beans at the airport, the shop owner used a small cloth bag instead of a plastic one. If you use a plastic bag in Tanzania, there are hefty fines.

Don’t worry about bringing multiple pairs of shoes. In addition to your running shoes or hiking shoes that you can wear on the plane, bring an extra pair of flip flops or sandals to wear by the pool. Otherwise, there will be slippers in your safari lodge, along with a bath robe. Don’t bring too many clothing items. Take advantage of the laundry services. Generally, your laundry will be returned in the evening or within 24 hours at the latest.

Finally, don’t bring too many pairs of shorts or skirts in place of pants. I only wore pants or Capri pants throughout my stay in Tanzania – it was actually a little too cold for shorts! I still recommend bringing shorts in case the weather is warmer when you visit, but limit it to one pair. And don’t bring anything too fancy. What you wear during the day is also fine at night (with a sweater on top, of course!).

Printable Packing List for African Safari

I hope you’ve found this safari packing list to be incredibly useful. Looking for a printable version? Check out this African Safari Packing List to download (just right click and save to your computer!).

Thank you so much to Red Oxx for gifting us two Safari Beanos PR5 bags to test. We’re in love with this safari luggage and highly recommend it.

Have you ever traveled to Africa on a safari? Am I missing anything from this safari packing list?

Lauren is the full-time travel blogger and content creator behind Justin Plus Lauren. She started Justin Plus Lauren in 2013 and has travelled to 50+ countries around the world. Lauren is an expert on vegan travel as one of the very first vegan travel bloggers. She also focuses on outdoor adventure travel, eco and sustainable travel, and creating amazing travel itineraries for cities and small towns.

True uganda saferis

Monday 26th of June 2023

Perfect article... thanks for sharing it with us.

Friday 24th of February 2023

Thanks for such a comprehensive and helpful list, and you've obviously done your research. Our travel agent (for luxury Kenya safari in two weeks) told us that 33lb/15kg (max) soft sided luggage in the small planes, but they can have wheels. We don't want the extra weight of even wheels, but I mention this in case there are people who might have shoulder issues or prefer wheels.

We Are Travel Girls

A Community Created To Inspire, Connect, Educate & Empower Female Travelers

PACKING GUIDES , SAFARI , TRAVEL GIRLS GETAWAYS · February 15, 2020 Last Updated on July 23, 2024

PACKING GUIDES: WHAT TO PACK FOR A SAFARI

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We may receive a small commission when you make a purchase using our link.

After booking a safari trip the next thing you need to plan is what to pack. Having been on a number of safari trips in Sri Lanka , Africa and India I have refined my safari wardrobe but it took me a few trips to realise all the essentials that I needed.

You don’t want to arrive and realise you forgot your safari hat, or you should have brought an extra pair of safari shorts so it’s important to plan out what you want to bring with you well in advance.

In this guide, I share some of my favourite travel essentials for a safari trip, including what clothing you need to bring, safari luggage, cameras and other equipment and toiletries. 

Safari Packing Checklist

Once you have read the article make sure to download my handy printable safari packing checklist from the We Are Travel Girls Travel Library so that you don’t forget any important items in your luggage.  

The library is also packed with free eBooks, Destination Pocket Guides, Packing Lists and Bucketlist Checklists.

Safari Luggage

Let’s get started with the type of luggage you will need for a safari trip. Based on my experience having soft bags rather than hard shell suitcases is far easier for transferring between lodges, taking river boats or travelling by small plane. Depending on your destination you may even find that hard sheet is not permitted so make sure to check this for your specific journey, airlines and safari.

Large Checked Luggage

I am big fan of the Osprey luggage for this type of trip because of its durability. I have had my Osprey rolling luggage for 7 years, and I have my backpack from my first backpacking to Asia, I loved this one because it had a detachable day pack too – both are still going strong! 

Another great brand with durable design, fabrics and wheels is Eagle Creek and they have a range of large duffels suitable for safari or any other adventure trip.

Pro Tip: Don’t bring your most beautiful cream luggage on safari, it will get dirty. Choose a darker colour, or safari colour luggage so you don’t ruin your favourite luxury luggage!

Hand Luggage Small Duffels 

If you are a light packer then opting for a rucksack plus a small duffle (within the weight and size dimensions of a carry on) is the ideal. On many flights you are permitted to have a small backpack / personal item and a hand luggage item so you might be able to avoid checking anything at all. 

