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Best Duffle Bag & Luggage for African Safari Travel in 2022

Choosing what type of bag to take on your safari can depend on where you are going, what you are doing ( climbing Kilimanjaro or flying in small bush planes) and how long you are staying. Different regions have different luggage requirements and restrictions depending on what type of air transport is being used. Recently rolling duffel bags with a hard bottom frame and wheels have become quite popular. Now while this sort of bag is fine for many safaris, it won’t work on most safaris in Botswana and Zambia where the hard frame and wheels can’t be squeezed into the tiny luggage compartment in the belly of the Cessna. A traditional duffel bag or a completely soft-sided bag with wheels is appropriate in these situations (see the Swissgear bag below).

As frequent travelers to Africa, we’re sharing some of our favorite safari bags below. All of these bags qualify as carry-ons and are about the right size for keeping within the strict weight limits of most small plane flights in Africa (33 or 44 pounds per person and a maximum size of 10 inches wide, 12 inches high and 24 inches long).

For more packing recommendations, view our Safari Packing List and our Amazon Store .

Herschel Novel Duffel Bag & Herschel Supply Co. Sutton Mini

Herschel bags are favorites of our Journey Specialists. The Mini is a nice pick for travelers comfortable traveling very light, as it’s only 12.5″ wide. The Classic duffel is 20.5″ wide and holds 42.5L. The Classic duffle also has a removable padded shoulder strap, though you won’t be carrying your own bag while on safari. The Mini currently sells for $65 and the Classic is $90.

Eagle Creek Medium

Eagle Creek is another staff favorite and one of our most affordable picks, as it currently sells for $80. The medium bag is made of bi-tech fabric, making it extra durable and water-resistant, but only weighs 30 oz. There is also an extra storage pouch that you can use as an internal packing pocket for items you’d like to keep separate.

Swissgear Large Lightweight Rolling Duffel

For those looking for a wheeled duffel bag, we recommend the Swissgear Large Lightweight Rolling Duffel . Kent has bought many of these over the years for his family and himself and takes one every time he goes to Africa. This is a true rolling duffel in that it can be packed down – there’s no frame so this bag is ideal for flying safaris in Southern Africa. This bag is 24 inches wide, but the wheels and handle do add weight compared to the lighter weight duffel options above. This bag is 6.3 pounds empty, which will take away from packing weight for safaris that have luggage weight restrictions. It currently sells for $188.

Filson Medium 25″ Duffle Bag

Our top pick for a higher-end duffle is the Filson Medium 25″ Duffle Bag . This high quality bag is constructed with water resistant rugged twill and durable bridle leather. It also has two interior pockets and a removable shoulder strap. It’s currently priced at $380.

Be sure to check with your Journey Specialist about specific requirements for your safari before purchasing your bag. Also, check out our packing list so you know you’re not overpacking or forgetting something!

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Updated March 2022

All products featured are independently selected by the Africa Adventure Consultants team. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

• Travel Tips

Best safari luggage – Duffel bags & backpacks for African travels

The best African safari luggage is completely different to the necessary luggage for a city trip or backpacking expedition.

There are some very unique conditions that make it important to choose specific safari luggage. This includes the dusty savanna, cramped buses, and a jam-packed Land Cruiser bouncing into the wilderness.

The single most important part of African travel is having a suitable bag . Everything else you can work out after you have arrived.

But what is the best luggage for an African safari? Is it a duffel bag or backpack? And if so, what are the best safari bags for your trip?

In this guide, we’ll detail everything you need to know .

Best Luggage for Travel to Africa: The Basics

An elephant does not care what you look like. Neither does a lion or even a safari guide .

So put the fancy clothes away and get practical . The wilderness simply isn’t a place for frivolities, and that starts with your safari luggage.

First, take a look at our detailed guide on what to pack for an African safari. In short – pack light and keep it simple .

Why? Well, however you plan to travel in Africa, it’s going to be full, and there isn’t enough space for big safari luggage.

• Light aircraft safari flights have strict 15 kg baggage weight limits.
• Safari vehicles are generally designed for off-roading and don’t have much space for luggage.
• Travel on public transport, and you must be comfortable carrying your own luggage, including walking with it for more than a kilometer.

On an African adventure, you will be moving from place to place. On many safaris, you go to a different camp every day.

So there isn’t even time to unpack everything. Just take the basics and stay practical – this isn’t a fashion statement!

It doesn’t help if you are a wizard at folding safari clothing into crease-free, super-flat, super-organized piles. If your safari luggage is a complete dinosaur, it’s going to be disastrous.

And all the skillful arrangement adds up to nothing if your bag weighs more than King Kong with the Empire State Building in his left hand and a distressed blonde in his right!

What is the Best Luggage for Safari?

It is important to choose the right luggage for your African safari. This way, you can ensure the safety of all your belongings , whether on the plane, bus, or the savanna.

As mentioned above, you will need to pack light. And in addition to sticking to the strict weight limits, the bag should be able to hold all your clothing and gear .

Chances are you’ll need to pack several layers for those warm days and cold nights. You may also need space for your camera equipment .

Luckily, there are many lightweight duffel bags and backpacks that fit the bill. Below is a breakdown of the best safari duffel bags, backpacks, and travel bags for your next African adventure.

Best duffel bag for safari

Soft-sided luggage for safari is a must , and there are many duffel bags that offer exactly that. They are also spacious enough to store up to a week’s worth of clothing and toiletries, along with your other safari gear.

Depending on which African safari you’re visiting, it may help to look for a technical duffel bag .

These travel bags have unique features that can help a ton when out in the wilderness. Common features include a water-repellent shell and detachable straps .

But what is the best duffel bag for an African safari? Top brands to look out for include The North Face, Travelpro, and Red Oxx .

Best backpack for safari

While duffel bags are the preferred pick, backpacks are good too – especially if you’re going on a walking safari through Mana Pools National Park or elsewhere in Africa.

Like duffel bags, backpacks for safari need to be light , durable , and compressible . They also need to have enough pockets and compartments to store your belongings securely.

Backpacks also make for a good secondary bag. As such, opt for a roll-top as these can easily fit into your larger duffel bag during your flight and transfer. This way, you’re getting the best of both worlds.

What is the best safari backpack? Recommended picks include the Saddleback Leather backpack and the Targus Drifter.

Other safari travel bags

In addition to your safari duffel bag or backpack, there are a few other luggage items you may want to bring along.

These items are fanny packs , dopp kits , and camera bags . Each of these can easily fit into a larger bag and can come in hand when on a safari.

Remember to only bring these along if necessary as you might need the extra space.

How to Pick the Best Luggage for African Safari

Let’s recap on the conditions, especially if you haven’t been on a safari in Africa.

On an African safari, you will be driving off-road , often on arid landscapes shrouded in dust. If it’s not dusty, it will probably be muddy.

Take a holiday at an all-inclusive beach resort, and you only use your luggage once – to get from your home to the resort.

In Africa, you will be on the move .

Whether public or private transport, flights or local buses, all that moving means things will spill, and your safari luggage is going to get dirty .

