safari luggage service centre

Find nearest Safari Bags Store in

High quality luggage, suitcases and backpacks.

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

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

TAG ® Safari

Clothing, gear & style. since 1990, authentic safari travel & adventure gear, safari luggage.

TAG® Safari

$499.00 $550.00

$49.00 $50.00

• Olive Green

Sign up to Receive Discounts and Exclusive Special Offers sent Directly to your Email

Member & supporter of these fine organization.

Houston Safari Club

Wild Sheep Foundation

Advancing Girls Education In Africa

Dallas Safari Club

Texas Parks Wildlife

Sethus Orphans Trust

Safari Club International

Texas Association

Wild Conservation Society

World Wildlife Fund

Wateraid America

Sierra Club

Free Shipping with duties included

Limited-Time Offer: Free Personalisation

Free Returns & Exchanges within 28 days

5 Year Warranty

Official Partner of Aston Martin F1

• Search Search

London Flagship Store

Safari Luggage

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.

Limited-Time Offer: Complimentary Luggage Personalization

Safari Carry-On - 4 Wheels

Safari Large Check-In - 4 Wheels

Safari Medium Check-In - 4 Wheels

Safari XL Trunk

Safari Carry-On - 2 Wheels

Safari Large Check-In - 2 Wheels

Safari Medium Check-In - 2 Wheels

Safari Large Suitcase

Safari XL Suitcase

Safari Small Carry-On - 2 Wheels

Safari Air Cabin

Safari Attaché

Safari Small Attaché

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.

The journal — stories from around the world

F1 2024 Insider's Guide No. 05 – China

F1 2024 Insider's Guide No. 04 – Japan

The name’s Bond, Bonding Holiday

Worldwide shipping

Complimentary on all orders

Secure payments

For all major credit/debit cards

Up to five years after purchase

Easy returns

Free returns for up to 28 days

Select Shipping Destination

You currently have no items in your bag

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 ).

Caitlin Morton

CNT Editors

Jessica Puckett

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 ).

• South Africa
• Family Safaris
• Luxury Safaris
• Wildebeest Migration
• Primate Safaris
• Riding Safaris
• Kilimanjaro Climbs
• Cycling Safari
• Mobile Safaris
• Beach Holidays
• Exclusively yours
• Canoe and Mokoro Safaris
• Weddings & Honeymoons
• Specialist Photographic Safaris
• Walking Safaris
• Small Group Travel
• Single Travellers
• Self Drive Adventures
• Getting Started
• When to Travel
• Safari Pricing
• Accommodation
• A Day on Safari
• Safari Tipping Guide
• The Insider’s Guide
• Why Aardvark?
• The Aardvark Story
• Meet the team
• Feedback we loved
• Responsible Tourism
• Booking Conditions
• Aardvark Guarantee

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

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

• © 2024 Aardvark Safaris
• Privacy Policy

Our website uses cookies

Privacy overview.

Call us 9820961577 / 9833070573

Welcome to our Bag Store SAFARI CENTRE , your one-stop destination for quality bags and accessories since 1976. 

With over four decades of experience, we have established ourselves as a trusted name in the industry, committed to providing value for money products and exceptional after-sales service. At our store, we understand the importance of offering products that combine style, functionality, and durability. 

Whether you’re looking for a trendy ladies bag, a sturdy school bag for your child, a reliable travel companion, or a timeless leather belt or wallet, we have a wide range of options to suit every need and taste. Our collection of ladies bags is designed to cater to the diverse preferences of our esteemed customers. 

From chic and fashionable handbags to spacious and practical totes, we have something for everyone. Our bags are crafted using high-quality materials, ensuring longevity and customer satisfaction. For students, we offer a comprehensive range of school bags that prioritize comfort, organization, and durability. 

We understand the importance of a reliable bag for students, and our selection includes backpacks, messenger bags, and more, designed to withstand the rigors of everyday use. When it comes to travel bags, we know that functionality and convenience are paramount. 

Our travel bag collection features a variety of options, including spacious suitcases, versatile duffel bags, and compact carry-on bags, designed to make your journey hassle-free and enjoyable.

In addition to our extensive product range, we take pride in our professional bag repair services. We understand that bags go through wear and tear over time, and our skilled team of experts is dedicated to restoring your bags to their former glory. From fixing zippers and straps to repairing tears and stitching, we provide comprehensive repair solutions to ensure your bags serve you for years to come.