I always carry a small foldable duffel in my luggage on any trip and have had my Samsonite duffle for years, the exact version I have is no longer available but this Samsonite duffel is very similar and I highly recommend since its made of super sturdy material.

My other favourite is my Lo and Sons Catalina Tote (pictured above) which is smartly designed with a section at the bottom for shoes.

Hand Luggage Rucksacks

Lost luggage is a thing in Africa. We run a Travel Girls Getaways trip to Malawi every year, and every year at least one bag is delayed and on our last trip four bags were delayed! The bags always make it in the end usually coming in on the next flight, but since you might be moving between camps or lodges it can take days for the luggage to reach you and can be stressful to coordinate getting it. 

So I always pack as much as possible into my carry on. This is where it gets a little complicated because there are weight restrictions on many African airlines and often you might be flying on small prop planes that require everything to go in the hold. 

Pro-Tip: If the person at the check in desk weighs your hand luggage and says you need to repack it. Go and pretend to repack, then go back to a different counter and try again. Chances are you might get away with the overweight bag with a different representative!

Packing Cubes

In addition, I always use a set of compression  packing cubes to organise my items within my luggage, putting tops and jumpers in one and trousers or dresses in another. Not only do these help to keep your bags organised, but it means you can fit more into your luggage! 

On a recent trip to Malawi, I was able to pack ALL my safari clothes, plus my huge camera and lenses, and laptop, into my carry-on backpack by using compression cubes. Honestly even I was surprised how much I got in this bag!

I have tried a few different packing cubes and the best ones I have found are from Muji  and Eagle Creek . There are plenty of cheap pretty looking options available on Amazon but to in my experience they break quickly so look for a durable option or one of the more expensive ones – it will be worth it in the long run!

What To Wear On Safari

The best thing about a safari wardrobe is that once you have invested in it, you can use it year in year out! The styles don’t really go in and out of fashion which means you won’t need to buy new things every year.

During the day you will most likely be out in a safari vehicle, boat or if you are lucky hot air balloon or small plane over the Masai Mara! Whichever transport you are in the outfits will likely be the same and you will want to opt for neutral tones and plain fabrics. 

• Shorts: Keep cool with a pair of khaki safari shorts teamed with some tan boots for a classic safari look. Athleta has a great selection of lightweight and eco friendly shorts.
• Trousers:  I like to wear trousers on safari as this can be more comfortable than sitting in shorts. It also means you are covered up at dusk and the evening when the mosquitoes come out. 
• Jumpsuit: A comfy jumpsuit is a great option for safari days! Bring one along to mix up your style throughout your trip. 
• Tops & Layers:  Bring along several vests, t-shirts and layers. Safari gets hot and dirty so you will want to be able to change each day, sometimes more than once!
• Jackets: Depending on the time of year and safari location you might need something a bit warmer to throw other. When I went on Leopard safari and Yala National Park we started at 5am and it was freezing, a windbreak and a light layer did the trick!
• Scarf: A scarf can both style up your outfit, giving you some variation each day and double as a wrap to keep you warm!
• Dress: Safari evenings can be quite fancy depending on your lodge, so bring along a nice dress or two to pair with some flat sandals.
• Maxi Loose Dress:  Bring a couple of comfy dresses for evening sundowners and dinner at your lodge. 
• Long Skirt: A maxi skirt is excellent on safari to wear day or evening. I have a basic khaki lightweight maxi skirt which is lovely and cool to wear on game drives.

Accessories

• Hat: I bought this Jaxon and James hat on Amazon for my last trip and I LOVED it. It is light-weight, held its shape well and is also UV resistant. Hats are essential in the sun and for your safari IG pics!
• Sunglasses: A pair of tortoise shell sunglasses are a must!

Pro-Tip: Bring along a couple of carabiners to attach your hat to your backpack when you are not wearing it. These are also helpful for hanging hand held lanterns if your camp does not run electricity 24 hrs.

Footwear & Boots

• Hiking Style Boots: A comfy pair of hiking boots are essential. I bring along my pair of Timberland Courmayeur boots which are good year round for other trips too.
• Trainers or Tennis Shoes: I usually travel with a pair of Converse or slip on tennis shoes which are great for travel days and on safari too. 
• Smart Sandals: One pair of nice sandals for evenings or you might want to opt for a closed toe espadrille which you can also wear during the day. 
• Hiking Socks: If you are wearing a pair of boots, you will want to team these with some comfortable socks. 