There are usually two options when it comes to what to wear on holiday. Change your clothes every day, or change your destination every day instead.

As you regularly move between destinations, you won’t need lots of luggage . And don’t worry if your clothes are a little sweaty or dust-stained. You will look more out of place in incredibly clean clothes.

It’s going to be hot, probably very hot. You will be battling against humidity. If it’s the rainy season, you and your luggage will get drenched.

These can be tough conditions, so the fundamental principle of all safari luggage is to make it easier for yourself .

In addition to knowing what the best bags for exploring in the wild are, here is how to choose safari luggage . These are sure to make your African adventure easier and packing less challenging.

1. You need quality luggage for safari (but not designer or expensive)

The eternal conundrum is whether to head for an exclusive luggage shop or select the cheapest , most rubbish piece of safari baggage available at a local supermarket.

Airline baggage controllers do not distinguish between designer labels and care not for price tags. Your bags get completely stuffed up, whether you paid a small fortune or got them in the bargain bin.

Your bag will be treated like a bag of potatoes by the majority of the people who handle it, from baggage controllers to local bus boys squashing your carefully labeled luggage next to some chickens and maize sacks.

Be warned – fragile stickers don’t work , especially not when you are on safari.

Spending hundreds or thousands on Louis Vuitton’s finest or the very latest Antler miracle is not a wise thing. And the cheapest safari luggage won’t live up to the demands of traveling in Africa.

So go for a good , middle-of-the-road bag – the “iSpot” duffel bag range from Travelite is a recommended choice. They are durable and inexpensive.

iSpots are soft , relatively light, and have a built-in wheely handle so you can pull them along the road and runway when necessary.

iSpots have concealed zips , which all have locking facilities on them (so many lightweight safari bags only have locking docks on their main zips and not on side pockets).

They are hard-wearing , rugged , and spacious enough for two-week trips in Africa. The seams won’t rip and dispose of half your belongings onto a buffalo -covered savanna.

2. Safari travel bags should be soft

In Africa, there is plenty of space for elephants to charge around. But there is not enough space for luggage.

Keeping your weight below 15 kg is important. Your safari luggage needs to mold and squeeze into any available space.

Solid-state suitcases may be good for European city trips, but they are completely impractical for Africa .

These massive, stainless steel megalodons are too bulky, do not stack neatly, and take up too much unnecessary room.

African safaris require soft , squishy bags that can squeeze into small spaces. As previously mentioned, duffel bags are perfect for this.

Backpacks are also a good choice, provided they don’t have a protruding and inflexible frame.

So let’s recap. The perfect safari luggage is light , squishy , hard-wearing , rugged enough for the dusty African savanna , and spacious enough for the safari essentials.

3. Reduce the volume of your safari bag

That aside, you should also take the volume of your bag into account. A 70-liter capacity is around average.

There are some excellent duffels out there , especially those designed for diving or adventure pursuits, which offer more space.

Coming in at $14.95, you get what you pay for with a duffel bag like this. It may last one trip if you are lucky!

But remember that a tightly packed soft bag is better than a loosely packed one because it keeps your belongings from rolling around and getting damaged.

It also prevents your cosmetics bag from getting a bang and leaking its contents all over your clothes.

Some duffel bags have straps that can compress the contents inside. These are ideal, as you can start light and still compress. Then you can expand it if you end up purchasing half a bag of souvenirs.

4. Other key considerations for the best luggage for safari travel

A wet bag is a great idea for cosmetics. Don’t buy an expensive one. You can use a run-of-the-mill high-street supermarket bag and tie the handles up tight to prevent unwanted spillages.

Consider decanting things like shampoo and moisturizer into small containers, or buy them in small bottles, to begin with.

The Body Shop , for example, has some great small bottles of products that are ideal for traveling. This reduces volume.

Your choice of safari luggage is peculiar to you and your needs , what you want to put in it and where you are going.

Whether you spend a lot of money on it or not, just make sure that it is secure with decent locks or, failing that, cable ties.

When flying, never put anything of value in it (jewelry, cameras, computers, cell phones, etc.).

And if it gets damaged by an airline’s baggage handler, make sure you stand up for your rights and get it either repaired or replaced.

Where to Take Your Safari Luggage

Having the right safari luggage can make or break your trip. But with this guide, you now know what to take and how to take it. So all that’s left is to go out and explore !

There are endless opportunities for a wild adventure in different locations – South Africa , Botswana , Namibia , Zambia , Zimbabwe , Tanzania , Kenya , Uganda , and gorilla trekking in Rwanda .

Hopefully, your safari luggage will keep you returning to Africa and experience as many incredible safaris as possible.

About The Author

Editorial Team

Related posts.

African safari packing list – What to bring on a trip to Africa

Best safari clothing: brands, clothes & tips for African safaris

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The Best Safari Luggage

By Mara Balagtas and Lale Arikoglu

Choosing the right luggage for a safari can make or break the trip: One day, you might be rumbling along Botswana’s lush delta with nothing to protect your camera, and the next, you're boarding a tiny domestic aircraft that prohibits all suitcases with wheels. You'll need to pack light to adhere to strict weight limits, but still invest in something that can hold enough layers for warm days and cool nights, as well as a bag to hold all your gear while actually out on a game drive. Here, our picks of the best luggage to take on safari—from camera bags and dopp kits to backpacks and duffels.

All products featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

A backpack is going to be your best friend when you're out on a game drive all day. Choose one with plenty of pockets and compartments to hold everything from a change of clothes, to camera batteries, to sunscreen, and if you can, go for a roll top version that can be stashed away in your larger duffle when you don't need it.

Tumi Alpha Bravo Tyndall backpack ($495, saksfifthavenue.com ); Hobo River backpack ($298, hobobags.com ); Marni backpack ($1,090, eastdane.com ); Fjallraven Split Pack weekender bag ($175, backcountry.cocom ); Oakley roll top backpack ($93, amazon.com ); Herschel Supply Co. Heritage backpack ($65, herschel.com ).

Classic Duffel Bags

"You're usually on rough terrain once outside of the international airport, so wheels are not that helpful on safari," says West Coast editor Rebecca Misner. And given that most safari camps are only accessible by small propeller planes, hard-sided luggage is a no-go. Instead, invest in a soft-sided duffle that's roomy enough to hold everything you need for the week, but still meets all the requirements of your jumper plane.

Paravel Grand Tour ($365, tourparavel.com ); Anya Hindmarch Bespoke Walton suitcase ($1,550, anyahindmarch.com ); Wool & Oak Duffel Suitcase ($425, woolandoak.com ); Hobo Zeppelin Duffel ($598, hobobags.com ); Filson Large Rugged Twill duffel bag ($425, filson.com ); Ghurka Cavalier canvas duffel bag ($1,295, ghurka.com ).

While you still need all your beauty essentials (there's cocktail hour back at camp, after all), you don't want a dopp kit that takes up too much space. Opt for a soft one that can be squeezed easily down the side of a bag.

