One of the biggest surprises for first-time safari travellers is how little you actually need.

You don't need specialist expedition gear or a suitcase full of camouflage clothing. In fact, packing for an African safari is much simpler than most people expect.

Having travelled extensively through Southern Africa myself, I've learnt that a few well-chosen essentials are far more useful than overpacking.

If this is your first safari and you're still working out what to expect, I'd recommend starting with my Complete Beginner's Guide to Going on Safari. It covers the basics first, so this packing list makes much more sense once you know how safari days actually work.

Here's my complete safari packing guide.

Safari Packing Checklist

Clothing

• Lightweight t-shirts and shirts
• Neutral-coloured clothing (khaki, green, beige, grey)
• Lightweight walking trousers or shorts
• Warm fleece or jumper for early morning game drives
• Waterproof jacket (particularly during the green season)
• Swimwear
• Comfortable evening clothes

Footwear

• Comfortable walking shoes or trainers
• Sandals or flip-flops for around the lodge

You won't usually be hiking for miles, so heavy walking boots are rarely necessary unless your itinerary includes a dedicated walking safari.

Essential Safari Accessories

• Sunglasses
• Wide-brimmed hat or cap
• High-factor sun cream
• Lip balm (a personal must have)
• Reusable water bottle – metal is best
• Small backpack or day bag
• Buff to keep the dust off

Camera Gear

• Camera
• Spare batteries
• Plenty of memory cards
• Binoculars
• Lens cloth

All lodges have charging facilities, but it's always worth carrying a spare battery if you're hoping to photograph wildlife all day.

Travel Essentials

• Passport
• Travel insurance documents
• Flight details
• Medication
• Vaccination certificate (if required)
• Credit or debit card
• Small amount of local currency
• US Dollars (new, good conditions bills) for tips etc

What Colours Should You Wear on Safari?

Neutral colours work best:

• Khaki
• Olive green
• Beige
• Brown
• Grey

These colours blend naturally into the environment, are generally more comfortable in the African sun, and are less likely to startle wildlife—whereas bold or bright colours can sometimes draw attention and potentially frighten animals away.

Bright white can stand out in the bush, while dark colours absorb heat more quickly.

You don't need to buy an entirely new wardrobe—just avoid anything overly bright or fluorescent.

Do You Need Camouflage Clothing?

No.

In fact, camouflage clothing is unnecessary for most safaris and is even restricted in some African countries.

Comfort is far more important than looking like you're filming a wildlife documentary.

Will I Get Cold?

Surprisingly, yes. One of the biggest misconceptions about safari is that it's always hot.

Game drives usually start around sunrise when temperatures can be surprisingly chilly, particularly during the African winter.

A lightweight fleece or jumper is one of the most useful things you'll pack. By lunchtime, you'll be back in shorts and t-shirt so layers are your best friend.

What you pack will depend heavily on when you're travelling. Early morning game drives can be chilly in the dry season, while green season safaris may call for a lightweight waterproof. My Best Time to Go on Safari guide explains how the seasons affect weather, wildlife and what you should bring.

What About Mosquitoes?

If you're travelling to a malaria-risk area, pack:

• Insect repellent containing DEET (or your preferred alternative)
• Long sleeves for the evening
• Any prescribed anti-malarial medication

Many luxury safari lodges also provide mosquito repellent in your room, and mosquito nets as standard.

How Much Camera Equipment Do You Need?

Don't worry if you don't own a huge telephoto lens.

Some of my favourite safari photos have been taken on relatively simple cameras—and many travellers now capture incredible wildlife shots using your average smartphone.

Should You Take Cash?

Yes—but not large amounts.

Most safari lodges accept major credit cards, but it's worth carrying a small amount of local currency for souvenirs or smaller purchases.

US dollars are widely accepted in many safari destinations, although this varies by country.

If you're unsure what currency you'll need, I can advise based on your itinerary, or you can read my guide on How Much Does an African Safari Cost? for more detail.

Things People Often Forget

These are the items people most commonly wish they'd packed:

• Binoculars
• Spare camera battery
• Power bank
• Plug adapter
• Lip balm
• Lightweight jumper
• Reusable water bottle

None take up much room, but you'll be pleased to have them.

What You Don't Need

Save the luggage space.

You can safely leave behind:

• Camouflage clothing
• Heavy hiking boots (unless walking safaris are planned)
• Formal evening wear
• Large suitcases full of "just in case" clothes
• Hairdryer (provided by most luxury lodges)

My Top Packing Tip

Pack lighter than you think.

Most people wear the same comfortable clothes throughout their safari, and many luxury safari lodges even offer laundry services. You'll appreciate travelling light far more than carrying outfits you never wear.

Bonus Tip: If you're taking a fly-in safari, remember that many light aircraft have strict baggage limits, so soft-sided luggage is usually required.

Continue Planning Your Safari

Packing is only one small part of planning a great safari. If you're still choosing where to go, how long to stay or what style of lodge suits you best, my Complete Luxury Safari Guide brings the full planning process together in one place.

These guides will help with the rest:

• Complete Beginner's Guide to Going on Safari – everything first-time safari travellers need to know.
• Best Time to Go on Safari– a month-by-month guide to choosing the right season.
• How Much Does an African Safari Cost? – realistic budgets, what's included, spending money and tipping.

Or, if you'd rather skip the endless research, I'd be delighted to help plan a tailor-made African safari that's perfectly suited to how you like to travel.

Get in touch to start planning your journey today!

Back to Matt Hills TC Homepage