mission trip to africa packing list

35 Top Africa Packing List Items for 2024 + What to Wear & NOT to Bring

Many Westerners see Africa as an exotic, faraway land – one that’s so different that it’s hard to comprehend. Fortunately, more and more people are visiting Africa to see for themselves what it’s really like. From the fascinating history of Egypt, to the exceptional wildlife safaris of South Africa, to the rich culture of Senegal– you’ll find magic in every country of this beautiful continent.

To help prepare you for diverse landscapes and cultural etiquette, we’ve put together this packing list, including a section on what to wear in Africa , what NOT to bring., seasonal information, and FAQs.

What to Pack for Africa – 35 Essentials

1. high-quality filtered water bottle.

Avoiding tap water is probably the #1 thing visitors should do to stay healthy in Africa. Out on safari or in less populated areas, bottled water may not be readily available, and you will appreciate having autonomy over your water supply. The Grayl filtered water bottle is our preferred option – it’s top-quality and filters out harmful bacteria, viruses, microplastics, sediment, chlorine, and more. It’s not cheap, but also not expensive considering you’ll pay more in health bills by gambling with e. Coli or Hepatitis A.

View on Amazon.com ➜

2. Neck Wallet

You’ll obviously need your passport to reach Africa. A passport pouch is useful for keeping your credit cards, cash, phones, plane tickets, and of course… passports — organized for the long international journey. It’s also smart when traversing crowded tourist attractions or busy marketplaces where pickpockets tend to hang out. This one is difficult for sticky hands to open and it can be worn discreetly under your shirt to prevent petty theft. It also has RFID-Blocking material, which means anyone scanning your bag from afar cannot steal your financial information.

Available on HeroTravelSupply.com with an exclusive 15% discount using the coupon code “HERO”.

view on Amazon.com ➜

3. Virtual Private Network (VPN)

Ransomware is rapidly growing in Africa and the country is digitally-evolving faster than the legislation can keep up with. This means there isn’t sufficient security around cyberattacks and you will need to protect yourself from any data breaches or online theft. You may not realize this, but if you go on any public or unsecured Wi-Fi such as at a restaurant, airport, or hotel – you are putting your passwords and credit cards at risk of being stolen. The last thing you want is to discover your bank account has been drained or your identity has been sold to the dark web! But a good provider like NordVPN makes it next to impossible for hackers to access your private info.

Also, many African countries heavily censor the internet, which means you may be unable to check emails or stream your favorite shows on services like Netflix, YouTube, or HBO. If you plan on remaining connected on your journey, a reliable VPN is essential to prevent getting blocked. Get the VPN beforehand for discounted flight tickets since they can’t geolocate you, woo-hoo!

View NordVPN.com Options ➜

4. Power Adapter for Africa

If you’re coming from North America, you’ll need a power adapter anywhere in Africa. There are several different types of plugs found throughout the continent, so a universal adapter is the way to go. This one is our favorite because it works in 100+ popular countries and can be used for future travel as well. The only African country this one won’t work for is South Africa, as that plug is a different kind entirely – we recommend this Type M adapter for South Africa.

5. Activated Charcoal (Food Poisoning Remedy)

If you’re careful about what you eat and drink as you travel around Africa, hopefully, you can avoid getting sick. But there’s always some risk, so bring a bottle of activated charcoal to be prepared. If you get sick, it’ll stop diarrhea by absorbing whatever toxins are in your system, saving you a lot of time and distress by getting you back on your feet in no time!

6. Travel Insurance for Africa

Your domestic provider does not cover you overseas and you will need a travel-based form of insurance to protect yourself and your loved ones. For this region in particular, buying travel insurance is essential since you need to expect the unexpected on the vast plains of Africa. We had a friend break their arm overseas – thankfully, she had insured her trip and wasn’t forced to pay out-of-pocket for major surgery and treatment expenses.

It costs a tiny fraction of your total trip cost and will cover you for common traveler issues like delays, theft, baggage loss, international hospital bills, and even the ability to cancel your trip “for any reason!” We use Faye because they simplify everything through their mobile app (I’ve avoided filling out insurance paperwork in the past because it was so daunting… but Faye made the claims process super easy and sent us funds when we needed them most). We love the peace of mind of knowing we’re covered, and it’s way more affordable than people think.

Get a quote in less than 60 seconds with Faye ➜

7. Lipstick-Sized Portable Charger

These days, keeping your devices charged while on the go is essential. Africa is no exception. Although the continent boasts a population of 1.2 billion people, almost 75% is uninhabited. This means you will be spending long days lost in the bush or deep in the Valley of Kings, with no power grid in sight. I can’t tell you how many times this lipstick-sized charger has saved us on our journey when our phones were almost out of batteries and we needed to look something up online, navigate somewhere, or call for a ride. If you plan on spending a lot of time off-grid, we highly suggest bringing a solar-powered power bank as well.

8. Packing Cubes

Packing cubes are the secret to any organized suitcase or backpack. They come with three or five different-sized cubes (depending on which variety you choose), so you can organize your things and easily find them at your destination. They are well-ventilated to keep your clothes and other belongings smelling fresh. Label each cube “tops, pants, essentials, socks, etc.” and never lose anything on vacation again! There are even bonus laundry bags so that you can separate your dirty clothes from your clean ones.

9. Jet Lag Relief

These jet lag relief supplements are a must-have for our international travel days. If you’re an American traveler, direct flights to Africa can take 15+ hours and the time change is nearly 10 hours ahead. This is a recipe for disaster against your internal clock and can really throw off your first couple of days on vacation. These supplements are herbal and balance your circadian rhythm, giving you energy without the jitters or caffeine rush. They’re an absolute game-changer!

10. Quick-Dry Travel Towel

Whether you go swimming, hiking, exploring ancient temples, on safari, or just lounging by the Mediterranean Sea – a travel towel will definitely come in handy. These quick-dry towels are much more compact than a regular towel (so you’re not lugging around bulky hotel towels everywhere), plus they dry 10x faster than typical cotton. It’s one of the most versatile items you can bring, doubling as a shawl, packing cushion, seat cover, changing curtain, and more.

11. Hanging Toiletry Bag

Bathrooms can be small or non-existent across the plains of Africa. If you’re staying at a resort or hotel, you will likely have a toilet and sink, but countertop space and storage are not guaranteed. We were elated to discover this hack – a hanging toiletry bag that takes all of your toiletry products and converts them into a shelf-like storage system. You’ll find that this noticeably ups your travel game and minimizes stress. It’s WAY better than sprawling products all over the place and creating utter chaos in your suite.

Just hang this nifty case on any door, hook, shower pole, or branch if camping, and you can easily see everything at eye-level to avoid rummaging for that little lip balm or digging for cotton swabs. It has 4 spacious internal pockets with elastic bands to hold your bottles in place, and 3 external pockets which are perfect for smaller items like medicine and jewelry.

12. Windproof Travel Umbrella

If you plan to visit Africa, you’ll want to be aware of each country’s rainy season. Packing a small but sturdy travel umbrella would be a good idea so that you are prepared regardless of the weather forecast. It’s also great for blocking the sun while waiting in long lines. We’d recommend this travel umbrella in particular because it’s durable and has a lifetime replacement guarantee!

13. Discounted Tickets to African Attractions

Get Your Guide is our favorite booking service for the best local tours that will completely enhance your trip. From ziplining in Tsitsikamma to safari in Nairobi , you’ll find no shortage of adventure in Africa! And there are so many ways to get around Africa – by dune buggy in the Sahara, by cruising down the Nile, or by camelback .

Obviously, tourists are drawn to the Egyptian pyramids and popular spots like The Blue Town for a reason… They are amazing! But carve out some time for lesser-known experiences like cooking a traditional Morrocan meal, visiting the Ouzoud Waterfalls , marveling at wildlife on a Puebla safari , or hiking Paradise Valley .

See all African attractions at GetYourGuide.com ➜

14. TSA-Approved Luggage Locks

Crowded places like tourist attractions, public buses, and beaches can draw thieves. You’re also trusting your checked luggage to the airlines as it disappears out of sight for potentially dozens of hours. As someone who’s had things stolen out of their checked bag, I recommend these TSA-approved luggage locks that are harder to crack than traditional locks. Bring a couple of sets for your suitcase, backpack, locker, or anything else you need to secure.

15. Luggage Straps

Frankly, it’s a long journey to Africa and I wouldn’t feel safe sending my bags on that rough passage without attaching these luggage straps. Between the layovers and common mishandling of bags – things break. Actually, an average of 25+ million bags per year are damaged or lost by airlines. And the last thing you’ll want to deal with is a suitcase exploding open while it’s being thrown around from one conveyor belt to the next.

They can withstand 700+ lbs of force tension, fit nearly any-sized case (hard-shell, soft-shell, children’s case, carry-on, etc.), and will ensure your items arrive in one piece. Another brilliant perk is the brightly-colored straps that you’ll spot from a mile away, even in a sea of bags that look all the same. And the built-in ID tags are a thoughtful touch in case anything gets temporarily lost.

16. Motion Sickness Patches

Between whale-watching in Cape Verde, busing on bumpy roads through Madagascar, or riding the roller-coaster of sand dunes in Namibia – these motion sickness patches will offer support against nausea. I used to get very sick on trains, planes, and cars, but this remedy has drastically improved my life. My favorite perk is that it’s more gentle than oral medication and doesn’t cause the typical drowsiness of products like Drammamine .

17. Cooling Towels

The highest recorded temperature in Africa is 136°F. While it’s unlikely that temps will skyrocket during your visit, it could still be very hot. Just in case, we recommend bringing a set of cooling towels – these magical babies drop to 20-30 degrees colder than the outside temperature and stay frosty for up to an hour! Simply add water and you’ll be resilient against the harsh UV rays.

18. Ultralight Travel Backpack

Day-to-day, a backpack will be the smartest way to carry all of your essentials (water bottle, camera, phone, wallet, etc.) while still remaining hands-free. This one by Venture Pal is designed for travel. It’s super lightweight, with tons of storage compartments and material that resists water, rips, and abrasions. If you were in an emergency, it also has a whistle attached to the front buckle to call for help.

19. Convertible Hiking Pants

Convertible hiking pants will be perfect for safari and other outdoor excursions. You don’t want to wear jeans or anything overly-heavy that can cause heat stress. Not to mention, bright colors are a no-no since they can attract unwanted attention from wildlife. This option is neutral and practical because you can rip off the lower pant legs if they get wet or muddy, transitioning from pants to shorts with ease. They’re even designed with a silver fiber cooling system for built-in temperature regulation.

20. Universal Waterproof Phone Cases

Dive to depths of up to 75 feet to explore coral reefs and marine life in Zanzibar and capture it all on camera with this waterproof phone case. It will also keep pesky sand from collecting in the nooks and crannies of your phone while you traverse the Sahara desert on camelback. No matter where in Africa you choose to explore, a waterproof phone case will protect your lifeline from the elements.

21. Water-Resistant Crocs

For daily walks through town, you’ll be more comfortable in protective shoes. You may also be moving through savannahs, the rainforest, and more, so having water-resistant Crocs is ideal since you can easily hose off any mud or dirt. They’re incredibly comfy, and I preferred having a slip-on pair than having to un-lace shoes every time I entered a home. Here’s a pair for men .

22. Packable “Just in Case” Bag

Africa will leave an imprint on your heart and you will likely feel called to bring back some stunning local goods! Use this “just in case” bag to do a little shopping on your getaway and bring home a piece of your memories. Between a multi-billion-dollar diamond empire, scrumptious tea exports, old-world wine, textiles, masks, jewelry, baskets, and vibrant artwork – you’ll find plenty of gifts for yourself and your loved ones. This bag can be easily stored under your plane seat on the trip home and counts as your personal item.

23. Probiotics

Many African nations don’t have the same sanitary standards that we’re used to in Western countries. Therefore, using these probiotics to keep your digestion and immunity strong is essential. I recommend taking them before your travels and especially during the trip. It will keep you regular and mitigate the risk of any harmful bacteria.

24. Female Urination Device

Okay gals, hear me out. Africa has sprawling terrains that can lead you far off the beaten path. Sometimes a restroom is nowhere in sight or it’s a squat toilet (a hole in the ground). Sometimes you find one, but it’s absolutely atrocious… When you gotta go, this little device will allow you to enjoy the freedom that men are born with – being able to pee while standing up! Using a funnel design for no mess (and zero porta-potty trauma), I promise you won’t regret having it.

25. TSA-Approved Toiletry Bottles

Speaking of things that will fit perfectly in your hanging toiletries bag – TSA will require all liquid bottles to be under 3.4 ounces/100 ml for flights. So don’t forget these leak-free travel bottles that work for both your checked suitcase and carry-on bag. You likely won’t find your favorite products in Africa, but you also don’t want to risk having to throw them away at the airport. These nifty cases will save space in your luggage and spare you from hauling heavy, full-sized bottles.

26. Rash Guard

With almost 20,000 miles of coastline that spreads across 54 nations, Africa boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the world! Madagascar has some of the largest coral reefs we’ve ever seen, and if you’re visiting the Northern or Eastern seaboard, you’ll definitely want to do some snorkeling. Bring along a rash guard because Africa’s sunrays are powerful! This top will prevent any nasty sunburns and cut down on the amount of reef-safe sunscreen you have to use.

27. Deodorant Wipes

As you beat the heat, bring along a few natural deodorant wipes for a quick refresh. Since they control smell and sweat, I use them all over my arms and legs for a cool-off. They smell divine and are pocket-sized, so you can throw a handful in your purse or backpack. Maybe best of all, they leave behind ZERO white residue ( which we can’t say about typical deodorant )!

28. Lightweight Binoculars with Phone Adapter

The otherworldly sights of Africa are part of what makes it so unique! As you spot lions and giraffes across the horizon, use travel binoculars to make your sights even more breathtaking. This set will give you cheetah vision with 12X magnification. It can even be connected to most smartphones for simplified sharing. You could invest in a top-notch pair like Vanguard , but these are a great value at a fraction of the cost!

29. Waterproof Pocket Blanket

The landscapes of Africa can range greatly. From sandy beaches to lush forests to muddy plateaus – this pocket blanket is perfect for countless activities like picnics, morning meditations, or sitting in an area that may be less clean than you would like. With a durable waterproof material, it will ensure that no moisture seeps through or ruins your clothes. P.s. travel items are always better in pocket size!

30. Electrolytes

Electrolytes are unsung heroes. Not only do they literally save lives, but diarrhea or food poisoning (from food or water) can leave you seriously dehydrated. This is especially problematic in a hot climate. If you do get sick, mix these tablets with water to replenish the electrolytes you’re losing. Loaded with key nutrients and vitamins, electrolytes will help you combat dehydration and balance your fluid levels more quickly.

31. Headlamp

For any outdoor activities, a headlamp is an effective way to keep your footing on uneven grounds and remain hands-free. If you need to find a restroom in the jungle or need to see in areas with no streetlights, this will keep you safe from accidents. I’ve tried to find a bathroom in the middle of nowhere and ended up in a horrific bed of spiders! Learn from my mistakes and keep this with you to navigate unpredictable areas.

32. Travel Toilet Paper

Sadly, nationwide, there are reports that some African cities aren’t keeping up with the demand for basic toilets. While a resort will certainly have toilet paper, consider excursion days or times when you venture away from your accommodation. Toilet paper may not be available throughout your trip, so keep some on hand that is strong and absorbent. This brand is one of the only options we’ve found that doesn’t reek of harsh chemicals!

33. Mosquito-Repelling Wristbands

Out of 600K malaria deaths in 2021, Africa was home to 95% of malaria cases. While this is an intimidating statistic, thankfully – malaria is easily preventable and treatable with medication. Still, you should be aware of the facts to be prepared. Pack plenty of mosquito spray and these wristbands that allow you to stay consistently protected. Extra caution should be taken in the warm summer months (December through March).

34. Sun Hat with Mosquito Netting

Along the same line of thinking, there are some areas where a netted hat would be wise to wear. This one will offer you mosquito and sun protection along with a built-in sweatband to wick away moisture. The netting can be adjusted, and you can choose to wear it in 3 ways – bucket hat, hat with a neck cover, or hat with a face cover. It’s waterproof, so it won’t be damaged by surprise downpours, and it will help you feel safer against mosquito-borne diseases.

35. Stylish Jumpsuit

Accra in Ghana, Club 57 in Lagos, The Summit Club in Johannesburg – you will have a plethora of awesome nightlife options, so you’ll obviously need a gorgeous outfit! This jumpsuit works for day or evening, flaring out at the waist for a classical dress-like silhouette. It suits the culture well, so you won’t stick out like a sore thumb, and the style is super flattering on many body types.

Other Packing List Items for Africa

• Luggage locks
• Small backpack
• Reusable cloth bag
• Quick-dry towel
• Travel sheet
• Travel pillow
• Memory card
• Headphone splitter
• GorillaPod tripod
• Calcium supplements
• Toothbrush covers
• Bug repellent
• Hand sanitizer
• Contact solution
• Mini hairbrush
• Loofah glove
• Toiletry bag
• Hiking shoes
• Lightweight scarf
• Swimsuit cover-up
• Passport photos
• Other Africa packing lists you may like:
• Kilimanjaro |
• Marrakech |
• South Africa |

What to Wear in Africa?

Though it’s a large and diverse place, when it comes to clothes for Africa, there are three things I’ve found everywhere I’ve visited.

The general rule of thumb is to make sure that you have your shoulders and knees covered, but that doesn’t mean your sense of fashion needs to suffer. Knit capri pants can pair well with flowing t-shirts that can be cute for a day out and easily dressed up for an evening meal. For those who are planning on taking a safari, a simple cotton shirt paired with breathable cargo pants are the way to go.

Most resorts and major cities have a wide variety of nightlife options, so make sure to pack going-out outfits that are both fashionable and dance-able. Protection from the sun is also important, so polarized shades and a wide-rimmed hat are must-haves. Finally, a comfy-pair of shoes and a cute pair of sandals will keep you comfortable and stylish. What should MEN wear in Africa? – (Click to expand) Below is a sample men’s clothing list. (All items link to Amazon.com for your convenience).

Men should be following the same conservative rules as women when it comes to preparing their wardrobes. A quick-dry convertible shirt is convenient for safaris, while a loose-fitting causal button-down is ideal for the nights out. Don’t forget a classic t-shirt! Jersey t-shirts are great for keeping excessive sweating at bay. Cargo shorts are a safe bet for cruising around major cities, as well as the more remote areas that you may visit on safari. Pants that can be converted to shorts are perfect – you can wear them as pants when you need to be conservative, and transition them to shorts for the more casual areas.

Packing for the Seasons in Africa

Dry Season – April, May, June, July, August, September, October:

Most regions in Africa – especially south of the equator – experience a dry period for about half of the year. This time of year is drier but can sport some intense heat. It’s a popular time of year to safari because scarcity of water forces animals to group around watering holes, which means they’re easier to see. Travel conditions are also a bit easier when it’s dry.

Layers are perfect here, as the temperature change can be dramatic from morning to night. A light jacket or fleece will do nicely. Convertible pants are also ideal, as you can adapt them to fit any weather. Be sure to pack good hiking shoes if you’ll be doing anything even remotely active – sneakers won’t cut it. Walking sandals are a great idea as well. If you plan to go out (most people find at least one occasion to do so) bring a knockout outfit and some comfortable but cute flats to dress up. Temperatures vary widely by region, but average between 65°F to 80°F (18°C to 27°C).

Wet Season – November, December, January, February, March:

The wet season is, predictably, wet. Rain and humidity dominate the forecast, though you’ll find that certain months have much less rain than others. Heat doesn’t let up – in fact, the humidity can intensify it so plan accordingly.

Quick-dry clothing is essential – think athletic tops , a breathable rain jacket , and convertible hiking pants . Waterproof hiking shoes are non-negotiables, along with a windproof travel umbrella . I also highly recommend bringing a water-resistant daybag to store your daily belongings in. Temperatures vary widely by region, but average between 65°F to 85°F (18°C to 29°C).

Safari, in Swahili, means “vacation” and it is the quintessential experience when visiting Africa. Your wardrobe will be contingent upon what season you visit, between rainy and dry seasons. For the rainy seasons, a downpour is never ruled-out so it is imperative that you bring quick-drying clothes and lightweight raingear, as well as hiking shoes that you are not afraid to get muddy. Nights during both the rainy and dry seasons can become chilly, so be sure to pack long sleeve shirts, sweaters, and pants. Layering is your friend, as layers can always be taken off as the day progresses and gets warmer. A daypack is also advised to keep valuables close to you while not obstructing movement or getting in the way.

The African coastline is a haven of beautiful beaches and resorts, from Zanzibar to South Africa. There are many beaches that lay in countries that practice Islam and Christianity, and so it’s best to plan to dress conservatively – even at the beach. One-piece bathing suits and swimsuit cover-ups are always a safe bet. Resorts usually have private beaches, in which case it is not necessary to be as conservative, but it’s always a good idea to ask the front desk if you have any doubts about how to dress appropriately.

Religious Sites

What NOT to Bring to Africa

1. don’t bring.

Short shorts or miniskirts. Revealing clothing is considered inappropriate in almost all parts of Africa. If it doesn’t cover your thighs and knees, leave it at home.

2. DON’T BRING

Lots of cash. Most larger towns and cities throughout Africa have ATMs, so you can access local currency once you arrive. There’s no need to take a ton of cash with you and risk having it get lost or stolen.

3. DON’T TAKE

An Africa-wide guidebook. Some companies publish guidebooks to the whole continent, but with 54 countries to cover, they don’t provide enough information to be useful. Do your generic Africa research online, and then purchase guidebooks to the specific countries or regions you’re visiting.

4. DON’T PACK

More than one pair of jeans. You may want jeans for nights out, but limit yourself to one pair. They’re bulky and heavy, and they take forever to dry. In many parts of Africa, the hot, humid weather means you probably won’t want to wear jeans too often anyway.

5. DON’T PACK

Heavy books. Even one or two books will add serious weight to your luggage, and you’ll probably regret having to carry them around. Instead of physical books, I recommend investing in a Kindle and doing your reading that way.