Swimwear & Cover Ups

After your morning safari and long lunch, you will be ready to take a dip in the pool at your lodge. So make sure to bring your safari chic to your swimwear wardrobe with a khaki one piece, an animal print bikini, and a loose cover-up. 

Cameras & Gear

When you spot your first elephant or big cat you will want to have a camera with you to capture the moment! This is all the gear I take with me on my trips.

• Camera: I use a Nikon D850  DSLR camera body for all of my photography with a Tamron 24-70mm lens , Sigma Art 35mm lens which is great for video. But on safari you will need some lenses that work to get close up nature shots. I also have a little handbag Panasonic DMC LX100 that is nice for quick snaps in the evening. 
• Video Equipment: I personally shoot video mostly on my DSLR, but bumpy jeeps mean a  Go Pro Hero 8 and Karma Grip for stabilisation are essential kit on your safari!
• Binoculars: Your guide will have some you can borrow, but it’s always nice to bring your own along so you can spot birds and wildlife as you drive.

Looking after your skin and staying hydrated when you out on safari every day is really important! High SPF and facial oils are key to keeping your skin glowing throughout your trip.

• A High Facial SPF:  My personal favourites are Skinceuticals Sport UV Defense Active Factor 50 , Clinique Face SPF 50  and Coola Mineral Face SPF Factor 50 . 
• Body SPF: For the body I also love Coola , SunBum and La Roche Posay sunscreens – always Factor 50! 
• Cleansers: Safaris can be dusty and dirty, chances are you have been in and out of the jeep and touching your face so you want to clean your skin thoroughly at the end of the day. I am a big fan of Eve Lom and Drunk Elephant cleansers. 
• Facial Oils: My favourite facial oil is Boscia Tsubaki Beauty Oil which I have been using for many years, along with a few other Boscia products. Another favourite is Elizabeth Arden Overnight Oil

Other Essentials

• Reusable Water Bottle:  One of the easiest things that you can do to be a more responsible traveller is to carry a reusable water bottle instead of using multiple plastic water bottles. I have a large Tru Flask bottle, and some a set of different Avana bottles  which come in different colours and patterns.
• Reusable Cup: My preferred cup to keep drinks hot is the Avana Sedona cup , but to save space you could also bring a collapsible Stojo reusable cup – I like this, but it does not keep the drinks hot very long. 

Travel Insurance 

It is really easy to forget to check your travel insurance coverage when you are caught up in the excitement of booking your safari, but this is something you definitely should not overlook! 

Travel Insurance is something you should never leave home without and in fact something you should purchase as soon as you book your trip should unforeseen circumstances stop you from going on your trip. Safaris are very expensive so you don’t want to forfeit flights and lodge expenses if you have to cancel at the last minute!

My recommendations for insurance coverage are: 

• World Nomads: I have used World Nomads for many years for long term travel coverage and short trips. I have had the need to make claims with them and found the process easy and quick.
• SafetyWing: The world’s first International Travel Medical Insurance developed to meet the needs of entrepreneurs and remote workers travelling or living abroad. Coverage with SafetyWing starts at US $37 for four weeks and since it is subscription-based you won’t forget it when you travel!
• Insure and Go: If you are based in the UK, Insure and Go is a great choice for annual travel insurance. I had coverage from Insure and Go at the time of my ski accident and they were very helpful with organising my repatriation back to England. I had the annual Gold coverage which also included coverage for a plus 1, so my husband was covered to come and help me get home. 
• Camera Coverage: If you are carrying lots of photography equipment I highly recommend getting separate insurance for your electronic and photo gear – especially if you are taking them with you on the mountain! I have been using Photoguard for a few years and love that you can build your insurance based on the value of your exact set of photographic equipment, but suggest checking specific insurance coverage for your region.

I hope that you have found this article helpful to plan what to pack for your next safari. Please share your own safari trip packing tips with our readers in the comments below. 

Want to share your own travel tips by guest writing for We Are Travel Girls? Go to our Contribute page for guidelines and to submit your article.

Subscribe to get access to our FREE eBook with tips for saving money when you travel!

We Are Travel Girls Founder Becky van Dijk of  BeckyvanDijk.com Connect with Becky  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram  |  Pinterest  |  YouTube

Pin For Later

This website may use affiliate links in our articles. Please see our Disclosures for more information.

You’ll Also Love

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

• Travel Girls Getaways
• DESTINATIONS
• TYPE OF TRAVEL
• TRAVEL RESOURCES
• AMBASSADOR PROGRAM
• TRAVEL GIRLS GIVING

Get Access To The Travel Resources Library

Subscribe to receive free access!