Prada cosmetic pouch ($525, prada.com ); Hobo cosmetic pouch ($78, hobobags.com ); Dolce & Gabbana Necessaire nylon case ($415, us.dolcegabbana.com ); Louis Vuitton Toiletry Bag 25 ($745, us.louisvuitton.com ); Bottega Veneta Intrecciato beauty case ($580, bottegaveneta.com ); Filson wash bag ($125, filson.com ).

Technical Duffel Bags

On safari, you never know what the day will bring. Find a bag that has a water-repellant shell and detachable straps that allow you to sling it over your shoulder—or even transform it into a backpack—at a moment's notice.

Patagonia duffel ($129, patagonia.com ); Best Made Co. SWS 100L roll top duffle ($198, bestmadeco.com ); Herschel Supply Co. Outfitter luggage ($140, herschel.com ); Cotopaxi Chumpi travel duffel ($110, cotopaxi.com ); Burton Backhill duffel ($109, amazon.com ); Eastpak Perce duffel ($77, selfridges.com ).

Jessica Puckett

Anna Borges

Karthika Gupta

Fanny Packs

Given that you've traveled thousands of miles to catch a glimpse of wildlife roaming free, you'll want your hands free to grab your camera at any given moment. Luckily, fanny packs are in vogue again—perfect for holding all your essentials.

VereVerto Convertible Mini Mox bag ($295, shopbop.com ); Patagonia Ultralight hip pack ($29, patagonia.com ); Clare V. belt bag ($345, nordstrom.com ); Marc Jacobs belt bag ($315, marcjacobs.com ); Paravel belt bag ($35, tourparavel.com ); Herschel Supply Co. 17 hip pack ($45, herschel.com ).

Camera Bags

You'll want a compact, sturdy bag to protect that new camera you splurged on. We love the Palma camera bag from ONA, which comes with a handy compartment to store your spare memory cards or lenses in.

Madewell camera cross body bag ($128, madewell.com ); Lo & Sons Claremont leather camera bag ($368, loandsons.com ); Ganni tech bag ($135, ganni.com ); Yeezy Season 6 crossbody bag ($119, endclothing.com ); ONA The Palma camera bag ($329, amazon.com ); Tumi Luanda Flight bag ($295, tumi.com ).

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The Small Carry-On may be our smallest suitcase but, handcrafted with the same attention to detail as every Globe-Trotter, it is perfectly formed. An ideal companion for a short business trip or weekend away.

This refined colourway from the iconic Safari collection is an undisputed modern classic in travel and beyond.

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Vulcanised Fibreboard

14 layers of recycled paper bonded with zinc creates our famous Vulcanised Fibreboard. Built to last, it’s a unique material tougher than leather and lighter than aluminium. 

The iconic leather corners of our cases take five days to craft and complete. And are moulded using time-honoured machinery for optimum strength and form.

It’s quite fitting that our durable handles are made entirely by hand. With the core materials bonded together for 48 hours before construction even begins.

Serial plaque

Each case is truly one of a kind, individualised with its own unique serial number. Find it on a metal plaque inside your case, and use it to track your movements around the globe.

The inside of your case is an ode to your individual character. Durable and water resistant, the luxurious inner lining is meticulously crafted and can stay suited to the bag or customised to feel individual to you.

Each case comes with carbon steel locks so you can travel with peace of mind. Turn to a North-South position to unlock and East-West to lock.

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Globe-Trotter is committed to making your experience truly unique. On top of our five-year warranty cover, you can also experience our outstanding in-house after-sales service whereby a member of the Globe-Trotter team will be available to guide you through any repair queries or care advice regarding your case.

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When cleaning the exterior of vulcanised fibreboard, you may use a soft pencil eraser to remove any marks. A soft cloth may also be used when moistened with a neutral detergent. Please take care to choose an appropriate cleaning fluid so as not to discolour the case exterior. Strong detergents or abrasive products are not recommended. Pre-testing on a small area is recommended before using any cleaning products on the entire surface of the suitcase.

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• South Africa
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The best luggage for safari holidays.

Wherever you’re heading on your wildlife travels, picking the best luggage for safari is essential. 

Most safari companies specify a number of rules your safari luggage should follow, regarding the weight, material and features, in order to help it squeeze into cramped places in luggage compartments and your tent. 

But you also need to make sure it holds all your stuff… so what are we to do?! 

Never fear! I’ve done the research on the best bags to take with you, that not only fit your entire packing list but also meet all the requirements of the airlines AND look stylish too!

And remember, if you buy anything after clicking on a link in this post, you’re supporting my blog to keep bringing you unbiased safari luggage reviews like this one! 

Best safari holdalls and duffel bags

Most safari companies recommend a soft holdall case without wheels, as they’re easily squished into planes and onto the back of jeeps. 

If that’s what you’re after, read all about my favourite safari duffel bags right here:

Rufiji Canvas Duffel Bag

A traditional canvas holdall , available in two colour ways and holding an impressive 72 litres of stuff. 

Available exclusively from The Safari Store for £179. Use my code reallywildlife to get an awesome 5% off. 

This is a really stylish holdall in traditional safari colours, and there’ll be no mistaking your bag for another once it appears on the luggage carousel. 

It’s comfortable to carry (as long as you’ve kept within the weight limits!) using the short grab handles, as well as the longer over-the-shoulder strap. 

The zipper opens up really wide, allowing you to see all your belongings quickly and easily.

These bags can be pricey once you’ve already shelled out for the safari itself, but if you go on safaris fairly often, it’s a great investment for the future. 

There are no internal pockets at all, meaning everything is in the same main area when you open it. This isn’t necessarily a problem for everyone, but if you like to be organised and STAY organised, consider a few packing cubes to help. 

>> Click here to buy !

Rab Kit Bag II 80L

One of the largest options on our list of the best safari luggage, this rugged bag has plenty of room for up to 80L of your stuff.

Find it online at Cotswold Outdoor (UK) from £80.  

Despite the amount of stuff it can carry, the Rab kit bag is really easy to transport. Its detachable shoulder straps allow you to wear it like a backpack, while the 4 other handles give you the option of carrying it in many other ways too. 

It’s made from a very hard-wearing and water-resistant fabric, making sure your belongings stay safe and dry no matter how they’re squeezed into luggage compartments or thrown around by luggage handlers!

It’s a matter of personal preference, but I don’t find this bag to be particularly stylish. It’s a bog-standard style only available in a couple of muted colourways, so it doesn’t spark joy as much for me as other brightly coloured choices!

North Face Base Camp Duffel Bag

This medium-sized duffel bag is an iconic choice, offering 71L of space and a classic design.

You can find this holdall in lots of other colourways and sizes at Cotswold Outdoor (UK) for £120. 

The classic North Face holdall is hard-wearing and durable, while also being made from water-resistant, recycled materials. This makes it a sustainable and practical choice too. 

The large interior with a mesh pocket offers plenty of space for your clothes, while a separate compartment on the end can be used to store shoes or dirty laundry while travelling. 

It’s very easy to carry thanks to its flexible and adjustable straps, meaning you can wear it comfortably like a backpack or use the padded side handles to carry as a holdall. 