6. DON’T TAKE

A mosquito net. This is an item I sometimes see on Africa packing lists, but it’s generally not worth bringing. Most accommodations will have a net if one is necessary, and it’s usually not possible to hang up your own anyway.

7. DON’T BRING

A sleeping bag. I’ve also seen packing lists for Africa that include sleeping bags, but they’re big and bulky. There’s no need to bring one unless you’re planning on some serious camping and you’ll need your own gear.

8. DON’T TAKE

Unnecessary valuables. Things can get lost on the road, and there’s always some risk of theft while traveling in Africa. Other than things you’ll really need (like a camera), it’s just not worth bringing lots of valuables with you.

FAQs About Travel in Africa

1. is it safe to travel to africa.

There are risks involved with traveling to certain areas, but visiting Africa is in no way inherently unsafe. Remember that most countries are vastly different from how they’re portrayed in the media or pop culture. Over 65 million people from other continents visit Africa each year, and very few of them have any major problems. If you’re concerned about safety, it’s always best to check country-specific  travel advisories while planning your trip.

2. Is it safe for women to travel to Africa?

Women are pretty safe in Africa. This huge continent contains a lot of countries (54, to be exact!) and so you may find that certain areas are a little less comfortable for females and solo travelers, but for the most part it’s about as safe as most other tourist destinations. Unlike many other parts of the world, however, Africa is a place to watch for travel warnings, as the political and social climates in African countries can be tumultuous at times. This isn’t unique to Africa, of course, but it’s always best to search for the countries you plan to visit on the  US Department of State  website to be sure there aren’t any out-of-the-ordinary threats to tourists at your time of travel.

3. How can I stay healthy in Africa?

Vaccinations:  Beyond making sure you’re up-to-date on basic vaccines – MMR (measles-mumps-rubella), Tdap (tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis), polio, chicken pox, hepatitis A, and hepatitis B – both yellow fever and typhoid vaccinations are recommended for travel to most African countries. The rabies vaccine is only needed for visitors planning to take extended trips to remote areas or come into contact with animals.

Malaria prevention:  Malaria prophylaxis is recommended in almost all African countries, and it’s a good idea to use insect repellent and to sleep under a mosquito net, as well.

Food and drink:  Tap water in Africa is generally not safe for Westerners, so be sure to only drink water that has been treated and to avoid beverages made with tap water or ice. Make sure your food, especially meat, is thoroughly cooked, and skip raw fruits or vegetables unless they can be peeled.

4. What is the weather like?

While large parts of Africa are stereotypically hot, the weather varies across the continent and throughout the year. For planning travel, one key thing to understand is that most of Africa doesn’t have four seasons, but instead has two: rainy and dry. The exact timing of the seasons varies by region, and some experience two rainy seasons and two dry seasons per year. An exception is Southern Africa, where the seasons more closely mimic those in Australia: summer is December-February, and winter is June-August.

5. How much does it cost to travel in Africa?

Africa is generally cheaper than Europe or North America, but it’s not an extreme budget destination. However, travel costs vary significantly by country and region, as well as by travel style. You can spend thousands of dollars per person on luxury safaris, or travel independently for around $50 a day. As in most places, living like a local makes travel quite affordable: stay at basic guesthouses, eat at local restaurants or markets, and use public transportation and shared taxis.

6. How can I access cash or pay for things in Africa?

While credit cards are accepted at major resorts, large safari companies, and some upscale restaurants, cash is definitely king in most parts of Africa, especially outside of Southern Africa. ATMs that dispense local currency and accept international debit cards are common in cities and large towns but don’t be surprised if you have to try a couple before you find one that’s working. Most cities also have forex bureaus where you can easily exchange cash.

7. What kind of adapter will work in Africa?

Several types of electrical outlets are found throughout Africa, but a universal adapter will work in most places. However, if you’re visiting Southern Africa, it’s a good idea to bring a South Africa-specific adapter in addition to the universal one (see #3 in the first section of this article).

8. Where should I go on an African safari?

When people talk about safaris, they’re almost exclusively referring to East and Southern Africa. Kenya,  Tanzania , and South Africa – home to the Maasai Mara, the Serengeti, and Kruger National Park, respectively – are the most popular destinations for safaris, but there are also many excellent safari options in Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

9. What can I do in Africa besides go on a safari?

There are plenty of things to do throughout Africa besides safaris, especially for adventure junkies. Many of the continent’s coastal nations and islands boast picture-perfect beaches and offer an array of water activities, including scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing, and kayaking. There are also hiking opportunities in most countries, including world-renowned hikes in Ethiopia, South Africa, Kenya, and Tanzania. Scenic helicopter, micro-light, and hot air balloon rides are available in a few places in East and Southern Africa, and there are even opportunities to skydive, bungee jump, and zipline. Beyond all the adventure activities, though, the chance to simply explore and experience the local culture is one of Africa’s biggest draws; visiting local markets, taking a walk through town, and talking to the people you meet might end up being some of your most memorable experiences.

10. Which African airlines are the best?

Among the continent’s major airlines, South African Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, and Kenya Airways are widely considered the most reputable and are known for operating at Western standards, though many smaller airlines are perfectly safe as well. I advise avoiding any airlines that are under European Union restrictions or that have an extensive list of recent incidents, which you can view on Wikipedia.

11. Can I visit Africa if I only speak English?

Yes! English-speaking visitors can get by in most parts of Africa, though it’s decidedly easier in the half of African countries that use English as an official language (mostly former British colonies). The average person you encounter on the street probably won’t be fluent in English, especially outside the cities, but many people working in tourism and hospitality do speak it. Compared to the rest of the continent, English is much more prevalent in East and Southern Africa.

The Essential Packing List For A Meaningful Mission Trip To Africa

• Last updated Feb 25, 2024
• Difficulty Advanced

• Category United States

Are you preparing for a mission trip to Africa and wondering what essentials you should pack? Look no further! In this guide, we will provide you with a comprehensive packing list to help you make the most of your meaningful mission trip. From important documents to cultural considerations, we have got you covered. So, grab your backpack and get ready to embark on a journey of a lifetime!

What You'll Learn

What are the essential items to pack for a mission trip to africa, are there any specific clothing items or accessories that are recommended for a mission trip to africa, are there any specific medical supplies or medications that should be included in a mission trip packing list for africa, how much luggage should be brought on a mission trip to africa, and what are the best types of bags or suitcases to use, are there any cultural or local items that should be included in the packing list for a mission trip to africa, such as gifts or supplies that may be of use to the local community.

Mission trips to Africa offer incredible opportunities for individuals to make a positive impact and help those in need. Whether it's providing medical aid, rebuilding communities, or teaching English, these trips require careful planning and preparation. One crucial aspect of preparing for a mission trip to Africa is packing the right essentials. In this article, we will outline the essential items to pack for a mission trip to Africa, ensuring that you are well-equipped to fulfill your mission effectively and comfortably.

• Clothing: Africa's climate varies across different regions, so it is essential to pack clothing suitable for the specific location and time of year. Lightweight and breathable clothing is a must for hot and humid regions, while warmer clothing may be needed for cooler evenings or higher altitudes. It is also crucial to pack culturally appropriate attire, respecting local customs and traditions.
• Personal Hygiene Items: Cleanliness and hygiene are essential for maintaining good health during a mission trip. Pack items such as travel-sized toiletries, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, and toilet paper. It may also be necessary to bring insect repellent and sunscreen, which are crucial for protecting against mosquito-borne diseases and sunburn.
• Medical Supplies: Depending on the nature of your mission trip, it is advisable to pack a basic first aid kit. This may include items such as band-aids, antiseptic ointment, pain relievers, allergy medication, and any necessary prescription medications. It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the specific medical supplies you may need for your mission.
• Electronics and Communication: In today's digital era, electronic devices such as smartphones, cameras, and laptops can be invaluable for documenting your mission trip and staying connected with loved ones back home. However, it is crucial to research the availability of electricity and internet access at your destination. If limited, consider bringing portable chargers, extra batteries, and offline mapping applications for navigation.
• Travel Documents and Money: Before embarking on a mission trip to Africa, ensure that you have all the necessary travel documents, including a valid passport, visa, and any required permits. It is also advisable to carry a photocopy of these documents as a backup. Additionally, having local currency or a reliable method of withdrawing money, such as a debit card or prepaid travel card, is crucial for emergencies and day-to-day expenses.
• Cultural Exchange Items: A mission trip is an opportunity to foster cultural exchange and build connections with the local community. Consider packing small gifts or items that reflect your own culture to share with the people you meet. These gifts can serve as tokens of goodwill and help create lasting memories and friendships.
• Comfort Items: Mission trips can be physically and emotionally demanding, so it is essential to bring items that provide comfort and support. This may include a comfortable sleeping pad, a lightweight sleeping bag or blanket, a travel pillow, and earplugs for a good night's rest. Additionally, consider packing a journal or notebook to document your experiences and an inspirational book or music for personal reflection and motivation.

In conclusion, preparing for a mission trip to Africa requires thoughtful consideration of the essential items to pack. By packing suitable clothing, personal hygiene items, medical supplies, electronics, travel documents, cultural exchange items, and comfort items, you can ensure that you are well-equipped to fulfill your mission effectively and comfortably. Remember to research and plan according to the specific needs of your mission trip, and consult with experienced individuals or organizations if needed. Embarking on a mission trip is a rewarding experience that can create a positive impact and leave a lasting impression on both you and the communities you serve.

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When planning a mission trip to Africa, it is important to consider the specific clothing items and accessories that will be necessary for the trip. Africa is a diverse continent with varying climates and cultural norms, so it is important to be prepared for different situations. Here are some recommendations for clothing and accessories for a mission trip to Africa:

Lightweight and Breathable Clothing:

Africa can have hot and humid climates, so it is important to pack lightweight and breathable clothing. Choose materials such as cotton or linen that will allow air to circulate and help to keep you cool. Avoid synthetic materials that can trap heat and moisture.

Long Sleeve Shirts and Pants:

In many African countries, it is important to dress modestly and respectfully, especially when visiting rural or conservative areas. Pack a few long sleeve shirts and pants that are lightweight and breathable to cover your skin from the sun and insects. These can also protect you from the harsh sun and prevent mosquito bites.

Comfortable and Sturdy Shoes:

Africa often has uneven terrain and dirt roads, so it is important to have sturdy and comfortable shoes. Depending on the nature of your mission trip, you may need hiking boots, sneakers, or sandals. Make sure your shoes are broken in before the trip to prevent blisters and discomfort.

Hat and Sunglasses:

Protecting yourself from the sun is crucial in Africa, as the intensity of the sun’s rays can be high. Pack a wide-brimmed hat to shield your face and neck from the sun, and sunglasses to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. Opt for sunglasses with polarized lenses to reduce glare, which can be helpful if you are working outdoors or recreationally.

Travel Adapter and Power Bank:

A reliable power supply may not always be available in certain areas of Africa, so it is essential to bring a travel adapter and a power bank. This will allow you to charge your electronic devices and phone, even in areas with limited access to electricity.

Insect Repellent and Mosquito Net:

In many parts of Africa, diseases such as malaria and dengue fever are prevalent, which are transmitted by mosquitoes. To protect yourself, use insect repellents containing at least 20% DEET or a comparable alternative. Additionally, consider packing a mosquito net for sleeping to further reduce your risk of mosquito bites and potential diseases.

First Aid Kit:

Having a well-stocked first aid kit is crucial for any mission trip. Include items such as bandages, antiseptic ointment, pain relievers, and any necessary prescription medications. It is also a good idea to carry a basic first aid manual or guide in case of emergencies.

Remember to research the specific region you will be visiting in Africa to ensure that you are aware of any additional recommended clothing or accessories. Additionally, always check the weather forecast prior to your trip to pack accordingly.

In conclusion, when planning a mission trip to Africa, it is important to pack clothing and accessories that are suitable for the climate, cultural norms, and specific activities you will be engaged in. Lightweight and breathable clothing, long sleeve shirts and pants, comfortable shoes, a hat and sunglasses, a travel adapter and power bank, insect repellent and a mosquito net, and a first aid kit are all essential items to consider. By being prepared and packing the right items, you can ensure a safe and successful mission trip to Africa.

Essential Items to Pack for a Journey Away from Home

When planning a mission trip to Africa, it is essential to have a comprehensive packing list that includes all the necessary medical supplies and medications. As the healthcare infrastructure in many African countries may be limited, it is important to be well-prepared to handle any medical emergencies or health issues that may arise during your trip. Here are some specific medical supplies and medications that should be included in your mission trip packing list for Africa.

A well-stocked first aid kit is a must-have for any mission trip. It should include items such as bandages, adhesive tape, antiseptic wipes, scissors, tweezers, and disposable gloves. These items can be used to treat minor injuries and wounds.

Prescription Medications:

If you or any members of your team have any specific medical conditions that require prescription medications, make sure to pack an adequate supply for the duration of your trip. It is also a good idea to bring a copy of the prescription and a note from your doctor, as some countries may have restrictions on certain medications.

Over-the-Counter Medications:

Include essential over-the-counter medications such as pain relievers, antacids, antidiarrheal medications, and antihistamines. These can be used to alleviate common symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, diarrhea, and allergies.

Basic Wound Care Supplies:

In addition to the first aid kit, it is important to pack basic wound care supplies such as sterile gauze, adhesive bandages, wound cleansers, and antibiotic ointment. These can be used to clean and dress wounds to prevent infection.

Water Purification Tablets:

Access to clean drinking water may be limited in some areas of Africa. Pack water purification tablets or a water filter to ensure that you and your team have access to safe drinking water throughout your trip.

Insect Repellent and Anti-Malaria Medications:

Africa is known for its mosquito-borne diseases, including malaria. Protect yourself and your team by packing insect repellent with at least 30% DEET and anti-malaria medications if necessary. It is also advisable to sleep under mosquito nets and wear long-sleeved shirts and pants to minimize exposure to mosquitoes.

Oral Rehydration Salts:

Dehydration can be a common problem in Africa, especially in areas with limited access to clean water. Oral rehydration salts are essential for replenishing electrolytes and fluids in case of dehydration or diarrhea.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it is crucial to bring personal protective equipment such as face masks, hand sanitizers, and disposable gloves. These items will help protect you and your team from potential exposure to the virus and help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Remember to consult with a healthcare professional or travel medicine specialist before your trip to get personalized advice based on your specific destination and medical history. They can provide valuable guidance on additional medical supplies and medications that may be needed for your mission trip to Africa.

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Planning a mission trip to Africa requires careful consideration of many factors, including how much luggage to bring and what types of bags or suitcases to use. Having the right amount of luggage and the right kind of bags can make your journey smoother and more efficient. In this article, we will discuss how much luggage to bring, the best types of bags or suitcases to use, and provide some practical tips for packing for a mission trip to Africa.

The amount of luggage you should bring on a mission trip to Africa depends on several factors. First and foremost, consider the duration of your trip. If you're going for a short-term mission trip of a week or less, it's advisable to pack lightly and bring only essential items. On the other hand, if you're embarking on a long-term mission trip, you may need to bring more luggage to accommodate your needs.

Another factor to consider is the specific requirements of your mission trip. Some mission organizations may have restrictions on the size and weight of luggage allowed. It's important to familiarize yourself with these guidelines beforehand to avoid any inconvenience or extra charges at the airport. Additionally, check if there are any specific items you need to bring for the mission work, such as medical supplies or educational materials.

Best types of bags or suitcases to use

When it comes to choosing the best types of bags or suitcases for a mission trip to Africa, durability and functionality are key. You'll want bags that can withstand the rigors of travel and provide easy access to your belongings. Here are some recommendations:

• Backpack: A high-quality backpack is an excellent choice for a mission trip. Look for one with multiple compartments to help you stay organized. Opt for a backpack made of sturdy materials such as nylon or polyester, as it will be more resistant to wear and tear. Make sure it has comfortable shoulder straps and a waist belt to distribute the weight evenly.
• Duffel bag: If you prefer a bag with a large storage capacity, a duffel bag can be a great option. Look for a duffel bag made of durable materials like canvas or ballistic nylon. Choose one with sturdy handles and a detachable shoulder strap for easy carrying. Some duffel bags also come with wheels, which can be helpful when navigating through airports or uneven terrain.
• Rolling suitcase: A rolling suitcase is another popular choice for a mission trip. Opt for a suitcase with a hard shell made of polycarbonate or ABS, as it offers better protection for your belongings. Choose one with 360-degree spinning wheels for effortless maneuverability. Look for additional features like TSA-approved locks and expandable compartments to accommodate any extra items you may need to bring back.

Practical tips for packing

Once you've decided on the amount of luggage and the type of bags or suitcases to use, here are some practical tips for packing for a mission trip to Africa:

• Make a packing list: Create a detailed packing list to ensure you don't forget any essential items. Divide your list into categories such as clothing, toiletries, electronics, and mission-specific items. Tick off items as you pack them to avoid any last-minute confusion.
• Pack lightweight and versatile clothing: Choose clothing that is lightweight, breathable, and suitable for the climate in Africa. Opt for versatile pieces that can be easily mixed and matched. Pack a few long-sleeved shirts and pants to protect yourself from mosquitoes in certain regions.
• Pack essential toiletries and medications: Bring travel-sized toiletries and medications for personal use. Check if you need any vaccinations or malaria prophylaxis before your trip and ensure you have an adequate supply of prescription medications if needed.
• Leave room for donations: If you're planning to bring donations for the local community, leave some space in your luggage to accommodate them. Coordinate with your mission organization to determine the specific needs and guidelines for accepting donations.

In conclusion, the amount of luggage to bring on a mission trip to Africa depends on factors such as the duration of the trip and specific requirements. Choosing the right type of bags or suitcases, such as backpacks, duffel bags, or rolling suitcases, is essential for a smooth and efficient journey. By following practical packing tips, you can ensure you have everything you need while still leaving room for any potential donations. Have a safe and fulfilling mission trip!

Essential Items to Pack in Your Car for Winter Weather Driving

When preparing for a mission trip to Africa, it is important to consider the cultural and local items that may be of use to the local community. These items can be gifts or supplies that not only benefit the community but also foster a connection and understanding between the mission team and the local people. Here are some items that you may want to include in your packing list:

• School Supplies: Education is highly valued in many African communities, and providing school supplies can greatly benefit local students. Items such as pens, pencils, notebooks, and calculators are always in high demand. Additionally, consider donating textbooks or educational materials that can aid in learning and educational development.
• Medical Supplies: Access to healthcare and medical supplies can be limited in some African communities. Including basic medical supplies, such as bandages, antiseptics, gloves, and over-the-counter medications, can be of great help to local clinics or healthcare centers. It is advisable to consult with local healthcare professionals or organizations regarding specific medical needs in the area.
• Clothing and Shoes: Many African communities face poverty and lack adequate clothing or shoes. Donating gently used or new clothing items, including T-shirts, shorts, dresses, and shoes, can make a significant impact. It is important to consider the cultural norms and climate of the community when selecting appropriate clothing items.
• Hygiene Products: Basic hygiene items are often overlooked and undervalued in some African communities. Including items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, and sanitary pads can greatly improve the overall health and well-being of community members, especially women and children.
• Water Filters: Access to clean and safe drinking water is a major challenge in many African communities. Providing portable water filters or purification tablets can help address this issue and reduce the risk of waterborne diseases. It is crucial to ensure that the water filter system is appropriate for the local water sources and meets the desired quality standards.
• Solar-powered Devices: Electricity may not be readily available or reliable in some African communities. Providing solar-powered devices, such as lanterns or chargers, can be a valuable and sustainable solution. These devices can improve lighting conditions, enable phone charging, and enhance overall safety and convenience for community members.
• Cultural Exchange Items: Including items that represent your own culture or country can foster cultural exchange and promote understanding. These can include flags, traditional clothing, music, books, or small crafts. Engaging in cultural exchanges during the mission trip can help build relationships and create a sense of unity and harmony.

When considering what items to include in your packing list, it is important to work closely with local organizations or community leaders to ensure that the items you bring are appropriate and meet the needs of the community. Their insights and expertise will be invaluable in determining what items will have the most impact and benefit the local community in the long run.

Furthermore, it is essential to pack these items appropriately to ensure they reach the intended recipients. Organizing items in separate bags or containers can help facilitate distribution and minimize confusion. Additionally, labeling items or including instructions in the local language can help ensure proper use and maximize the benefits of the donated supplies.

In conclusion, when preparing for a mission trip to Africa, it is crucial to consider the cultural and local items that may be of use to the community. By providing school supplies, medical supplies, clothing, hygiene products, water filters, solar-powered devices, and participating in cultural exchanges, mission teams can make a lasting impact on the lives of local people. Collaborating with local organizations and packing items appropriately will contribute to the success and effectiveness of the mission trip.

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Frequently asked questions.

When packing for a mission trip to Africa, it's important to consider the climate and cultural norms of the specific country you will be visiting. In general, lightweight and breathable clothing made from natural fibers such as cotton or linen is recommended. Pack comfortable and modest clothes that cover your shoulders and knees, as this is often the norm in many African countries. Don't forget to bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the strong African sun.

Besides clothing, there are several essential items you should pack for a mission trip to Africa. These include a good quality insect repellent to protect against mosquitoes and other insects that may carry diseases. It's also wise to bring a first aid kit with basic medications for common ailments, as well as any prescription medications you may require. Additionally, pack a reusable water bottle, water purification tablets, and a basic toiletry kit with essentials such as soap, toothpaste, and toilet paper.

Bringing gifts or donations for the local people in Africa can be a wonderful way to show your support and build connections with the community you are visiting. However, it's crucial to do so in a culturally sensitive and sustainable way. Before packing any donations, it's important to research the specific needs and preferences of the local community. Items that are often appreciated include school supplies, toiletries, and basic medical supplies. It's also a good idea to bring items that can be easily distributed, such as pre-packaged hygiene kits or small toys for children.

When it comes to electronic devices, keep in mind that access to electricity may be limited in some areas of Africa. It is advisable to bring a reliable and lightweight power bank to charge your devices. Additionally, it's a good idea to bring a universal power adapter to ensure your electronics can be plugged into local outlets. Consider bringing a camera or smartphone to document your trip, but be mindful of respecting the privacy and customs of the local people when taking photos or videos.

