One of my top worries when we were planning our first safari was what to wear. I read so many blog posts but still felt pretty confused about what I actually needed. Anyone who’s read this blog for more than five minutes knows I like to travel as light as possible — and because we were visiting Diani, Nairobi, and Amboseli on the same trip, I really had to be strict with myself. No “just in case” items. Everything had to earn its place in the bag.
If you’re in the same position I was — excited, a little overwhelmed, and staring at a half-empty suitcase — this list is for you. I’m sharing exactly what I packed, what I wish I’d had, and a few things you can skip entirely.
A Quick Note on Safari Packing
Before we get into the list, a few things worth knowing. First, most safari camps have a weight limit for luggage — especially if you’re taking a small charter flight between parks, which is very common in East Africa. Soft-sided bags are often required for this reason. Second, you’ll likely be doing multiple game drives per day, so comfort and practicality matter more than looking put-together. Third, and this surprises people: it can get cold on safari. Those early morning sunrise drives are chilly, especially if you come from a warmer region like West Africa or the Caribbean or are visiting in the winter like we did. We stayed at Kibo Safari Camp in Amboseli and I was genuinely grateful for every warm layer I packed.
Now, onto the list.
What to Pack for an African Safari
1. A Fleece Jacket
This is non-negotiable. The sunrise and sunset game drives are magical but they can be cold, especially if you’re in an open vehicle with the wind hitting you as you move. I loved having a warm fleece to cozy up in — this is the one I wore and it kept me perfectly warm without being too bulky to pack. Layering is the move: fleece for the early drives, shed it by mid-morning when the sun is fully up.
2. A UV-Protectant Shirt
The afternoon game drives are a completely different story — the African sun is no joke (especially if you’re from a cooler country or visiting in the summer). A long-sleeved UV-protectant shirt is one of those items that sounds overly cautious until you’re sitting in an open vehicle with the sun directly above you for three hours. This one from Columbia is lightweight enough that you won’t overheat, which is exactly what you need.
3. Sturdy Sneakers or Boots
Leave the sandals and open-toed shoes at home. You won’t be doing a ton of walking during the drives themselves, but when you stop for bush walks, get in and out of vehicles, or explore around the camp, you’ll want your toes covered. I wore my New Balance sneakers for most of the trip and they were perfect — supportive, comfortable, and easy to clean when they inevitably got dusty. Some people bring hiking boots but if you’re not planning to do a bush hike, I think they’re overkill.
4. A Scarf
A scarf is one of those packing items that earns its keep ten times over. On safari, it doubles as dust protection — when the vehicle is moving across dry terrain, the dust kicks up through the open sides and windows. A lightweight scarf wrapped around your nose and mouth makes a huge difference, especially on long drives. Bonus: it’s also useful as a blanket on cold morning drives and as an extra layer if the evenings cool down quickly.
5. Binoculars
Your driver and guide will spot animals long before you do. Binoculars close that gap and completely transform the experience. Even if you can technically see the lion in the distance, binoculars let you actually watch it — see its chest rise and fall, notice the cubs nearby, track its gaze. Don’t skip this one. You don’t need anything too fancy, just a reliable pair with decent zoom.
I often used my camera as binoculars but one time we could only spot a pride of lions from far away and our driver had to lend us his binoculars! They would definitely come in handy here.
6. A Camera with a Telephoto Lens
Your phone camera will work, but if you have access to a DSLR or mirrorless camera with a telephoto lens, bring it. I used a Sigma 100-400 mm lens and got some of my favorite travel photos ever on that safari.
The rule of thumb: the longer your zoom, the better, and with a wider fx, even better! Animals are often farther away than you expect, and a longer lens means you can fill the frame without disturbing them. If you’re not sure where to start, the 100-400mm range is a great all-rounder for safari.
7. Insect Repellent
Our camp had mosquito nets over the beds, which helped a lot at night. But the dining areas are usually open-air, and depending on the time of year and location, mosquitoes can be a real presence in the evening. If you’re prone to bites or just prefer not to spend dinner swatting, pack a good insect repellent. DEET-based formulas are the most effective. Apply before sunset and you’ll be fine.
8. A Sun Hat
A sun hat is essential — full stop. You’ll be outside for hours during game drives with no shade overhead. I swear by the Tilley hat for sun protection: it’s got a wide brim, it stays on in the wind, and it holds up trip after trip. It’s an investment but absolutely worth it if you’re going to be spending serious time outdoors.
9. A Good Backpack and Camera Bag
You’ll want something to carry your gear in during drives without it rattling around or getting dusty. This is our favorite backpack and camera bag combo — it keeps everything organized and accessible, which matters when you’ve got approximately four seconds to grab your camera before the cheetah disappears into the grass.
10. A Belt Bag
A belt bag is genuinely one of the most useful things you can bring on safari. It keeps your phone, lip balm, sunscreen, and small essentials within reach without requiring you to dig through a backpack every five minutes. I love this Lululemon belt bag, and this is a great dupe if you want to save some money. I also have this one but it’s currently out of stock — keep checking back.
11. A Swimsuit
If you’re fortunate you’ll end up at a camp like Kibo with a beautiful pool. An afternoon swim between game drives is honestly one of the best ways to spend your downtime. We loved the pool at Kibo Safari Camp — it was a welcome reset in the middle of the day. If your camp has a pool (check before you go!), pack one. This swimsuit is a great option.
A Word on Safari Colors
You’ve probably heard that you should only wear neutral, khaki, sandy tones on safari.
Here’s what I think: There aren’t hard rules on this, but there’s a practical reason why people gravitate toward those colors. You will get dust on your clothes during the drives. It’s just part of the experience. Wearing lighter neutrals means the dust is less visible and your clothes look less dingy by the end of the day.
That said, nobody is going to turn you away from the vehicle for wearing a bright yellow jacket. Feel free to be as stylish as you’d like — just know that light-colored and breathable fabrics will keep you more comfortable and photograph beautifully against the African landscape.
‼️ What You Don’t Need to Pack
Just as important as what to bring is what to leave at home. Skip:
- Heavy jeans — they take forever to dry and are uncomfortable in the heat.
- Fancy shoes that are sky high or you’d hate to stain.
- Excessive number of outfit options; you’ll be in the vehicle most of the time and nobody is judging your rotation. Most camps have laundry services if you’re on a longer trip, so you really can pack light.
Safari is one of those travel experiences that genuinely changes you — if you’ve been thinking about it, let this be your sign to start planning. We visited Kenya as part of a longer trip that also included Diani Beach, and the contrast between a beach holiday and a safari in the same trip was incredible. If you’re still working out where to stay, my Kenya accommodations guide covers everything from budget camps to luxury lodges.
Pack smart, travel light, and enjoy every single minute out there!
Have questions about packing for your first safari? Drop them in the comments — I’d love to help.
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