Kenya Safari Packing List – Best Safari Packing List
Planning an African safari is usually very exciting until you start asking yourself what you should take with you.
Packing for an African safari differs from packing for any other trip. It can be a daunting experience for an experienced traveler, let alone a first-time safari tourist.
As a first-time safari tourist, I know this might sound a bit scary but worry not; we’ve got you covered.
Our team of experts has prepared a packing checklist that will help and guide you on what to take on your Kenyan safari with careful consideration required for the weather, comfort, local culture, and more.
Preparing for an African Safari
What to pack for a safari isn’t just about the clothing, or electronics and bitings. There are a lot of little quirky things about traveling to East Africa that you need to know before you go.
The primary activity on an African safari is going on game drives, which are what safaris are called in Africa. While there are often additional activities like walking safaris offered, the majority of your time will be spent sitting in safari vehicles while you and your guide look for the various wildlife you’ve come to see.
What to Pack for a Kenya Safari?
Packing for a Kenyan safari mainly depends on the weather/ time of the month you will be traveling, activities you will engage in, comfort, and more.
When packing, it is crucial to remember that most safari goers have weight restrictions on bush flights of 15kgs/33 pounds per person, including camera equipment.
It is also vital to ensure to pack minimally but at the same time, bring all your essential things; we recommend you use layers.
Whether a first-time safari goer or an experienced Kenyan safari tourist, it is crucial to have everything organized and ready before embarking on your travels.
Below is a list of the essentials you should include in your packing list.
Traveling documents
Your traveling documents are the most critical requirement. Therefore ensure that you do not forget any of them. These documents include a valid passport, a visa, Medical certificates as required, insurance papers, Flight tickets, emergency contact numbers, and a credit card or cash.
Ensure all your documents are in order and up-to-date. Your passport must have at least two blank pages and be valid for at least six months after the intended departure date from Kenya.
Clothes and shoes
Irrespective of the type of Safari you are embarking on and the time of the year you visit Kenya, the ideal clothes to pack should be casual, loose-fitting, and lightweight.
However, ensure you also include some heavy clothes to keep you warm during morning hours and evenings as it can be a bit cold most of the time. Also, pack neutral colors that will allow you to blend in during game spotting.
Ensure that you avoid military pattern clothes since they are worn by the local forces and are therefore considered unlawful.
Casual footwear will do if you are not planning on trekking during your visit. The shoes should be comfortable and closed to protect you from anything that could injure you.
Here are some of the clothes you should pack.
- Sufficient amount of socks and underwear
- Light, long-sleeved shirts (linen and cotton)
- Warm, jackets
- Sweaters and beanies
- Jeans and warm safari pants
- Dresses or shorts
- Broad-brimmed hats and sunglasses
- Waterproof boots
- Lightweight Raincoats
- Comfortable closed shoes and sandals
- Swimming costume
- Warm and cool nightwear
- Backpack
- Smart dinner wear if you are along the coast or in Nairobi.
Personal toiletries
Although some lodges and camps may have shops selling essential items, it is always best to take charge of your hygiene and pack your toiletries to ensure you have everything you need.
Include personal hygiene products such as body and hair oils and dental products.
It is also important to pack any prescription medicine on your Safari and a written prescription from your doctor just in case you have to buy your medicine here in Kenya.
In addition, remember to keep yourself hydrated in Kenya’s hot sun. Ensure that you avoid tap water to stay healthy. Bottled water is widely available in Kenya.
Here are some personal toiletries to pack
- Insect repellent
- Bug bite remedies
- Sunscreen
- Soap, Shampoo, and conditioner
- Moisturizer
- Portable packs of wet wipes
- Hand sanitizer
- Deodorant
- Lip balm
- Applicable medication
- Rehydration & electrolyte sachets
Tech & Gear
Kenya offers fantastic photo opportunities, so bring a decent camera to capture all the beautiful memories you will create. For increased security, we advise putting your camera and photography equipment in your carry-on bag rather than check-in.
Binoculars are handy, and though some Safari operators provide a pair in their vehicles, you can bring a set you prefer. If you are a photographer, you may want to carry your laptop, which helps download and process your images after a day on Safari.
Also, ensure you pack all the technology and equipment you may require while away from home.
Here are some of the tech and gears to pack.
- Travel adapters
- Lipstick-Sized portable charger
- Cameras
- Binoculars
- Laptop
- Flashlight
- Safety bag
- Cell phone
- Extra memory cards
An African safari has become a bucket list experience for most travel enthusiasts, and Kenya is one of the best safari destinations.
Kenya provides a fantastic selection for all tastes and situations, including family-friendly excursions, romantic getaways, immersive bush experiences, and educational guided safaris.
What to wear on An African Safari
1. Wear long sleeves and pants or shorts
Long pants and long-sleeved tops keep your skin covered and so protect you from the cold and wind, sun, and insect bites. While many places in Africa can get really hot, remember that some can also get downright chilly! This is especially true of many inland places when you’re out on safari early in the morning or at night.
2. Footwear and socks
As we have seen, Africa is hot and can get chilly too at times. But it’s recommended to carry some comfortable shoes and sandals that won’t bother you much while on safari.
We recommend bringing boots, and semi-heavy socks to wear during chilly mornings and evenings, as well as good for a walking safari. We also recommend you carry some open shoes or sandals, that you can use during the hot periods of the day, either while on game drives or at the camp relaxing.
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