safari gear kit

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

It’s easy to over-complicate an African safari packing list. This is Africa, it’s going to be wild, so you feel a need to pack for all eventualities.

Most people really want to look good when coming face to face with an elephant or lion , usually because they want to look good in the photos.

It’s easy to get hung up with your safari packing list, so we’re going to simplify everything .

You’ll start to feel butterflies in the stomach and that familiar twinge of anticipation as you pick your clothes and pack your outdoor essentials, and of course, your trusty camera for snapping an ungainly hyena or a soaring African fish eagle .

Stick to our carefully considered safari selection , and you won’t go wrong!

Tips for Your Africa Packing List — Keep it Simple

It can be daunting. Choosing what to stuff into a suitcase for a beach holiday is difficult enough, never mind the items for an adventure.

Our Africa Freak contributors have experienced guests turning up with a bizarre range of things, including plastic toilet seats , tinned baked beans , and fluffy slippers .

Most safari-goers appear to have the same safari packing list because so many on the African savanna wear similar clothes.

The most common mistake is to have high-quality walking boots near the top of the list. Yes, they’re essential if you are going on a walking safari.

But many safaris only include game drives, and you can’t get out of the vehicle. The furthest most people walk in their heavy boots is 20 meters from the vehicle to the tent .

The big cats and wild mammals don’t care too much about fashion , so they won’t pass judgment if your colors are clashing. Nor do they care if you wear the same trousers three days in a row.

Why you should keep your packing list for safari simple

Traveling light makes everything easy. With most safari itineraries, you will be moving destinations and camps on an almost daily basis.

It gets tiresome packing and unpacking, so keep it simple and travel light. Many lodges and camps have laundry facilities anyway.

Simplifying the safari packing list is also essential because there simply isn’t enough space for large and bulky luggage.

Domestic safari flights use light aircraft where space is a premium. They have strict luggage weight limitations, usually 15 kg for all your luggage .

Safari vehicles don’t have space for oversized luggage. Just imagine watching the great wildebeest migration and getting cramps because luggage ruins your leg space.

Many people want to look their best whenever they encounter other people. Out on the African savanna, you won’t encounter many people . Even when you do, the people are looking at animals instead of you.

So dump the fashion and embrace the adventure!

The lighter you can travel, the better. And your clothes will get ruined by all the dust and sun, so keep the three-piece suit at home and follow this basic safari packing list.

African Safari Checklist — Important Items for Travel

Beyond your clothing and gear, these are the items that you do not want to forget when going on an African safari:

• A valid passport and visa for the country you’re traveling to.
• Air tickets.
• Travel vouchers for pre-booked safari tours.
• Travel insurance.
• Proof of required vaccinations.
• Photocopies of all your important documents — passport, visa, air tickets, travel insurance, etc.
• Cash for expenses.
• A cellphone and charger.
• Medication and prescriptions.

1. African Savanna Clothing Essentials

Okay, so you know you need safari clothes . Nobody wants to get that close to nature out in the African wilderness.

But what kind of clothes?

When it comes to safari clothing, the rule of thumb is to stick to simple , lightweight clothes .

Most people find lightweight shorts or trousers the most comfortable on safari, depending on the time of year and your exact safari location.

They don’t need to be the zip-off variety; they just need to be comfortable .

You should also take some loose-fitting, comfortable shirts or t-shirts – maybe not your absolute favorites though since they’re likely to get a little creased and more than a little sweaty! Lightweight and breathable fabrics are best.

One long-sleeved shirt – possibly with inbuilt insect or sun protection – is also very useful as it provides protection from sun and insects.

Hat and accessories

Moreover, you’ll need a wide-brimmed hat that covers both your face and the back of your neck. Put this one at the top of your safari packing list.

It’s also worth taking a warm fleece with you – yes, Africa is a hot country, but early morning game drives can be quite chilly, and you’ll feel the bracing breeze once you’ve got the windows and roof open!

You’ll appreciate it on the cooler evenings, especially if you want to take an al fresco drink or sit at the campfire if you’re staying at a tented camp.

Take some sturdy walking boots if you want to go on a nature walk, a walking safari, or a mountain hike. Sneakers or trainers are fine otherwise.

Just make sure you have closed footwear as mosquitoes love to find gaps in sandals.

In addition, ladies may wish to take a sarong or kanga with them. You can use these multi-purpose garments as a headscarf to keep hair out the way if it’s particularly windy, a scarf if it gets chilly, or a lightweight shawl to protect shoulders from the sun.

You can also fold a sarong nice and small to fit in your day bag (we recommend a small backpack) when you’re not using it!

Some safari lodges may feature swimming pools so that visitors can relax between excursions and escape the sometimes sweltering heat .

Additionally, there are various safaris that pass by waterfalls, lakes, rivers, and rock pools that are suitable for a refreshing dip.

For this reason, having a swimming costume on hand is important. Please note this may not be the case for all safaris.

What color clothing to include in your packing list for Africa

An essential tip: don’t wear black or dark blue clothes on safari .

Black and dark blue attract tsetse flies, which are a real annoyance, especially in East Africa.

Khaki colors are the best because they match the dust.

Bright colors are fine for game drives; they just look dirty and dusty very quickly. Having said that, it’s better to wear neutral colors on game walks.

Why? On game drives, animals don’t see your clothes. They see the vehicle rather than you. On walking safaris, it’s easier to get closer to the animals when you blend into the landscape rather than stand out.