Our commitment to customer satisfaction goes beyond just offering quality products. We believe in providing exceptional after-sales service to our valued customers. 

Our friendly and knowledgeable staff is always ready to assist you, whether it’s helping you choose the perfect bag or addressing any concerns or inquiries you may have. We invite you to visit our store and experience the difference of shopping with us. 

Discover our extensive range of bags and accessories that blend style, functionality, and durability, all at competitive prices. 

Trust us to provide you with value for money products and a level of service that exceeds your expectations.

Review Cart

No products in the cart.

• Refund and Returns Policy
• Privacy Policy and Cookies

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes

This Is the Only Bag You'll Need to Pack for a Safari

Meena Thiruvengadam is a lifelong traveler and veteran journalist who has visited more than 50 countries across six continents. Her writing has appeared in The Wall Street Journal , Departures , TripSavvy , and other publications.

The world's best safari spots aren't located just outside of city centers or major airports. They take some effort — and usually a bush plane — to get to.

Unfortunately, your beautiful Away carry-on and large roll aboard suitcases won't be welcome onboard. The small chartered flights that typically ferry guests to safari hotspots across Africa have strict weight requirements and space limitations.

CroisiEurope, an international river cruise company, warns African safari customers in all-caps and red exclamation points that operators may refuse to transport noncompliant luggage. They also instruct passengers to keep carry-ons under 6.6 pounds — less than the weight of an empty Away carryon — and to keep checked luggage at 44 pounds.

Of course, that 44 pounds needs to fit inside a package that's no more than 23.6 inches long, 15.7 inches tall and 11.8 inches wide, just larger than the average American Airline's domestic carryon limit. Suitcases also must be soft-sided and have no more than two wheels, a rarity in this age of spinner wheels.

Needless to say, getting everything you need for the trip of a lifetime into such a small package can be a challenge.

Mark Lakin, a frequent Africa traveler and the co-founder of the bespoke travel agency Epic Road, meets that challenge by starting with the right bag: a lightweight Eagle Creek rolling duffel packed with just two sets of clothes.

"Every day one [set of clothes] is being washed and one is being worn," he said. "That leaves room to bring the extra stuff." For Lakin, those extra essentials include a daypack, hiking boots, sun protection, camera gear, and a favorite Alpaca wool poncho for lounging at the safari lodge.

And bringing back one-of-a-kind finds from the trip of a lifetime becomes a whole lot easier with a soft, flexible bag that can expand along the journey.

Related Articles

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

Did you like this story? Share it!

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!

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

• Safari Stories
• SAFARI LUGGAGE PACKING ADVICE: What Luggage Should I Take On Safari?

Stories: ALL | ADVICE | EXPEDITIONS | DESTINATIONS | NEWS | PROJECTS

SAFARI LUGGAGE PACKING ADVICE: What luggage should I take on safari?

We answer your safari luggage questions on what to pack your safari clothing and gear into for your safari. You will learn why 'soft' and 'squashable' are the keys to ensuring that your luggage is safari-suitable.

The majority of safari lodges are located in remote areas, with access only by light aircraft and not by airliners. This, in part, dictates the luggage to pack for your safari.

Top 7 tips for selecting the best safari luggage.

Follow our safari luggage advice to find out what luggage - large and small - you will need for your safari.

1. For your main large duffel or holdall, choose safari luggage which is soft and squashable and which has no frame : This is especially true for safari travel to Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Mozambique, Malawi, Tanzania, and Kenya. The reason for this is rather a practical one. The majority of safari lodges and camps within these countries are accessible only by light aircraft - such as the Cessna 210 shown on this page. As a result, in order for your pilot to fit your luggage into the small, cramped hold, your luggage must not have hard sides, nor rigid frames or structure, and should rather be soft-sided so that the pilot is able to fit (squash) your bag into the plane. The same is true for some overland and expedition-style safaris where there will be limited space for luggage in the safari 4x4.

2. Check on safari luggage limitations : Please check with the safari company you have booked with about luggage limitations for your safari, as the requirements may vary from safari to safari. Where luggage weight limitations are specified, please note that - as the maximum take-off weight in any aircraft has to be strictly adhered to by pilots to maximise your safety on each flight - you may find that your pilot will not be able to take any luggage over the maximum allowed weight per passenger. In this instance, you may have to pay for your luggage to be flown separately.

