What to pack for your first African safari
What actually earns a spot in a 15kg duffel bag, and the items first-timers almost always regret bringing — or forgetting.
Safari Packing List · what to wear on safari
Most light-aircraft transfers between safari camps enforce a strict 15kg luggage limit in soft bags. This constraint serves as a practical filter, ensuring you pack for the authentic African bush rather than unnecessary changes of attire.
Perch Africa Safaris recommends focusing on these essentials for a seamless journey.
Packing priorities at a glance
| Category | Pack this | Skip this |
|---|---|---|
| Bag type | Soft duffel, no wheels | Hard-shell suitcase |
| Colours | Khaki, olive, tan, grey | Bright white, black, camouflage |
| Volume | 4–5 outfits plus layers | A full two-week wardrobe |
Highlights
- Clothing that works
- Gear worth the weight
- Health and comfort
- What to leave behind
01
Clothing that works
Stick to neutral tones like khaki and olive to blend into the landscape. Avoid bright whites that show dust, and dark blues or blacks which attract tsetse flies. Camouflage patterns are restricted in several African nations and should be left at home.
- A warm fleece for chilly dawn game drives
- A wide-brimmed hat for the equatorial sun
- Comfortable closed shoes for protection
- Swimwear for afternoon dips in camp pools
02
Gear worth the weight
Quality binoculars are vital for spotting wildlife. Pack a headlamp for moving around camp after dark, a reliable power bank, and a dry bag to protect electronics from fine savannah dust during transit.
03
Health and comfort
Bring high-SPF sunscreen, insect repellent, and personal prescriptions in original packaging. A small first-aid kit for minor scrapes ensures you remain comfortable between destinations.
04
What to leave behind
Hard-shell suitcases often cannot fit in small aircraft holds. Note that plastic shopping bags are strictly banned in Kenya and Tanzania. Do not overpack; most luxury camps provide efficient same-day laundry services.
Dos
- Wear neutral colours — khaki, olive, sand
- Pack layers for cold early game drives
- Stay seated and keep voices low near animals
- Follow your guide's instructions at all times
- Drink plenty of water and use sunscreen
Don'ts
- Don't wear bright colours, white or camouflage
- Don't feed or call to animals
- Don't leave the vehicle unless your guide says so
- Don't use drones — they need special permits
- Don't bring plastic bags (banned in Kenya and Tanzania)
What's usually included
- Accommodation in your chosen level
- Meals as listed in your itinerary
- Game drives with a professional guide
- Park and conservancy entry fees
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Drinking water in the vehicle
Usually not included
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guides and camp staff
- Personal items and souvenirs
- Premium drinks unless all-inclusive
- Optional activities not in your itinerary
Keep exploring
Your trip price, without guesswork
Your accommodation and flights need a quote for your dates, room arrangement and availability. Compare the full journey total, not a nightly headline: meals, transport, guiding, entry fees and optional activities should be clear. Published tariffs may change; we reconfirm the applicable fees before you book.
Our editorial values
Original travel guidance by Dennis Njoroge, CEO of Perch Africa Safaris. Wildlife and weather are never guaranteed. Published fees link to their authority sources; camp and flight prices are confirmed for your own journey. You receive your full itinerary and matching proforma before payment.
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Frequently asked questions
What bag is best?
A soft-sided duffel without wheels or a rigid frame, ideal for light-aircraft storage.
Is formal wear required?
No, smart-casual attire is perfectly acceptable for dinner at all camps.
How many outfits do I need?
Four or five outfits suffice for a two-week trip thanks to standard daily laundry services.