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Africa Packing List: The ESSENTIAL Packing List for Africa

Planning a trip to Africa? We’ve visited every country on the continent, so we’ve got an idea about what you’ll need.

Our guide covers the essentials you will need in your packing list for Africa.

Hi, we’re Rach & Marty!

We’ve visited every country in the world and want to help you get the most out of your travels!

Whether you need an expertly planned itinerary , some experienced hints and tips , or just craving a delicious food adventure , we’ve got you covered!

We may earn affiliate commissions from websites we link to, at no cost to you. Click here for details.

This is a massive continent and items aren’t so easily found in many African countries, compared to say travelling in Europe or Southeast Asia.

This Africa packing list is light enough to carry, which will make your travels much easier.  

Let’s get to it! The Only Packing List for Africa you need

Table of Contents

How to Choose the Right Travel Bag

Ok, some people are backpack travellers and others couldn’t think of anything worse than lugging their lives on their backs, they need a suitcase.

Depending on the type of travel you are doing in Africa, I’d recommend a different travel bag. 

If you are just visiting Africa on an organised safari, staying in lodges and having all logistics taken care of (lucky you), then a suitcase would work for you. 

We’re huge fans of  Nomatic suitcases.

If you’re joining an organised small group tour (see trips with G Adventures ), an overland expedition or travelling independently, then  a backpack is highly recommended.

Choosing a backpack over a suitcase for your packing list for Africa will give you more flexibility in your movements.

You will encounter dirty and dusty vehicles, your baggage will be stuffed under seats or tied to the top of a bus (with livestock) and you may have to nurse your main backpack on your lap for the longest bus journey you’ve ever encountered.

It is a little easier to bear all of this and move more freely if you have a backpack rather than wheeled luggage.

Nowadays, you can buy some awesome travel bags that offer both options, like the Osprey Wheels 36 Bag . You can wear this bag as a backpack and then convert it into a rolling bag too. 

We’ve used many travel bags over the past twenty years. The one we use now is the Osprey Farpoint 40L Backpack and we love it!

This is the ideal travel bag for your packing list for Africa. 

Do you need a small day pack?

Travelling with a small day pack is a personal choice. We travel with one as we do carry a MacBook and some cameras and we prefer to keep our valuables with us at all times.

For our travels in Africa, we did it all with an Osprey day pack.

When we’re on the move, our small Osprey day pack sits on the front of our body with our Osprey 40L backpack on our backs, this makes it easy to quickly access passports or money.

There have been some advancements with travel gear over the past few years and we’re really impressed with Nomatic Travel Gear – the travel range is AMAZING!

In particular, the Navigator 15L Backpack is awesome – they’ve thought of everything that any traveller could possibly need.

I’d recommend any travel bag from the Nomatic Travel gear range to include in your Africa packing list.

Choosing your Travel Clothes for Africa Packing List

As I mentioned at the beginning, this packing list for Africa is the only one you’ll need to deal with all temperatures and conditions in Africa.

The best clothing to select for your packing list in Africa is light, breathable cotton, clothing you can mix and match, and items that dry quickly. 

Just a heads up, you’re likely to become quite a good clothes hand-washer if you’re travelling here for a while. There just aren’t too many other options for getting laundry done (unless you’re happy to pay ridiculous prices for your hotel or lodge to wash them for you).

Packing List for Africa: Clothing for WOMEN

• 1 pair of  black skinny jeans
• 1 pair of Columbia zip-off long trekking pants  OR  Lululemon travel pants
• 1 North Face  lightweight jacket/fleece
• 1 Light Rain jacket
• 1 pair of black  loose cotton pants
• 1 light  long-sleeved cotton shirt
• 4  basic t-shirts
• 3 loose  singlets/tanks
• 1  denim shorts  
• 1  cotton shorts  (H&M brand or similar)
• 1  light short  (wear as pyjamas or to the beach)
• 1  nice top  to wear out
• 1 little  black dress
• 2 pairs of  ankle socks
• 7 pieces  underwear
• 1  bikini   (we love Roxy brand swimsuits)
• 1  Cap
• 2 bras  and  1 sports bra
• 1  headscarf   (to visit places of worship)
• Birkenstock Sandals
• Havaianas – Slim Black flip flops
• Merrell Women’s Black Hiking Shoes  or Nike Women’s Black Running Shoes  (Choose one that suits the type of travel you expect to do. Are you planning to do some hiking? Then take hiking shoes).

Packing List for Africa: Clothing for MEN

• 2 pairs of Quiksilver Boardshorts
• 1 pair of Travel/Hiking Shorts
• 1 pair of Long Trousers
• 2 pairs of Smart Chino Shorts
• 3 Tank Tops
• 1 Long Sleeve Cotton Shirt
• 1 Smart Shirt
• 1 Casual short-sleeved shirt
• 1 Warm Fleece
• 1 Light NorthFace Waterproof jacket
• Salomon Hiking Shoes  or Mens Nike Black Running Shoes
• Underwear & socks

Toiletries for Women

We’re lucky to be able to share some toiletries on the road – so it gives one of us a little more room in our backpack.

If Marty carries the toiletries, I’ll carry our  espresso machine  and fresh coffee to evenly share the load.

We try to keep toiletries to a minimum as they can be heavy. We also travel with carry-on baggage, therefore all of our toiletries must be 100ml or less.

You can usually pick up small sachets of shampoo or conditioner or bars of soap in different countries in Africa.

• Hanging Toiletry Bag
• Small containers  (100ml) for refills
• Shampoo/Conditioner  100ml each
• Bar of  soap
• 1  shaver/razor  (we never have a problem at airports with this in our carry-on)
• 1  hairbrush
• Roll-on deodorant
• Toothpaste & toothbrush
• exfoliating shower glove  (we found these in Morocco..love them)
• 100ml sized  sunscreen  – We like Nivea or Neutrogena brands
• Nivea face moisturiser SPF30
• Blistex  and lip balm
• A few pieces of makeup (which we rarely use, but sometimes it feels nice to dress up) 1 tube of  foundation , bronzing powder, and brush,  1 mascara

Toiletries for Men (as suggested by our male travel buddy)

• Toothpaste and toothbrush
• Moisturiser
• Shaver/small shaving cream
• Mosquito repellent (with DEET!)

 Accessories/Extras for our packing list for Africa

• A  pouch  that holds my passport, different currency, bank cards, passport photos, copy of passport, driver’s license, and a copy of our SafetyWing  travel insurance  policy
• Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker
• Silk sleeping sheet  – For those overnight trains or airport naps.
• Sarong  (our shower towel, beach towel)
• Frank Green Portable Coffee/Tea Cup
• LifeStraw  filter water bottle (this lives in our small day pack)
• Oakley Sunglasses  & Protective Case
• Travel clothesline

Technology/Electronics

If you’re a photographer, digital nomad, or simply can’t live without your MacBook and other electronics, we understand.

We need these things as we work online as we travel the world. Our packing list for Africa includes the following electronics.

• 13″ Macbook Pro   with charger
• iPhone 13 Smartphone with a USB charger.
• Apple  AirPods  for iPhone
• Old school  iPhone headphones 
• Sony RX100 Mark III Camera   with leather case
• Sandisk  2TB external hard drive
• Worldwide adapter plug.
• GoPro Camera  – a waterproof stick/few extra clips for it
• Belkin  Powerbank 
• Small portable  USB drive
• Small pouch  that holds all cords for cameras etc
• Gorilla tripod  for our Sony camera

Get Connected with eSIM

Get connected easily on your travels—buy an eSIM! An eSIM works like an app: buy it, download it, and get connected in minutes! It’s easy, affordable, and convenient. Keep your original phone number, too!

Click below and view which eSIM data plan you need for your next adventure. Use our referral code: RACHEL5045 , to get $3 off your first purchase !

Safety in Africa

Safety in Africa greatly depends on what countries or regions you’ll visit.

We recommend doing as much research as possible for your upcoming trip and checking your government Travel Advisory to see what countries are regarded as ‘Unsafe for Travel’.

In Australia, this website is Smart Traveller , and for Americans, visit the Travel.State.Gov website.

Some countries in Africa are deemed unstable and unsafe. In addition to reading about our best tips for safe travel (which is focused on all international travel), you must have the latest updates on safety in the country or countries you plan to visit.

The same goes for  travelling anywhere in the world; accidents do happen.

There are some cities in Africa (Dakar in Senegal and Addis Ababa in Ethiopia) that have a higher rate of pickpockets and petty thieves, so you need to be a little more cautious of your belongings.

Travel Insurance 

Make sure you get Travel Insurance before hitting the road. We recommend Heymondo & SafetyWing Travel Insurance.

Click here and get 5% off Heymondo from us!

It will be one of the most essential things on your packing list for Africa.

Read more about why we recommend these two Travel Insurance Companies for 2023 and beyond.

Transport and Getting Around in Africa

Getting from A to B in Africa isn’t as easy as it is in other regions of the world.

You will most likely book several flights within Africa, and we recommend  Skyscanner  to get the best flight deals. The prices are unbeatable and you can choose to pay in the currency of your choice. 

Depending on what country in Africa you will be visiting, check out AFRICA Page and select the individual country from here that you’re heading to next.

We’ve got some comprehensive travel itineraries that work in many countries in Africa.

Posts such as  the perfect itinerary for Madagascar in 2 weeks,  the ultimate  14 Day Itinerary for Tunisia  and  8 amazing places to visit in Algeria.

How to Book Accommodation in Africa

We always use the same websites to book accommodation in Africa.  Booking.com  is our number one choice for booking accommodation in most African countries.

We also like the Booking.com app, it’s very user-friendly and we can make reservations with ease when we’re on the go.

• 🔥 Hot Tip: Book accommodation in advance on Booking.com
• 🎟 Book your attractions and tickets online: We recommend Viator and GetYourGuide
• 🔋 Stay charged: This Belkin Power Bank is essential!
• 📸 Join a Group Tour: Find some amazing Group Tours here
• ✅ Get Connected with an eSIM: Fast, easy and affordable! View easy eSIM options here

Apps to download for Africa

Download these apps on your phone to make your travels in Africa much easier.

Whether you’re preparing a packing list for African safari and then returning home or if you plan to stay much longer in Africa, your packing essentials list should include these apps.

• CheapOair (to search flights)
• Booking.com  (to book accommodation on the go)
• XE.com (to check the latest exchange rates)
• Maps. me (the best offline maps to help you navigate around)
• Google Translate (while English is widely spoken in Europe, this app is so useful when you get lost in translation)
• Bolt – Cheap taxi/ride-sharing app
• Viator – Book the best experiences and things to do in Africa

Staying in Africa long-term?

If you’re considering staying longer in Africa (and you’ve got the right visas to do so), check out the Trusted Housesitters  website for saving loads of money on accommodation. Become a house-sitter in Africa, (and all over the world) if you’re considering staying in one place for a little longer.

Being a house-sitter means free accommodation for you in return for looking after different homes around the globe. This was one of the best things we ever did!

Join now with our personal invitation and receive a massive 25% off your membership!

The Best Group Tours in Africa

If you don’t have the time to travel slowly in Africa but really want to discover more, then a group tour could be the answer.

We recommend Expat Explore. They offer a variety of group tours in Africa to suit everyone.

Check out  Expat Explore , and if you see a tour that you want to book, use our promo code  VERYHUNGRYNOMADS  at checkout for an additional  5% discount off your trip !

My other suggestion is G Adventures for awesome small-group adventures in Africa. They offer 90+ tours in Africa.

Check out this huge range of trips here.

Travel Tips for Africa

We’ve got some comprehensive blogs about travelling in Africa as we spent quite a bit of time here. Our Ultimate Africa Packing List has all the essentials you need for your big trip.

It’s worth reading these  17 ESSENTIAL Things to know before travelling to West Africa  and be sure to check out our  AFRICA Page  for detailed blogs about individual countries.

We share our expert travel advice in this post – 15 Best Tips after 15+ years of Travel  and 11 Tips – how to save money to travel the world.

Perhaps you’re interested in how to become a housesitter and travel the world for FREE?  

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The Ultimate Africa Packing List (Plus FREE Printable Checklist)

Deciding what to pack for Africa, especially if you’re travelling long term, covering multiple countries with different dress codes, cultural considerations, weather conditions and temperatures, can be a bit confusing!

But don’t worry, with this comprehensive Africa packing list, I’ve got you covered for pretty much every country in Africa and all situations! This list covers both men and women and will work for East, West, North and Southern Africa. 

Just to be clear, you probably don’t need everything on this list. A lot will depend on where you are going and when. And, as I’m getting older, the more I am realising the beauty of packing light.

For example, if you’re just travelling to Zanzibar for two weeks , or going to Benin where it’s usually hot, you’re not going to need a warm jacket, however, if you’re travelling to Namibia or Botswana in the colder winter months, you definitely will need a warm jacket.

If you’re not trekking for days on end in the rainy season, do you really need a heavy waterproof jacket? No, you won’t. If you’re not into photography, do you need a tripod? Not really.

But, if you are travelling for a long period of time, many of these items will come in useful, so pick and choose the items appropriate to your own trip and travel needs.

PS. Don’t forget to scroll to the bottom to download your FREE Africa Packing Checklist!

Please Note:  Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which will earn me a small commission at no extra cost to you. Affiliate sales help with the running costs of this site, so thank you for your support!

Table of Contents

My Complete Africa Packing List – What to Pack for Africa

Africa Packing List – Baggage

When you are travelling around Africa, your bags are likely to get thrown about, strapped to the roof of a car and absolutely covered in dust, so I’d recommend you invest in a durable rucksack as your main luggage – especially if you’re overlanding or backpacking.

I prefer the front-loading backpacks, rather than the top-loading backpacks, but both work. A great choice for Africa is something like the Osprey Fairview (both of which come in 55L and 70L versions, or 40L if you want to just travel with a carry-on).

You can, of course, take a suitcase too, but I just find that backpacks are much easier to carry around and to fit into the various types of transport you are likely to take (you may even need to sit with it on your lap if taking small minibuses).

Backpacks with wheels also work, but you’ll sometimes end up dragging them through sand and over dusty, bumpy roads, so being able to just pick it up and put it on your back is a bonus.

If you’re on a private, more high-end safari, you’ll likely have more space and someone to carry your bags for you, so any luggage works. But, if you are taking any small planes to go on safari, just bear in mind they often have strict weight limits (which is why I recommend carrying a smaller bag to decant things into – see below)!

Having a smaller backpack/daypack is really useful for hiking or going on safari etc. On my trips, I usually take either an 18 or 25-litre backpack (I take the 25 if doing bigger treks where I’ll need a proper day pack and the 18 on most of my regular trips).

I usually my daypack as my carry-on for the plane, it fits my computer and camera stuff in, plus a few other bits and pieces.

Handbag/Purse

I also have a crossbody bag by Troop London that I LOVE (I’m wearing mine in the picture above) and this is what I use on a daily basis/for nights out.

Foldable Duffel Bag

As well as my main bag, I have a small, soft foldable bag and it’s fab. I use this to decant stuff into if I’m going on a short 2-night safari to the Serengeti etc, and then I can leave my big bag back at the hotel. It also works well as a carry-on.

Packing Cubes

I am a massive fan of packing cubes when packing for Africa. If it’s one piece of advice I could give you about packing, it’s to separate your stuff. They just make everything sooo much easier to find and keep clean!

I love the  Eagle Creek Pack-it Cubes as they are really good quality and they last forever (I’ve had mine for 14 years now and they have survived multiple, long-term Africa backpacking trips), but there are a few different makes to choose from. I also sometimes wrap mine in a sweater and use it as a pillow when I’m camping or on overnight trains. Works like a charm.

I also take a few reusable cotton tote bags. These are great for putting things like underwear in and they don’t rustle, therefore don’t piss off your roommates (and plastic bags are banned in many African countries).

I always have two wallets – my normal everyday small purse, as well as a travel wallet to keep my documents/passport in (see below).

If you are doing any trekking or any water activities where your stuff is likely to get wet, you could invest in a dry bag like these . Sea to Summit and Earth Pak are good brands. Having a small waterproof phone case is also useful to have so that you can go swimming with your phone.

Toiletry Bag

I take a wash bag that has room for general toiletries and a little bit of makeup. Mine is this one from Lifeventure. I absolutely love it because it has 5 separate compartments, it’s machine washable, it has a mirror and a hook so that you can hang it up away from wet shower floors.

Africa Packing List – Clothing

Choosing what clothes to pack for Africa is tricky. But there are a couple of main things to consider…

Clothing & Packing Tips for Africa

1. check the weather.

Seems obvious, but before you go, check the seasons/temperatures. Being prepared for the seasons will mean that you’re not carrying around heavy stuff when you don’t need to, or freezing your boobs off when you don’t have appropriate warm clothing.

What most people don’t realise, is that the temperatures vary greatly between countries and seasons and even within each individual country, there are also lots of microclimates.

For instance, in Tanzania in August, it’s really cold on the Ngorongoro Crater rim and you’ll need a down jacket, and sometimes a hat and gloves, but in January/February, it’s not too bad, so a fleece will usually do.

But if you then head to Zanzibar or the coast, it’s going to be pretty hot and humid all year round.

2. Think About Your Activities/Itinerary

On your trip to Africa, you will probably have different occasions you need to pack for – safari, hiking, water activities, beach and eveningwear.

For safari, comfortable and layer-able clothing is best and 95% of the time, normal clothes are fine. If doing walking/cycling/horse riding safaris, you’ll need some bush-friendly colours so as to not scare off the animals. You can see my full what to wear on safari here .

Just remember, you don’t need to be in safari gear all the time. It’s fine when you’re on safari, but you’ll look pretty ridiculous walking around Nairobi, Cape Town or most towns (except in Botswana where it’s a bit more normal) in your safari gear.

Will you be spending much time in the water? Then maybe bring some water shoes and don’t forget your swimwear and maybe a rash vest to protect you from the sun.

If you’re doing any type of serious trekking, you can see my specialist Kilimanjaro Packing List here .

Africa can be really dusty, so the golden rule for everyday clothes tends to be not to bring anything that you mind getting dirty, especially if you are travelling overland or going on safari! I’ve lost or damaged many a lovely clothing item on my Africa backpacking trips over the years.

But that’s not to say you shouldn’t bring a few nicer items too, as there will certainly be times when you’ll want to dress up!

To keep my bag as light as possible, I try to bring clothes that are multi-functional.

3. Dressing Appropriately

If you’re going to a place that’s culturally conservative, like Zanzibar or you plan on visiting more local places (villages, schools, markets etc), please be respectful and cover your knees, shoulders/chest and mid-riff.

On the beach and by your hotel pool – dress how you like within reason. Although I wouldn’t wear your thong bikini and DO NOT go topless.

If in doubt, look and see how the local women are dressed and follow suit. You will have some leeway as a tourist but don’t push it. 

Warm Jacket

You may need a warm jacket, such as a down jacket for some places.

As I’m usually travelling over the British summer (when it’s coldest in East and Southern Africa) I usually take a down jacket . I don’t need it all the time, but it’s good for keeping warm on early morning safaris or evenings around the campfire.

The picture above was me and my group in Botswana in August. Look what we are wearing! Hats, hoodies, down jackets, thermals AND blankets! It was freezing!

Fleece/Jumper/Hoodie

A fleece or sweater is good to have with you, wherever or whenever you go. Fleece works well as it’s breathable, dries quickly and is warm.

Lightweight Rain Jacket

Unless you are doing some serious multi-day trekking, a lightweight rain jacket will be fine. In the dry season, you may not need one at all. If you’re doing mountain treks, you may need something more substantial, but you can often hire them.

Vest Tops/T-Shirts

You’ll live in these, so take at least 3 or 4 t-shirts/vest tops or sports-type vests if you like hiking. I usually always take one nicer cami top to wear with my jeans/leggings for a night out.

Long-Sleeved Shirt

A long-sleeved shirt can be useful to cover up out of respect, from the sun (nice and lightweight – not too hot), from mosquitos or as a little extra warmth at night. You may want to bring one in neutral colours for safari.

If travelling in the colder months, especially if camping, you may want to bring a long-sleeved thermal top too. I have a couple of Icebreaker crew tops from when I climbed Kilimanjaro (they are great as they are really warm, have wicking properties and don’t smell even after a few days of trekking), but there are cheaper ones available.

Comfy Long Pants

Day-to-day, comfy trousers are great to have, especially for long journeys. Hiking pants are also good for hiking and safari.

Great for wearing under shorter dresses in areas where you shouldn’t show your knees, for hiking, keeping warm or for protecting you against pesky mosquitoes.

You will have occasions to dress up, so maybe take a couple of versatile and lightweight dresses. Ones that don’t wrinkle are great!

I usually take a kimono. These are great for wearing with jeans and a top, or throwing over a dress for warmth or to cover up. They can make pretty much any outfit look glam!

There will be plenty of opportunities to get in the water, so bring your cozzie.

Definitely needed, especially if camping, sharing rooms or staying in hostels.

Underwear & Socks

Breathable materials are best! Bring at least one sports bra. As well as normal trainers socks, I usually always have a couple of pairs of thick hiking socks too. 

A pair of shorts or two is always useful for activities like hiking or white water rafting.

This is a personal choice. You won’t need jeans all the time, and they’ll be too warm to wear in some places (like the Swahili coast where it’s hot pretty much all the time, or much of West Africa) but really come in handy in others, especially in cities like Nairobi, Johannesburg or Cape Town. 

Africa Packing List – Shoes

Flip Flops/Sandals

I sometimes take a pair of flip-flops for around the pool/beach. But… flip-flops are pretty useless everywhere else as they offer little protection and you get thorns popping through them if you wear them when walking around, especially on safari.

If you want something a bit more sturdy, get a sandal like Teva’s , which are more practical as they have thick soles, and can be used for everyday use, hiking and walking through water. You can also wear them with socks at night.

If I’m spending time in cities, I also like to take a more dressy pair of sandals, such as my Blowfish Galie sandals or Birkenstocks . Not really necessary, but nice to have.

Trainers and/or Boots

I always have at least a pair of trainers/sneakers with me. I tend to wear these in the evenings, or when doing an activity that is best suited to closed-toe shoes, like hiking or walking through the city. Also good for protecting your feet at night on safari.