2. Healthcare Essentials For Your African Safari Kit List

There are numerous items you may need to ensure you have a pleasant and comfortable experience out in the wild .

From a high SPF sunscreen to a mosquito repellent, here are some things you should not leave out when packing for your African safari.

Sun cream and sunglasses

First on the list is some very high SPF sun cream . Even if you consider yourself used to the sun, the sun is extremely strong in Africa, and it’s simply not worth getting burnt.

You don’t want any distraction from your game-viewing, and you can’t get an all-over tan in a safari vehicle anyway. Factor 50 is recommended. Seriously – SPF 50 is the minimum for the African sun .

It’s also useful to bring an extreme/sports sunblock . These are very small – usually the size and shape of a lip balm.

You can carry this in a day bag or pocket for reapplication to sensitive areas whenever you feel it’s necessary.

You’ll also need some good-quality sunglasses . Sunglasses come under healthcare essentials and not clothing in the safari packing list, because you will need sunglasses to protect you, not just as a fashion accessory.

Physicists recommend you choose sunglasses with at least 99% UVB protection and 95% UVA protection.

Instead of offering proper protection, cheap sunglasses will simply darken your vision, meaning your pupils will dilate to allow extra light in.

Without proper UV protection, your dilated pupils will also take in more harmful UV rays and could cause extensive damage to your eyes.

Lip balm, moisturizers, and antiseptic creams

One thing about the wild is that the climate is not always the most forgiving. Oftentimes it will be hot and dry, resulting in chapped lips and dry skin. Lip balm and moisturizer are useful in these cases.

If you’re spending a lot of time out in the wilderness, chances are you’ll need an antiseptic cream . This is a multi-purpose cream that helps with scratches, burns, and insect bites.

Mosquito repellent

Take some mosquito repellent with you. If you don’t want to carry a large bottle when you’re out on game drives, just bring some wipes in your day bag.

They come in tiny sachets and are very handy – especially if you’re out on an evening game drive when the sun is setting and mosquitoes are at their most active .

3. African Safari Gear List — Interactive

When on an African safari, there are several pieces of equipment that you can bring along that will enhance your experience . The items below are popular amongst avid safari-goers and tourists alike.

Camera gear

First on the list has to be a camera and all the stuff that comes with it.

Depending on your passion for photography, you may need anything from spare batteries or a charger to extra memory cards , a zoom lens, and a dust-proof camera case .

Whatever your level, a little beanbag is always useful for resting your camera on and steadying your hands. It’s the safari-friendly alternative to an unwieldy tripod!

Need packing tips for your African photo safari? Well, you will need a bag that can adequately protect your gear. Find out more in this safari luggage guide.

Tip : Check out these African wildlife photography websites for some inspiration before your safari trip.

Even if you have fantastic eyesight and the world’s most observant safari guide, a pair of safari binoculars will enhance your safari experience immeasurably.

Using binoculars is often the only way to take in those tiny details – examining the differences between a plains zebra and a Grevy’s zebra stripes , marveling at the sheer size of a black rhino’s horn, even staring into the golden eyes of a hungry lioness.

Luxury safari item – wildlife book

Of course, you’ll want to know exactly what it is you’re looking at through your fantastic binoculars. Was that a ground hornbill or a kori bustard ? A Masai giraffe or a Rothschild’s?

Doing a bit of research in some bird and wildlife books is worth every minute. It’s no use your guide telling you that today you might spot a rare beisa oryx if you’ve got no idea what these beautiful creatures look like!

The enthusiastic botanists amongst you might even want to take a guide to the plants, trees, and vegetation you might encounter.

The landscape of Africa is hugely diverse, from the riverine forest to the open savannah to the reed-spotted marshlands. And you wouldn’t want to confuse a doum palm with an oil palm, would you?

4. Packing List for African Safari – Safety, Security & Practicality

Below are important items to include in your African safari survival kit.

A torch is always useful to take on a safari holiday. If you’re staying at a campsite, a large torch and a head torch will, of course, be a blessing.

Even many of the most luxurious tented camps and permanent lodges turn off the power, usually from around midnight to five in the morning (either for practical or environmental reasons).

In this case, a wind-up torch is useful for any late-night trips to the toilet!

NB : You can usually arrange to have the power turned on before the scheduled time in cases of early departure etc.

Swiss army knife

A Swiss army knife is a marvelous miscellaneous tool for any occasion. The bottle opener is there for opening cold drinks bought at roadside cafés on long journeys.

The scissors are handy for snipping off loose threads. And of course, if you’re camping, the various knives and tin-openers will be invaluable.

You may not even use a Swiss army knife, but it can be a comforting item for an adventure in the wilderness.

Although they may not be entirely practical for wear during your actual game drives, a money belt is undoubtedly the most secure way to keep your money, passport, and other important documents on hand when you’re in transit.

They are particularly useful if you are flying through large and busy airports such as Nairobi or Johannesburg, or if you have to take coach or train transfers anywhere.

Wet bags are convenient on safari trips—especially those that involve getting down and dirty. With this, you’ll be able to keep important items or documents safe from the elements .

They’re also ideal for storing snacks as they will stay fresh. But be sure to keep them away from the animals.

Africa Isn’t Middle Earth – It Does Have Shops

Africa is not a primitive continent . It has shops and shopping malls . It’s not just elephants on the airport runway and pure bush.

In major cities, you can buy most things you will need for a safari, the obvious exception being high-end camera equipment.

So yes, you can buy toiletries, suncream, safari clothes, safari hats, and almost everything else after you arrive in Africa.

