African Safari Recommended Packing List
Preparing for a Week-Long African Safari:
The keywords of packing for an African safari trip are lightweight, breathable, moisture wicking, and sun protection.
Varying Temperatures: Temperatures can range from blistering hot during the day to near freezing at night. So multi-function clothing and layering techniques will be helpful.
Neutral Colors: Avoid bright and dark colors, as various insects are attracted to bright and dark hues. White may show dust and dirt, so your best colors to dominate your safari wardrobe are khaki, taupe, and brown.
Sun Protection: Be sure to protect yourself from the UV rays that are plentiful in Africa. Long sleeve shirts and pants, wide brim hat, and polarized sunglasses are a must!
Proper Footwear: If you're taking a walking safari you will need a sturdy pair of hiking boots to protect your feet from thorns and small malicious wildlife (scorpions, snakes, etc). However, if you are safariing by bush vehicle, a light walking shoe will be sufficient.
Recommended Packing List:
Safari Clothing
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Sun protection hat- packable/crushable, wide brimmed, light weight, uv blocking, moisture wicking on the inside but water repellent on the outside. Suggested Brands: Tilley (LTM6 & T3 models specifically), Henschel Hats
- Sun Protection Clothing: lightweight, moisture wicking, UV blocking.
- Long Sleeve Shirts (2) - Orvis Caster Shirt, Patagonia Capilene Shirts
- Short Sleeve Shirts (3)- Orvis, Patagonia, Kuhl
- Long Pants/Shorts (2-3)-Patagonia Quandary, Orvis Jackson Quick Dry Pants/Shorts, Kuhl Renegade and Freeflex Pants
- Travel Underwear (3-4 pairs) - Lightweight, moisture wicking, quick drying. Suggested Brand: Saxx Quest
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Socks (5 pairs) - moisture wicking, supportive. Suggested Brands: Smartwool
- Footwear: Danner, Vasque, and Merrell provide sturdy sole and ankle support.
- Puff / Fleece Jacket - Patagonia puff jackets and vests are great for layering on the chilly nights.
- Rain Jacket - A light weight rain jacket is always handy to have. It won't take up much space or add much weight, but it can provide protection from rain and chilling wind. Suggested Brand: Patagonia Torrentshell
- Bathing suit/trunks - For any beach time or unexpected swimming opportunities at hotels. Patagonia Baggies are a great lightweight, multi-function short.
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Polarized Sunglasses: For an African safari, sunglasses with brown/amber lenses are ideal. These colors enhance contrast and depth perception, making it easier to spot wildlife against the natural landscape. They also provide excellent protection from harsh sunlight and reduce glare without distorting natural colors. Costa del Mar, Bajio, and Maui Jim are our favorites. - Day Pack - Have a small bag to carry with you at all times with any small necessities. Suggested Brands: Osprey Daylite Pack, Patagonia Atom sling, Ameribag
- Binoculars: The Leupold McKenzie 8 x 42mm binoculars are both rugged and compact, perfect for travel and backpacking.
- Headlamp/Flashlight - Imperative for camp life. Fenix and Nebo both offer rechargeable flashlights with varying lumens to support your needs.
- Travel Towel - A lightweight, backpacking towel will be handy to have on hand. We suggest personal and bath towel sizes from PackTowel.
- UV Water Purification or Water Purifying Tablets - Sticking to bottled water is the safest option, but always have a back-up plan. Nalgene and Yeti have great water bottle options, and Platypus Quick Draw Water Filter is compact and convenient to carry in your daypack.
- Solar powered lanterns & chargers - Many safari lodges have limited power or solar energy only, so a portable power bank or solar charger can also be useful. We love the collapsible Luci Solar Lantern for long-lasting, packable, light.
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Motion Sickness Tablets - Have for all-terrain traveling - bush vehicle, boat, plane. - Plug adaptors - generally in Africa it's 3-prong round or square.
- Mini combination locks - Keep your items secured. But keys can get lost, so we recommend a TSA approved combination lock.
- Mini sewing kit - to repair any rips or tears.
- Insect Repellent - For complete protection, use the strongest stuff available - DEET.
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Sunblock - for arms, legs, neck, and FACE.
- Camera & Accessories - extra batteries, chargers, memory cards. You sure don't want to miss these photo ops!
