If you’re reading this article about a safari packing list, then you must be going on a safari – congratulations! An African safari is truly one of the most beautiful, life-changing and special trips in the world.
After going on a safari in Kenya and Tanzania I have many favorite items that I want to share!
This post is all about the best safari packing list!
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Things to know before you start packing:
- Layers! Most safaris including early morning, daytime, late afternoon and sundown safaris. This means you often need to be prepared for chilly mornings and midday day sun.
- Wear “safari” colors (tan, beige, olive green, etc.) The color black attracts insects like the tsetse fly which has a painful bite and can carry dengue fever. While wearing the color white stands out from the natural landscape colors and is known to spook animals.
- Consult a doctor for medications and vaccinations prior to departure! Some countries require vaccinations like typhoid and yellow fever. It’s also a great idea to find out if you need malaria medications
- Luggage Weight Limit. The tour company I traveled with allowed us to have a maximum of 33 pounds of stuff. That includes both our personal bag and luggage.
- Sports Bra! If you’re someone who wears a bra, then this is the time to pack a sports bra. The safari drives can be long, bumpy and on very uneven ground. Just trust me!
- Steer clear of prints! Camo clothing can be trendy, but in certain African countries wearing can be illegal. It should go without saying, but don’t wear any animal prints. The idea is to try and blend in to the environment not stand out with bright, patterned or animal printed clothing.
- Soft Luggage. Whether you’re flying on small bush planes or riding in bumpy safari cars having soft luggage is a must. Some tour companies require it.
- Pack a Journal. Whether you love to write/journal during your travels or not, safaris are the perfect time to start!
The Safari Packing List
To shop all of my favorite pieces in one place you can click this link to see all!
1. Safari Luggage
Before diving into the luggage section of the safari packing list, make sure you know what your luggage requirements are for your safari. Most require soft luggage and a certain weight limit. These four bags are all light weight, durable and cute for both safari and future travel.
The Wandrd PRVK backpack is truly my favorite travel backpack of all time. I’ve used mine for the past 3 years and I’ve truly put it through the wringer. This pack has been with me for weekend travels, hikes, rainstorms, road trips, and over 250 days of travel. It’s been to 28 different countries and still looks brand new.
(Plus: I’ve never been to the airport and not had someone stop me to ask if I love my backpack and where I got it).
I don’t have any deal or sponsorship with their company – I just genuinely love this backpack and couldn’t recommend it more highly.
2. safari shoes
What shoes should you bring on safari? Well, it depends on how active your safari is. Wearing shoes that are comfortable, practical, outdoorsy and safari colored is important on any safari. The Palladium boots below are incredibly lightweight and are perfect to bring on safari – I loved having mine!
You don’t want to have dark colored shoes because of the tsetse flies and insects being attracted to dark colors (see number 2 on the list above).
3. Safari bottoms
Let’s talk pants. I truly adore the Lululemon dance jogger because they’re comfy, lightweight, good quality and they come in so many different colors. Depending on the length of your safari I would bring 2-3 pairs of pants. Remember that being prepared for both hot sunny safaris, and chilly morning safaris.
These options are more trendy/stylish athleisure options to wear on safari. It’s also nice to invest in cute safari clothing that you’ll be able to wear and enjoy post safari!
4. Safari Layering Pieces
Layers. Layers. Layers. Safaris can be long days with multiple different temperatures. Cozy layers, windbreakers, and rain protection are all essential.
A scarf is a great thing to bring on safari to keep away dust and sun. This is something that I was so grateful to have on safari.
5. miscellaneous
6. Toiletries
These toiletries are for any and every type of travel. Though it’s not specifically just for a safari it’s perfect because none of the products are strong smelling, they’re all lightweight and smaller packages and I include my two favorite face sunscreens. Sunscreen is essential on a safari because you’ll be spending so much time outdoors!
If you’re looking to shop all of these items together in one place click the link to visit my ShopMy page for Safari.
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