3. The ideal size for main safari luggage : We recommend that your main safari luggage holdall or duffel should measure 70 x 30 x 30cm in size when full.

4. Carry-on safari luggage : Also take one one smaller carry-on type safari bag to use when you travel - and to take your binoculars and accessories on game drives and walks.

5. Walking safaris : For safaris with a daily walking element, we recommend that you take the large safari holdall as above plus a small safari satchel or safari backpack .This may be the same bag as your carry-on safari bag also.

6. Luggage accessories : Your holdall and daypack are important - but don't forget the ever-important supporting role of smaller luggage items too. Complement your canvas and leather safari duffel bag with a classic, safari-styled toiletry bag in a range of practical designs. As you travel, our African-made canvas and leather Safari Travel Wallet keeps your passport and documents close at hand in style. It's also handy to get a travel lock in advance of your departure and to pack a luggage scale to ensure your bags are within weight limits.

7. Let a travel trolley carry the load : As you are not meant to take safari luggage with a frame, using a travel trolley which is collapsible is a good idea. Simply remove from your safari luggage when you do not need to wheel your safari luggage.

More Stories

Safari Clothing Packing Advice: What clothing to pack for your safari.

WALKING SAFARIS

This website uses cookies for it's shopping basket, you must have cookies enabled in order to use this site.

The Ultimate African Safari Packing List: What to Wear on Safari, Best Safari Luggage, and More!

Posted on Published: November 4, 2019  - Last updated: January 6, 2020

Categories Africa , Blog , Packing Tips , Resources , Tanzania , Travel Planning

Alright, so you’ve decided to go on an African safari adventure and you’ve booked the trip of your dreams. As you plan for your trip, you’ll realize that packing for a safari isn’t as easy as other holidays. There are many limitations and restrictions that you don’t necessarily have on other vacations, especially if you’re traveling with checked luggage. Fear not, we’ve returned from a luxury safari in Tanzania and I’m going to show you exactly how to pack for a safari. This is my ultimate safari packing list, even if you’re traveling with heavy camera gear like we did (and you’re going to want to bring those long lenses to capture wildlife photos!).

Table of Contents

Posts may be sponsored. Post contains affiliate links. I may be compensated if you make a purchase using my link.

Packing List for African Safari Video

Prefer to learn by a video rather than text? Check out our safari packing list video! There are details all about the best safari luggage, what to pack for an African safari, what to wear on an African safari, and so much more.

Safari Luggage Limit: How Much to Pack

If you’re flying into East Africa to an international airport on a huge jet, you likely won’t have to worry about the weight of your luggage. Though it will vary between airlines, we were allowed two pieces of checked luggage (up to 50 lbs), one carry on bag, and one personal item on Ethiopian Airlines . However, if you plan to take any light aircraft flights, you’ll need to be very cautious over the weight of your luggage and the type of bag to bring for the journey. This is where a carefully planned safari packing list comes into play, including the luggage itself.

After one night in Arusha, Justin and I visited two national parks in Tanzania for our safari: Tarangire National Park and Serengeti National Park (the northern section). To travel between Arusha, Tarangire, and Serengeti, we took small, 10-passenger planes on private airstrips. On a small aircraft in East Africa, the luggage limit is 15kg total per person, including hand luggage. We flew with Coastal Aviation with stops between national parks and remote sites in Tanzania with these restrictions. Here’s a fabulous master list of all safari luggage restrictions for various airlines in Africa.

Furthermore, you must bring a soft sided bag that can be manipulated into the small luggage holds in the bottom of the plane. Your safari duffel bag must not have any wheels as it must be completely flexible. Some pilots can be very strict on these limits, weighing all luggage and carry on items as you enter the plane (especially if it’s a full flight!). Make sure you follow the rules for a smooth travel experience.

How to Pack for a Safari: The Best Safari Luggage

Let’s start by choosing the best safari travel bags for your adventures in Africa. I did some extensive research as I searched for the best safari luggage. I’ve only ever traveled with wheeled luggage that typically has a hard case, so I didn’t own a safari duffel bag. I chose the best safari luggage that I could find on the market: the Red Oxx Safari Beanos PR5 bag.

First, these safari travel bags are perfect for your trip to Africa. They meet all of the restrictions to fit inside the small plane compartments as you fly between destinations within Tanzania, Kenya, or other countries. In fact, you can use this safari duffel bag no matter where you’re traveling as its the size of a carry on bag for domestic and international travel (it measures 24″L x 10″W x 10″H ). You’ll get lots of use out of this duffel carry on bag, and it’s the first item to consider on your safari packing list.