Furthermore, it’s probably cheaper to buy in Africa than at home.

However, once you’re on the road and into vast national parks , there won’t be any convenience stores. So if there’s something you need, speak to your guide before leaving the town or city.

Do You Have Everything On Your Safari Packing List to Africa?

So, that’s our complete safari packing list. Pretty simple, huh?

But before you go, be sure to double-check that you have everything . From your important documents to your clothing and gear, each of these items will play an important role in ensuring the most memorable experience.

Now that you know what to bring on an African safari, the only thing left to do is book your trip . For some of the most thrilling adventures, check out these incredible safari deals .

We hope you’ve found the article helpful, and remember the most important thing – safari njema!

About The Author

Editorial Team

Related posts.

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

Best safari luggage – Duffel bags & backpacks for African travels

Leave a comment cancel reply.

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

Just in time for Mother's Day, shop our 25 Best Mother's Day Gifts.

FIELD & STREAM+

• Join 1871 Club

How to Pick the Right Guns and Gear for an African Safari

After 20 safaris, our shooting editor has dialed in his shortlist of the best gear to bring on a hunting trip to Africa

By Richard Mann | Published Mar 27, 2023 12:12 PM EDT

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn more ›

One hundred years ago, hunters on safari in Africa needed to take lots of gear with them, including everything from guns to tents. In some cases, a lot of the outfitting was conducted after arrival in Africa. Times have of course changed, and today your outfitter and their staff will take care of almost everything should you decide to take a trip to Africa. I’ve done 30-day safaris and only brought a rifle case, a standard suitcase, and a backpack. The truth is, you’ll actually need a lot less gear than you think, but amongst that gear are some items you must have. After 20 safaris, I have a reasonably good idea of what that list should include.

The Best Clothes to Pack for an African Safari

You’ll need one set of travel clothes to wear to and from Africa. A good addition would be a travel or photographer’s vest so you can keep personal items such as your wallet, passport, travel paperwork, specific medicines, and such close at hand.

Because your outfitter will do your laundry every day, two to three sets of hunting clothes are plenty; the type and style will mostly depend on the time of year and the location you will be hunting. Remember, Africa is upside down from America, the further south you go, the colder it will be. 

In most locations—between May and September—cargo-style pants or shorts and a light button-up shirt—long or short sleeve—will suffice. I really like the trim-fit, pocket-laden Bushcraft pants from Kryptek for hunting (camouflage is not necessary). Add a good medium-weight jacket for cool mornings and evenings, and a pair of leather or tight-fitting tactical gloves because you may end up crawling on a stalk and will need to move the prickly stuff out of the way.

Bring the Right Shoes

A common pair of low or ankle boots for travel and to wear around camp are a must. Having an extra set of shoes will allow your hunting boots to breathe each evening. For hunting boots, I’ve found nothing can compare to those from Courteney for the African bush. They are made from buffalo hide, rugged, amazingly comfortable, and will keep thorns out of your feet. They’re available from several retailers in the States. Whatever you do, go with a full leather boot and avoid boots with mesh sides that allow the sticky things to find the tender skin of your feet. 

Gaiters are nice to have, too. You’ll be walking in high grass, sand, and gravely ground. Grass seeds, sand, and pebbles can find their way inside your boots and make walking uncomfortable. Alternatively, a high-top boot like the Courteney Jameson can help with this, but I’d still wear gaiters unless I was wearing long pants.

The Best Guns & Cartridges for an African Safari

There is this misconception that African animals are harder to kill than whitetail deer or elk. It is a complete case of misinformation, founded in part by myth and in part because many first-time safari hunters tend to shoot poorly when under the gaze of a professional hunter and tracker. You do not need a magnum for Africa unless you’re after dangerous game.

As evidence, on my wife’s first safari, she took gemsbok, wildebeest, and impala—all with one shot—using a 243 Winchester and 85-grain Nosler Partitions . I’ve taken most of the plains game in Africa very efficiently with a 308 Winchester. Any cartridge in this class will work wonderfully. This is partly because your PH will work to get you inside 300 yards, and partly because proper shot placement combined with a good bullet has more to do with killing than what’s written on the headstamp of a cartridge. Of course, for buffalo and the like, you’ll find that there are minimum caliber or energy requirements. These usually start with cartridges like the 9.3x62mm Mauser or the 375 Holland & Holland .

Also, you can legally hunt with a suppressor in Africa, and it is not complicated to get it in and out of the country. Your PH will thank you for it, and many people shoot better with them.

The Best Optics for Hunting in Africa 

The importance of quality binoculars cannot be overstated. However, I think the mistake most African hunters make is to select binoculars that are too large. I prefer compact binos like the Swarovski CLs . They won’t tug on your neck, they’re light enough to use with one hand, and 8X is plenty of magnification. If you want to bring range-finding binos, that’s fine, but understand ranging is your PH’s job and you should be focused on shooting. While hunting several species like kudu, a spotting scope can help, but go with a high-quality, small, and lightweight option.

For your riflescope, again quality is important. If your riflescope goes belly up halfway through your safari you’re in a bad situation. I’d strongly suggest avoiding cheaply-made optics. A moderate power range is best; the old 3-9X riflescope is hard to beat. However, with today’s riflescopes that have an 8X zoom factor, like the Swarovski Z8i , something with a 2-16X magnification range is fantastic.