If you’re doing any major hikes, you may want to bring a pair of comfortable hiking boots or shoes. I love my Scarpa boots as they’re so comfy.

Water Shoes

These aren’t essential, but some people may find them useful. This past year I spent a lot of time swimming in rivers, visiting the Devil’s Pool and playing in waterfalls, so having water shoes saved my delicate feet. I bought this cheap pair but if you have Teva’s (or similar) you probably won’t need these.

Africa Packing List – Accessories

The sun can be strong, so protect your face and neck with a wide-brimmed hat. Good for safaris, boat trips, at the beach, hiking etc. One that won’t easily blow off your head easily when in an open moving vehicle is best.

I love the fedora-style hats, but you could also get one of the more typical canvas-type or bushman safari hats . I also have a

Again, not 100% necessary, but if you’re trekking or camping in the desert, or up high on the Ngorongoro Crater rim, a warm hat is nice to have.

Sunglasses & Case

The sun is strong and they’re also good to protect your eyes from the dust on safari. Plus they’ll make you look stylish in your photos.

I’d take at least 2 pairs in case you break one (which I do on every trip) and take a sturdy case so you don’t break them.

I always have a brightly coloured lightweight scarf with me for extra warmth, to add a bit of style to my outfits or to cover my shoulders with when I need it. You can pick these up in local markets for cheap if you don’t have one.

If I’m heading somewhere beachy, I sometimes take a sarong of some sort.

If you want to keep the dust out of your hair and nose/mouth, get yourself a Buff or similar (you can also just use a scarf). They’re not the coolest-looking things, but they serve a purpose and are very useful, especially when hiking or on safari.

If you are going on lots of safaris in dusty places (Botswana and Namibia are super dusty), you could also bring a dust mask – but that’s your call.

Africa Packing List – Camera Gear

As a blogger, so I tend to travel with more electronics than the average person, so if you aren’t working on the road, you probably won’t need everything I mention, but I’ll give you an idea of what I carry with me below.

Camera, Lenses & Case

Africa is a photographer’s dream, so you’re probably going to want to take a good camera with you.

The first time I went, I took a very basic point and shoot which I regretted. But that was a long time ago and even basic cameras have come a long way since then.

I travel with a Canon 250D . You don’t have to bring a big DSLR or be a professional to get great photos, but if you want to get good pictures on safari, you should at least have a good zoom lens, and by that I mean 300mm minimum.

I have this one but there are also options with bigger zoom . I also usually take my regular lens (18 – 55mm ) which I use for every day, and a wide-angle lens.

If you don’t want to invest in an expensive camera with interchangeable lenses, you could consider a bridge camera. They often have really good zooms too and much cheaper than buying a DLSR and all the kit.

The quality isn’t quite as good as a DLSR or mirrorless camera but that shouldn’t matter too much to anyone who isn’t a blogger or professional photographer. And their zooms are amazing – but quality usually goes right down at full zoom.

Try something like the Nikon Coolpix B600 (1440mm zoom), Nikon P1000 (3000mm zoom) or the Panasonic FZ82 (1200mm zoom).

Having a camera with wifi capabilities is a good idea too, so you can back up your photos to your phone so you can Instagram away without having to transfer using a computer! And don’t forget to get a good camera case to keep it protected.

Spare batteries for your camera are also worth considering!

Not essential, but having a GoPro  (and various accessories) is useful for things like visiting Victoria Falls and any water-based activities.

Memory Cards & Case

Finding (good, authentic) memory cards can be difficult outside of the big cities, so take a stash with you. The last thing you want to do is be having to spend your safari deleting pictures to make space.

I always use the 128 GB SanDisk ones now, they take ages to fill up so you don’t lose crucial time deleting pictures. I usually go through 1 every 3 months.

I also use an old business card holder to keep all my camera memory cards and SIM cards in, but you can also buy specific memory cardholders . 

Africa Packing List – Other Electronics

A headlamp is bsolutely essential! Brilliant for camping, brilliant for dorms, brilliant for when the power inevitably goes out.

You’re going to make a lot of long journeys in Africa, so having a Kindle is great and also means you don’t have to carry heavy books around. If you want to read up on Africa, you can find some of my favourite books  here .

Don’t forget all your chargers so you can use all your stuff! Camera chargers, kindle charger, laptop charger.

British, South African and European plugs are the main plug sockets used in East and Southern Africa. My favourite one is this Skross adapter as it converts British plugs into European plugs and European into South African plugs. 

There are also some amazing universal plug adapters available now. You can check the plugs you need for each African country you need here . But if you have British, European and South African adapters, you’ll usually be covered.

You may not always have access to a charging point so having a power bank is great, especially on a long journey. I have this one , which is really heavy but lasts forever.

I have an unlocked iPhone. If you are tied into a contract, consider getting your smartphone unlocked so you can pick up local SIM cards along the way and then you have the internet at your fingertips!

As I travel with an iPhone, I always travel with some kind of iPhone pin so that I can switch SIM cards as needed.

Multiway Extension Lead or Charger

Not essential, but having something that can charge multiple items at once is a bonus, especially at campsites with limited charging points. Some people I know travel with an extension lead , and others have a multi-USB charger  (which is smaller and easier to transport).

Laptop/Tablet & Case

A computer is not essential unless you need to work on the road, so if you can leave it behind, then I would!

I have a MacBook Air which I love, although I try not to be on it too much when I’m travelling. Then of course it’s good to have a case to keep it safe and you may think about investing in a protective case .

If you need to work, but don’t want to take a computer, a iPad with a keyboard case is a good alternative.

I would strongly advise that you back up your photos when you can! I have an ADATA hard drive which has been great so far.

Definitely useful on long bus drives when they’re blasting out loud Nigerian movies. 

Africa Packing List – Health & Hygiene

You don’t have to take everything with you but if there’s anything in particular that you like to use, I’d bring it from home, as some of your favourite brands may not be available.

But there are big supermarkets in most cities and towns where you can top up a lot of stuff if you run out.

Soap/Showergel & Case

I’ve always just used Dove soap. You can get it in a lot of supermarkets in Africa but if you like a specific face cleanser, I’d take yours with you. I carry my soap in a soap case, which I usually buy from somewhere like Bodycare, Boots or Superdrug.

Biodegradable Wet Wipes

Great for taking on safari to wipe off all the dust. Or for giving yourself a wet wipe bath! Just make sure to get the biodegradable wet wipes ! 

Face/Body Moisturiser

I always bring a little bottle of my favourite moisturiser with me. I’ve been using Olay Complete Care Sensitive SPF 15  for the last 20 years and still love it.

I also love Lush’s Dream Cream which I use on my face and body. I will also often buy face or body oils made with local ingredients (baobab/moringa etc) when I’m in Africa.

Dehydration and dusty conditions can mean that your lips get very dry, so take your favourite lip balm. I usually take Vaseline, O’Keefe’s Lip Repair SPF15 (my favourite).

Shampoo & Conditioner

In the last year, I have become a complete convert to the Lush shampoo bars. They’re A-MAZING! One shampoo bar lasted me 4 full months in Africa and took up hardly any space in my bag.

My favourite is Honey I Washed My Hair shampoo paired with their Happy Happy Joy Joy conditioner. If you do buy the shampoo bar, you’ll also have to invest in a  storage tin , but they are cheap and you can use them over and over.

You can buy shampoo and conditioner in most supermarkets, but again, if you have a very specific one you need, take it with you.

Toothbrush & Case

I always take my OralB electric toothbrush with me in a travel case. This means I also have to carry the charger. and I take a plug adapter to charge it just in case there are no shaving-type sockets.

If you take a regular toothbrush, carry it in a toothbrush holder like this one to keep it clean and stop it from getting your wash bag all wet. If you want to be environmentally friendly, consider taking a bamboo toothbrush, like this one . You may also want to pack some dental floss too.

You can buy toothpaste in most supermarkets, so just take enough to get you started.

Take one with you, but they sell deodorant in every African supermarket, so just take enough to start you off and then you can top up as you go.

Girls (and guys), look after your skin. Sun lotion can be expensive in Africa so I usually take it with me. I always use at least SPF 30, and now, more often, SPF 50.

For my face, I use the Body Shop Skin Defence Multi- Protection Light Essence SPF 50 PA +++ and Cetaphil Daily Defence SPF 50 . I love them both because it lasts for ages, protect my skin and give it a nice fresh look.

If you are travelling for a while, the dry conditions wreaks havoc with your feet and within a week or two they will end up a sore, cracked mess. Before you go to sleep each night, just stick on a little bit of Scholl Cracked Heal Cream and you’ll be right!

I don’t wear much makeup when I’m in Africa, especially during the day, but for nights out, I take my favourites:

• Maybelline Great Lash Mascara
• Black eyeliner (usually by Rimmel )
• L’Oreal True Match The One Concealer
• MAC Studio Radiance Face & Body Sheer Foundation
• MUA Blushed

I usually take a small Tangle Teezer  as they’re really light and take up hardly any space. 

If you have long hair, you’ll want to take a few hair bands as they’re hard to find in Africa.

You can buy razors in Africa, but I usually take a few with me.

Hand Sanitiser

Again, you can buy this in Africa, but it’s good to have some hand santiser with you when you arrive, then you can top up as you go.

Your nails (especially your toenails) will get really dirty with the dust, so I’d definitely recommend taking a small nail brush to keep you clean and dirt free.

Nail Clippers/Scissors

If you’re travelling longer, you’ll want to take some nail scissors or clippers. I usually take both, as I prefer clippers for my nails and then I use the scissors when I need scissors – which is surprisingly often!

Good to keep your brows looking good and for removing splinters.

Tissues/Spare Toilet Roll

Yes, you can buy tissues and toilet rolls in Africa, but you’ll inevitably stop at the odd toilet that doesn’t have loo roll, so by having some tissues with you, you’ll be good to go…

Bamboo/Reusable Cotton Buds

Cotton buds are always good to have on you. We can’t buy the plastic kind anymore, which is great, so instead, why not switch to compostable bamboo cotton buds or the new reusable type . 

Sanitary Products

Sanitary towels are easy to buy in Africa, but tampons are harder to come by (and applicator tampons are even more difficult to find) and usually only found in the bigger supermarkets and chemists, so if that’s what you use, you may want to take some with you.

However, nowadays, a lot of women are switching over to cups, like the Diva Cup or Mooncup . Just be aware there are different sizes and they take a bit of getting used to, so you will want to try them out before you go.

Contact Lenses & Contact Lens Solution

Getting new contacts in Africa would be difficult pain and contact lens solution isn’t easy to find either, so make sure you take what you need for the duration of your trip.

Dusty days on safari can make your eyes sore and dry, so eye drops are good to take (or you could use saline solution).

I’ve also had a few eye infections from the dust, so I usually take a small bottle of Brolene eye drops with me, but you could buy something similar from a chemist whilst you’re there. 

Prescription Medications

If you’re on any prescribed medicines, take enough with you to last throughout your trip, just in case they’re not available.

Insect Repellent

You can get good mosquito repellent in the cities, but it’s not always readily available, so I usually take a couple of bottles of Jungle Formula with me to start off.

I also really like a South African brand called Peaceful Sleep and tend to use this more than Jungle Formula when I can get it. I find it really effective, it doesn’t contain DEET and smells quite nice.

You can also buy insecticides (like DOOM) that you spray into your room and it kills the bugs.

Anti-Malaria Pills

Speak to a travel doctor/clinic to find out exactly what you need before you go. I always suggest testing your malaria pills before you go to make sure they won’t make you feel super sick. 

The non-branded versions are just as effective and a lot cheaper.

Tiger Balm/Bite Cream

If you’re a mozzie magnet, you might want to invest in some anti-itch or bite cream, such as Tiger Balm or Eurax Anti-Itch Cream .

First Aid Kit

I always have a little Lifesystems Explorer First Aid Kit with me. As well as the items that come in the First Aid Kit, I usually add in:

• Plasters/Band-Aids
• Antiseptic cream and/or Neosporin
• Rehydration sachets
• Paracetamol (Tylenol)
• Ibuprofen (Advil)
• Antihistamines
• Travel sickness pills (if needed)

If you’re going to any super remote places you may want to take some water purification tablets or your own syringe kit (although these would only be needed in the worst case). 

A lot of the Americans I know travel with antibiotics, but you can pick that type of stuff up when there (usually just over the counter at the pharmacy).

Africa Packing List – Money & Travel Documents

All the important stuff. If there are only a few things you take, these should be it!

Remember you will get stamped so your passport should have enough pages to get you through your trip. They usually say 2 pages per country you are visiting, however, they will usually stamp more than one stamp on each page. Just make sure you have a few left!

And your passport should be valid for at least 6 months after you intend to leave the country. You may also want to take your driver’s licence for additional ID or if you plan to rent a car. 

Travel Tickets/Booking Info

If you don’t have them on your phone or in an app, have some printouts of your info! Things like tickets, hotel bookings, and addresses – it’s also good to have a backup in case your phone dies.

Visas (or Paperwork)

You can get most visas on arrival at lots of entry points, however, some you have to apply for in advance, so do your research. If you have applied in advance, don’t forget to take a record of your paperwork with you.

Yellow Fever Certificate

Some countries require a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate to allow you to enter. You can find more info about whether you need a Yellow Fever certificate here .

This varies from country to country but I usually suggest taking a mix of your own currency (if using GBP or Euros), dollars for visas/activities and local currency (if available to exchange before you go).

Most visas on arrival need to be paid for in dollars (always check though – in some countries it’s Euros). The dollars should be in good condition and dated 2013 and later if possible. If they are ripped or have any markings they may not be accepted.

It’s always good to have some back up cash with you in case the ATM’s/your card doesn’t work.

Debit/Credit Cards

Visa is the most commonly accepted card in Africa so I’d ensure you have a Visa card, but Mastercard is becoming more widely accepted now too.

If you can find a card that doesn’t charge for withdrawals get that one! And I’d suggest taking at least 2, in case one doesn’t work or if it gets swallowed by the machine. And please tell your bank that you are going abroad!

Document Wallet

I have a travel wallet where I keep my passport, yellow fever certificate, important bits of paper and my dollars/other currencies. I’ve had mine for 10 years now, so I can’t even remember where it’s from, but you can find similar here .

Money belts aren’t necessary, but they are pretty handy for carrying your spare cash under your clothes.

Just don’t take your money out of them in public – which is what I see most people doing. The who point is to keep them secret – which is why I suggest having a smaller wallet/purse too.

Travel Insurance Documents

Make sure you have travel insurance that covers you for everything (activities, cancellations, medical emergencies etc). I recommend  World Nomads .

Medical care is not free in Africa and even the cost of getting to the hospital can be super expensive, so you need to be covered in case of a medical emergency, including air ambulance evacuation and repatriation in the event of an accident or illness.

Have your policy number and the insurance company contact details handy and leave a copy with someone at home too.

Africa Packing List – Miscellaneous

Mosquito Net

For the record, I’ve never taken a mosquito net with me to Africa, as a lot of places have them, but not all, so you may want to consider taking one.

It is also sometimes handy to travel with a small can of DOOM (insecticide) that you can spray around before you go to bed.

Electrical Tape

Occasionally you’ll find that the mosquito nets have holes in them, so I usually just bring a small roll of electrical tape to seal them back up. Electrical tape also works to fix broken bags, tents and the occasional car bumper.

For safety, I would leave any expensive jewellery at home. Ladies may want to consider a cheap, fake wedding to deter any guys who try to chat you up.

Helps for sleeping on planes, in hostels or if sharing a room. You can find some good ones here . 

Again, earplugs are good especially if it’s noisy at night on safari (hyenas can be loud), or in shared rooms.

Neck Pillow

Not a necessity, but great for long plane or bus journeys – of which there will be many. You can find some great ones here . 

If you’re staying at lodges, they will usually provide towels. But in hostels or if you’re camping, you may need to bring your own. I always like to take my own towel for the beach or if I’m doing any wild swimming.

You could substitute a proper towel for a  microfibre towel . They are a bit crap at drying, but they dry quickly and pack down small. I usually just take my normal towel.

Notebook/Journal & Pen

Pens are essential for border crossings and filling in arrival/departure cards. I always have people asking to borrow my pen!

Notepads are good for keeping track of all those amazing things you’ll be doing. Or you can just use the notes on your phone.

For securing your stuff in the lockers in your hostels or locking your tent. Combination padlocks are best as you don’t need to worry about losing the key.

Travel Wash

Almost everywhere you stay will have some kind of washing facility, either for you to wash your own clothes or for someone to do your laundry for you.

You can buy small sachets of washing powder in most supermarkets. Alternatively, you can just wash your undies with shampoo in the shower. Works a treat.

For backpackers, a good way to save money on accommodation is to buy a small tent. This also helps if you’re a wing-it kind of person who doesn’t want to book much in advance. Even if there’s no room in the actual hostel, there will always usually be a space to pitch a tent!

Sleeping Bag

If you’re camping, you’ll need a sleeping bag. Some safari companies may provide these for you and most will have them for hire if not, saving you from having to carry one for the whole trip. The bag you need will depend on the season or where you are going. If you are travelling in the colder months, I’d recommend a 3 – 4 season sleeping bag .

Campers may also need a roll mat. Some overland/safari companies provide them and some don’t so check before you go. I have a Therm-a-Rest that I used on Kilimanjaro and when overlanding through Africa.

Sleeping Bag Liner

A sleeping bag liner isn’t a necessity, but they are good if camping, as they keep you warm and are much easier to wash than a full sleeping bag, or if staying in hostels (in case of bed bugs). I have a silk one which is good for hot countries and a fleece one that I take when I’m doing big treks.

Water Bottle

I recommend a LifeStraw water bottle as they allow you to drink from the tap by filtering your water. This will save you a bit of money and the planet.

The downside to these is that you can’t add things like rehydration sachets to them, so you may also want to take a regular water bottle like this one . or this one . You can then buy a big 5-litre bottle and decant from there.

You may also want to get a carabiner to attach your water bottle to your bag.

Small Mirror

These are especially useful when you’re camping or using shared bathrooms.

Swiss Army Knife/Bottle Opener

It’s sometimes useful to carry a small bottle opener with you. You could take something tiny like a Wallet Ninja or a Swiss Army Knife , which can be useful for many situations.

Pack of Cards

Also not a necessity, but a pack of cards is great for making new friends and passing the time on long journeys. I also highly recommend this game . 

I hope you enjoyed this Africa packing list and that it helps you to have a fantastic and well-prepared trip! Any other essential items you’d add to the list?

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I love to travel all over the world, but it's Africa that holds a special place in my heart. My mission is to help people travel Africa in an authentic, safe, fun, adventurous and ethical way.

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11 Comments

Some really great tips in here thank you! We’re currently preparing for our Africa trip starting in December! It’s hard to pack for such a diverse place for 6+ months so this helped thank you!

i wouldnt say this does not help, it did in a great deal. Africa is indeed a lovely place to visit.

I’m always a fan of a packing list post! And it’s so easy to forget that it’s actually really, really cold in some parts of Africa at certain times of year! I am dying to go back to Africa – I’ve only been to South Africa and all your Africa content always gives me itchy feet!

Planning to visit Africa hopefully by next year and it will be our first time going there.. And as a first timers, we really need these kind of tips!!! Thanks for sharing this very informative post!

Thanks, Helen for sharing such great tips on planning an adventure to Africa. They are so many things one can do in Africa. From the wildlife and safaris to warm the beaches.

First off your photos are just awesome! And you Africa packing list is sure on point. Very useful information.

Hi I am currently planning a solo 6 month trip to Africa, is it essential to bring your own tent or is it easy to hire one over there? As I am worried about it taking up a tonne of room in my backpack.

If you want to use a tent, I’d suggest bringing your own or buying one when you get there. It will be difficult to hire one (and probably more expensive) especially if you’re not starting or ending in the same place! There are lots of hostels too!

You said you get your malaria pills here and then some there? When you are asking for them here and in Africa what is it that you pick up (do you know the name)? And where do you get the malaria medication from once you are in Africa? A pharmacy or do you have to see a Dr.?

It depends where you are. In Southern Africa you often have to see a doc, but in East Africa you can buy them over the counter. I usually just ask for the same ones as I am already taking, malarone.

Such a comprehensive packing list! I’m always forgetting something when packing for my trips to Africa, so this will be so helpful. Can’t wait to download the printable checklist and get packing!

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What to pack for Africa: The only Africa packing list you’ll need

Planning to go for an African safari? Here is the ultimate Africa packing list with everything you’ll need to have a perfect safari .

So you’ve already planned your trip to Africa or even drawn out your Africa travel Itinerary, and booked your hotel and air ticket. (If you haven’t booked your hotel yet, book it from booking.com and you can also compare prices on flights with Skyscanner  or   Expedia.com   to get the most out of your trip). 

It’s undeniable that a trip to Africa is extremely exciting. From enjoying the continent’s undiscovered secrets to getting up close with the wildlife in some of Africa’s best national parks , a trip to Africa is a dream for so many.

Disclaimer*   This post contains affiliate links and I might earn a small commission if you purchase through them but with no extra cost to you. This commission helps to keep the lights on here. You can read our  privacy policy  for more details. Thank you for supporting the Adventurous feet

But even with that excitement, it’s not guaranteed to know what to pack for Africa especially if you’re traveling to the continent for the first time.

So in this post, I’II be giving you the complete Africa packing list with everything you’ll need to have an amazing safari.

The ultimate Africa packing list

Here is everything you need to add to your Africa packing list!

African Safari Packing list: The luggage

Before you think of what to pack for an African safari, you got to have where to pack your items. And for the case of an African safari, it’s better to use an anti-theft travel backpack instead of a suitcase.

There are a number of backpacks on the market and what you buy depends on what you need as an individual. But as a backpacker, I’d recommend buying this osprey backpack .

It is a bit pricey but has a ton of functions compared to other backpacks. It has a full opening (like that of a suitcase), it is sturdy and has compartments which will help you keep your travel items organized.

There are other types of osprey backpacks you could opt for. Below are a few.