The Red Oxx Safari Duffel Bag

The Red Oxx Safari Beanos luggage is surprisingly spacious. There’s a generous top loading main compartment where you can place all of your clothes, packing cubes , and larger items. Then, there are numerous other zippered pockets on the sides of the bag for smaller items that you’d like to separate from everything else. Here’s a great tip: put your dirty laundry inside one of the smaller zipped spaces to keep it separated from your clean clothing.

Featuring its claw no slip shoulder strip and heavy duty 360 degree swivels, this durable bag is easy to throw over your shoulder and carry around with you. I was able to carry this bag across airport terminals with ease. It’s rugged and reliable, meant to withstand the abuse that a checked bag can receive. When we returned from our trip, both of our Red Oxx safari bags barely had a scratch on them, despite traveling in the luggage holds of numerous small airplanes and four international flights. It also comes with a lifetime warranty.

Red Oxx bags are made and manufactured in Montana, USA. They’re weather resistant, which is perfect for those rainstorms that can pop up in East Africa with little warning. They come in a variety of colors for every taste: we chose violet (purple) and khaki (tan). It’s the perfect bag to store everything on your safari packing list. We’ll definitely bring our Red Oxx safari luggage on all of our future adventures in Africa…and beyond!

What to Wear on Safari: Clothing Packing List

Now that you’ve chosen your safari duffel bags, it’s time to select the clothing that you’ll bring on your trip. While you don’t need to drape yourself in khaki from head to toe, there are some clothing choices that are better than others. First, neutral colors are the best choice. Light colors are great for staying cool, but it is quite dusty so I’d avoid wearing white. Earth tones and khaki are the best choices for blending in with your environment and looking clean.

Avoid wearing blue and black, if possible. Tsetse flies are attracted to dark colors, especially blue and black. Even without wearing those colors, I was still bitten quite a few times by these nasty flies. They can bite through clothing and they don’t seem to be deterred too much by bug spray. Their bites are extremely itchy and annoying, and tsetse flies even transmit a disease called African sleeping sickness . Try to avoid getting bitten by taking as many precautions as you can.

You’ll be spending most of your time on safari in an open air jeep seeking and observing animals. This means that you’ll be sitting for most of the time, partially in the shade. Wearing comfortable clothing is key. Most of the game drives take place early in the morning and late in the afternoon. You might even find that you’ll feel a little cold at times in the jeep when you’re driving around from the breeze. Bringing layers is the best solution for the changing temperatures throughout the day.

What to Pack for a Safari: Clothes and Accessories

Here’s a great safari packing list with the clothing items you’ll need on safari. If you’re traveling on a luxury safari, you won’t need to bring more than three outfits. There is laundry service at the tented camps, and generally it’s included with your stay. We brought enough pairs of socks and underwear for our whole trip, but our laundry services covered all of our clothing items (including undergarments). Some accommodations will only wash your tops and bottoms, and you’ll need to wash socks and underwear in the sink with some laundry soap.

I should also mention that there isn’t any need to bring any fancy clothing. The dress is totally casual at safari lodges, even at dinner. Unless it’s specifically noted at certain luxury safari lodges, you won’t need to bring any fancier dresses or suit jackets. Here’s a safari packing list for both men and women:

Tops & Bottoms:

• Womens Sahara Shirt from REI // Mens Silver Ridge Long Sleeved Shirt from Columbia
• Womens Cozy Up Tank Top from REI // Mens Sahara Solid Shirt from REI
• Womens Petra Cargo Top from prAna // Mens Hardesty Sleeveless T-Shirt from prAna
• Womens Meme Pants from prAna // Mens Silencr Convertible Pants from Kuhl
• Womens Convertible Pants from prAna // Mens Stretch Zion Pants from prAna
• Womens Cargo Capri Pants from Lee // Mens Classic Sahara Convertible Pants from REI
• Womens Regular Fit Shorts from Lee // Mens Sahara Cargo Shorts from REI
• Womens Lightweight Better Sweater from Patagonia // Mens Better Sweater from Patagonia

Accessories & Shoes:

There’s no need to bring any fancy hiking boots or footwear. Your regular sneakers will totally do. You won’t be getting out of the vehicle on safari, and you’ll be doing a whole lot of sitting. With that said, if you’re doing any hiking or walking safaris during your trip, it’s a good idea to bring some durable, waterproof hiking shoes.