Extra Hunting Gear to Bring to Africa

While you may not need much in the way of clothing, there’s some gear you should consider bringing. If you have any prescribed medications, bring them and put them in your carry-on; there’s no guarantee your checked luggage will arrive the same day you do. Sunscreen and bug spray are a good idea, especially in the African summer. Sunglasses and a hat are wise choices too, and I prefer a wide-brimmed hat to a ball cap. 

A knife is a good idea for sure, but you don’t need a big knife. A pocket knife or a small fixed blade like the Montana Knife Company’s lightweight Speedgoat will suffice. What you might need more than a knife is a Leatherman or multitool and a kit for rifle cleaning and maintenance. 

A flashlight and headlamp should be considered mandatory, and with the current electrical load sharing in Africa, a camp light too. Speaking of electricity, you’ll also want an American plug adapter to charge any electrical devices you might have, along with a compact battery pack just in case. 

Rifle accessories include a good carry strap or shooting sling, and either shooting sticks or a tripod. I’ve become addicted to the Spartan tripod system because it’s so light, and I can use it for shooting, mounting my spotting scope when hunting kudu, and as a mount for my camera or smartphone.

Throw in a small personal first aid kit, and if you use tobacco—especially chewing tobacco or snuff—take all you’ll need with you. With today’s smartphones, a camera is not an absolute necessity. However, you may want to take photos at distance. If that’s the case, a good DSLR or mirrorless camera with a 400mm lens will yield great images.

The Best Way to Book Your Travel for an African Safari

Booking a flight to Africa is as easy as booking a flight anywhere else. However, if you’re traveling with firearms, there are some additional considerations due to the strict gun laws in South Africa. I suggest hiring some assistance. 

Since 2006, I have used African Odyssey (866-486-9351/[email protected]) for all of my travel to South Africa. Not only are they only a phone call or e-mail away if I have issues or need to change my flights. They can arrange a meet and greet at the airport, assistance with firearms permitting, and lodging when necessary. I wouldn’t consider going on an African safari without the assistance of a travel agent that has experience with hunters.

Read Next: F&S Classics: Ghosts of Africa

Bring the Right Attitude

The most important thing you can bring to Africa is a good attitude and a willingness to learn and take direction from your professional hunter. The lifestyle in Africa is a bit different from in America; there’s no hustle and bustle. While you are there, you’re on African time, and by that, I’m not talking about the time difference. It’s best to chill out.

With a proper outfitter, you’ll also be well tended to, so be prepared to let them wait on you a bit. Let the trackers handle the loading, dressing, and skinning of your game. Sure, you can participate if you want. Because I’m continually testing different bullets that’s something I tend to get involved in. But you’re paying for preferential treatment, and you might as well enjoy it.

Also, be prepared to start planning your next safari before you return from your first. There’s something about the combination of the morning coo of a dove, brilliant African sunsets, the red dirt, and the magic of it all that will bite you hard and embed itself deep within your soul. 

Richard Mann was born and raised in West Virginia and has hunted from the Montana mountains to the green hills of Africa. In 2015, Mann began contributing to Field & Stream to cover guns, ammunition, ballistics, and hunting. In 2022, he was named as the brand’s Shooting Editor.

Want More of the Great Outdoors?

Stay adventure-ready with outdoor news that keeps you informed, not spammed.

Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

What to Pack for An African Safari, According to Trip Organizers

Packing is hard. Especially when the destination might involve giant mosquitoes or Instagram-worthy hiking trails. What do frequent travelers to these spots — the ones who best know how to prepare for the conditions — put in their suitcases ? We’ll be tackling this in our series “ The Trip List .”

Going on an African safari and spotting animals like lions and zebras in their natural habitat is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Since it’s not something most people do very often, it’s also not the easiest trip to pack for. For those lucky enough to have a safari in their future, we’ve rounded up a group of experienced tour guides and travel planners (with hundreds of safaris collectively under their belts) to help you out.

“People always overpack. I think that’s the biggest mistake,” says Deborah Calmeyer, founder and CEO of the safari trip organizer Roar Africa . She explains that, in terms of clothing, you generally just need a few casual pieces, as there aren’t many occasions to dress up on safari. Most lodges also offer laundry service with a quick turnaround time, so there’s no need to pack a new outfit for each day of your trip. Instead of prioritizing style, safari experts say to focus on layering , as you’ll spend most of your time outdoors on game drives in open-air vehicles. It might be chilly when you leave your lodge in the early morning but heat up quickly when the sun comes out. “If you’re out after sunset when the temperature drops, those layers will come in handy again,” says Calmeyer.

Before you start packing, learn the luggage requirements of your particular trip, which will determine how much you can bring. Even if you fly to Africa on a major international airline, once you’re in the bush, you’ll travel from site to site on small aircrafts with limited space. “The portal leading into the luggage compartments is quite small, and the bags have to be smushed and manipulated into these little cargo areas,” explains Kota Tabuchi, the managing director for African travel at the trip-planning consultancy Travel Beyond . Depending on your destination, weight limits can range from roughly 33 to 42 pounds, with lower limits more common in East Africa and higher maximums generally seen in South Africa. Choose a soft duffel bag (check your airline’s rules to confirm whether wheeled bags are allowed), as you can’t bring hard-sided luggage on many small planes.

You’re likely going on safari to encounter wild animals (especially the big five: lions, leopards, rhinoceroses, elephants, and buffalo), so don’t scrimp on binoculars and cameras that will help you get the best view and capture the best memories of your sightings. Below, our experts share their top picks for the gear that’ll make your trip comfortable and memorable, plus everything else you’ll need for a perfect safari.

