The complete packing guide for every type of safari
What you pack can make or break your safari experience. This comprehensive packing checklist covers clothing, gear, electronics, documents, and the items most travelers forget. Organized by category for easy reference.
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Built from real safari experience. I've seen firsthand the lack of trust, clarity, and real guidance in the safari industry. That's why I built this to help you plan your safari the right way, with confidence. — Philips
Everything you need to know before your first African safari
Plan a safe, engaging safari the whole family will love
Experience an incredible safari without breaking the bank
Wear neutral, earth-toned colors: khaki, olive, tan, brown, and beige. These blend with the environment and don't attract insects. Avoid bright white (gets dirty quickly and can startle animals), dark blue and black (attract tsetse flies), and camouflage patterns (restricted in some countries).
A DSLR or mirrorless camera with a 100–400mm telephoto lens is ideal for wildlife photography. Bring extra batteries, memory cards, a bean bag for vehicle stabilization, and a dust-proof camera bag. A smartphone works for landscapes and casual shots. Binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) are essential.
Soft-sided duffel bags are strongly recommended, especially for fly-in safaris with strict 15–20kg luggage limits on small bush planes. Hard suitcases often cannot fit in small aircraft cargo holds. Pack light and plan to do laundry at lodges (most offer same-day service).
Bring antimalarial medication (prescribed by your doctor), insect repellent with 30%+ DEET, sunscreen SPF 50+, basic first aid supplies, any personal prescriptions, antihistamines, anti-diarrhea medication, rehydration salts, and motion sickness tablets if prone to car sickness on bumpy roads.