• La Sportiva Trango Womens Hiking Boots (Vegan / Waterproof)
• La Sportiva Blade Mens Hiking Boots (Vegan / Waterproof )
• Pair of flip flops or sandals while relaxing by the pool

You won’t need too many accessories on your safari packing list, just a few important ones:

• Womens Khari One Piece Swimsuit from prAna // Mens Quatro Board Shorts from O’Neill
• Vented Safari Outback Hat OR Tilley Wanderer Hat
• Womens Polarized Sunglasses // Mens Polarized Sunglasses
• DSLR Camera and a telephoto camera lens
• High quality binoculars (sometimes your guides will have extra pairs)
• Smartphone (there’s Wi-Fi at your accommodation or get portable Wi-Fi throughout your stay with a Teppy device )
• Underwear, bras, socks, sleepwear

Toiletries & Personal Items:

Our safari lodge had all of the basics covered: towels, shampoo, body wash, moisturizer, and insect repellent. You can feel free to bring your own, but I’d suggest using theirs to save yourself the luggage space. Here’s what you definitely need to add to your safari packing list:

• Mosquito repellent (our lodge had bug spray for our use)
• Contact lens solution (if needed) and glasses
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Safety kit with Tums or Pepto-Bismol
• Hand sanitizer
• Any personal medications

Everything Else for a Safari Packing List:

• Cash in US dollars to use for tipping or souvenirs (no dates before 2006 are accepted in Tanzania)
• Passport (valid for at least 6 months before departure)
• Purchase your Visa ahead of time online ( here’s where we applied for ours in Tanzania)
• See a travel clinic for appropriate vaccinations and bring proof of certain vaccinations, if needed (ie. Yellow Fever vaccination)
• Malaria pills (see travel clinic for more details)
• Get travel insurance ahead of time and bring proof of travel insurance

What You Shouldn’t Bring on Safari

Plastic bags are illegal in Tanzania , so please don’t pack any in your bags. If you do, you will have to dispose of them at the airport. We were very impressed with the lack of plastic use in the country. Every drink came in a glass bottle. All of the toiletries at our lodges were also in glass bottles. When I purchased coffee beans at the airport, the shop owner used a small cloth bag instead of a plastic one. If you use a plastic bag in Tanzania, there are hefty fines.

Don’t worry about bringing multiple pairs of shoes. In addition to your running shoes or hiking shoes that you can wear on the plane, bring an extra pair of flip flops or sandals to wear by the pool. Otherwise, there will be slippers in your safari lodge, along with a bath robe. Don’t bring too many clothing items. Take advantage of the laundry services. Generally, your laundry will be returned in the evening or within 24 hours at the latest.

Finally, don’t bring too many pairs of shorts or skirts in place of pants. I only wore pants or Capri pants throughout my stay in Tanzania – it was actually a little too cold for shorts! I still recommend bringing shorts in case the weather is warmer when you visit, but limit it to one pair. And don’t bring anything too fancy. What you wear during the day is also fine at night (with a sweater on top, of course!).

Printable Packing List for African Safari

I hope you’ve found this safari packing list to be incredibly useful. Looking for a printable version? Check out this African Safari Packing List to download (just right click and save to your computer!).

Thank you so much to Red Oxx for gifting us two Safari Beanos PR5 bags to test. We’re in love with this safari luggage and highly recommend it.

Have you ever traveled to Africa on a safari? Am I missing anything from this safari packing list?

Lauren is the full-time travel blogger and content creator behind Justin Plus Lauren. She started Justin Plus Lauren in 2013 and has travelled to 50+ countries around the world. Lauren is an expert on vegan travel as one of the very first vegan travel bloggers. She also focuses on outdoor adventure travel, eco and sustainable travel, and creating amazing travel itineraries for cities and small towns.

True uganda saferis

Monday 26th of June 2023

Perfect article... thanks for sharing it with us.

Friday 24th of February 2023

Thanks for such a comprehensive and helpful list, and you've obviously done your research. Our travel agent (for luxury Kenya safari in two weeks) told us that 33lb/15kg (max) soft sided luggage in the small planes, but they can have wheels. We don't want the extra weight of even wheels, but I mention this in case there are people who might have shoulder issues or prefer wheels.