As stated above, a soft-sided duffel bag is your best bet for traveling on safari. Tabuchi has owned this North Face bag for more than 15 years now and has brought it on multiple safaris each year. He calls it “absolutely bombproof.” The lightweight and roomy duffel should hold everything you need, and it is compliant with most African airline requirements. If you want another option, Tabuchi also likes the very similar Patagonia Black Hole bag (a longtime Strategist favorite ).

At under $100, this bag is an affordable pick that was mentioned by several safari pros, including Ina Steinhilber, president of tour operator Thomson Safaris . It’s lightweight, too, clocking in at just over two pounds, leaving plenty of room under the weight allowance for your stuff.

If you’re allowed to bring a soft duffel with wheels, this Osprey bag gets rave reviews from Wil Smith, founder and director of travel organizer Deeper Africa . “Make sure the bag is water resistant and has a storm flap over the zipper,” he says. “On a safari, you’re out on bumpy roads, and you never know if your bag’s going to end up out in the rain, dust, or dirt. It probably won’t, but you want to prepare for anything.” He says this bag checks all his boxes and even has lockable zippers.

“These are a must for finding clothing easily in the soft-sided duffel,” says Kristina Jackson, a senior safari and Kilimanjaro travel consultant at Thomson Safaris. Many frequent travelers have recommended packing cubes to us in the past (including the eBags set) because they compress your gear to save space — even more crucial when you have a tight luggage allotment. “After safari, you may find yourself using them more often,” says Jackson. “They make traveling so easy.”

According to Joel Cody, sales and marketing director at Thomson Safaris, you’ll also want a backpack for your daily game drives to carry things like extra layers, bug spray , and binoculars. Because it folds down into a compact pouch, he suggests this Paravel backpack, as you can easily fit it into your larger luggage.

“Layers are the most practical way to cope with fluctuating daytime and nighttime temperatures,” says Sherwin Banda, president of the safari trip operator African Travel , and pretty much all of our experts agree. A basic tee is a good first layer, and in the summer you might not need more than a long-sleeved shirt on top for the chilly morning and evenings. “We all have one of these,” says Ali Riley, art director of Thomson Safaris, of this polyester button-up. She likes that it’s comfortable, moisture-wicking, and offers UPF 40 protection from the sun.

If you prefer natural fibers, Cody recommends these linen long-sleeved shirts from Uniqlo. “They’re lightweight and comfortable, and you can wear a T-shirt or tank underneath for layering,” he says. “They look good after they’re washed and are available at an excellent price point.”

Patagonia pieces came up a lot among our experts, who like how they’re made sustainably and designed for travel and adventure. For a slightly warmer second layer, Cody likes this half-zip, which is made from a moisture-wicking fabric and locks in body heat. He tells us it “provides warmth without bulk, and doesn’t take up much room in a backpack.”

An even warmer jacket is a good option to have with you even in the summer. Elizabeth Gordon, co-founder and CEO of the safari company Extraordinary Journeys , explains that many popular safari locations, such as Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Crater, are located at high altitudes and may be chilly year-round. For cold nights and mornings, she loves Patagonia’s Nano Puff jackets. “They weigh practically nothing and somehow always keep me at the right temperature,” she says. For a less-expensive option, Gordon also likes ultralight down jackets from Uniqlo, available for both men and women .

“A light rain jacket can double as a windbreaker, so it’s good to bring no matter the time of year, [especially] with the changing rain patterns,” says Gordon. She says spring and fall are typically the rainy seasons in East Africa, but climate change has made the weather less predictable. To make sure you’ll have coverage in the event of an unexpected storm, she recommends this packable, lightweight Patagonia jacket.

There’s no need to go out and buy special pants for your safari — chinos , leggings , and shorts are all generally fine (though some experts advise against jeans because they’re heavy to pack). If you want to really get in the spirit, however, Riley suggests these convertible pants from Eddie Bauer. You can wear them as long pants in the morning and then roll them up into capris when the weather heats up. “They’re extremely comfortable, if not overly stylish,” she says. Here’s a similar style for men that unzips into shorts. Even if it’s warm out, our experts like having the option of long pants in the evenings when mosquitos are out.

Leggings and yoga pants are especially popular on safari because they’re lightweight and comfortable, especially if you’re going to be sitting in a Jeep all day. If you anticipate being cold, a fleece-lined pair is good to have too. “In case you get a cold night in Ngorongoro, these are great to sleep in, are inexpensive, and don’t take up a lot of room,” says Cody.

Although most lodges have laundry services — often complimentary for guests — many won’t wash women’s underwear because of cultural norms in certain countries. Since you may have to wash your own underwear in your bathroom sink, go with pairs made for exercise or travel that are designed to be fast-drying. “Ideally you want clothing that is easy to wash and dry,” says Smith. He includes underwear in this category, especially for women. Ex Officio (which makes some of our favorite men’s and women’s underwear) specializes in quick-drying materials that’ll make it easy for you to do your own wash.

Gordon points out that most lodges have pools, and getting in an afternoon dip is a great way to cool down after a long day out in the bush. Obviously, go with whatever swimsuit you love, but if you want some Strategist-approved picks, check out out recommendations for men and women (plus bikinis ). Here are two crowd-pleasers that earned our seal of approval.

Unless you’re trekking through the mountains to see gorillas, safaris are mostly sedentary experiences spent on Jeeps or Land Rovers driving through wildlife preserves to catch a glimpse of the big five. Our experts say there’s no need to waste precious luggage space on heavy hiking boots , as you’ll likely be doing only a bit of walking outside the vehicle. Jackson suggests wearing Toms. “They’re perfect to slip on and off while in the vehicle throughout the day and are also very lightweight.” Similarly, her colleague Cody swears by Vans, telling us, “They’re so easy to take off and on and are washable. I wore these all the time.”