• Work With Us
• TESTIMONIALS
• DISCLOSURES
• TERMS OF SERVICE
• PRIVACY POLICY
• ACCESSIBILITY

COPYRIGHT © 2023 WE ARE TRAVEL GIRLS

Exclusive Member of Mediavine Travel

• Switzerland
• United Kingdom
• South Africa
• The Bahamas
• United States of America
• United Arab Emirates
• Safaris & Wildlife
• About & Contact

Safari Packing List: Our in-depth guide what to bring on a safari

From clothes to camera gear & first aid kit

(Last Update: May 2024). Many of you have been inquiring lately what we pack for a safari , which essentials to bring and what to leave at home. The main question is: What do you truly need on a safari? And how can you manage to abide by the 15-20kg bush plane luggage weight limit in case you’re going on a fly-in safari (and that’s the total weight – including your carry-on and personal items)!

So here’s our absolutely essential, proven-in-detail, fully explained safari packing list with everything you need on a safari plus all our tips what you really don’t need.

Disclaimer: This post is written by a woman , who often travels solo or with her husband and no kids. This packing list might look a bit different for a man or very different for a family with kids. Also I’m a photographer and that is a priority on my packing list!

At the very end of this post you’ll find a FREE downloadable pdf packing list.

The clothes should be lightweight, durable and neutral coloured. And it’s all about layers!

Table of Contents

Safari packing list: Luggage

This is the first piece of advice: Unless you go on an ultra luxury safari without any weight or luggage limitations you should always bring luggage that works on bush planes , in open safari vehicles and on sandy paths in bush camps. So in essence: no hard case trolleys.

Instead it’s recommended to opt for duffle bags as they can easily be stowed – no matter if you travel by Mokoro boat or on a helicopter. As a bonus if they’re well made they have really durable zippers and close well, so no sand and dust can get into your bag. My luggage usually consists of:

• 1 x North Face duffle bag large (weighing about 10kg when fully packed, check-in luggage on long haul flights)
• 1 x North Face duffle bag small or 1 x sturdy large camera backpack (weighing about 5-8kg when fully packed). I use either of those as carry-on luggage on long haul flights and it’s mostly for my camera gear. If I use a the duffle bag I stow the gear in separate camera inlets. Usually there’s some extra space left in this bag for occasional souvenirs…
• 1 x small waterproof backpack or fanny pack (personal item). This is mostly for my travel documents, but I also use it for walking safaris to carry just some essentials (lip balm, small water bottle).

Safari packing list: Clothes

It’s important to note a few things before we jump into the details of my garment packing list:

• It doesn’t matter if my safari is 5 days or 3 weeks – I would always pack the same amount of clothes.
• Camps and lodges in the bush offer complimentary laundry services for everything except for your delicates (exceptions apply, but generally this is the rule).
• This means you essentially need 2-3 sets of clothes, because laundry can sometimes take 2-3 days to return (they might be hand washed and dried outside in many camps in lack of washing machines, so don’t bring your most fancy brand new items).
• The only item where I pack supply for more days is underwear, although most camps offer laundry detergent and so you can usually wash your delicates yourself by hand when in need.

My friend & travel buddy Kady is wearing our trusted Palladium boots here. And for cold mornings you should always bring a lightweight insulated jacket.

These are the garments i bring:.

