What to Pack for Your First Safari?
"Be Prepared" - Lieutenant-General Robert Baden-Powell
Preparing for your first African safari requires thoughtful packing to ensure comfort, convenience, and readiness for the journey ahead. Whether you're embarking on game drives through baobab studded woodland and savannah or exploring the vibrant cultures of local communities, proper planning ensures you make the most of your experience. This guide was prepared by our clients and guides and is designed to help you pack efficiently and effectively.
“You can always tell who the first-timers are,” says African Pangolin expert, Jacob Calle, one of our top guides. “They’re the ones dressed head-to-toe like Van Pelt, the crusty British Imperial Hunter in Robin Williams’s Jumanji. The truth is, you don’t need to go on a spending spree, nor look like Teddy Roosevelt. Don't forget that a safari can serve as a wonderful excuse to buy a bunch of fun stuff, so don't be too stoic. Just leave your pith helmet at home!”
Field Tested Safari Packing List
Clothing
When it comes to clothing for your African safari, practicality and comfort are key. Dress in layers, anticipate three seasons daily, and opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics that provide sun protection during the day and warmth in cooler mornings and evenings. Neutral colors help you blend into the natural surroundings. No blues or bright whites. Metallic or reflective strips on clothing, hats, and shoes can antagonize wildlife.
Additional Essentials
Afternoon lounging clothes. (Between lunch and evening activities, most safari guests nap or relax on the veranda/poolside.)
PJs
Vented hat
Comfortable shoes
Sockes: Darn Tough & Bomba
Sandals for lounging around camp (though watch for thorns)
First aid kit + sunblock
Hygiene supplies (bring everything you need)
Flashlight
Sunglasses
Books (a tablet may attract insects)
Business/contact cards
Tea for Flights
Luggage & Flights
Choosing the right luggage ensures your belongings stay organized and accessible throughout your safari. Ensure your luggage is durable and waterproof to protect against dust and rain showers. If utilizing bush planes, sturdy, soft-sided bags provide flexibility, ease of storage, and are mandatory.
Bush Flight Luggage
Hard-Sided Checked Luggage
Soft-Sided Checked Luggage
Packing Cubes
Carry-On Luggage
Keep valuables and essentials such as passport, medications, travel documents, and a change of clothing in your carry-on. Make 2 copies of each document and tickets and have one copy in your carry-on luggage and another in your checked luggage. The passport copies should include the front and back pages. Also useful: the specifics of your travel insurance and medical evacuation policy, policy numbers, and contact information.
Electronics
While disconnecting to immerse in nature is part of the safari experience, certain electronics can enhance your journey. A quality camera with zoom capabilities was once essential for all guests. Now, most clients use their phones and only the serious photographers bring a traditional camera.
Universal Travel Adapter
Power Bank
The power grid in remote Africa can be unreliable and we do not recommend connecting your electronics directly into a socket via the travel adapter. Instead, charge your power bank with a universal travel adapter. Then use the power bank to recharge your devices. The use of a power bank provides you flexibility to leave the power bank plugged in and charging while you’re not in your room (when power may be on), and then charge your devices later (when you are back, but the power might be off).
Download WhatsApp on your phone while still in the United States. Encourage your family and friends (who you intend to communicate with while in Africa) to download WhatsApp and activate notifications.
Passport & Visas
Your passport’s expiration date must be at least six months after the last day of your safari and your passport must have at least two blank pages and these pages must face each other. If neither requirement is met, do not delay and renew your passport now to have those extra pages added. The U.S. State Department charges fees to expedite passport processing. If you renew your passport after purchasing airline tickets, contact your airline prior to travel.
Malaria Awareness
Throughout much of Africa, Malaria is hyper-endemic and present throughout the year. It is lethal. It is mandatory for you to take malaria prophylaxis. Additional malaria prevention measures are encouraged: insect repellent and the use of bed nets. Bed nets are provided by your lodging. You do not need to purchase one for the safari. Please refer to the CDC for current recommendations.
DEET-free repellent
We've used this product in the jungles of Madagascar and throughout East Africa. Herbal Armor® DEET-Free, Natural Insect Repellent* provides effective and safe protection using a uniquely effective combination of six natural, essential oils (soybean, citronella, peppermint, cedarwood, lemongrass and geranium).
Medical Evacuation Policy
We strongly recommend Global Rescue. They provide emergency medical, advisory, aeromedical evacuation, security evacuation, transport, rescue, and other services to their members. A two week membership is appropriate for most trips.
Our Favorite
Donations + Gifts
These are never required, but it you are so inclined, I encourage you bring binoculars, school, and medical supplies. Art, math, and science books Pack them in an inexpensive duffel bag so that both the items and the bag can be donated to an elementary school. Prior to packing them, remember to remove binoculars from their store packaging. Do not bring candy to donate.
Binoculars
Even if you have no interest in birds and birding, I recommend you bring binoculars. If you don’t own any, you can buy a general-purpose pair. Many of our clients guests donate their binoculars to youth conservation programs or their favorite guide at the end of a safari.
Entry Level
Advanced
Do Not Pack
When packing for an African safari, it’s important to consider both practicality and respect for the environment and local cultures. By avoiding these items, you ensure a more comfortable, respectful, and enjoyable safari experience. Here are some items that are inappropriate to pack:
Drones
Many safari parks and reserves have strict regulations prohibiting drones to protect the environment and ensure a tranquil experience for all visitors. They may be confiscated by authorities upon arrival, leading to fines or other penalties.
Bright and Bold Colors
Avoid bright colors like red, orange, and white, as they can startle wildlife and attract insects. Stick to neutral, earth-tone clothing.
Camouflage Clothing
While camouflage print is common in the United States for many outdoor activities, it is often reserved for military use in many African countries.
Strong Fragrances
Perfumes and scented lotions can attract insects and disrupt wildlife encounters. Stick to unscented products
High-Heeled Shoes
These are impractical for the terrain and activities you’ll be engaging in. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are a better choice.
Formal Wear
Though a linen suit may be fun for a safari-themed garden party, actual safaris are typically casual and active experiences. Formal clothing and dress shoes are unnecessary and impractical.
Non-Essential Electronics
Limit the number of electronic devices to essentials like cameras, smartphones, and perhaps a tablet or e-reader. Too many devices can be cumbersome and detract from the experience.
Weapons
Bringing weapons on an African safari is highly discouraged. Carrying weapons can lead to severe legal consequences, as many African countries have strict regulations against unauthorized firearms and/or ammunition.
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J. Scofield Price Safaris
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Photography generously contributed by Danny Badger, Tojo "Lytah" Razafimahefa, Sentinel Mara Camp, Rodney Bursiel, and Alice Péretié. All Rights Reserved by each respective photographer.
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