If you do anticipate doing more active walking on your trip, both Smith and Tabuchi recommend trail-running shoes. They’re not as bulky as hiking boots (which our experts say aren’t necessary for most safari terrain) but still offer stability and traction. “They’re very sturdy,” says Smith. “You want good traction because if you get out of the car and it has been raining, the ground may be a little slippery.” Tabuchi says any trail runners with a solid rubber sole should do the trick. The lightweight Hoka One One Torrent is popular among trail runners and should be rugged enough to get you through your safari adventure.

Although our experts recommend closed-toe shoes while you’re out on game drives, they say to also bring a pair of flip-flops or sandals for when you’re relaxing back at your home base. “It’s great to have some comfortable flip flops for your tent or your lodge or around the campfire,” says Smith. You’ll also want to wear your flip-flops at the pool if your lodge has one. Brazilian-made Havaianas are an affordable yet stylish option that we’ve written about before .

Accessories

In the past, we’ve covered how merino-wool socks are ideal for all types of activities including running , biking , and hiking . Their temperature-regulating and moisture-wicking properties also make them perfect for safari. Steinhilber says Smartwool socks will “keep your feet warm on cool nights” and, given their lightness, will also be comfortable on daytime game drives.

Calmeyer says a shawl or pashmina will “never go to waste on safari” because it’s an all-in-one piece that you can use to stay warm, block out the sun, or even zhuzh up your casual clothes for a candlelit dinner back at the lodge. Gordon agrees, telling us she always brings a scarf “to dress everything up, or protect from dust.” Nicole Scherr, a former marketing project manager at Thomson Safaris, likes this specific shawl because it’s lightweight, quick-drying, and has UPF sun protection. “It’s great for the plane because it becomes a small blanket, and it’s also light enough to drape over yourself in the vehicle to protect from getting a burn,” she says.

If you’re not into shawls, a bandana or multipurpose gaiter can help with sun protection and keeping dust off your face. These two are favorites of the Thomson Safaris team. The UV-protective Buff also has built-in insect repellent, which you’ll appreciate when the mosquitoes come out.

Since you’ll be out in the sun for most of the day, all of our experts recommend a hat — both to prevent burning and to keep the sun out of your eyes so you can focus on the wildebeest migration or whatever amazing sight you’ve come across on your drive. Tabuchi recommends “a baseball cap at the very minimum,” but if you want even more coverage, several of our experts suggested a wide-brimmed hat like this one from Tilley, which is a top choice among Thomson Safari guides. It’ll cover the front and back of your neck, and it’s also packable, so you can cram it into your luggage and it will retain its shape when you take it out.

While the classic safari hat above is practical, Gordon admits it’s not the most stylish; she prefers a Panama hat like this one. You’ll get nearly as much sun protection in a bit more fashionable of a package.

Binoculars and cameras

“You can’t go on safari without these,” says Steinhilber, and nearly all of our experts agree that a good pair of binoculars will enhance your trip. How close you’re able to get to animals will depend on where exactly you’re going on safari, but Tabuchi explains that in many national parks and game reserves, vehicles are restricted to the road networks, so your driver won’t be able to go off-road to follow a pride of lions or elephants bathing in a river. That’s when binoculars will really come in handy. Although some lodges and game drives provide loaner pairs, Calmeyer says you’ll often end up having to share these with other guests, so it’s worth bringing your own. Gordon adds that “not having binoculars holds you back.”

All binoculars are labeled with two numbers. The first represents the magnification power (for example, “10” means objects will appear ten times bigger than they actually are), and the second is the lens diameter, which determines the field of vision. Binoculars can range in price from under $100 to well into the four figures for a Swarovski pair that Smith calls “the envy of every safari guide and bird enthusiast.” For a safari, Smith says to look for a pair with minimum specs of 8x42, like this mid-range model from Zeiss. With these, Smith says you’ll be able to zoom in on incredible sights like a rhinoceros 1,000 yards away.

If you’re willing to make more of an investment, the Vortex Viper 10x42 are Smith’s personal favorite binoculars. “Those are really good binoculars at a very reasonable price,” he says. “I think the glass is good; it’s stable. I’ve had people compare them with much more expensive binoculars.”

Smartphone cameras are so high-quality these days that experts say you’ll be able to get a lot of great shots with your iPhone — but on safari there are occasions when you’ll want a traditional camera. Like binoculars, a camera will be useful when your drive can’t get close to an animal and your phone camera’s zoom isn’t strong enough to shoot a clear picture from 50 yards away. Tabuchi adds that there are some areas where smartphone photography is banned to protect rhinoceroses, as poachers have used geotagged photos to track down the animals. And, as Gordon points out, if there’s any occasion to break out your fancy cameras and lenses, it’s Africa. Experts say you’ll want a minimum of 300-400mm zoom lenses for shooting at typical safari distances.

This Sony is a favorite of both Smith’s and Tabuchi’s. A bridge between an entry-level point-and-shoot and a high-end DSLR, it has an adjustable telescopic lens that zooms out to 600mm, more than enough to capture lion paws or the eyes of an elephant from a distance. Compared to a DSLR camera with multiple lenses, this one “takes up less space,” Smith says, “and you don’t have to mess around changing lenses.” Tabuchi calls it “stellar,” telling us “it’s got the functionality and zoom capabilities of a DSLR but has enough automatic features in there for dummies like myself.” (If you do choose to go the DSLR route, Tabuchi recommends renting additional lenses from Lensrentals.com to save money on expensive kits you might not use after your safari.)