It’s genuinely difficult to find a con for this one; there are plenty of reasons to choose it as your next safari holdall, which may make it difficult to spot yours on the luggage carousel amongst many lookalike bags. It’s a very popular choice! 

Best wheelie cases for taking on safari 

Though bags with wheels aren’t always recommended, they do make carrying your luggage a whole lot easier! 

My favourite safari suitcases are right here: 

Craghoppers 28” Wheelie Bag

A soft wheelie case , bursting with features and 70 litres of space for all your safari essentials. 

Buy direct from Craghoppers , where two of the colours are currently on sale for £136.50. 

This wheelie bag has tons of space in the main compartment, as well as a number of internal pockets to keep you organised when travelling. If you manage to fill the cavernous 70-litre interior, the wheels on this bag will make navigating through airports and the bush a breeze. 

The soft fabric is made from 19 recycled plastic bottles, so it boasts eco-credentials too. But that doesn’t make it any less secure:  it’s been designed to be slash-resistant for extra security! 

Yes, I’ve already listed the fact this bag has wheels as a pro. However, not all safari companies or airlines recommend bags with wheels as they can be more difficult to fit into the hold on small aeroplanes. That said I have seen wheelie cases being used widely across Africa – just make sure you do your research first.

Osprey Sojourn 60 Travel Pack 

The most suitcase-like bag on our list is packed with features and flexibility, from one of travel’s most widely recognised brands.

Choose between two different colourways from Cotswold Outdoor (UK) for £275.

This bag is incredibly flexible. Thanks to its wheeled chassis, walking through airports will be a breeze. And when you don’t have the option to use the wheels, pick the bag up and carry it like a backpack with its shoulder straps. 

At 60L, it’s not the largest bag on our list, but various compartments and mesh pockets will keep your clothes, toiletries and accessories safe and secure. Even if you overpack, the compression straps help you maximise capacity and meet any limits on dimensions. 

This bag is the most expensive bag reviewed so, naturally, the price will count against it. But if you’re after a well-made bag from a well-known brand, the Osprey Sojourn 60 is a great option. 

Despite the bag’s soft material, it is one of the most structured bags, particularly due to the plastic high road chassis that holds the wheels. That means it won’t be as flexible or as easy to squeeze into luggage compartments and you may get some disapproving looks from the pilot when loading. But the bag’s manoeuvrability is a worthy trade-off if your airline will allow it.

Cabin-friendly safari bags

Many safari-goers swear by keeping their luggage small and going with hand luggage only. This makes travel incredibly efficient, so consider these bags for your next trip:

Craghoppers 40L Holdall

A small but mighty backpack that’s compact enough to fit in the cabin but large enough to fit in plenty of stuff for a short break. 

Buy from the official Craghoppers site from £105. 

The small size means you’ll struggle to go over the weight limits imposed by small aeroplanes. It’s also incredibly comfortable to wear with adjustable straps that can be worn as a backpack or across your shoulder.

Despite its size, the holdall boasts lots of compartments to keep your laptop and tablet secure, as well as smaller internal organiser pockets so you won’t lose your essentials. 

The 40L interior won’t be big enough for long trips but is ideal if you’re committed to travelling with hand luggage only. Plus, many safari lodges offer laundry facilities so you can afford to take less with you.

——–

Whatever you’re looking for in a safari bag, whether it’s space, security or style, our unbiased reviews are designed to help you find it!

Anna is the founder of Really Wildlife. She's a 30-something lover of wildlife travel, vegetables and listening to the Lion King soundtrack on full blast.

15 Best Safari Bags for your Next Adventure

Traveling on safari brings with it countless obstacles and situations that you need to be prepared for and having the right safari bags with you can help you to be ready, and to best enjoy your trip.

Safaris in Africa, Asia, or anywhere else in the world where you may choose to head off into the wilderness in search of wildlife, will ensure that you are encountering extreme weather conditions, be it rain, dust, mud, heat and cold, potentially all within the same day, so it’s imperative to choose safari bags that are able to withstand the worst that will be thrown at them.

There’s a lot more to reflect on too, and you’ll need to consider your style of travel, be it luxury safaris or budget safaris, expeditions, overland travel or charter plane flights.

Luckily, there are a lot of great safari bags out there to meet almost any requirements, and to help you decide what exactly you need, here’s our guide to buying the best products on the market.

Top 5 Best Safari Bags

Table of Contents

Quick Answer: Best Safari Bags

• Best OverAll Safari Bag: North Face Base Camp Duffel
• Best Budget Safari Bag: Osprey Packs Trilium 65 Duffel Bag
• Best Safari Bag for Women: Osprey Packs Fairview 70 Women’s Travel Backpack
• Best Safari Bag for Men: Osprey Packs Farpoint 70 Men’s Travel Backpack
• Best Woman’s Safari Bag for Hiking: Osprey Fairview 40  
• Best Men’s Safari Bag for Hiking: Osprey Farpoint 40
• Best Safari Duffel Bag: North Face Base Camp Duffel
• Best Safari Duffel/Backpack Bag: RAB Expedition Kitbag 80L Duffel Bag Blue 80L
• Best Safari Day Bag: Osprey Porter 46  
• Best Malti-Day Safari Bag: Osprey Packs Farpoint 70 Travel Backpack 
• Best Wheeled Safari Bag: Eddie Bauer Unisex-Adult Expedition Drop-Bottom Rolling Duffel
• Best Lightweight Safari Bag: Gonex 80L Packable Travel Duffle Bag
• Best Waterproof/Dustproof Safari Bag: North Face Base Camp Duffel
• Best Leather Safari Bag:   Komal’s Passion Leather 24 Inch Square Duffel Travel Safari Leather Bag
• Best Canvas Safari Bag:   Filson Medium Duffle – Waxed canvas
• Best Soft Side Safari Bag: Mountain Warehouse 90 Cargo Bag – 3 Ways to Carry All-Season Backpack Black
• Best Packable Safari Bag: Gonex 80L Packable Travel Duffle Bag

What Type of Safari are You going on?

The first thing to think about when you begin delving into the vast world of safari bags is what type of safari you are actually going to be going on. Different types of bags will be more suited for different types of safari, and the season you will be traveling.

If you are traveling across Africa in the rainy season, you will want to make waterproofing a priority. If you are a wildlife photographer and have a lot of equipment, you will want to ensure that your safari bags will provide adequate protection against dust and the elements.

Luxury travelers may want to ensure they have a fashionable yet durable bag that looks the part at their remote bush camp, while backpackers opting for cheaper safaris may want to have a more practical hiking or duffel bag to cope with the stress of long-distance, overland travel.

Practicality vs Style

Practicality vs style then is another important consideration to make. There are a lot of classic, leather-bound carry bags on the market that wouldn’t look out of place in the late Victorian era, and while they might look stylish, you might want to determine if it is the best fit for you.

Some of the most practical bags, however, won’t look the most stylish, but you can find some quality safari bags produced by outdoor companies as kit bags, that are suitable for almost anything.

