Layering is key. Watch the weather before you leave to update anything you might want to take. Use a soft sided suitcase & leave room for gifts to bring back or carry a small bag you can roll up and put in the suitcase to put gifts in on your return.
Khaki & green are your new favorite colors while on safari. Most of these items you will have in your closet.
Cotton or hybrid short-sleeve shirts
Bring a few that are light and breathable, as well as a protective, long-sleeve sun shirt. Temperatures fluctuate over the course of the day, so when planning your safari wardrobe, think layers. One more addition for the ladies: those dirt roads are bumpy, so take it from the pros and pack a sports bra — you’ll be happy you did.
Comfy pants
Jeans and slacks made from hard fabrics aren’t ideal due to their weight and lack of movement. Instead, choose convertible and windbreaker-type pants that give you room to move. Yoga and “dance” pants are added options for women. Shorts are fine to wear on safari, just make sure to put on sunscreen.
A wide-brimmed hat or baseball cap
Don’t forget about protection from the sun when you’re packing for safari and be sure to bring a hat with broad coverage. You’ll also want to choose something with a chin strap to keep your hat from flying off while driving in open-air safari vehicles.
Closed-toe shoes
Keep in mind that safari vehicles often ramble off-road and along dirt paths, so you’ll also want a pair of closed-toe shoes that you don’t mind getting dusty. And while you might want a pair of flip-flops to slip on during your down time, they’re not a practical option in most cases since biting insects are plentiful. Leave your boots at home; they won’t do you any good in a safari vehicle and they’ll eat away at your weight limit.
Binoculars
Of course, you’re bringing your camera, but consider binoculars or a spotting scope, which can be a game-changing piece of safari gear for observing distant game.
Bug spray
Africa has some of the world’s most magnificent wildlife; unfortunately, it has its share of mosquitoes and biting flies, too, so bring insect repellent with a high concentration of DEET.
Flashlight
A pocket-size LED flashlight is handy for when the sun goes down, especially if your safari includes a guided night game drive.
Warm layers for cooler temps
If you’ll be on safari during winter months (mid-May through early September), pack a heavy sweater, gloves, warmer slacks and a lined jacket. This will keep you comfortable on chilly mornings, when temperatures often dip into the low 40s Fahrenheit. A down sweater or jacket also comes in handy; it’s lightweight but warm and it won’t take up a lot of space. A soft-sided duffel
Because flights to remote locations pose weight limits and most safari camps include laundry service, the most important rule is this: Don’t over-pack. Luggage restrictions are strictly adhered to, and soft-sided luggage or duffels are required for storage on safari vehicles and light aircraft.
Natural colors for African safari clothes
When selecting your gear and African safari clothes, keep in mind that there’s a reason safari-goers traditionally wear khaki: Bright colors or white (which make you stand out against the typical African background) can frighten animals and send them into hiding, while dark blues, blacks and browns attract insects. Additionally, leave your camouflage gear at home — it’s illegal for civilians in many African countries. So, when raiding your closet for your trip, go for khaki, olive, gray and light brown.
Some additional things that might make your safari more comfortable:
Camera -extra photo disks. (the new iPhones are fantastic for pictures)
Journal & pen
Power bank
Bathing suit
Gloves & Beanie
Neck gator
Head phones
Clear glasses to wear on safari drives, especially in the am – blocks anything coming into your eyes.
Extra local currency cash. You can usually get from your local bank, or when you arrive at the airport in the designated country.
Tipping is at your own discretion & not included. The suggested amount: $5/day for house staff; $10/person/day guide. Many times the lodges have community boxes for house staff to put in your tip.