• 1x lightweight insulated jacket (this is essential when travelling in the dry season = winter in many South African destinations, it gets cold at night!)
• 1x thin scarf (I use this to protect my neck from wind and sunburn)
• 1x thick scarf (this is a personal preference, but I love it and use it as pillow on planes and for very cold morning and evening game drives)
• 1x Long Cargo Pants (mine are relatively thin and are tapered at the ankles to avoid any insects to crawl in – this is only essential for walking safaris, not for game drives)
• 3x leggings (these are my go to “pants” on game drives – comfortable, easy to wear and wash, dry quickly. The only downside is that Tse Tse flies can bite you through those, but they literally bite through down jackets as well…)
• 2x long sleeve linen shirts (I wear these over sleeveless tops on warm days and just around camp for lunch etc.)
• 5x pairs of socks (high enough so you can put them over your tapered long pants to avoid ants crawling into your pants)
• 2x long sleeve wool under layers (I usually bring quick dry wool long sleeves on winter safaris to layer in the mornings and evenings)
• 2x short sleeve / sleeveless T-Shirts
• 1x pair of Sunglasses
• 2x hooded sweaters (one jersey and one cashmere hooded sweater – layered over the long sleeve shirts these are perfect for the chilly mornings and the hoodie helps me spare packing a wool beanie)
• 7x underwear
• 2x pyjamas (again, it gets cold at night and if you sleep in a tent or even a regular safari camp you’ll want to wear a pyjama. I bring 2 for a longer safari, so one can be washed at some point.)
• 1x pair of Palladium ankle high light linen boots (these are the perfect safari shoes for me. I wear them on cold days, for walking safaris, hiking, etc. – everywhere except for the rainforest)
• Alternatively: 1x pair of waterproof ankle high hiking boots (if I go on safari in Central Africa – think gorilla or chimp trekking and moist rainforest conditions)
• 1x pair of Birkenstock sandals (I use the Arizona Eva model, which is 100% plastic and therefore can be easily washed and doubles as my showering and outdoor bathroom shoes. Also this model doesn’t have nails in the soles, so I can pass through security without having to take them off – well, depending on the airport…)
• 1x safari hat with a wide brim (to protect your face and neck – especially for boat or canoe safaris!)
• 1x basecap (for walking safaris)
• Sometimes: 1x swimsuit (if I check into a lodge with a pool or combine my safari with a beach stay)

During the days it usually gets warm enough for linen shirts and t-shirts – even in winter.

Layering is essential on a safari – when we left in the morning we needed a jacket, on the plane we used them as pillows and when we landed it was warm enough for t-shirts and linen shirts., safari packing list: toiletries.

A short disclaimer here: I generally wear very little to no make-up, so this might read almost like a men’s toiletry bag. Of course you can add a few items if you prefer to have some glam in the bush . My experience is: You’ll be comfortable with less and less every day 🙂

Also it’s important to know that there’s countries that forbid the use of single use plastics (so think about this when you pack cotton swabs, floss picks, contact lenses, etc.). Everything that is packaged in single use plastics should be avoided if possible. I’ve listed a few alternative products below.

What’s in my safari toiletry bag:

• Sunscreen with SPF50 (try to bring environmentally friendly products, as your waste water will remain in the bush)
• Face Cleanser (this is one of my luxury products, but I can’t go to sleep without a proper face clean, even in the bush)
• Antioxidant (I’m trying to avoid sun damage to my facial skin, so this is also an essential for my face care routine)
• Tooth Brush (I even bring my electrical tooth brush, but that’s a very personal choice – since I travel so much I don’t want to compromise on my routine here)
• Deodorant (without perfume! You should never wear perfume on a safari, as animals have a very sensitive sense of smell and any unnatural scent can deter wildlife.)
• Tampons or your preferred feminine hygiene product (again: these will remain in the trash in the bush camps, so I use biodegradable organic cotton products. Personally I wouldn’t bring a menstrual cup on a safari as access to fresh water might be limited during the day when you’re out in the field, etc.)
• Biodegradable (!) dental floss (I use floss picks made from bamboo)
• Reusable ear swabs (I bought a washable one, that I use on safaris – it’s not perfect, but better than creating unnecessary waste.)

Toiletries that you don’t need to bring:

• Shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion! All of these are provided in the camps (and they will make sure the products are biodegradable and do not damage the soil or create toxic waste water).
• Towels: Camps and lodges always provide fresh towels. Unless you’ll go camping individually or stay in rooftop tents etc., then I would recommend quick dry travel towels.

Safari packing list: Camera & Equipment

This is a special section for the photography enthusiasts among you. As a professional travel photographer I bring quite an extensive amount of equipment, but I still bring a lot less than the “real” wildlife photographers. Their luggage almost exclusively consists of camera equipment.

The main difference is that I rely mostly on zoom lenses , to keep the camera equipment down to a minimum. Wildlife photographers often bring prime lenses and then you need a lot more than me 🙂

Here’s what I bring to take photos and videos (and work):