Colour and aesthetics, while they may seem trivial, can be an important part of the buying process. Many bags that are specifically aimed at safari-goers may be brown, beige or green in color, to almost blend in with the classic safari environment.

Some travelers though, find it is more practical to have a brightly colored bag that they can actually find quickly amongst piles of other luggage when traveling by bus or plane.

Size Considerations

The size of your chosen safari bags will come down to a number of factors, but the most important thing to note is that your luggage needs to be suitable for air travel.

Likely, you will arrive at your destination via air, and if you are planning on visiting remote, luxury camps in the African savannah, then getting there will generally involve flying in small, charter aircraft that are very restricted by weight and size requirements.

Don’t overpack, and make sure your luggage fits the airline requirements. If you travel light and hand luggage only, then ensure your backpack or duffel is in line with ever-changing airline restrictions.

If you are planning on traveling overland as part of your safari, or are planning it as part of a wider trip, then you may want to choose a bag that is easy to carry around, that can fit in luggage compartments, or that you can easily walk around with.

Again, the size will depend on your individual requirements, but just remember, when you are on safari, it’s always best to pack light.

Material and Durability

The material that your safari bags are constructed from can make the difference between a terrible bag and a bag that will last you a lifetime of traveling.

You may want to invest in a waterproof bag , or at the very least be able to attach a rain cover to the outside, particularly if it is a backpack that you might be walking around with.

Luxury travelers may want to invest in specialized leather or canvas bags that not only look the part at your safari lodge in the wilderness but that will also be water-resistant and durable.

In the long run, unless this is a one-off trip, you will be better off investing money into quality products that will last. You don’t want your bag falling apart mid-flight, or on the taxi ride out of the airport, after all, you want it to last a lifetime.

Bag straps are another important aspect that you don’t want to overlook. If you are just traveling from one point to the next then you might be fine with just a holdall that you can pick up with one handle.

If you are hiking, backpacking or walking around a lot, then you’ll want to make sure your safari bags have adequate support, be it comfortable back straps, or even waist or chest straps to take the weight off your shoulders.

Many kit bags now come with a versatile number of straps, allowing you to instantly transform your handheld duffel bag into a backpack or a single strap, shoulder-worn bag.

You will also want to look at the number of pockets and different compartments that your bag has. If you purchase a basic duffel or kit bag, then the number of compartments is usually restricted to one open space, which can be fine if you aren’t too fussy.

If you want to separate your dirty laundry and your wet towels from your fresh, clean clothes, then this isn’t going to be an ideal situation.

As well as separate compartments you may also want safari bags that allow you space and different pockets for being organized. For instance, you may want pockets for toiletries, for your chargers and batteries, for your passport, or for your socks. The opportunities are quite endless really.

Best Types of Safari Bags and Product Recommendations

There is a great selection of safari bags out on the market right now, catering to all budgets, styles, designs, and needs. Here are a few of the most versatile types of bags to think about selecting for your trip, and a few specific product recommendations too.

Duffel Bags

Duffel bags and kit bags are great all-rounders that are perfect for the frugal traveler on a budget , making multiple, and varied trips each year. Modern kit bags can be incredibly versatile, with waterproofing, different outside straps that can be arranged to carry the bag how you feel is best or most appropriate for the situation, and a high level of resilience. 

Some of the best are made by outdoor companies and can come in many different capacities, from 40 liters up to 120 liters. The North Face makes excellent, quality, and great value kit bags, as do Rab , Mountain Warehouse and increasingly, many more well known outdoor brands too.

The Top Five Best Safari Duffel Bags:

• North Face Base Camp Duffel
• RAB Expedition Kitbag 80L Duffel Bag Blue 80L
• Mountain Warehouse 90 Cargo Bag – 3 Ways to Carry All-Season Backpack Black
• Osprey Packs Transporter 65 Expedition Duffel/Backpack
• Osprey Packs Trilium 65 Duffel Bag

Hiking Bags

Hiking bags are another fantastic, versatile choice that has long been the favored luggage-style of backpackers across the world. They can make for perfect safari bags, particularly if you are planning on hiking, or have an extended trip that will also take you on other adventures too.

Hiking bags come in many different sizes, with large capacities suitable for remote expeditions and small capacities which can make for perfect day hiking bags and carry-ons when flying.

Hiking bags have the added bonus of being designed for the outdoors, and if you pick a quality brand, you can also get lifetime warranties on your kit.

Osprey is a favorite amongst travelers, and they offer not only excellent hiking bags but also hybrid bags that cater to backpackers. Great examples are the Osprey Farpoint or the Osprey Transporter .

While you can get incredibly cheap hiking bags from sports outlets, it’s also best to invest in a quality product, with guarantees and reputation if you want it to last.

The Best Safari Hiking Bags:

• Osprey Farpoint 40  –  Men’s Best Safari Bag For Hiking
• Osprey Fairview 40  –  Women’s Best Safari Bag For Hiking
• Osprey Porter 46

Vintage Bags

Some of the most popular safari bags amongst luxury travelers or short terms holidaymakers are vintage bags. Not only do they look the part, but the best ones are made of quality leather or canvas, that is rugged, durable and able to stand up to the harsh requirements of the savannah while also looking great in the city.

Classic style safari bags are not for everyone, however, and they will be limited as to the variety and diversity of travel situations that they are handy in, but if you want a fashionable way to carry your luggage, then these are the bags for your safari.

Great vintage options include the excellent leather duffel bag by Komal , which retails at an incredibly affordable price, upwards to the canvas, bespoke designs from the likes of Ralph Lauren.

The Top Five Best Safari Vintage Bags:

• Travel Duffel Bag Waterproof Canvas or Leather  
• Filson Medium Duffle – Waxed canvas
• DRAKENSBERG Kimberley Long Weekender, canvas, buffalo leather
• Komal’s Passion Leather 24 Inch Square Duffel Travel Safari Leather Bag
• Komal’s Passion Leather 24 Inch Duffel Travel Gym Sports Overnight Weekend Leather Bag

Other Safari Items We Can Not Live Without?

Camera Gear: 

• Canon 6d DSLR Body
• Canon 100-400mm L Lens
• Canon ET-83C Lens Hood
• Canon 2x Extender
• OptiTech Sling Comfort Strap
• Rain Cover Coat Dust Proof Camera Protector (THIS IS A MUST)

Camera Bag:   Vanguard Alta Sky 45D .

Monopod: VEO2 AM-234 or the VEO CM-264 Carbon Fiber

Binoculars: Nikon Monarch 7   ( If you want to be able to spot and identify wildlife and birds then a good pair of safari binoculars are a must-have.)

• Cell Phone Binocular Adapter Mount (So you can take photos through your binoculars)

Safari Hat:  Panama Jack Men’s Mesh Safari Hat 

• Woman’s Safari Packable Khaki Summer Hat

Buff Headwear: BUFF Unisex Lightweight Merino Wool, Forest Night or  BUFF Unisex UV Multifunctional Headwear

Travel Insurance: Things can happen before your safari, while on your safari and after your safari while traveling home. Why not be protected with Travel Insurance? We have used Allianz Travel Insurance since our first trip together back in 2003. Simply use this link to get their travel insurance.