• Osprey Atmos AG 65 for men
• The Osprey Daypack for hiking
• The Osprey Packs Renn 50 for women

You can also check out a variety of backpacks from Amazon if the suggested ones above don’t suit your needs.

Related post: Best tips for backpacking Africa

As you enjoy the amazing wildlife or roam around the famous landmarks of Africa , you’ll need to carry a few day’s essentials and that’s why you’ll need a proper daypack.

I am a huge fan of Osprey bags because of their high quality. So as you might guess, I recommend taking this Osprey day pack for your trip to Africa.

Packing cubes

Packing cubes are a game-changer when it comes to packing for Africa. They will help you stay organized and if you need something from your backpack, you won’t have to unpack everything to locate just that one pair of missing socks.

The best way to use them is to allocate say bottoms to one cube, tops to another, gadgets to another, and so on. And on top of keeping your stuff organized, packing cubes will help you pack light while traveling .

This 4 set packing cubes  work really great but if you personally need more, you can grab the  5 piece packing cubes  or  these 6 pieces cubes.

We all know that security is paramount regardless of where you’re traveling to and a trip to Africa is no exception.  Carry this small Pac safe to keep the essential in like your passport, extra money, and other valuable items you might have traveled with.

If the hotel or hostel you are sleeping in doesn’t provide a security locker, the Pacsafe comes with a wire that you can fasten around the hotel fixtures like a bed or chair, in that even if your room is broken into, your valuables will stay safe.

Although, it is unlikely that your hotel room will be broken into,  be the smart tourist that takes precaution.

You can also take an anti-theft daypack to stay prone to street thefts and pickpockets while going about your sightseeing adventures.

Travel Pouch/ Passport holder

This is like a small cross bag that hangs around your neck to safely keep not only your passport but also your phone, money, credit cards, and some other small items you might want to carry everywhere you go.

This Travel neck pouch will guarantee the safety of your travel items while traveling through Africa so make sure that you add it to your backpacking Africa packing list.

Travel electronic organizer

This might not be one of the most essential things to pack for Africa but it comes in handy if you want all your gadgets to be organized in one place while on your African safari.

You actually don’t need an expensive one, this one will do the job perfectly well.

What to pack for Africa: The Gadgets

If I were you, a camera would be the first thing in my backpack. I mean with all the beauty in Africa, who would want to miss capturing all the amazing scenery and wildlife!

Yeah, I know things have changed and phones can capture nice pictures but I am talking about perfect professional photos of something you’ve never captured before. So yes, a nice camera gotta be on your Africa safari packing list.

If you don,t know which camera to buy, I wrote a complete post about the best cameras for travelers . I am sure it will help you decide on the type of camera to buy.

Extra Memory cards and batteries

Imagine the disappointment of your camera going off because it wasn’t charged fully or you can’t take more photos because your memory is full.

That can be a really heartbreaking experience if you were still enjoying the safari. So adding some extra memory cards and batteries to your African packing list will be prudent.

You can either buy this SanDisk ultra memory card  or this Samsung Evo memory card to make sure that you have enough space for your wildlife photos.

A binocular is one of the most important things you should add to your Africa packing list. In fact, an African safari is not complete without them.

I am sure you’ve seen so many photos of tourists in Africa with binoculars. It is not just for style but rather to get a closer look at the beauty that reigns in Africa.

So to get a closer look at faraway animals and birds, you’ll need a pair of nice and high-quality binoculars like these ones .

Related post: Best African safari tips for first timers

Universal travel adapter

If you have been to different countries, you’ve probably realized that some countries have different kinds of sockets compared to your those in home country.

Since you are not very familiar with the African country you’re traveling to, carry this universal travel adapter as that particular country might be using a different kind of socket compared to your home country.

And it also saves you from buying a different travel adapter for each country you travel to.

I know we always want to stay connected with the rest of the world especially with our family back home.

And since power blackouts are common in some parts of Africa, carrying a  Portable Power Bank like this one will help you stay connected even when the power goes off.

Solar portable charger

If you are planning to travel to one of those off the beaten paths in Africa, this #1 best seller solar portable charger on Amazon is a must-have. 

For all those obvious reasons when the power goes off or when the place you’re touring strictly has no electricity, a solar portable charger will come in handy.

You don’t want to be left in total darkness when the electricity goes off especially in the night, which is highly likely in some African countries . That is why a flashlight is one of the things to add to your packing list for an African safari.

Whether you went camping or found yourself still on a hiking trail when night falls, you’ll need a good flashlight.

This Headlamp from Amazon or this one will help overcome the darkness while in Africa.

Kindle E-reader

Even though there is so much beauty to see in Africa, time will come when you just want to chill in a chair and read a good book.

However, that doesn’t mean carrying a number of heavy books. Just carry this Kindle E-reader where you’ll be able to access a number of books on the go.

Noise canceling Earphone

Every now and then, every one of us just wants their “personal” space even in the most crowded places.

The “alone” time might not mean laying on the beach barefooted but rather listening to something on your phone.

So to make sure that you do that while keeping away all the noise, grab yourself  these noise-canceling earphones .

They’re also great on the plane – which is like killing 2 birds with one stone.

Africa packing list: The safety items

Travel Insurance.

If you are traveling to East African countries, getting medication from public or private hospitals can be easy and relatively cheap for minor issues.

But imagine, God, forbid something big were to happen to you in a very remote area and you have to be rushed to an expensive hospital, you would end up falling in high debt.

This makes travel insurance very essential and I highly recommend World Nomads since you can buy or renew your coverage online. And the biggest plus is that it is accessible in over 160 countries.

First Aid Kit

Accidents are inevitable while traveling to Africa or even any other part of the world. Though we can’t control them sometimes, it’s better to be prepared for such cases and that’s why you should add a first aid kit to the list of things to pack for Africa.

Your First Aid Kit should at least have painkillers, plasters, malaria tablets, vitamins, and other medicines that you might need on your travels.

This first aid kit has all the things mentioned above and it is small enough to fit in any kind of backpack.

TSA Approved locks

On your trip to Africa, don’t forget to pack a lock to safely keep your property.

And to be able to pass through airport security, make sure that you buy one that is TSA Approved. This TSA Approved lock will be great for Africa.

Personal Travel Water filter

Even up to now, clean water might be a luxury in some parts of  Africa.  Even though there is still a controversy among some people whether the travel water filters are 100% effective in killing germs from the water or not, it is still better to carry one for just those really remote areas where the word ”clean water” sounds far-fetched.

Pro tip*  It is not safe to drink water directly from the tap in Africa like it is in Europe or America, so this travel water filter will be very efficient when hiking or backpacking through Africa.

Mosquito repellent

Oh yeah, we have many of those guys “mosquitos” in Africa, or at least in many African countries. 

They say that prevention is better than cure, so carry this Insect repellent  not to catch malaria.

Note*  Most hotels provide mosquito nets but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Things to bring to Africa: Other essentials

Camping tent.

There are no better camping sites in the world than in Africa. You would definitely want to experience camping on this great continent. Aside from having a camping experience, a tent can be very useful if you are traveling on a budget .

In countries like Botswana , hotels can be really expensive but if you have your own tent, you can pay a few dollars to camp in the hotel gardens. If you don’t have a camping tent already, you can buy this one as it is waterproof, and lightweight which means you can carry it wherever you go.

Smartphone waterproof case.

Africa is not only safaris and wildlife but also beautiful beaches. So if you want to get that African perfect picture in the water, a smartphone waterproof case would be very useful.

Laundry bag.

Let’s face it, most of the hotels/ hostels you’re going to stay at are likely not to have a washer and dryer. And who wants to mix clean clothes with dirty ones? So pack your small laundry bag while you head out to Africa.

Micro Fiber Towel

The best towel to travel with to Africa is an  OGI MiBcrofiber Travel Sports Towel.  It is small to easily fit in your safari backpack, dries quickly, and is also antibacterial.

I am sure you might be knowing this but I will say it again. Carry your  Sun Bum Original Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion .  The weather and the sun are all fun and cool until your skin starts to react. And if you are traveling to countries like Egypt, sunscreen is a must-have.

After a long safari in the heat of the day, or after taking a really long city walk, you might find your feet really dry or even cracked and that’s where the  O’Keeffe’s Healthy Feet Foot Cream  will come into play to do wonders for you.

Toiletries.

This might seem so obvious, but since you have to make a checklist, I had to add it to the packing list for Africa.

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Facial wipes

So now that you know all of the essential items that should be on your packing list for Africa,  you might be wondering what the best African safari outfits are.

What to wear on an African safari| Safari outfit

The safari clothing differs from country to country though most of them have things in common. So let’s look at what clothes should be in your safari luggage.

Pro tip * Since most of the hotels or hostels you are going stay at won’t have washing machines, you might want to pack clothes that you can easily wash on your own.

Safari clothes for men.

• Pack some jeans and T-shirts or a safari shirt. The number depends on the days your trip will be.
• Since it gets really hot in some places, you might want to pack some shorts.
• Don’t forget your safari shoes.  These might be your normal sports shoes or jungle shoes. They all work perfectly
• Hat- Who wouldn’t want to rock an African safari with a hat?
• Jackets- For when it gets cold at night.
• Lightweight clothes like vests

safari outfits for women.

There are no designated clothes to wear on an African safari but I suggest you wear something you can be completely comfortable in as long as it’s decent.

• safari dresses
• tops or t-shirts
• safari shoes – sneakers or boots
• swimming costumes to hit the beach.
• sunglasses. – The sun can be really intense and you don’t want to punish your eyes.
• Hat- protect your head from the scorching by adding a hat to your packing list for Africa.

What not to pack for an African safari?

Don’t carry all your valuables to africa..

Just pack only those valuable items that are essential to your trip. There is always some kind of theft in some parts of Africa, so if you scream rich, you are attracting thieves.

Don’t carry too much luggage.

Though some tourists from Europe and other parts of the world think that Africa is like one of those places in the middle of nowhere, that is a myth. You don’t need to literally pack your entire house in a suitcase. You can always purchase some items from Africa.

Don’t carry a lot of cash on you.

You don’t want to risk being mugged and left with nothing. Just carry a reasonable amount of cash and a Visa or Credit card. There are so many ATM machines spread around in almost all African countries that you can easily access your money.

Ladies, don’t pack high heels.

By all means, high-heeled shoes gotta stay at home. They shouldn’t take up any space in your safari backpack.

Have you been to Africa? Tell me what you think of this packing list for Africa. What would you add or remove? Share with me in the comments section.

Do you want to learn more about Africa before you get there, read these books to get more inspiration

Related posts:

• things to know before traveling to Uganda
• African experiences to add to your bucket list
• Best places to visit in Cairo
• Safest countries to visit in Africa

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25 Comments

I always store my valuables and cash in different places. On my person, in my handbag and deep in my backpack. So far I have been lucky and nothing has been stolen. But I imagine even if someone took some part of my luggage I would still have a credit card and some cash in a different place. Great packing list by the way.

You have smart packing tips Lena! There is definitely no way anyone could take all your money at once and it’s good to know you’ve never be robbed, i hope it stays that way!!

Very useful list of accessories needed for an African experience. Especially water filler and solar chargers must be very useful. Thanks for sharing.

Africa is one of those places where you really need to be prepared, so it’s good to have such a comprehensive packing list before you leave. Thanks for sharing.

Well, that’s quite a list you got there, and probably some folks wouldn’t have thought about half of it. As someone not relying on electronics, a nice paper guidebook always comes in handy.

This is certainly a useful shopping list for anyone joining a safari. What is your experience with these water filters? I never really trust them and do buy bottled water – which, of course, is not good for the environment. And is there really someone packing high heels for a safari?!

Hhaha just a pro tip for people who are addicted to carrying heels every where. The good quality water filters actually work.

Really comprehensive suggestions. I also recently started using SPF chapstick and they have been pretty great for the outdoors too! Camping tents, do you think they can be rented from the major cities for those who dont have one?

Yes, they can be rented, mostly at hotels that provide camping sites.

I haven’t been to any African country yet, but this seems to be quite a comprehensive list of suggestions! I didn’t even know you can bring your own tent to sleep in a safari – is it safe or are there specific places to do that? (in terms of animals, not humans)

It is safe to camp in Africa since there are normally designated areas for camping. And in some instances, you can talk with the hotel management and be allowed to camp in their hotel gardens.

Great list although I pack most of this stuff except the camping gear when I travel normally! LOL! Binoculars, that is one thing I wouldn’t have thought of brining so that’s such a useful tip. Camera wise, we always bring everything and this is no exception although I’d probably try and hire a super zoom lens just for the trip.

Thanks for that tip about the super zoom lens, Amy

Very extensive and complete list of items needed. Going to Africa and on safari is on our bucket list- high up there. Glad I read this article and will keep it for when I need to pack up!

I am glad you found the list comprehensive . I hope you have an amazing safari when you decide to travel to Africa

Great List, didn’t realize I need these things if I’m going to Safari. Binoculars is a must, cause I usually just have my bag and cam, but not sure if I have a heart to camp though haha.

Haha camping is fun but can be a bit scary the first time. And yes binoculars are super important on an African safari

This is a great list, and all of these items are very useful on a safari. The safari backpack is a clever idea. I travel with backpacks, depending on the location, and the ones you recommend have really cool features and pockets.

Thank you, i am glad you like my recommendations. A back back is ideal if you plan to move around often rather than staying in one place

The one about heels reminds me how sometimes when I’m waiting to go through airport security, I see a lot of women in heels. Why??? I rarely wear them anymore, just for special occasions in my everyday life, let alone while travelling! Seriously, you should see my mum’s feet after she’d been wearing heels for 20 years.

Hahaha i can imagine the way they be struggling with heels!!

My problem would be over-packing! I wonder if I ever will grow out of it. But I guess if I bought a backpack I could only fill it.

I also had the issue of over packing, but i am slowly learning to just pack the essentials.

Incredibly thorough packing list! I love that you have to say to leave the high heels home! Gosh I would hope no one brought their high heels on an African safari!

Yeah, that would be the craziest thing to carry on an African safari!

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A Detailed Guide For Your African Safari Packing List

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Africa is a continent everyone should visit at least once in a lifetime. There are many reasons to visit, such as exploring new cultures, volunteering on charity or humanitarian projects, and visiting the gorgeous beaches and many sites of interest. Yet, it’s hard to think of a trip to Africa without a safari experience making the African safari packing list a must-read.

An African Safari is more than pure entertainment, a safari makes you more conscious about the value of African wildlife, and the threats that surround it.

Despite having an overall positive impact, a safari trip comes with challenges. An African safari packing list is not always straightforward because of the spontaneous nature of Africa itself, and the many unfamiliar geographic conditions.

As a company endeavoring to promote the beauty of Africa, we want to inform our readers about how to prepare a packing list for an African safari. So, hop into a comfy seat, grab your tea, and let’s get started.

Top Safari Destinations

Before getting into detail, you might be wondering where the best place African safari can be found. The tips provided in this article will relate to many African countries where excellent safaris can be experienced

While the majority of the African continent has a rich abundance of wildlife, the most popular safari destinations are in Southern and East Africa. The most popular countries for safari are South Africa , Botswana , Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Tanzania , Kenya , and Uganda.

The climates in most of these countries revolve around a dry season and a wet season. The dry season has very little rain with mild day temperatures and low night temperatures. On the other hand, the wet season is known for afternoon showers, temperatures over 30 degrees, and high humidity. You should always consider this general knowledge when making your African safari packing list, especially when selecting your clothes.

African Safari Packing List

While your choice of clothing depends on the time of your visit, there are essential items that you will always need.

General Tips

• The first tip on your African safari packing list is to have layers of clothing with you. The temperature will differ considerably from the morning to the late afternoon, and from afternoon to evening. Using layers of clothing ensures you will be prepared for the different temperatures throughout the day.
• The color of your safari clothes is also essential. If you are driving in open safari vehicles, your clothing will be visible to the wildlife around you. To avoid unnecessary attention from wild animals, bright colors are not recommended. Instead, you should go for natural or earth tones to blend in with nature.
• Whether you are in a safari vehicle, or on a walking safari, you need to protect your skin from three things – sunlight, dust, and insects. For this reason, we strongly advise that you wear long pants and long-sleeved t-shirts to cover your arms and legs fully. The lighter the weight of these clothes, the better.
• Hats, hats, hats!!! Mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun, and going out in the middle of the day with your head exposed to sunlight is the worst thing you can do. Make sure you bring a long-brimmed hat for maximum protection from the sun
• You should also bring a scarf to cover your nose and mouth if the road inside the game reserve is sandy and dusty.

For The Wet Season

• Protection from the frequent afternoon rains is the most important consideration when traveling during the wet or rainy season. You will need a good raincoat to protect yourself and your belongings from getting wet – an umbrella is not practical.

For The Dry Season

• If you are visiting destinations far from the Equator, you should be aware that their dry season has freezing nighttime temperatures. If you are going on an evening drive or an early morning safari, you should pack warm clothes.

For Bush Walks

• You will sweat along when walking in the African bush. You can prevent the uncomfortable effects of sweat by wearing thermal t-shirts and leggings that absorb the sweat and preserve your body temperature.

For Evenings

• Many safari lodges offer a barbecue and dinner in the bush. You can pack smart-casual clothes for such occasions.

You will need to pack different types of shoes if you want to try out multiple safari options.

• The bottom line is to bring reliable, comfortable shoes that are resistant to hard surfaces, water, and dust.
• You will need proper hiking boots for walking safaris as these tours often last for at least two hours and sometimes more. Furthermore, hiking trails have a lot of mud and rocks, meaning your hiking boots should protect your feet and ankles.
• If a boat safari in Okavango Delta is among your plans, we recommend that you wear comfortable sandals .

Toiletries and Medication – Essentials of African Safari Packing list

To fully enjoy your safari experience, you need to maintain your health and hygiene. Here is a list of essential items that you should bring.

• To protect yourself from germs, you must maintain your hand-hygiene by bringing lots of hand-sanitizers with you. 
• Almost all of the safari destinations in Africa have moderate to high risk of Malaria. Thankfully, you can consult your pharmacy for anti-malarial medication . You should have enough malaria pills to cover you throughout your trip, and for at least another week after your trip. Some countries require you to present proof of vaccination from other diseases such as yellow fever.
• It is a good idea to pack a basic medical kit for a variety of conditions that include heat stroke to an upset stomach and a cold.
• Exposure to high quantities of dust can harm your eyes. You should use eye-drops to protect them.
• Too much sunlight is harmful to the skin, especially in Africa where the sun is very strong. This is why you should have sunscreen with an SPF factor of 50.
• Besides anti-malarial pills, you can bring DEET-containing insect repellent . Furthermore, citronella oil has a scent that repels mosquitoes. 
• Most hotels and lodges in safari parks will provide basic toiletries, but you should still bring your own.

Tech and Gear

Let’s consider useful items that will make your trip more comfortable and enjoyable.

• Firstly, you need a good camera on your African safari packing list. The camera should have a high level of optical zoom (at least 20X). A camera without shutter delay is recommended to take shots when on the move.
• Once you start your safari journey, you will continuously want to take photos. You would be naive to think only one memory card is enough. Ensure you bring as many as possible, and if you can upload images to the cloud at the end of each day, this, too, makes sense.
• Binoculars are vital when looking out for the animals in the distance. While your tour guide will probably have spare binoculars for tourists, having your own is preferred.
• To keep your electronics charged at all times, make sure you have the batteries and adapters compatible with the country you are visiting. A multi-socketed charger will help you charge your devices simultaneously and save you a great deal of time. You can also bring a power bank for emergencies.
• Some campsites in national parks don’t have sufficient lighting at night. To be on the safe side, you can bring your torch or flashlight .
• You should bring sturdy hand luggage for the items you want to carry with you during game drives. 
• If it is your very first safari, it could be a good idea to bring an informative booklet about the wildlife of the country you are visiting. This will help you identify the animals you encounter. Likewise, you could bring a book for bird-watching .

Documentation in African Safari Packing List

Many African countries have visa-on-arrival or visa-free policies for citizens of Europe, the UK, the US, Canada, Australia, and many other countries. It is advisable to check the visa regulations before you travel. Nevertheless, always make sure your passport and a copy are available. Your passport should be valid for at least six months after the end of your trip.

Border Crossing

If you are crossing borders in Africa, you will need to provide documentation for the car you are driving, whether it is your own or a rental one and the driver. This documentation includes a valid international driver’s license, vehicle insurance valid for 90 days, vehicle registration documents, and a sticker of the country of the origin of the car.

Travel Insurance

It is natural to be concerned about the possibilities of unfortunate events happening during your African Safari. To have peace of mind, you should take out travel insurance from a reputable company such as World Nomads that will cover you in a variety of circumstances throughout your trip.

A safari trip to Africa is beneficial both for you as a tourist, and for the conservation of the wildlife funding by revenue from tourism. Being amongst wild animals with nothing but a car to protect you is a scary idea. Still, we can guarantee that your experience will be fantastic if you know what to have on your African safari packing list.

African Safari Packing List – FAQ

You shouldn’t pack clothes with very dark or very bright colors. Especially dark blue and black attracts many insects like tsetse fly.

We recommend sturdy, closed shoes, long-sleeved t-shirts, long pants, and a light jacket or a sweater.

We would not recommend this because the dirt and the dust on the road will make your white shirt very dirty.

Yes, you can. Don’t forget; it should have a light blue color, as dark blue attracts tsetse flies.

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Ultimate mozambique packing list: your mozambique travel …, follow us around the world, our next destination.

Fez, Morocco

Our ultimate Africa packing guide

You’ve seen the pictures. Men and women clothed head to toe in khaki, binoculars slung around their neck, looking as if they’re embarking on an 1800’s anthropological expedition. Except they aren’t.

They’re embarking on an African safari, and it’s 2017. The truth is, you don’t have to look like Attenborough to visit Africa (although he IS an idol of ours); you can leave the khaki and utility pockets at home and still survive.

Now we’ve cleared that up, there are still some essentials you simply can’t do without. Due to the nature of Africa and its climatic differences those in the northern hemisphere can only dream about, you’ll need to pack properly.

Here’s our ultimate packing guide to Africa, so you can chill with lions and zebras and giraffes (oh my!) Attenborough style – without appearing like you’ve just stepped straight off the set of Out of Africa .