• Nikon Z8 (my primary camera)
• Nikon Z6II (my secondary camera)
• NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 lens (for wildlife shots)
• NIKKOR Z 24-70mm 2.8 lens (for landscapes, portraits, travel shots)
• Optional: NIKKOR Z 70-200mm 2.8 lens (for wildlife & landscape combinations)
• 5x camera batteries (some days you might not be able to charge. Remember many safari camps don’t have power outlets in the rooms, but only at the main tent – so it’s always a bit of logistics to charge equipment.)
• 2x High speed memory cards with 512MB each (it gets very technical here, but I bring very fast ultra professional cards for each camera body with at least 1,700MB reading and 1,500MB writing speed – this makes the difference when it comes to high speed RAW shooting).
• 3x extra memory cards (still fast speed, but not as expensive as my main cards)
• 3x 1TB SSD hard drives (this is to make sure I can create duplicate back-ups during the trip.)
• 2x camera battery charger (to charge 2 batteries at once)
• Laptop + charger (this is only necessary for my photo back-ups and editing sessions. If I weren’t a photographer I would probably leave my laptop at home on a safari, there’s often no internet anyways.)
• Mobile phone + 2 charger cables (1x regular cable for regular power outlets with USB-C and 1x “old” USB cable for planes and safari vehicles)
• 1x power adapter (these are heavy and bulky, so you can also check with the camps you’re staying at if they provide adapters or if – like in Zambia – they had multiple different types of sockets for all sorts of chargers.)
• 1x multi-outlet power strip (I still bring one of those with at least 3 sockets, so I can charge more devices if there’s only one outlet available)
• 1x battery pack (this is to charge my phone or laptop when there’s no power available for whatever reason – we had fly-camps that relied 100% on solar and then 3 overcast days = no power. So it’s the ultimate backup, but only necessary, because I do need to work on these trips.)

Safari packing list: First-aid kit

This is a delicate one, as I’m no medical expert, so please don’t take this list and rely on it 100%, but consult your doctor before your trip. Also each location within Africa has different preconditions when it comes to tropical diseases, etc. – so these recommendations are to be taken with caution.

• Malaria medication (Malarone or similar. Please consult your doctor about the options when it comes to standby vs. prophylactic intake of malaria medication.)
• Clinical thermometer
• Antihistamine (I sometimes react to insect bites)
• Wound Disinfection
• Blister Pads (if you go on many walking safaris)
• Gauze bandages
• Disinfectant Spray

What I didn’t pack on my last trip was any regular flu medication and of course I caught a cold… my travel buddy Kady luckily had pastils against sore throat, nose spray and the likes. So you might want to add these to your list!

What you you don’t need to bring:

• Mosquito repellent (with a high DEET content)
• Insect repellants are usually provided by each camp. Often they even have two different types – one for your skin and one for your clothes. Or one for personal use and one to spray the room. Also the camps provide local products, that often work much better than what you can bring from your home country.

Safari packing list: Miscellaneous

Lastly here are few miscalleaneous items that are quite essential for any trip.

• Wallet with credit card, debit card, insurance card, etc.
• US Dollars (even when travelling from Europe I usually exchange US dollars ahead of the trip as those are accepted in every country. Make sure the bills are not torn or old or anything scribbled on them. Locals will only accept dollar notes in good condition as otherwise the banks will not exchange to their local currency. You can read more about my most important money tips for a safari here .)
• Vaccination card (you might have to provide proof of a yellow fever vaccination or a COVID vaccination – make sure to check the requirements for the destination you’re visiting).

What you you may or may not need to bring:

• Binoculars: I personally never bring binoculars, because I always look through the viewfinder of my camera with the long tele zoom lens instead. In many camps they also provide binoculars, either one pair per game drive vehicle or in more luxurious lodges there’s even a pair waiting for each guest in the room. If you’re not travelling with a camera I would recommend to bring binoculars as you’ll sometimes only see animals from the distance.
• Reusable water bottles: Even in more rustic fly camps these will be provided for the duration of the stay, but if you want to make sure to also have a water bottle ready for travel days, on airports, etc. you can bring your own.
• Headlamp: Personally I never bring a headlamp. Usually camps provide flashlights or lanterns for nightly toilet visits or trips to the main tent. In many camps you’re also not allowed to walk outside of your tent alone at night (because they’re unfenced and wildlife will pass through). So a team member will always be there with a flashlight. And then I can always use the headlamp of my phone. But some people prefer to have a headlamp handy just in case.

What you really don’t need to bring:

• Gators: I brought gators to Rwanda for the chimp trekking and used them once during a 2 week trip. So unless you plan on going jungle trekking regularly I think those are not really necessary.

If this blogpost was helpful, make sure to also check our guide for safari beginners !

Download your free safari packing list pdf here.

Or pin and save this post for later:

Safari packing list What camera for a safari What clothes for a safari What to bring on a safari what to pack for a safari

More Stories

Hotel review: baglioni hotel luna, venice, st. anton am arlberg: the cradle of skiing in austria.

3 days in Austria's largest skiing arena

Privacy Overview