Not finding what you are looking for? Check out our favorite places to go shopping for travel gear.

• Shop Columbia – The industry leader in outdoor apparel and products; You can find anything from great jackets, gloves, hats, shirts, and travel pants.
• Shop REI – They offer some of the best outdoor gear around. We love REI since they have a year Love it or hate it no questions guarantee.
• Shop Moosejaw – Has a huge selection of outdoor gear at killer prices.

More on Travel Gear:

• 85 Best Travel Gifts for Travelers
• Best Sleeping Bag for Cold Weather – From Africa to Greenland
• Best Sleeping Bag Liners
• Best Drones For Travel From A Real Drone User
• Ultimate Travel Photography Gear List 
• Photography Gear Every Adventure Traveler Should Carry
• The Best GoPro Accessories for Adventure Travel
• 30 Best Travel Movies that Inspire Travel
• Best Travel Rain Jacket to Stay Dry on the Go
• A Man’s Travel Clothing Essential- Bluff Works Pants
• How To Wear A Buff Headwear – It’s Easy!
• Best Hiking Backpack for your Next Adventure
• Best Compact Binoculars for Outdoors & Travel
• Best Carry on Backpacks for Travel

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Travel planning resources, about david stock.

I have always been an outdoorsman so becoming an adventure traveler was just the next natural step. I love nature, I love to get off the beaten path and I like to explore. I enjoy scuba diving and cars. And yes, Lina and I have a naked dog.

2 thoughts on “15 Best Safari Bags for your Next Adventure”

Very informative article and i get to know about types of safari bags. Thanks for sharing.

Glad you found it useful, good luck in your search for a new bag!

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What luggage for safari?

Luggage weights on safari

Luxury safaris normally include light aircraft flights to minimise travel times and maximise enjoyment. You’ll get a great bird’s eye view of the scenery below, but your luggage will have to meet strict weight limits.

Typically on safari your baggage weight limit will be:

• 20kg (44lbs) in Southern Africa
• 15kg (33lbs) in East Africa

These limits are a total and include hand baggage as well as your main bag.

You shouldn’t need more than these limits since:

• Safari camps and lodges provide toiletries and towels
• Laundry can be done daily
• Dress on safari is casual throughout the day and into the evening

Bags have to fit into the luggage pod on a light aircraft. If you do need a higher luggage limit – generally something only really required by photographers with multiple camera bodies and long lenses – you can buy an extra seat on the light aircraft to make things more flexible.

Main bags for safari

The key restriction is that, on safari, bags must be strictly soft sided bags only, no wheels or frames (don’t worry about not having wheels as there are trolleys at airports and someone to carry your bag to your room or tent in the safari camp).

Bags have to fit into the luggage pod on a light aircraft flying between safari camps and lodges. When the flight is full, bags often require a shove to squeeze them in.

‘Weekender’ leather safari luggage by Sandstorm Kenya 57 x 19 x 39 cm (22.4 x 7.5 x 15.4 inches)

Size restrictions are seldom explicitly defined, since the weight restriction generally means you only need a ‘medium bag’, but aim at something no bigger than the following:

• 62cm (24 inches) long
• 30cm (12 inches) high
• 25cm (10 inches) wide

In terms of ‘capacity’ this size is likely to be around 70 litres.

Day pack for safari

For many people on safari, their hand luggage on the international flights becomes their day pack to take out on a safari vehicle or when walking. Obviously, if you are going to walk with it, a small rucksack is easier than a tote bag.

Wayo Fly Camp walking safari with backpacks

Ideally your day pack is big enough to carry your camera and accessories (if you don’t have a big DSLR and a separate camera bag), a water bottle, sun cream, tissues and a portable battery charger.

Packing help

We’ve produced an interactive safari packing list, which asks three questions before tailoring a personal list for you based on destination, time of year and safari activities you’re undertaking. Click the link to try it out: Interactive Safari Packing List

Any questions?

If you’ve got this far and not found an answer to a question you have that we should have included, please ask in the comments section below, or pop us an email. We’ll be sure to reply and may amend the article to include our answer.

We would be delighted to help you plan a holiday, or answer any questions if you’re at an earlier stage. Our team of experts have travelled widely throughout Africa. They can offer expert advice on every type of safari from family and beach holidays to riding and primate safaris.  If you would like to talk to someone who has been there and done it, please just  send us an email  or  give us a call .

17 responses to “What luggage for safari?”

I’m going on a 7 day safari and then to a beach hotel for 7 days. What happens to my luggage for beach holiday whilst on safari?

Thanks for the question. Unless you have particularly heavy or bulky watersports equipment it would be normal to take it with you.

Can you please suggest some makes and models of duffle bags that match 62x30x25 as I am struggling to find this size?

Hi Adursh, thanks for your message. One of the team will be back in touch soon to try and help you with this.

I am struggling with fitting camera equipment and clothing for 14 days safari in a bag that weighs less than or equal to 33 pounds. Seems that bags either do one or the other. Camera bags that leave zero room for any clothing or a travel bag that has zero padding or dividers for equipment. Does anybody have a recommendation for a good bag that fills camera and clothing needs and is no larger than 28″X18″X10″?

I’ve asked around the office and got a quick reply from a couple of friendly photographers. Noone uses a single bag to achieve safety for their camera kit (they aren’t ever checking it in) and the rest of their luggage. Unless they only have a single day’s worth of clothes, they use two bags/cases/packs.

Hope you find a solution. Have a great trip.

Hi I would also like to get some recommendations on makes and models of bags measuring 62x30x25 as nothing I’ve seen matches this size. Thank you

Eva – bear in mind that luggage is fine if it can be ‘squashed’ to the sizes mentioned. The luggage pods of many light aircraft are an awkward shape. As long as the pilot can make your bag fit, your fine. Either a small bag absolutely full, or a bigger bag that’s half full and can be squashed to fit.

Travelling to South Africa this Oct 2023 . What do we do with our large cases . Staying in the Commodore Hotel first for a few days then on to Franschhoek for a few days then Whale watching. Before flying to Karegi for safari for 4 days then back to Belmond Mount Hotel . The cases are the problem. As the flight to safari is small . So any suggestions on what we do with cases please.

Dear Leslie We would offer our clients two options: (i) Pack less. Hopefully this doesn’t sound too obvious, but most people pack too much when they holiday. South Africa isn’t generally formal for meals and you can get laundry done everywhere. In most cases there is little reason to have more luggage than can go to a safari camp with you. (ii) Arrange for the cases you don’t need on safari to go direct to the next hotel. There would be a cost for them to be transported but most hotels have a storage area where they can look after them until you arrive. If you choose the second option, I hope your tour operator can make the arrangements for you.

Thank you Richard. Much appreciated

No problem at all Eva.

Might I presume that a Cotopaxi Allpa 35L travel pack, 22 x 10 x 12 inches would fit into the described baggage pod?

It sounds like an Osprey Porter 46 at 22 x 14 x 10 inches might be a bit too wide.