The really important stuff

This is the stuff you should pack before your undies.

• Toiletries (+ wet wipes!)
• Headlamp/LED torches for getting around at night
• Sunglasses to protect against that African sun!
• Insect repellent – DEET is your new bff.
• First aid kit & regular medication
• Sturdy closed toe shoes or hiking boots
• ‘Around the camp’ shoes or flip flops
• Camera (inc. extra batteries and SD card)
• Pocket knife
• Solar panel charger
• Lip balm to protect against that dry African air, the wind in your face on safari, and the dust during dry season
• Refillable water canteen so you don’t have to buy plastic bottles!
• African travel guides – internet can be patchy throughout the region, which means two things; websites aren’t generally up to date, and you probably won’t be able to access them anyway. A trusty Lonely Planet guide will get you a long, long way.

Things for warm weather

Africa is mostly warm, most of the time. Pack these essentials and stay cool, kind of.

• Light cotton t-shirts (avoid bright colours, especially for safari)
• Shorts (not too short, ladies)
• Loose fitting clothing like harem pants
• A hat – but not the wide brimmed kind you see in safari photos. You’ll spend more time chasing after it when the wind blows it off than being protected! Opt for a snug baseball cap instead

Feeling inspired?

Things for cold weather

We’re about to blow your mind, but Africa is not always hot. During winter the temperature can even drop below freezing (trust us, it’s biting). Here’s what you need to keep warm as you hike those last few feet to the top of Kilimanjaro, or safeguard your snugness while camping in the Okavango.

• Down jacket – Perfect for compressing into a rucksack or day pack
• Rain jacket – Lightweight & waterproof. You know the drill.
• Long trousers
• Woollen jumpers
• Beanie (yes, really! It gets THAT cold!).
• Woollen socks
• Sleeping bag liners; they might be thin, but they add a mighty layer of warmth when you’re cold in your tent at night!

Things to pack if you have space

A common mistake of even the most experienced traveller is overpacking. If you have space, take these things with you. If you don’t, don’t.

• Travel cutlery
• A zoom lense to snap all the African wildlife you can on safari
• Binoculars for animal eye-spy!
• Travel towel
• Sleeping bag
• A good book (or two… probably not 8 each, as we did)

Things for the ladies

As a whole, Africa is pretty conservative. So ladies, it pays to cover up.

• Any specific female hygiene products you prefer, as stock and choice is pretty limited across the region
• No short shorts – keep things knee length or longer!
• Long sleeve shirt
• Always pack spare toilet paper. I repeat: ALWAYS. PACK. SPARE. TOILET. PAPER. On the offchance that a public toilet has it, you’ll probably have to hand over some cash for a mere square of the stuff. Best to be safe, and it also doubles up as napkins, tissues, etc!

Things for long bus rides

The longest bus ride we had in Africa was 42 hours (we made that mistake so you never have to), and we’re pretty sure we only survived by having the following handy:

• Meals / snacks that were bought the evening before to keep us well nourished.
• Some spare cash for a cheeky roadside samosa (or toilet break!)
• Warm clothes if your travels are starting early or finishing late
• A really long, interesting book
• Charged phones or iPods with downloaded playlists and podcasts
• Lots of water. We took over 6L of water with us on our epic bus ride!
• Your sanity, so that you can spend the full two days questioning why you ever let yourself get on a 42 hour bus ride in the first place!

All packed for your African safari? Check out our small group adventures .

Words and images by The Common Wanderer.

The Common Wanderer

The Common Wanderer are made up of Mark and Mim. He’s a weet-bix fuelled adventure freak who’s visited 35 countries, summited Kilimanjaro and trekked to Basecamp. She’s a caffeine-fuelled traveller and writer of words, who’s most content on the road, armed with her trusty notebook and pen, a coffee and her DSLR. You can read their adventures at thecommonwanderer.com.

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Detailed Kenya Mission Trip Packing List + Video

Right after finishing college, I got the chance to work with an American Missionary family that was stationed in Thika, a town located about 25 miles from Nairobi, Kenya. Having lived in Kenya all my life, it was a great joy interacting with the family and learning their culture. In the 2 years that I spent with them, I got to understand some of the fears and worries that they had when living in Kenya. One of the things they were most concerned about was helping the missionaries who would come visiting prepare adequately for their mission trip to kenya and ensure that they had everything they needed to be comfortable.

I am sure you must have a lot of questions about preparing for your mission trip to Kenya and In this post, I have prepared a packing list for a short term mission to Kenya. This means missionaries that will spend roughly 2-3 weeks in a mission ground that has hosts that have taken care of the essentials like accommodation, food, and transport.

Essential Items

1. passport.

You will obviously need your passport when travelling to Kenya . However, you need to actively think of how you will carry it with you during your entire stay. A designated bag or pouch that will not easily get dropped, stolen or forgotten is essential.

You will not need to carry your passport everywhere you go when you arrive so also plan to use luggage that has locks to safely store your passport and other valuables.

2. Spending money  & Wallet.

You will need about $200 to $300  depending on the length of your stay. Make sure your dollar bills are 2006 and newer. A good wallet will help you keep track of what you have so come with that too.

You will need to change your Money to Kenyan Shillings and one thing you will notice is that Kenyan Notes are bigger than american ones. When choosing a wallet, Have this in mind.

3. Tipping money for wait staff and guides

Plan to tip about 10% of your food bills.

You will need to plan adequately for tips since people will be expecting them and it may get awkward if you don’t give a tip, especially in places where a tip is expected.

4. ATM Card

There are many ATMs available in Kenya’s urban areas. Most ATMs accept most major cards (Visa, Mastercard, AmEx)

5. Copies of Passport, ATM card and printout of contact information

Make copies of the picture side of your passport, your ATM Card(s). Also, print out a copy of your “in Case of Emergency” information and store one set of copies in your check in luggage and the other in your carry-on.

These will be useful in case you misplace your passport or ATM cards and you need to report them as stolen.

6. Bible (mid-Sized)

Carry a Bible that is not too bulky but also not too compact. In some settings, a bigger bible signifies that you have more spiritual authority and are truly a missionary and carrying a small Bible might send the wrong message.

7. Camera, charger, extra memory sticks and a transfer cable

You will take a lot of pictures during your mission to Kenya. Please carry extra storage  to avoid being forced to delete footage because of low capacities.

You may want to get extra storage when you arrive but keep in mind that there are a lot of fake electronic equipment in kenya being shipped from China and you might not be able to tell the difference.

8. A power adapter or adapter extension cables for charging with 3 prong UK plugs

Kenya uses the 220-240 V and works with the 3 pronged Square UK style outlet. You will need to get a converter that works with this outlet type and that will also convert the voltage to 110V. Plan ahead and buy a high-quality outlet since a poor choice in this can damage your electronic equipment. I have also gotten in a situation where the the converter fails after using it for a few days.

Try shopping for an adapter/converter combo and look for a brand that has good ratings.

9. Flashlight and extra batteries

During your mission, you will need to walk outside in the dark. Either when coming from an evening meeting or using an outhouse if the mission ground does not have indoor plumbing. A good flashlight will be invaluable in this situation. Carry extra batteries or get a rechargeable flashlight if you are sure that your mission station has dependable electricity.

10. Pen and a small notebook

When arriving in Kenya, you will go through customs and Immigration and these will require you to write. You, most likely will not have access to a place to get a pen and having one with you will be vital to clearing the arrivals terminal smoothly. Carry this with you in your carry on luggage.

Personal Items

1. toiletries.

Carry the basic Shampoo, Toothpaste, Deodorant, Ladies toiletries, Makeup etc. Most of the popular brands of toiletries will be available in the local supermarkets but if you are particular on using a particular brand, carry it with you.

2. Medication:

Make sure you get a full prescription of your medication that will last the entirety of your stay. Carry an original prescription with you as well in case you need to get a refill. (This may not be cheap or easy so carry your full dose)

You will also need to pack Anti-malaria medication prescribed to you by your doctor. Kenya has a lot of mosquitoes and malaria is prevalent, especially in the coast and western regions. Please come prepared for this.

While we are here, please find out if your host has treated mosquito nets for your beds. On top of exposing you to the risk of getting sick, mosquitoes can be really annoying and a good net will help keep them away.

3. Sunscreen & lip balm with sunscreen

Kenya gets really hot and the sun will give you sunburns in a few hours. Carry enough sunscreen. I have not seen any in the supermarkets since its normally used by light skin people so come with enough to last you the entirety of your stay.

4. Sunglasses

The sun here is bright and you will find a good pair of sunglasses invaluable especially when you will be working outside in the sun.

5. Wide Brim Hat

Same reason as Sunglasses and sunscreen. A wide brim hat will keep your neck protected too and give some nice shade.

6. Portable Water Bottle

Your host has, most likely figured out what to do about safe drinking water. However, the places you will visit during the day may not. Tap water is not safe to drink and you may not easily find a place to buy safe drinking water. A Water bottle is an absolute essential.

6. Travel-size WetWipes

These will be useful in the times when you run out of toilet tissue or don’t have soap or water to wash your hands. (trust me, this might happen).

7. Portable Antibacterial wipes

Carry small packs that you can put in your bag to carry around when you are travelling around the country. You can use them before meals in restaurants if you don’t want to use their water or in the case when you are offered food and not given the chance to wash your hands.

8. Antibacterial gel to carry around

This will serve the same purpose as the wipes and will help you protect yourself from getting sick.

9. Fanny Pack or small backpack to carry things during the day

When out and about, you don’t want to keep carrying stuff in your hands or pockets.

I would advise that you carry a fanny pack that will be right in front of you instead of a backpack. This is unless you are carrying heavy stuff like your laptop or Bible.

The reason for this is because it will be more difficult for pickpocketers to take valuable items from a fanny pack compared to taking stuff from a backpack.

If you do carry a backpack with you, carry it on the front when walking in crowded places to deter pickpocketers. Being a foreigner makes you an easy target to spot so taking any precautions ahead of time will keep you safe during your mission trip to Kenya.

10. A towel that will dry quickly

Kenya may generally hot but some months can get cold.  On top of this, most laundry is done by hand and dried in the sun. This means that thicker laundry will take longer to dry in the cold months and this may leave you with a wet towel the next day.

Avoid this by getting a towel that will dry easily when hung out to dry in between your showers.

11. Lightweight Sleeping Bag

Your host might have extra guests once in a while or may not have a designated bed for you in their house. An sleeping bag will allow you to crash on their couch or on the floor without feeling cold.

What you wear to your mission trip to Kenya is really important and it will play a big part in influencing how your message will be taken by the people you will be ministering to and how you will be treated by the locals.

The key word in chosing your clothes is MODESTY. Avoid very expensive and flashy clothes and keep the colors neutral and muted to avoid calling too much attention to what you are wearing.

Carry enough clothes to last a week and a half before laundry. This is because laundry is usually done once a week and there may be bad weather that may delay the clothes from drying.

Below, I have broken down some clothing suggestions for men and women and lists of the pieces of clothing the will need to bring with them.

Clothing Men:

For Men, avoid sleeveless shirts and t-shirts that have a lot of graphics on them. Some christian circles are sceptical of strange markings and may misunderstand an innocent piece of graphics on your t-shirt.

1. Strong pair of Hiking Boots or sneakers

These will be useful for when you will be walking in the villages or working on rough, muddy or rocky areas.

2. Normal pair of shoes

You may not want to wear your hiking boots to church and this is where your normal shoes come in.

3. Long or short sleeved shirt

Avoid Sleeveless shirts and t-shirts.

4. Long Pants

( Khaki preferably) Choose something that will not need ironing

Avoid distressed jeans as these may be considered provocative.

5. Good supply of socks that will last one week.

Your laundry may take a while to get done and you will need good breathable socks since you are likely to be sweating a lot especially if you will be walking a lot.

This is great for protecting your neck and ears

Clothing Women:

For ladies, You will need to avoid wearing skirts that are shorter than the lower parts of your knees and long pants that are very tight. You will also need to avoid sleeveless tops and if you wear them, you will need to put something on top of them.

1. Skirts or dresses

These need to be below the knee and longer and not tightly fitting.

2. Loosely fitting long pants

(Not very advisable though)

3. Minimal jewellery & makeup

Displaying wealth may work against your goal of ministry and may be a distraction. Keep it to a minimum.

4. Strong pair of Flat shoes

These will need to be sturdy enough to endure rocks, tripping and a lot of walking. Avoid open shoes since you will expose your feet to dust (there is a lot of that here).

There is also the possibility of tripping on a stone and exposed feet may get hurt

5. Socks that breath well

It will get hot and you will sweat. A good pair of socks that breath will help with this.

6. Light Scarf

This will help to protect your neck and ears  especially in the hot sun.

• Sweat pants or long underwear
• Light shirt
• Light socks

Optional Items

Below are some optional items that are good to have and will make your trip more comfortable.

1. Laptop and phone

When communicating with your loved ones back at home, a skype connection using wifi will be your cheapest option. If you have your phone with you, you can call them through a wifi connection through WhatsApp or Google Hangouts .

A word of caution: Your laptop and phone will be a target to pickpocketers. Avoid carrying it around with you when going to public places. You may also need to have a lockable bag or suitcase to store the items when you are away. Enquire from the host before bringing these devices with you.

2. Earplugs

you can use in the flight and useful if you are a light sleeper

3. Musical instruments

Carry an instrument that you will be playing like the guitar or tambourines. It is very possible that you will not always have a power connection so carry an instrument that does not rely on power to work.

Make sure you don’t check your guitar in with the rest of the luggage. I have read about how damaged guitars get when travelling in the cargo hold. Do your research and find out how you can safely carry it with you in the flight.

Bonus Tips:

• Carry everything on the plane that you will require for the first 48 hours just in case of delays in luggage
• Avoid carrying valuables like non-essential electronics & jewellery with you. It will attract unneccessary attention or get stollen.
• If you have extra luggage capacity, carry old clothes and shoes to leave behind .
• Don’t carry plastic bags. These are banned in Kenya and you will need to surrender them at the point of entry.
• Start packing early to avoid last minute rushes. Last minute packing will result in you forgetting something important. Remember also, to weigh your luggage to avoid being charged extra for overweight luggage.
• Temperature variations in different parts of Kenya. Plan ahead and carry an extra sweater and jacket for cold nights
• Kenya is hot and humid. Shop for clothing that is comfortable for you to wear in Kenya that you can afford to leave behind. This will offer the opportunity for you to travel light on the way home and not worry about losing or ruining your favourite things

Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Antony Njoroge

Hi, I'm Antony & I'm from Kenya. I love traveling around Kenya when I get off from work and this website is a great way for me to share my local knowledge and tips that will help you travel well in East Africa. Having lived in East Africa my whole life, I share my personal experiences and knowledge with the goal of helping you optimize your East African Safari and make it an unforgettable expereince.

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Africa , Travel Gear & Packing

Ultimate packing list for africa.

Heading off on an African adventure soon? Then here’s the ultimate packing list for your time in this continent – actually the most amazing continent to travel in my opinion!

Lands of epic wildlife, stunning coastline, insane historical sights and rich, vibrant culture await you here and, from the souks of Morocco and the pyramids of Egypt, through to the rich rainforests of Uganda, the beautiful beaches of Mozambique and the wild deserts of Namibia, there’s just so much diversity and splendour out there it’s hard to believe.

And so, for me at least, it’s hard to believe that more people don’t travel in Africa… but that’s the reality.

Many travellers feel anxious about hitting up this continent and I know many solo female travellers do too, so to help allay your fears and prepare you for your adventure, here’s my ultimate female packing list for Africa.

Covering what you need for every destination I’ve visited in this continent, right from cosmopolitan Cape Town up to chaotic Cairo and every land in between, here’s my full and complete guide to everything you need to take with you.

And if you want to take the list away with you, then sign up to download a copy at the bottom of this article

So here goes…

Related Posts

• 10 Best Destinations for Solo Female Travellers in Africa
• 55 Best Things To Do in Africa
• 5 Unforgettable Africa Travel Itineraries

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Packing for africa – consider where & when you’re going.

So the first thing to consider when trying to decide what to pack and wear for your travels in Africa is to consider the time of year you plan to go there and which destinations you plan to visit.

As an example, North Africa is best visited during the months of April, May, September and October and you’ll want clothes that will keep you cool in the desert climate, as well as respect the predominant Islamic culture here. You’ll also want swimwear and snorkelling gear for the Red Sea and possibly hiking gear for Morocoo’s Atlas Mountains too!

In contrast, in East Africa, you’ll likely want hiking boots and long pants to protect for during any safari or rainforest hikes, such as to see gorillas or up Mount Kilimanjaro. Again beachwear is a good idea for the Swahili coast, but warmer layers for those dawn and dusk safari drives are also a must.

This is just 2 examples to illustrate the point that being organised with a rough itinerary and timeframe will really help when it comes to packing for an African adventure.

Packing for Days in Cities / Towns

In general, across African cities, I always pair long, loose pants and singlets with a scarf that covers my chest and shoulders. This protects me from the sun and is quite a modest and respectable looks.

I’d also advise wearing closed-toe shoes in most African cities and towns – streets aren’t the cleanest here and there can be a lot of obstacles you risk tripping over.

My Nike Revolution 6 were brilliant across Africa and was glad I went for a black pair as they disguised the dirt more!

A daypack or shoulder bag with a zip fastening – like this Osprey number – is also a great idea for wearing around African towns and cities, as it will allow you to carry water, snacks, your camera, hand sanitiser, wipes, tissues, cash and anything else you might need securely and easily.

What to Wear at Africa’s Islands & Beaches

As the part of the continent probably most used to tourists, beaches and islands across Africa (even in more conservative countries) tend to be a bit more liberal when it comes to clothes, which is great news for those who want to enjoy the sun, sand, sea and even surf!

From Cape Town to Kenya, Senegal to the Sinai Peninsula, you’ll find most visitors are dressed in shorts, small tops, dresses and swimsuits.

And this means it’s fine for you to do the same.

As always, the travel must-have item of a sarong, comes in wonderfully helpful here too and don’t forget the sunscreen, sunglasses and a cap to keep the UV rays off your face too.

A dry bag is also a great idea if you plan to enjoy any boat trips or water activities.

Must Pack Wildlife Spotting Gear

Aside from cities, towns and villages, as well as the beach, the other main outfit you might need to think about when you visit Africa is for wildlife spotting, in particular safaris.

You can learn more in this complete safari gear list I compiled otherwise, loose, comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting wet or dirty is ideal.

Loose long pants and t-shirts are a great option here, along with sunhat to keep the UV off your face.

For some game drives, you might also want a warm hat, thick socks, a windproof coat and a sweater, as things can get chilly at dawn and dusk.

Don’t forget sunglasses and binoculars too.

A sports bra and closed toe shoes are also a great idea for your safari adventures.

Clothes for Flying to Africa

At this point, I also wanted to quickly mention what you might want to wear to fly to Africa.

After all, packing travel clothes that double up, will help keep your overall luggage weight down.

I’d suggest comfortable clothes for flying to this continent, including

• layers to take on and off depending on how cold the plane is – think shawls, blankets, thin long sleeved tops and leggings or trousers
• compression socks – for reducing the risk of DVT
• a travel pillow
• as well as an eye mask and earplugs !

Major airport hubs across Africa include Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Cairo, Casablanca and Johannesburg.

As always, I use Skyscanner to find the best rates on flights and suggest you do the same.

Starting off with the feet, there’s a few key footwear pieces I advise packing for your African travels.. although I do warn you not to go overboard!

Practical shoes will be key for travelling this continent, so I suggest leaving your fashion footwear at home!

1x Pair Sandals

Sandals, like birkenstocks birkenstocks, are great for travel in Africa as they can quickly be thrown on and off.

They provide excellent support for those uneven, dirt roads and won’t break in a flash easily either.

I literally wouldn’t dream of travelling anywhere without my pair now.

1x Pair Runners

Great for hiking or any other vaguely active adventures you may want to do, I love my New Balance runners , which have great grip and tread for all sorts of terrains.

From hiking in Malawi to strolling Cape Town’s Seafront, I can’t tell you how much I’ve used mine!

1x Waterproof Hiking Boots 

Essential if you’re going to be trekking to the gorillas or visiting anywhere at altitude, like South Africa’s Drakensberg.

Not only will waterproof hiking boots help with the cold, but it really can rain just about any time of the year in certain parts of Africa and, as such places, quickly become muddy as hell!

Save your runners and your feet and sling on a pair of boots instead.

I took mine on a total whim the first I travelled overland in Africa, but ended up wearing them almost every day in the highlands of Rwanda , Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya and Ethiopia

Now we come to the bulk of this packing list – the clothes!

If you’re travelling widely across the continent, then you will need a diverse range of gear as you’ll experience many different climates and cultures.

The key to keeping things light and compact however, is to choose items which are versatile and can easily be layered.

Thin, quick dry and natural fibre items are always the way to go in my opinion.

1x Waterproof Jacket

It has never rained at all during my trips in Southern Africa, but sometimes, in East Africa, I’ve found it barely stopped!

As such, I am always beyond glad to have my thin, lightweight North Face Venture 2 waterproof coat with me because, honestly, you just don’t know when that rains gonna come, and when it does… oh boy!

Not only for the rain, but in the highlands of East Africa and Ethiopia , as well as during those freezing early morning game drives in the Serengeti , the windproof qualities of this jacket really came into its own!

2x Thick Sweaters / Fleece

I splashed out before my first overland Africa trip and bought a merino fleece sweater, which ended up being so useful for those cold nights camping in altitude at Tanzania or during morning safari drives in Zimbabwe .

Again in East Africa, I was glad to have 2 sweaters due to the rain – ensuring at least one was always dry at any given time!

3x Thin Long Sleeved Tops

Perfect to go under your thermal fleece, thin long-sleeved tops are awesome for cold nights and windy early morning safaris.

In the evening, when it’s stinking hot in places like Zanzibar, thin long-sleeved tops offer great mosquito protection too.

And in north African countries, such as Morocco or Sudan , thin long-sleeved tops are great to wear even during the day when, ladies, arms need to be covered.

Try to choose a natural fabric like cotton or merino if you can, as this will stop you sweating as much.