Here’s a more affordable bridge camera that made Calmeyer’s list of recommended models for Roar Africa safari guests. She admits it won’t be as powerful as a DSLR, but for the price it’s a solid option for capturing both close-ups of animals and sweeping landscape shots.

Even pre-pandemic, experts recommended packing hand sanitizer, since you might be eating lunch straight off a game drive or need to take a bathroom break out in the bush and far from running water. Of course, by now we all have our own sanitizer preferences, but Steinhilber especially likes this lavender one because she says it “doesn’t have that terrible antiseptic odor.” (Interestingly, it’s also Sarah Michelle Gellar’s favorite .)

“The African sun is brutal,” says Calmeyer, and a good sunscreen is an absolute must. Any type you prefer will work as long as it has a high SPF, but if you want a safari-approved pick, Jackson says Badger is a solid “all-natural brand to use all day long.”

Don’t forget lip protection. Steinhilber says any lip balm you choose must have a strong SPF. She uses this one from Dermatone.

Mosquitos, tsetse flies, chiggers, and other critters are often unavoidable on safari, but a good bug spray can reduce your chances of getting bitten. Now’s not the time for organic essential-oil-based repellents that experts say won’t be up to the task. Instead, you’ve got to bring in the DEET. Brittany Silva, a safari trip manager at Thomson Safaris, says this 30 percent DEET spray is one of the best. Another good option is to wait until you land, so that you can buy bug spray from an African company and feel confident that it’s designed to repel the local insects. Calmeyer suggests the brands Peaceful Sleep and Tabard . “They work better than anything I’ve ever got from anywhere else,” she says. Gordon agrees, calling Peaceful Sleep “magical.”

If you’ve read our coverage of the best tick repellents , you know we’re already big fans of this permethrin spray, which can be used to treat clothing and gear. Smith, along with the team at Thomson Safaris, also uses it and likes the extra protection it provides. You can spray it on your shoes, your hat, and anything else you might be wearing to keep bugs at bay.

If you really don’t want to use DEET (which can be smelly and irritate skin), Smith suggests the non-toxic ingredient picaridin as an alternative. “It comes in nice, soft lotions that smell good,” he says, “and it’s just as effective as high-concentration DEET.” He says this Sawyer lotion feels gentle and non-greasy on your skin.

Even if your lodge has a laundry service, if you’re moving between places quickly and won’t be at a specific lodge for more than one night, Smith recommends packing soap for washing your own clothes. He says, “You can just wash your stuff and hang it up to dry while you’re sleeping, so you always have something clean.” Also, bringing your own soap is a must if your lodge won’t wash your underwear. Jackson recommends this eco-friendly, biodegradable soap for easy cleaning.

Additional gear

“On glamping safaris to the Serengeti, charging opportunities are generally limited to the vehicles and central lounge areas,” says Andrew Doherty, manager of special-interest travel at Thomson Safaris. Since you might not have a personal charging station in your tent or lodge, he recommends bringing a power bank that you can charge up when you’re near an outlet and then use to keep your phone and other gadgets running when you’re out of reach. “That way, you can continue to scan through selfies and edit safari shots on your phone while lying in bed listening to lions roaring in the distance.”

“There are three different plugs in Africa,” says Gordon. “A universal adapter is good to have because if you’re entering different countries, you’re just going to want to have all three in one.” This adapter will work in popular safari countries like South Africa, Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda.

Similarly, not all tents and lodges will have lights and electricity at all times. “A lot of places are on generators or solar panels that aren’t going to be on all day or all night,” says Gordon. “The lights are getting better, but they’re not super-strong.” While she used to bring a flashlight on safari, she says she now just uses the one on her phone, but still packs a book light for reading at night. A headlamp works too, if you prefer, and we’ve recommended our favorite one here .

The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments , rolling luggage , pillows for side sleepers , natural anxiety remedies , and bath towels . We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.

• packing and gear
• the strategist
• the trip list

Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

Deal of the Day

Micro sales, greatest hits, most viewed stories.

• The 17 Very Best Protein Powders
• 10 Things That Delighted Us: From Cardboard Bed Frames to Compact Makeup Stacks
• All the Best Walking Shoes We’ve Ever Written About
• All of the Best Mother’s Day Gift Ideas
• The 11 Very Best Shampoos

Today’s Top Clicked

Finding the Universe

Travel tales, photography and a dash of humor

What to Pack for Safari – A Detailed Safari Packing List

Last updated: February 14, 2024 . Written by Laurence Norah - 4 Comments

So you’re going on safari. Awesome! We love safaris, and Jess and I have been lucky enough to take many safaris together. But now you might be wondering what to actually pack for safari.

Well, we’re here to help. We’ve taken safaris on a number of occasions in a variety of countries, including Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. From those trips, we’ve learned what items are essential for your safari packing list, and what you probably won’t need.

We’ll also share some tips on what to consider when packing and a detailed safari packing checklist for your reference.

What to Consider when Packing for Safari

Before you start putting your safari packing list together, you are going to need to know the answers to a few questions. These questions will help inform you as to what you need to pack.

There are many different types of safari across a range of destinations and accommodation types, so there is no “one size fits all” safari packing list.

Here are some questions that we think will help you figure out more clearly what you need to bring.