Good morning Alan, I will ask one of the team to get back in touch and they can help advise. Thanks Katy

Can I take a medium suitcase with wheels

Can it be a medium suit case for 8 days

Hi Katrina, thanks for getting in touch. It depends on where you are travelling to and whether or not you are taking internal flights. We would be more than happy to advise if you e-mail us direct – [email protected] . Thansk Katy

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AN ENTIRE CONTINENT OF INSPIRATION From the Masai Mara to Kruger National Park, one cannot possibly describe the eclectic experiences to be had wherever you are in Africa. So we won’t even try. Instead we took inspiration from the safari adventure for this collection that features the best of a classic Globe-Trotter while paying homage to the 1920s era of exploration.

Our luxury safari luggage is available in iconic Ivory or Coffee Brown and accented with a natural leather trim designed to darken with age, developing a rich patina with every journey.

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Safari bags, satchels, & backpacks

Safari-styled bags for every adventure which allow you to carry them over your shoulder. Our range of men's and women's satchels and safari bags are tough, versatile, and simply luxurious in the ingenuity of their design for outdoor and everyday use. Many of these bags are the ideal safari combination of safari backpack and safari satchel in one bag.

• Safari Luggage
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Safari Backpacks, Satchels & Small Bags Read our Safari Backpacks, Satchels & Small Bags Advice Guide

• You will need a smaller safari bag to take with you on all safari activities - whether a few hours or a few days - including game drive safaris, walking safaris, horse riding safaris, mountain biking safaris, boating safaris, fishing safaris, canoeing safaris, and mekoro (dugout) safaris.
• Into this smaller safari bag will go any number of safari essentials such as sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, binoculars, waterproof jacket (assuming you are wearing your warm-layer safari jacket or fleece), a safari beanie, any books you want to take on safari with you, water bottle, perhaps your passport if you prefer to keep it with you - and any other personal effects you want to take with you on safari.
• The nature of your safari will determine which bag - or bags - you decide to take with you on your safari. For example, if you are only planning on going on game drives, then you will be fine to take any safari satchel, safari backpack, safari tote, or over-the-shoulder safari bag as you will just be walking with it from your room to the safari 4x4 and then placing it on the seat next to you. If you also want to do walks from the lodge (recommended), then you would need a safari satchel or safari backpack and, if you are on a proper walking safari, then you would need a safari satchel or safari backpack which you are happy to have over the shoulder or on your back for many kilometres or miles of walking.
• Your choice of smaller safari bag (or bags) could and should also double as your safari carry-on bag for flights to and from Africa. If you prefer a larger carry-on to carry some clothes, then take this bag in addition to your carry-on. Some brands of holdall/duffel luggage - such as the Mara&Meru™ Voyager range - also allow you to zip and lock the ideal safari satchel-backpack combination bag as an end pocket on to your main safari bag, which means that you simply unzip it when you get to your safari to use it as your smaller safari bag. That way you are able to check it into the aircraft hold for your international flight to Africa.

Number of smaller safari bags to pack for your safari: 1 x smaller safari bag per person.

The Rufiji Safari Explorer Satchel in Safari Tan

The rufiji safari explorer satchel in classic khaki green, rufiji™ black - the satchel in black, mara&meru™ 3-in-1 satchel, backpack, pocket (adjustable depth), mara&meru™ 4-in-1 camerabag, satchel, backpack, pocket in safari tan & leather, mara&meru™ selous satchel in safari tan, limited edition: mara&meru™ full leather satchel & pannier in brown, mara&meru™ canvas & leather 3-in-1 safari pannier bag in safari tan.

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PACKING GUIDES , SAFARI , TRAVEL GIRLS GETAWAYS · February 15, 2020 Last Updated on March 15, 2024

PACKING GUIDES: WHAT TO PACK FOR A SAFARI

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After booking a safari trip the next thing you need to plan is what to pack. Having been on a number of safari trips in Sri Lanka , Africa and India I have refined my safari wardrobe but it took me a few trips to realise all the essentials that I needed.

You don’t want to arrive and realise you forgot your safari hat, or you should have brought an extra pair of safari shorts so it’s important to plan out what you want to bring with you well in advance.

In this guide, I share some of my favourite travel essentials for a safari trip, including what clothing you need to bring, safari luggage, cameras and other equipment and toiletries. 

Safari Packing Checklist

Once you have read the article make sure to download my handy printable safari packing checklist from the We Are Travel Girls Travel Library so that you don’t forget any important items in your luggage.  

The library is also packed with free eBooks, Destination Pocket Guides, Packing Lists and Bucketlist Checklists.

Safari Luggage

Let’s get started with the type of luggage you will need for a safari trip. Based on my experience having soft bags rather than hard shell suitcases is far easier for transferring between lodges, taking river boats or travelling by small plane. Depending on your destination you may even find that hard sheet is not permitted so make sure to check this for your specific journey, airlines and safari.

Large Checked Luggage

I am big fan of the Osprey luggage for this type of trip because of its durability. I have had my Osprey rolling luggage for 7 years, and I have my backpack from my first backpacking to Asia, I loved this one because it had a detachable day pack too – both are still going strong! 

Another great brand with durable design, fabrics and wheels is Eagle Creek and they have a range of large duffels suitable for safari or any other adventure trip.

Pro Tip: Don’t bring your most beautiful cream luggage on safari, it will get dirty. Choose a darker colour, or safari colour luggage so you don’t ruin your favourite luxury luggage!

Hand Luggage Small Duffels 

If you are a light packer then opting for a rucksack plus a small duffle (within the weight and size dimensions of a carry on) is the ideal. On many flights you are permitted to have a small backpack / personal item and a hand luggage item so you might be able to avoid checking anything at all. 

I always carry a small foldable duffel in my luggage on any trip and have had my Samsonite duffle for years, the exact version I have is no longer available but this Samsonite duffel is very similar and I highly recommend since its made of super sturdy material.

My other favourite is my Lo and Sons Catalina Tote (pictured above) which is smartly designed with a section at the bottom for shoes.

Hand Luggage Rucksacks

Lost luggage is a thing in Africa. We run a Travel Girls Getaways trip to Malawi every year, and every year at least one bag is delayed and on our last trip four bags were delayed! The bags always make it in the end usually coming in on the next flight, but since you might be moving between camps or lodges it can take days for the luggage to reach you and can be stressful to coordinate getting it. 

So I always pack as much as possible into my carry on. This is where it gets a little complicated because there are weight restrictions on many African airlines and often you might be flying on small prop planes that require everything to go in the hold. 

Pro-Tip: If the person at the check in desk weighs your hand luggage and says you need to repack it. Go and pretend to repack, then go back to a different counter and try again. Chances are you might get away with the overweight bag with a different representative!

Packing Cubes

In addition, I always use a set of compression  packing cubes to organise my items within my luggage, putting tops and jumpers in one and trousers or dresses in another. Not only do these help to keep your bags organised, but it means you can fit more into your luggage! 