7x Singlets / T-Shirts

Singlets are good for hot days, T-shirts are good for when you need to protect your shoulders from the hot African sun or want to dress fairly moderately in countries such as Egypt or Ethiopia.

Bring a mix of both (perhaps making one or 2 of them quick-dry) and enough to last you a week without washing.

2-3x Pairs Long Thin Trousers

Having some long pants to protect you against evening mosquitos is essential for your time in sub-Saharan Africa, ladies.

Long trousers are also useful for places like Stone Town in Zanzibar and Ethiopia, where is it advised you dress conservatively.

In countries such as Sudan, they are required due to strict sharia law.

Again, I always bat for natural fabrics like linen or cotton first. These ones are ideal.

2x Pairs Leggings

As well as trousers, I’d also suggest putting a couple of pairs of leggings on your Africa packing list too.

Leggings are great to wear under trousers on cold game drives and to wear in bed on cold nights – saving you space on nightwear!

Personally I’m a massive fan of these natural bamboo fibre ones right now!

Leggings also double as great hiking / yoga / active wear if you want to do any fitness whilst you’re on the road and can be paired under a shorter dress if you want something a bit different in the evenings.

2-3x Pairs Shorts

No female Africa packing list would be complete without some shorts for all those beautiful sunny / beach days.

I normally take 2 pairs of denim shorts with me, as well as a pair of Nike Quick-Dry shorts too, but you could get away with just 2 pairs if pushed.

1-2x Beach Dress / Jump Suits/strong>

Just what you’ll want in places like Zanzibar, South Africa or the Kenyan coast !

3x Sarongs / Scarves

Great for beach day blankets, face protection on dusty safari rides, shoulder-covering on scorching hot hikes, as a second towel, a sheet, a dress, a headscarf or a bus blanket, the uses for sarongs go on and on.

Check out my 20 reasons you should always travel with a sarong if you’re looking for any more ideas about the ways this amazing travel item can be used!

I’d mix up a sarong or 2 with a regular scarf or 2, as these will come in super handy in more conservative countries (normally more north Africa), especially when you’ll need to cover shoulders or even your head ladies.

Finally, why not also consider a travel scarf ?

These great packing items are ideal for travel days, hiking or on safari, when the hidden security pocket can be used to store your valuables close to your body.

1-2x Bikini / Swimwear

I love my Ripcurl bikini sooo much!

1x Woolly Hat

A godsend when I was up at altitude in the Ngorongoro Crater and Iringa in Tanzania, Eldoret and Nairobi in Kenya and Addis Ababa in Ethiopia .

1x Sun Hat / Cap

Essential for safaris when they pop the roof and you’re without shade for hours at a time.

Also great for beach days in East Africa, summer in Southern Africa and all that ruin spotting / temple trotting you’ll do in North Africa.

I think this one from Hello Sunshine is super cute.

8x Pairs Underwear & 2x Bras +1x Sports Bra

Pack enough underwear so you don’t have to do any washing for a week!

Sports bras are a great idea for those bouncy, rough safari / bus rides, trust me!

Taking a mix of thin, ankle socks and long, thick hiking socks like these would be my recommendation.

Optional if you’re tight on space.

Get UV-rated ones with anti-scratch and polarised lenses. Worth the investment!

Electricals

No one wants to be travelling with too much heavy or expensive electrical equipment, but it’s inevitable that you’ll be carrying a bit with you.

Here’s the essentials you should pack for your trip to Africa…

Laptop / Tablet + Charger

Download Netflix stuff before you leave home and enjoy some relaxing watching during your African evenings on your tablet.

Alternatively, laptops will allow you to backup any photos onto an external hard drive / cloud software.

Smartphone & Bluetooth Headphones

All the campsites / hostels I’ve stayed at in Africa have wifi, so taking your smartphone to stay in touch with those at home and upload some pics to social media is a great idea.

Also good to know that in most Africa countries, SIM cards are cheap and easy to get hold of!

I’d highly recommend downloading some audiobooks and music onto your phone before you leave home too – a great idea for longer journey days.

Amazon Audible and Spotify Premium are my go-to services for these purposes.

And when it comes to Bluetooth headphones, you can’t beat the Airpods in my opinion!

Mirrorless Camera

I love my Sony A6000 mirrorless camera which is lightweight, compact and study – perfect for Africa travel.

I’ve used mine across the continent and wouldn’t be without it!

2-3x Camera Lens

My Sony A6000 mirrorless camera came with a 16-50mm optical lens , but it’s definitely worth putting a good zoom lens on your Africa packing list too, especially for any safaris.

My 65-210mm lens was perfect for this and not too expensive either!

You may also want to consider a prime lens for any portraits.

Just remember to always ask permission before you start snapping.

Fast SD Memory Cards

Get large 64GB SD memory cards as you do not want to run out of photo space when in Africa and these sorts of things can be hard to come by over there.

I’d also recommend splashing out a bit and getting some fast-processing memory cards – just what you need to snap that running cheetah!

Depending on how long your trip is, I’d take 2-3x SD memory cards.

Spare Camera Battery + Cleaning Kit + Charging Cables

You never want to run out of battery when there is a leopard in front of you… trust me!

This means having a spare charged battery for your camera on you is a great idea when travelling in Africa.

Cameras also get dusty a lot across this continent, so a small camera cleaning kit is a must.

And finally, don’t forget the charging paraphernalia!

Adapter Plugs + Spare Cables

a British Adapter for Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda & Kenya

and a European adapter for Ethiopia, Rwanda, Morocco, Sudan & Egypt.

They all add up but are definitely needed!

Alternatively, check out the Skross selection of world adapters to cover all bases.

And don’t forget to include spare micro USB leads in your Africa packing list too, as they always get lost / broken!

Portable Charger

Portable chargers are great when travelling in countries without solidly reliable power sources, like in most of Africa!

I recommend the Anker PowerCore which has 2 output sources, meaning I could charge my phone and my camera at the same time at lightning speed – BOOM!

My toiletries list is always longer than it should be, but taking care of yourself when you’re travelling Africa is really important, so here’s my definitive list…

Thin Toiletries Bag

To hook or not to hook? That is the question! Personally, I always hook!

Either way, just make sure it is light and thin.

This one is a great, economical option

Shampoo and Conditioner Bars

Say goodbye to mid-travel spillages and bulky bottles people, this is the plastic-free future!

Anti-Bacterial Soap

Great for life in those sweaty, humid climates, trust me!

Keep it in a ziplock bag when travelling.

I love natural crystal deodorants – no nasty chemicals and they last FOR AGES!

30+ SPF Sunscreen

Try to get a chemical-free product like this one.

SPF Chapstick

Menstrual Cup

Ye yeah ladies, you know what I’m talking about!

If not, check one out here – the future for the environment and your body.

Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Floss

Face Cleanser, Toner, Serum & Moisturiser

Body Moisturiser

Razor & Spare Blades

Cotton Buds & Pads

Hair Bands & Hair Brush

Glasses / Contact Lenses if you wear them

Tweezers & Safety Pins

Nail Scissors, Nail File, Nail Varnish, Nail Varnish Remover

Small First Aid Kit

A small first aid kit is a great idea when packing for Africa travels, as it’s best to be prepared over there.

This short list covers most of the essentials…

Anti-Malaria Medication

Please consult a health professional on this one before you depart for Africa.

DEET Insect Repellent

I recommend 30% DEET, which is enough to deter those pesky nippers, but safe enough for children to use.

Great for aching muscles and soothing insect bites, this is travel-must for me.

Tea-Tree Essential Oil

A powerful antiseptic, anti-mould and anti-fungal treatment.

Also great to throw in a few drops with your washing and ideal for freshening up smelly bags / laundry etc.

Get an organic tea-tree oil if you can.

Rehydration Salts & Immodium

Painkillers, Anti-Inflammatories & Antihistamines

Band Aids & Bandages

Anti-Septic Cream

Other Items to Pack for Africa Travels

And finally, here’s a number of other key items I think are must-haves on your Africa packing list.

Practical and incredibly useful, all of these items will help your travels here run as smoothly as possible…

Good for hiking and beach days, this one from Pacsafe is great option.

Sleeping Bag and Silk Liner

I love my snugpak sleeping bag , which condenses down to nothing and my silk sleeping bag liner , which is perfect for keeping me cool and sweat-free at night when it’s humid af.

Mosquito Net

It’s a great idea to pack a travel mosquito net for those times when the one provided is less than adequate!

Or when you want to sleep out under the stars but still not get bitten!

Headlamp & Spare Batteries

An absolute necessity on your Africa packing list in a continent where power supply can be patchy at best!

Make sure you take one with a red setting to deter those insects and bugs at night.

My Black Diamond Storm model never leaves my side!

You can easily get cheap pairs like these ones from Eurohike , which are ideal for those travelling Africa on a budget.

I have this exact pair and they are both lightweight and durable.

Travel Towel

Compact, quick dry and all-round brilliant!

I love my one from Latrek , which is super lightweight, thin, soft, quick drying and never smells!

Travel Cutlery Set & Multi-Tool

Lots of people say you don’t need these, but I find a  travel cutlery set very helpful – a must if you want to go to markets and prepare a picnic on the go.

Choose a light, inexpensive set and make sure the multi-tool has a bottle opener, corkscrew and knife – like this .

Filter Water Bottle

Needless to say, I wouldn’t advise drinking the tap water in Africa, so buying bottled water, or taking a filter water bottle are your only real options.

Personally, the second of these is by far the better option in my opinion as it will save you money, save you hassle and, most importantly, hugely reduce your plastic waste as well.

Enter the Water-To-Go bottle !

A genius invention that allows you to safely drink the tap water anywhere in the world, these guys are easy to use and incredibly secure and hassle-free.

Love mine! Used it across Africa and wouldn’t be without it now!

Combination Padlock

Ideal for locking up your bag during transit, stuff on an overland truck or keeping your valuables safe in lockers at backpackers.

Travel Sewing Kit

You just never know how handy this will be!

Travel Washing Line & Hand Wash

Sea to Summit do this great pocket travel handwash .

Eye Mask & Earplugs

Key for sleeping on long bus journeys, in tents and in hostels.

This eye mask from Alaska Bear is super comfy.

Travel Guide eBook

I just love Lonely Planet’s eBook range.

They take up no space, weigh nothing and are chock full of great info.

They do a complete Africa travel guide , a Southern Africa guide , an East Africa guide , as well as a whole range on individual countries.

Worth checking out.

Toilet Paper & Wet Wipes

Take the cardboard centre out of the toilet paper and condense these bad boys!  

Bring multiple packs of wet wipes… I’ve never used so many in my life as I have in Africa!

Needless to say, the biodegradable options are the best.

And last but not least, don’t forget these all-important documents you’ll need for your adventures in Africa…

Passport & Photocopies

Flight Tickets

Visa Documentation

USD Cash in Small Thin Purse

Credit Cards and Debit Cards

You want to ensure you’re not being charged overseas transaction fees or getting poor exchange rates when using your card in Africa, which is why I always take my Wise card away with me wherever I travel.

The easy way to spend abroad with real exchange rates, no markups and no sneaky transaction fees, you can use your Wise card just like a debit card across this continent… and it links easily with Google and Apple pay – sold! Grab yours here .

Immunisation Documentation

Always good to have with you, especially proof of your yellow fever certificate if it is required by your intended destination(s).

Travel Insurance

Alternatively, if you’re a long-term traveller, digital nomad or frequent remote worker seeking travel health cover, check out Safetywing’s Nomad Insurance policies.

Just enter your details below and I'll email it you - simple!

Information will be sent to the email provided above

Mini Travel Guide to Africa

When to Visit?

As a huge continent, it’s impossible to give an overall best time to visit Africa, so I’ve split this question down in sub-regions.

When it comes to North Africa, I highly recommend visiting during the spring and autumn months, ie. April to May and September to October, so that the weather is pleasant enough for sightseeing.

In West Africa, the high season runs from December through February, when the region generally experiences its lowest rainfall and humidity – definitely a good idea to visit at this time!

In East Africa, visiting during the long dry season is a great idea.

In general, this runs between the months of July and September and also conveniently aligns with the Great Migration too. The short rainy season in November and December can be another good time to visit this part of the continent.

And finally, we come to Southern Africa.

If you’re heading to Cape Town, I’d visit between November and February, but for Namibia and Botswana, the best months are May through October when it’s cooler and less humid.

Best Tours in Africa

If you’re interested in an unforgettable, well-priced tour across Africa, with guides you can trust, or a self-drive trip organised by a great company, then email me at [email protected] and I’ll send you my top recommendations – simple!

Alternatively, I’m currently offering my readers an exclusive discount on all Absolute Africa tours , meaning you can now travel even more in the amazing regions of southern and east Africa for even less! Simply send this top African overland tour company an email to [email protected] , quoting the discount code BWSP, and start planning your incredible trip with them today!

Otherwise, if it’s strictly safari tours you’re looking for, check out these top picks .

SAVE THIS TO PINTEREST!

So there you have it, my ultimate packing list for Africa

Have you made it to this continent yet?

What was top of your packing list and what did you bring that you did not need?

Please join the conversation in the comments box below…

Creator of Big World Small Pockets, Stephanie Parker is a travel addict! Originally from Jersey in the Channel Islands, Stephanie adventures the world collecting tips, advice and stories, to share with a smile

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The Essential Guide to Packing For Your Mission Trip

Whether you wait until the eleventh hour or have been packing and re-packing for months, here’s your comprehensive mission trip packing list .

Download the checklist here to cross off items as you pack them!

THE ESSENTIALS

Don’t pull out of the driveway without these items in your bag.

Bible and Journal

Keep your journal handy to record your experiences and what God is teaching you. If you are serving in a security-sensitive area, like the Middle East, check with the long-term missionaries there before you bring Christian materials.

Cash and Debit/Credit Card

Find out how to best obtain the local currency when you are traveling, whether through debit, credit or cash.

If you plan on using plastic, don’t forget to call your bank to see if your cards will work internationally. Let them know the dates and location of your trip to avoid suspicious activity alerts on your account.

Passport and Driver’s License

Keep your passport on your person when traveling, and then, talk with your host about the way to secure it in-country. Just in case you lose your passport, make two photocopies of your it (keep one and give the other to someone not traveling with you).

There is no need to bring your social security card or birth certificate, so it’s best to keep those documents safe at home.

Necessary and Appropriate Clothing

Take time to think critically about what clothes you really need for your trip. Talk to long-term missionaries about what they wear to work, attend church, go shopping, etc., and only pack the essentials. Remember, less is more.

Additionally, do some research about appropriate clothing in your host culture. Familiarize yourself with modesty standards and typical dress for someone your age and gender. And, in general, it’s best to leave “clever” Christian T-shirts at home .

Linens and Toiletries

You might be able to purchase some personal items in-country. Ask your host if you need to pack your own sheets and towels for your trip. But you definitely need to bring your own toothbrush.

Comfortable Walking Shoes

You probably will not be able to drive on your trip, so that means a lot of travel on your two feet. Invest in a comfortable pair of walking shoes that will last the entire trip, and break them in before you leave to avoid blisters.

Medical Kit

You never know what bumps, bruises or bites you’ll encounter, so include a small medical kit in your backpack. Make sure you have enough of your daily prescriptions to last the duration of your trip, and carry them in their pharmacy-supplied bottle.

We’ve detailed what a complete medical kit should include in the downloadable mission trip packing list .

Spare Glasses and Contacts

Even if you’re a contacts-only person, bring your glasses just in case your new environment causes eye irritation.

Adapter Plug and Voltage Converter

Electrical outlets are shaped differently all around the world. You will likely need an adapter plug to use them. Additionally, your electronics might be made for a certain voltage different from the power supply. To avoid frying anything, check to see if you need to pack a voltage converter. See this guide on choosing power adapters for more information.

Small Flashlight and Batteries

A flashlight is not necessary until it is. Be prepared and pack a small one in your backpack.

THE NICE-TO-HAVES

Add these to your mission trip packing list if you have a little room to spare.

Capturing photos is a great way to remember your mission trip . Before you start snapping away, though, ask a long-term missionary what pictures are appropriate to take and where. Remember, photos should always be taken with permission and in the context of relationship.

A Piece of Home

A family photo, a letter of encouragement from a friend, or a small token of home will provide you with a little familiarity when culture stress strikes.

Since you’re only bringing the essential clothing (see above), pack a needle and thread to patch a hole or secure a button.

Duct Tape and Safety Pins

For when the sewing kit doesn’t do the trick.

Non-Perishable Snacks

Tuck away durable snacks like granola bars, trail mix or oatmeal. Don’t worry about packing enough to last your whole trip. Just bring a few to tide you over until you explore the local grocery store.

A Gift for Hosts

Think about giving your hosts a small token from your home culture, like a hard candy or postcard.

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Her Packing List

Packing Lists

Ultimate female packing list for a mission trip.

The is a mission trip packing list brought to you by Caroline. See all packing list posts here.

One of the most difficult trips I’ve ever packed for was one in which I spent two weeks in rural Thailand on a mission trip, followed by another two weeks sailing the Croatian coast. I tried to find items that were versatile enough for both trips, but I needed to bring specific items for my mission trip.

Mission work can take you all over the world, from Southeast Asia to South America and everywhere in between, so it’s important to be prepared. After consulting others who have traveled for mission work, we’ve come up with this mission trip packing list .

As a representative of the organization you are traveling on behalf of, you will likely be expected to follow a certain dress code. Modest clothing is important to pack in effort to respect local cultures.

2 pairs of capri or long pants – Most trips prefer that volunteers not wear shorts during their trip. Instead, wear cargo or lightweight linen pants. I packed my ExOfficio Roughian capris. http://www.exofficio.com/products/details/womens-roughian-capri

2 long sleeved shirts – Bug proof clothing is a must-have for a mission trip. It’s even better if it’s wicking as well. Long sleeved shirts are also great for layering .

2 short sleeved shirts – While working, it’s a good idea to wear basic short sleeved shirts that you don’t mind getting dirty. I recommend cheap tees from a bargain store like Old Navy to throw away if you need to.

1 tank top or sleeveless shirt – If you have a day off you can wear a tank top or wear it under your other shirts.

1 long skirt–  You can wear a skirt on your day off or even at work, depending on what your project involves.

3 bras – I recommend packing 2 regular bras and at least one sports bra.

3 pairs of underwear – If I had known about ExOfficio underwear at the time, I would have packed it exclusively and washed it as I went .

1 windbreaker or light jacket – The rain in Thailand came quickly, often when I wasn’t prepared for it.

1 pair leggings or yoga pants – You need something to wear on planes and to sleep that won’t be too revealing.

1 bandana – As the all-purpose travel item, I used mine to wipe off sweat on hot afternoons.

1 hat – Keep the sun out of your eyes and protect yourself.

1 pashmina or  sarong – I used my sarong as a long skirt, to cover up when I got out of the shower and sometimes as a blanket.

1 pair of athletic shoes – Closed toed shoes are essential if you’re working on a building project.

1 pair of flip flops – Just like in hostels , volunteer housing has shared showers, so keep your feet clean.

Shampoo /Conditioner  – Travel sized and TSA friendly are the way to go.

Soap or Body Wash  – I brought body wash instead, but soap is usually easier to pack if you’re flying carry-on only .

Toothbrush/ Paste  – Also get a snap-on case so you don’t get anything on your toothbrush.

Deodorant  – You’ll be glad you had it on the sweltering days.

Razor  – You might not see this item as essential, but it’s your call.

Brush  – Useful for pulling your hair back.

Hair ties and headbands  – Necessary to keep the hair off your neck on those hot days.

Motion Sickness Medicine  – You may be taking local transportation, which can be bumpy.

Diva Cup  – The  Diva Cup  is ideal for this trip since you will be active and won’t always have time to change. And not every country has the same feminine products that you might be used to.

Prescriptions and medications – Visit a travel doctor before your trip to see what vaccinations and medications you need beforehand.

First aid kit – The basics, like band-aids, ibuprofen and burn cream, should be sufficient.

Protection from the Elements

Mosquito spray – I purchased heavy-duty DEET mosquito spray for my trip to Thailand but didn’t put it on as much as I should have.

Sunblock – Save yourself from a miserable week of sunburn.

Travel insurance – You don’t want to be put in a situation where you need to be airlifted out of the country without travel insurance .

Camera – Capture the memories of your mission trip, but make sure your camera is fully charged before you go in case you don’t get a chance to plug it in.

iPod – Keep yourself entertained on the long flight.

Adapters – Don’t forget adapters for your chosen country.

Towel – Pack a quick-drying towel for convenience and extra space.

Passport and necessary visas – Make sure you’ve acquired all necessary paperwork to visit the country you’ll be working in. Also throw in extra cash in case you can’t find an ATM right away.

Deck of cards – I always pack a deck of cards because it’s a form of entertainment that never needs charging.

Books – I rarely had a chance to charge my electronics, so I was glad to have real books , rather than an e-reader . I also didn’t feel bad about leaving them behind.

Language guide – There are lots of language guide options, but you should at least know a few words of the local language.

Headlamp – On a few occasions I had to fumble around in the dark to go to the restroom, so it was handy to have my headlamp next to my bed.

Wet wipes – You won’t be able to shower as much as you might back home, so a quick face wipe can make you feel cleaner immediately.

Water bottle – Make sure your bottle is filled with potable water before drinking it. If you’re unsure, pack iodine tablets or a SteriPen .

>>Check out these clean water hacks .

Gifts for kids – If you will be working with children, you can bring items like pencils as a treat for the children. Just make sure it’s nothing that can’t get refilled.

Anything else you would add for a mission trip packing list? Add it to the list in the comments below!

Download this packing checklist now.

Plus get access to 100+ more FREE downloadable packing lists.

Written by Caroline

Caroline Eubanks is a native of Atlanta, Georgia, but has also called Charleston, South Carolina and Sydney, Australia home. After college graduation and a series of useless part-time jobs, she went to Australia for a working holiday. In that time, she worked as a bartender, bungee jumped, scuba dived, pet kangaroos, held koalas and drank hundreds of cups of tea. You can find Caroline at Caroline in the City .