On a recent trip to Malawi, I was able to pack ALL my safari clothes, plus my huge camera and lenses, and laptop, into my carry-on backpack by using compression cubes. Honestly even I was surprised how much I got in this bag!

I have tried a few different packing cubes and the best ones I have found are from Muji  and Eagle Creek . There are plenty of cheap pretty looking options available on Amazon but to in my experience they break quickly so look for a durable option or one of the more expensive ones – it will be worth it in the long run!

What To Wear On Safari

The best thing about a safari wardrobe is that once you have invested in it, you can use it year in year out! The styles don’t really go in and out of fashion which means you won’t need to buy new things every year.

During the day you will most likely be out in a safari vehicle, boat or if you are lucky hot air balloon or small plane over the Masai Mara! Whichever transport you are in the outfits will likely be the same and you will want to opt for neutral tones and plain fabrics. 

• Shorts: Keep cool with a pair of khaki safari shorts teamed with some tan boots for a classic safari look. Athleta has a great selection of lightweight and eco friendly shorts.
• Trousers:  I like to wear trousers on safari as this can be more comfortable than sitting in shorts. It also means you are covered up at dusk and the evening when the mosquitoes come out. 
• Jumpsuit: A comfy jumpsuit is a great option for safari days! Bring one along to mix up your style throughout your trip. 
• Tops & Layers:  Bring along several vests, t-shirts and layers. Safari gets hot and dirty so you will want to be able to change each day, sometimes more than once!
• Jackets: Depending on the time of year and safari location you might need something a bit warmer to throw other. When I went on Leopard safari and Yala National Park we started at 5am and it was freezing, a windbreak and a light layer did the trick!
• Scarf: A scarf can both style up your outfit, giving you some variation each day and double as a wrap to keep you warm!
• Dress: Safari evenings can be quite fancy depending on your lodge, so bring along a nice dress or two to pair with some flat sandals.
• Maxi Loose Dress:  Bring a couple of comfy dresses for evening sundowners and dinner at your lodge. 
• Long Skirt: A maxi skirt is excellent on safari to wear day or evening. I have a basic khaki lightweight maxi skirt which is lovely and cool to wear on game drives.

Accessories

• Hat: I bought this Jaxon and James hat on Amazon for my last trip and I LOVED it. It is light-weight, held its shape well and is also UV resistant. Hats are essential in the sun and for your safari IG pics!
• Sunglasses: A pair of tortoise shell sunglasses are a must!

Pro-Tip: Bring along a couple of carabiners to attach your hat to your backpack when you are not wearing it. These are also helpful for hanging hand held lanterns if your camp does not run electricity 24 hrs.

Footwear & Boots

• Hiking Style Boots: A comfy pair of hiking boots are essential. I bring along my pair of Timberland Courmayeur boots which are good year round for other trips too.
• Trainers or Tennis Shoes: I usually travel with a pair of Converse or slip on tennis shoes which are great for travel days and on safari too. 
• Smart Sandals: One pair of nice sandals for evenings or you might want to opt for a closed toe espadrille which you can also wear during the day. 
• Hiking Socks: If you are wearing a pair of boots, you will want to team these with some comfortable socks. 

Swimwear & Cover Ups

After your morning safari and long lunch, you will be ready to take a dip in the pool at your lodge. So make sure to bring your safari chic to your swimwear wardrobe with a khaki one piece, an animal print bikini, and a loose cover-up. 

Cameras & Gear

When you spot your first elephant or big cat you will want to have a camera with you to capture the moment! This is all the gear I take with me on my trips.

• Camera: I use a Nikon D850  DSLR camera body for all of my photography with a Tamron 24-70mm lens , Sigma Art 35mm lens which is great for video. But on safari you will need some lenses that work to get close up nature shots. I also have a little handbag Panasonic DMC LX100 that is nice for quick snaps in the evening. 
• Video Equipment: I personally shoot video mostly on my DSLR, but bumpy jeeps mean a  Go Pro Hero 8 and Karma Grip for stabilisation are essential kit on your safari!
• Binoculars: Your guide will have some you can borrow, but it’s always nice to bring your own along so you can spot birds and wildlife as you drive.

Looking after your skin and staying hydrated when you out on safari every day is really important! High SPF and facial oils are key to keeping your skin glowing throughout your trip.

• A High Facial SPF:  My personal favourites are Skinceuticals Sport UV Defense Active Factor 50 , Clinique Face SPF 50  and Coola Mineral Face SPF Factor 50 . 
• Body SPF: For the body I also love Coola , SunBum and La Roche Posay sunscreens – always Factor 50! 
• Cleansers: Safaris can be dusty and dirty, chances are you have been in and out of the jeep and touching your face so you want to clean your skin thoroughly at the end of the day. I am a big fan of Eve Lom and Drunk Elephant cleansers. 
• Facial Oils: My favourite facial oil is Boscia Tsubaki Beauty Oil which I have been using for many years, along with a few other Boscia products. Another favourite is Elizabeth Arden Overnight Oil

Other Essentials

• Reusable Water Bottle:  One of the easiest things that you can do to be a more responsible traveller is to carry a reusable water bottle instead of using multiple plastic water bottles. I have a large Tru Flask bottle, and some a set of different Avana bottles  which come in different colours and patterns.
• Reusable Cup: My preferred cup to keep drinks hot is the Avana Sedona cup , but to save space you could also bring a collapsible Stojo reusable cup – I like this, but it does not keep the drinks hot very long. 

Travel Insurance 

It is really easy to forget to check your travel insurance coverage when you are caught up in the excitement of booking your safari, but this is something you definitely should not overlook! 

Travel Insurance is something you should never leave home without and in fact something you should purchase as soon as you book your trip should unforeseen circumstances stop you from going on your trip. Safaris are very expensive so you don’t want to forfeit flights and lodge expenses if you have to cancel at the last minute!

My recommendations for insurance coverage are: 

• World Nomads: I have used World Nomads for many years for long term travel coverage and short trips. I have had the need to make claims with them and found the process easy and quick.
• SafetyWing: The world’s first International Travel Medical Insurance developed to meet the needs of entrepreneurs and remote workers travelling or living abroad. Coverage with SafetyWing starts at US $37 for four weeks and since it is subscription-based you won’t forget it when you travel!
• Insure and Go: If you are based in the UK, Insure and Go is a great choice for annual travel insurance. I had coverage from Insure and Go at the time of my ski accident and they were very helpful with organising my repatriation back to England. I had the annual Gold coverage which also included coverage for a plus 1, so my husband was covered to come and help me get home. 
• Camera Coverage: If you are carrying lots of photography equipment I highly recommend getting separate insurance for your electronic and photo gear – especially if you are taking them with you on the mountain! I have been using Photoguard for a few years and love that you can build your insurance based on the value of your exact set of photographic equipment, but suggest checking specific insurance coverage for your region.

I hope that you have found this article helpful to plan what to pack for your next safari. Please share your own safari trip packing tips with our readers in the comments below. 

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We Are Travel Girls Founder Becky van Dijk of  BeckyvanDijk.com Connect with Becky  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram  |  Pinterest  |  YouTube

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