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Book Your Trip

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March 5, 2013 at 9:27 am

Long time lurker here! 🙂 I read through this checklist going “Yep, yep, yep yep” as I went along. The sports bra is especially important if you’re doing any sort of outdoor manual labor. You don’t want to possibly ruin your good bras and it’s nice to have one bra designated for all the dirty work. The pencils are a great gift idea, so are fun-shaped erasers. I try to avoid sweets because they often have poor access to dental care and you don’t want to add to any existing problems. I’d add that if your mission trip is of the religious variety and they want you to bring a Bible, get an app instead. Those Bibles are HEAVY!!! I have a free Bible app from You Version that lets you download and/or use WiFi to access 450 versions in 244 languages. Way more helpful than lugging the actual book around!

March 7, 2013 at 12:31 pm

Awesome tips, Elle! Thanks for finally dropping us a comment 😉 We love them!

March 6, 2013 at 4:50 am

Nice list. Diva cup is a must I’m a total convert

March 22, 2013 at 4:10 am

this is awesome..I really needed this because I’ll be going on a mission trip soon..thank you caroline!

April 20, 2013 at 2:53 pm

Thanks for the list! I’m doing an interfaith mission trip to turkey in a couple weeks and this is very helpful!! I’ve been struggling to find the balance of travelling light, packing for both work (helping refugees) and sightseeing. It’s important to have this list as a reminder to pack for whats most important… The work. 🙂

April 29, 2013 at 12:07 am

For the past two summers I’ve been serving as a short term (2 month) missionary in India, Nepal, and Southern Africa and one thing I’d add is baby wipes. They almost always come in handy.

October 27, 2016 at 5:07 pm

Totally agree! I bring a pack of baby wipes and also a pack of face wash wipes (which I use at night then I often keep overnight to be used as a wash cloth to freshen in the morning). a

June 4, 2013 at 11:41 pm

Hello, I have been reading your blog for a while now and this post about mission trips is perfect because I am going on a trip in Sept for 2 weeks to Bangladesh! My question was what you guys thought about bringing scrub pants to use for the everyday wear. Jeans are bulky and take long to dry. And I don’t think we will have access to laundry facilities. I also want to, obviously, keep my pack lightweight. Any thoughts or ideas are most appreciated! Thanks!

July 10, 2013 at 2:00 am

I’m headed to Rio on a Mission trip and scrubs were what I decided on as well. As an added bonus, they’re comfy enough for the plane so I eliminated the need to an extra set of clothes for flying.

July 13, 2013 at 3:00 pm

Scrub pants are awesome! I am a CNA and they are the most comfortable pants I’ve ever worn in my life. Once you give them a quick wash and dry, they feel like pajamas but give you the casual look. They also come in many different colors or patterns. I know of a few churches in my area who require them to bring at least one pair of scrub pants to every trip. WalMart is the place to go for them as well. They have a few different styles to choose from and tons of colors. Have a great trip, I hope I helped!

June 7, 2014 at 6:20 pm

Yes, I would definitely bring scrubs! I leave for Costa Rica in one week and we were recommended to bring scrubs for construction, and you could also wear them for everyday use! They are so lightweight and take up little room in the suit case so they are a MUST in my book!

January 1, 2018 at 6:30 pm

June 9, 2016 at 9:02 pm

Scrubs are great. I always take them to wear. I have different colors. I even wear them on te plane. My black ones go with everyrhing.

August 4, 2013 at 7:25 am

One thing you forgot to add: bring a couple nice outfits that are conservative because if you are on a religious mission trip, you will most likely attend at least one church service. In my mission trips to the Philippines and Peru, we had to bring nice clothing for church services, but in Peru we couldn’t wear pants at all and couldn’t show our shoulders so we had to be more conservative there, whereas the Philippines allowed colored or dark jeans.

April 19, 2016 at 11:49 pm

I’m going to Peru with my sons youth group soon. Do you have any other tips for me, like what to expect weather wise, etc. It’s also my first one so I’m nervously excited lol

June 6, 2022 at 12:45 am

You will have so much fun. And learn so much about their culture. You think your going to be a blessing to them, but your going to find your equally as blessed if not more. Blessings on your 1st trip! ❤️🙏🏻

March 5, 2014 at 11:27 pm

Do you have advice on sandals to pack for a missions trip? I’m going to Haiti but I can’t spend hundreds of dollars on Chacos or Tevas

March 7, 2014 at 7:08 am

If you shop at Sierra Trading Post, you can get Chacos or Tevas for way less expensive. I just bought a pair and, shipping and everything, they cost just over $50. There are promotions going on all the time and you can search for online coupons too!

October 31, 2016 at 5:24 pm

Buy cheep flip flops and then leave them for someone on the last day of your trip. Bring tennis shoes.

March 18, 2014 at 4:48 am

Going to Honduras in 3 days!! Will be sharing with the Honduran women about marriage. I wanted to take them something. Would homemade wedding cookies be appropriate or could you suggest something else. I am on a limited budget and I have no idea how many women might attend.

June 8, 2014 at 6:34 pm

We’re leaving soon for a mission in Honduras. My teen daughter has a few streaks of lavender highlights in her hair. Do you know if this is culturally acceptable among churches? Would the highlighting have negative connotations in the Honduran culture?

April 24, 2014 at 2:29 pm

Hi all! I’ve been on short term trips to Russia and Kenya, and I’ve been on long term trips to New Zealand, and I’m going to Kenya again for two weeks this summer! I totally agree with this list…especially for remote or undeveloped areas. 🙂 So, awesome! A few things that I would add (not sure if anyone has added them in comments already):

Bring a rolling duffel. I’ve found that to be the best type of luggage. You can stuff it to bursting, unlike a suitcase.

When you pack, roll your clothes. It saves alot of space.

Put all TSA approved liquids in your carry-on in a quart-sized plastic bag, toward the top of your bag so you can pull it out when they ask for it.

Bring alot of hand sanitizer. In many places you won’t have water out in the field to wash with.

Bring camping toilet paper, or toilet paper from a roll in a plastic bag. Sometimes you gotta go and there’s no toilet paper (or toilet!).

Ponds (or similar) face wipes are so helpful!

If you HAVE to bring some kind of makeup, bring a tinted moisturizer. They usually have sunscreen built in and it’s nice and light.

Bring some kind of “lady wipes” like Summer’s Eve or Kotex.

In the Walmart camping section you’ll find Repel Mosquito Repellant Wipes…they are the most handy thing I’ve come across. Especially for places that are known for malaria.

A small flashlight is a good idea.

If you’re going to be there for a while, bring a small sewing kit.

In countries where malaria is a concern, wear long socks, apply mosquito repellant at least twice a day, and bring/diligently take malaria medication. The best way to avoid malaria is to not get bit.

Never be caught in a foreign country without an anti-diarrhea med.

Bring along a general purpose antibiotic (get prescription from a doctor). I’ve gotten skin infections in the field that were easily treated by something like cipro.

Last one, benadryl or a good antihistamine. Unknown places, plants, animals and foods…just be on the safe side.

Blessings on all your trips! -Katy

May 8, 2014 at 7:12 pm

Birkenstock or sandals made like them. You can walk all day in them and they are sturdy and supportive!

July 2, 2015 at 3:25 pm

Thank you, Caroline for all the great tips! I’m a teen and have my first ever mission trip next week and I appreciate all the do’ s and dont’ s! Please pray that God will be glorified during this exciting week and His name will be lifted high 🙂

January 29, 2016 at 12:12 pm

Anna, you should bring a camera if you can or a journal so you can document you trip !

January 29, 2016 at 12:23 pm

Hey so these are few tips from my experiences

1)If you are going to be doing a lot of outside work bring sports bras. They sell them padded unpadded I recommend the ones from under armour (little pricey but at least you wont be ruining your $40 bra with sweat )

2)If you are going to be in a not so remote area and you have bathrooms bring tampons just do it because if you are doing any water activities and don’t want to wear or cant find a diva cup, it will help (this is more for local regions )

3)Bring snacks in resalable containers you can find Doritos in giant pringle cans, bring drinks in twist cap bottles etc.

4)duffel bags are the best because they are unique so if you are on a sports team, bring your duffel from the team

5)pack as little as possible don’t bring your giant 3 pack of toothbrushes just bring one . don’t pack a giant 100 pack of hair ties only bring 10 (only ten plus a few headbands )

6)don’t bring hairspray (aerosol ) you will stink up your cabin and when you sweat it will all go into your eyes

7)bring collapsible sunglasses

October 19, 2016 at 6:55 am

Also chopstick is really important and if you’re trying to pack lighter, pack some laundry detergent pods in a plastic bag. If you’re staying in a hotel you can wash your clothes in the tub.

June 5, 2017 at 7:07 pm

bring a bathing suit to wear when showering if u r uncomfortable showering with other people

June 30, 2017 at 12:44 am

Thank you all for your advice. I am leaving on. my trip to Kenya next week I had no idea of what I should pack. May God bless you for your help!

August 25, 2017 at 7:22 pm

It’s incredible to see so many people passionate about missions. Seriously love it. I’ll be leading a team in Cambodia next January (I cannot wait to go back and see the progress since I was last there!) so just refreshing the memory.

A few random things I’d add: •A sink plug. One that can be used in multiple sized tubs so that you can wash clothes in it. This was such a lifesaver last time! A few pegs and small string washing line can also be handy, otherwise a few costhangers to hang clothes in the shower.

•Portable power bank – so you can charge phones or cameras when you don’t have access to other power.

One of our team last time took powdered milk and oats to have for breakfast. It was great as cereal wasn’t accessible over there so we’d have to go and buy fruit or heavy meals with rice for breakfast otherwise. Obviously depends on how much space you have!

January 1, 2018 at 6:21 pm

Thank you so much this is so helpful ,leaving for Haiti in Feb

February 11, 2018 at 8:15 am

My last trip to Guatemala we built a house. Even though I was drinking lots of safe water my body needed electrolytes. Next time I’m packing some Gatorade packets to add in to my water.

May 20, 2018 at 11:10 pm

Just a heads up, in many cultures, actual playing cards that have the suits and face cards are very taboo because they are connected to gambling in some cultures and are seen as being bad. This was something my parents learned when traveling abroad for my brother’s adoption, and something that my youth pastor made sure the teens were/are aware of when packing for an upcoming out of country missions trip, that you can’t bring a deck of regular playing cards.

April 22, 2021 at 10:09 am

If you love card games, don’t neglect Uno or SkipBo. They may be a little bigger than traditional card packs, but they don’t have face-cards or even shapes, just colors. It’s easy to learn and teach others who may not have played them before.

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Mission Trip Packing List: What to Pack When Going On A Mission Trip

Mission trips require different packing than what your average vacation. The goal of short-term mission (STM) trips is to help others and to share the Gospel. You might stay in an uncomfortable place or manually work for several hours per day. Even though they require hard work, mission trips are incredibly rewarding. Prior to leaving, keep in mind what you will be doing during your mission trip, as your activities will greatly affect what you need to pack.

Climate In Of Your Destination:

The climate of your mission trip destination should determine what you should pack. Popular mission trip destinations include Haiti, Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, Mexico and more. I recommend for you to research the climate and rainfall rates prior to packing. A great resource for researching weather is  www.worldweatheronline.com .

Recently, I went on a short-term mission trip to the Dominican Republic. The list of clothes and gear in this article is inspired by what I brought with me during that trip.

Here are some examples of the climate in the Dominican Republic:

Chart depicting the average temperatures by month of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic:

Chart depicting the average rainfall amount by month of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic:

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic tends to be hottest during June, July, August and September, the main months summer months when missionaries travel. Since the temperatures can reach highs of 91 fahrenheit, you will want to bring clothes suited to hotter weather, such as t-shirts and shorts. During the summer month in Santo Domingo, it rains approximately once every three days, so you may want to bring your raincoat or umbrella.

Things to Pack for Your Mission Trip:

Backpacks/luggage:.

You will first want to check with your church or organization about their rules for luggage and backpacks.

Many mission trip groups recommend for volunteers to take one carry on backpack and a check in suitcase. During my mission trip to the Dominican Republic, I brought a large rolling duffel bag and a small 18-liter daypack.

The rolling duffel bag I brought was the eBags Mother Lode Duffel , which is a very large rolling bag. I usually prefer to pack light with just a carry on bag, however because church groups tend to bring supplies and other gifts for the overseas churches, you may be required to pack supplies for the group, not just your personal belongings, which was the case for me. Make sure your luggage meets your airline’s weight requirements!

Read more: Luggage for Teens: 10 Stylish Suitcases for Traveling Teens

Some other great suitcases to bring include the Samsonite F’Lite , which is a durable and high capacity spinner suitcase or the Delsey Helium Shadow 2.0  which is a hardshell spinner.

My daypack was the REI Flash 18 . While my large suitcase was checked in, I kept personal belongings like my camera, snacks and notebook in this bag. The great thing about this backpack is that it weighs less than a pound and can be rolled up and packed away when not in use. See my review of the Flash 18  here.

If you need to bring an instrument with you, make sure you have a durable case for it.

Ask your mission trip leader whether you will be able to wash clothes during your trip.

Here’s what I brought during a 12 day trip to the Dominican Republic:

• 2 dress shirts
• 1 pair of shorts
• 1 pair of athletic shorts
• 1 pair of jeans
• 1 pair of khakis
• 1 pair of convertible pants
• 1 rain jacket

Because the weather would not go below 73 fahrenheit, I decided not to bring a fleece or hoodie.

While going to church in the Dominican Republic, I wore long pants and either a polo or a button down shirt. It’s important to respect the local culture, especially as a missionary so you will want to dress appropriately for church services. You probably shouldn’t wear anything that is too tight or too fitted.

When working outside, you’ll want to wear warm weather clothes. I frequently wore shorts and a t-shirt while working with kids. I recommend wearing shirts made of materials like polyester rather than cotton. Polyester is usually lighter and more moisture wicking. I highly recommend are the Patagonia Capilene 1 Silkweight T-Shirt , which is quick drying, UV protective and odor resistant.

For women, you should ask your trip leader about clothes, however as a general rule of thumb, dresses right below knee or longer are appropriate for formal occasions and you probably should leave your short shorts at home.

• Sandals/flip flops
• Dress shoes

When on a mission trip, you’ll want to take a comfortable pair of sneakers for working in. I wore the  Oboz Sundogs , which are a lightweight pair of hiking shoes. The Sundogs have great traction, are comfortable and protect your feet from sharp rocks and other debris. I was really impressed by how the shoes performed while I worked outside on a gravel surface.

Also, you may want to bring a pair of flip flops or sandals for wearing when not working or when in hot areas. Flip flops or sandals are also great to wear when showering if showering facilities are dirty. My sandals were the KEEN Uneeks , which are versatile sports sandals that can be used in the water, for hiking and everything in between.

Dress shoes are necessary to bring if you’re serving in a church during your mission trip. Many churches have more formal dress codes, so it may be important to bring your dress shoes. I brought my  Timberland Stormbuck Lite Brogue Oxfords which are comfortable, stylish and lightweight.

Toiletries and Other:

Depending on your group, you may or may not be able to buy toiletries at your destination. To be safe, you may want to bring all the toiletries you will need.

Here are some toiletries and other things you might want to bring:

• Personal toiletries (Shampoo, Conditioner, toothbrush & toothpaste, etc.)
• Body wash or soap
• Bath towel – I used the Sea to Summit DryLite Travel Towel , a compact and lightweight travel towel
• Hand Sanitizer
• Water Bottle – I used the Eco Vessel Filtration Water Bottle  which filters out heavy metals, odors and parasites from water
• Sunglasses, sunscreen
• Insect repellant
• Moistened wipes
• Flashlight – I used the Nebo Redline flashlight which is extremely bright and compact
• Small umbrella – I took a rain jacket instead

When packing your toiletries, you’ll want to keep them organized, so I’d recommend getting a toiletry kit like the eBags Toiletry Kit depicted above.

Entertainment and Electronics:

Electronics and things for entertainment are optional since the purpose of the trip is to serve and not necessarily for having fun, however you may want to bring some of these things:

• Phone and phone charger – I brought a smartphone which was supposed to act as my alarm clock, music player, ebook reader and camera
• Music player
• Headphones – I use Zipbuds , earbuds which don’t tangle
• Books, magazines or ebooks
• External battery – to keep my phone powered up on the go, I brought the  Anker External Battery , which can recharge an iPhone 4-5 times
• Voltage converter – check the voltage and socket shape of the country you will be traveling to

While I was in the Dominican Republic, my group leader confiscated all valuables and electronics, including my phone. I was planning on using my phone to take pictures, but since it was taken, I couldn’t take any photos during the entire trip. 🙁 Ask your group leader prior to leaving about their policy with electronics.

Note : When going on a mission trip, you are advised not to bring valuables and expensive electronics . You might not even have enough time to use them.

Important Items and Documents:

• Passport – make sure it hasn’t expired
• Spending money for personal gifts and souvenirs

To hold my spending money, I wore a money belt from Travelon  in which I discretely and safely stored my higher denomination bills.

Optional Items:

• Deck of cards or other travel games
• Language phrasebook
• Travel pillow
• Snacks – although food is probably provided you may want to pack your own snacks if you’re hungry, I brought some Clif Bars
• Watch – I brought my Suunto M2 watch

I did not bring playing cards with my, however if you do you may want to check out the Lingo Phrasebook cards , which are beautifully designed playing cards that help you learn basic phrases in languages including Spanish, French, Italian and more.

Read more:   Clif Bar Review: Are Clif Bars Healthy?

What Not To Bring on a Mission Trip:

While I’ve written a list of the most important things to bring, sometimes the most helpful information is what not to bring. Here are some things you should not bring on a mission trip:

• Too many electronics – you could potentially lose these and you might not have time to use them
• Expensive jewelry
• Overly fancy clothes
• Too many books – books are heavy and take up lots of space, you might not even get to read them anyways
• Pocket knives – as useful as they are, you can’t fly with knives
• Anything which doesn’t meet TSA requirements

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• Sample Mission Trip Packing List
•   Dress clothes for church (2-3)
•   Work project clothes and Other ministry clothes (7-10)
•   Lightweight sleepwear
•   Undergarments
•   Swimwear (one-piece for ladies)
•   Closed-toe/tennis shoes
•   Dress shoes

International Travel Needs

•   Passport and copy of passport
•   Flight information
•   Intended address in foreign country
•   Medical information and insurance card

Personal Items

•   Medications
•   Pepto-Bismol and Imodium
•   Bug spray
•   Anti-bacterial hand sanitizer
•   Sunscreen/sun block
•   Sunburn medication and lotion
•   Bath towel and/or beach towel
•   Washcloth
•   Laundry bag (pillow cases work great)
•   Wet wipes
•   Personal Snacks
•   Spending money/travel meal money
•   Comb/brush
•   Contacts/contact solution and case
•   Glasses/glasses case
•   Toiletries
•   Razor/shaving cream
•   Soap and shampoo
•   Toothbrush/toothpaste/floss
•   PPM Handbook/Journal/Pelican Guide
•   Water bottle with large opening
•   Backpack or small duffel bag
•   Hat or baseball cap
•   Sunglasses
•   Inexpensive watch
•   Flashlight
•   Ear plugs
•   Ziploc baggies (some gallon size, some sandwich size)

Other Items

•   Ministry supplies
•   Donated supplies
•   Work Gloves
•   Safety Goggles

For Floor Sleeping Trips Only

•   Air mattress and pump
•   Personal battery-operated fan with batteries
•   Mosquito net

Mission Trip Resources

Before your mission trip.

• Five Roles to Recruit for Your Mission Team
• Five Steps for Your Call to Missions
• Five Ways Your Group Will Grow on a Mission Trip
• Four Reasons Your Church Should Invest in Missions
• Fundraising Ideas for Your Team Mission Trip
• Group Travel Communication Tips
• Group Travel Tips
• How To: Promote Your Next Mission Trip
• How to: Hosting Missions Team Meetings
• How to: Mission Trip Support Letters
• How to: Recruiting Your Missions Team
• I'm NOT Going on This Mission Trip - What Now?
• Individual Bibles Studies Before You Go On Your Mission Trip
• Individual Mission Trip Fundraising Ideas
• Mission Trip Fundraising Tips
• One Week of Group Mission Trip Devotionals
• Options to Think Through Before Your Next Mission Trip
• Packing Tips
• Sample Mission Trip Commitment Letter
• Sample Mission Trip Support Letters
• Sample Mission Trip VBS Outline and Tips!
• Seven Keys of Preparation for Your Mission Trip
• Seven Reasons You Should Go on a Short-Term Mission Trip
• Ten Tips for Cultural Sensitivity
• Three Basic Principles for a Life Changing Mission Trip
• Three Ways to Prepare for Your Mission Trip
• Tips for Sharing Your Testimony
• What NOT to Pack On Your Mission Trip
• Why Partnering Local Matters
• Will My Mission Trip Change Me?
• Your Travel Checklist

During Your Mission Trip

• Connecting with Your Local Pastor
• Five Tips to Debrief Well Each Evening of Your Mission Trip
• Mission Trip Clothing Guidelines
• Photography Etiquette on Mission Trips
• Physical Giving and Donations
• Serving With Dignity
• Staying Healthy On Your Mission Trip
• Staying Safe During Your Mission Trip

After Your Mission Trip

• Five Ways to Support Missionary Friends For Free
• Four Ways to Support Local Ministries
• Keeping Your Missions Partnership Healthy
• Living the Pelican Life
• The Mission Trip is Over - Now What?
• The Missions Truth Burden

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LATEST TRIP JOURNALS

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INTERNATIONAL

Our customizable mission trips allow each person on your team of adults to find a place to serve, regardless of their interest or skills.

Africa's many countries boast a wide array of beauty, culture and needs. Destinations include Kenya and South Africa.

Serve with Praying Pelican across the Caribbean—locations include Haiti, Jamaica, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, the Bahamas, and Puerto Rico.

Serve with Praying Pelican across the Central America—locations include Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica.

This is your opportunity to serve alongside a local church and experience God in a different culture—from Belize, to Cuba, to South Africa and beyond.

From our hometown of Minneapolis to the island of Puerto Rico, USA mission trips are diverse in service opportunities, cultural experiences, and community needs.