Where are you going?

The first question of course is where you are going on safari. Whilst many people will instantly think of the African continent when thinking of a safari trip, you can take a safari in destinations around the world.

Once you know where you are going, then you can start to research the answers to some of the other questions that are important to your safari trip planning.

What will the weather be like during your safari?

When it comes to packing clothes and travel gear, having an idea of the weather is definitely going to make a big difference. Whilst we often think of safaris as taking place in hot and dry places, this is certainly not always the case.

If you are visiting Africa, this is obviously a huge continent, with very variable weather. If you are visiting the more southern countries like South Africa, these have a weather pattern similar to Europe or the USA, with cool winters and hot summers. Although of course being in the southern hemisphere, the seasons are reversed.

If you are visiting countries closer to the equator, like Kenya or Tanzania, then their proximity to the equator means that they tend to be quite warm year-round, and their seasons are instead divided into dry seasons and wet seasons.

The wet season, as the name suggests, is when you are more likely to get a lot more rain, whilst the dry season will be, well, drier. Of course, rain is theoretically possible at any time, but it is much less common in the dry season.

In some areas, it can get pretty cold, especially at higher elevations or when next to water. For example, if you are visiting Tanzania to hike Kilimanjaro , then even if it is hot in the plains, it is likely to be very cold near the summit.

So be sure to check into that, especially if you are visiting during the winter season of that country. You may be surprised to know you might need to bring a coat, gloves, hats, etc.

So take a look at the average temperatures, humidity, and rainfall in the places you plan to go at the time of the year you plan to visit. Also note that some countries may have very different climates across regions so be sure to take that into account as well.

One good website for checking average temperatures, precipitation, and humidity for the destinations on your trip is the “Climate (averages)” section of timeanddate.com . It allows for you to check the historical averages by month as well as the current weather.

How long is your safari?

The duration of your safari will definitely make an impact on how much you pack.

If you are traveling for a few days, then you will likely need fewer items of clothing compared to a safari lasting for a few weeks or even months. For longer safaris, you’ll want to consider how to handle laundry, which we cover in a different section.

What types of transport will you be using?

It’s important to have an understanding of the transport you will be using when you are on safari, as this will often make a big difference in terms of what you can bring with you, and also the sort of luggage you can bring.

For example, if you are going on safari in an African country, many airlines flying to and from these destinations will have very generous luggage allowances, so it can be tempting to pack a lot in a big suitcase just in case.

However, once you are actually in the country, your local transport might not have quite so much room. If you are taking a group safari especially, with multiple people, there will be limited space available for each person.

Another big restricting factor is if you are taking any domestic flights on smaller aircraft. These are often used in-country to get to and from safari parks, and can skip long drives.

Smaller aircraft tend to be particularly restrictive when it comes to luggage allowances, both in terms of weight and also volume. The small holds mean they can only carry so much, and larger hard sided luggage for example might not even fit through the hatch. So many don’t allow you to bring any kind of hard-sided luggage.

If you are doing a multi-day hike, such as up Mt. Kilimanjaro or Mt. Kenya, your trekking guide and company will generally set size and weight restrictions on what can be carried.

Generally, you are allowed one duffel bag (carried by a porter) and then one personal backpack that you have on you at all times. Most companies (or hotels if staying at the same one before and after) will have somewhere you can store additional luggage before your hike if needed but you will need to check and make arrangements.

You will definitely want to talk to your safari organizer prior to packing. They should be able to give you clear instructions regarding luggage limits and restrictions. If you are flying on smaller aircraft, you will generally find that soft luggage is going to be preferable.

What activities will you be doing on your safari trip?

Every safari is different, and it’s important that you pack according to what you will be doing.

For example, a safari where you are going to spend the majority of your time in a vehicle looking at wildlife in game reserves will probably pack a bit differently than someone going on a safari which includes gorilla trekking , long hikes, climbing a mountain, fishing, cycling, camping, or spending a lot of time birdwatching on foot in swampy areas.

So it is good to have an idea of those activities. How much time will be spent in vehicles, walking, hiking, boating, biking, etc.? Will you be spending any time in cities doing activities like visiting museums, shopping, visiting restaurants, etc. Will you be going to a beach or spending a bit of time in swimming pools?

You should have a full itinerary for your safari so you should know what to bring, and a good tour operator should also give some suggestions as to essential items to bring.

What sort of accommodation will you be staying in during your safari?

Safari accommodation varies wildly, from very simple budget camping options through to high end 5-star luxury lodges.

Whilst the majority of accommodation options that we have stayed at on safari have a fairly relaxed dress code, even at the luxury end, it is worth checking to see what the dress code is, if any. Sometimes evening attire might require a button up shirt for men for example or close toed shoes.

On the other end of the scale, if you are staying in a tent then you might need to consider things like shower shoes or nightwear that is suitable for midnight bathroom breaks at shared toilet blocks.

General Tips when Packing for Safari

Before we go through the packing list, we wanted to share some tips to help you pick what to bring with you on safari.

Clothing Color for Safari

Perhaps one of the more important things to consider when packing for safari is the color of the clothes you bring with you.

Generally, brown and green colors, or variants thereof, are regarded as the best. They generally blend into the surroundings, and have the bonus that they don’t show dirt quite as well, which is a benefit on dusty drives.

Bright primary colors are discouraged as they make you stand out more.

Blue, dark purple, and black colors should also be avoided. These colors are known to attract Tsetse flies, which have a very nasty bite and which can carry disease.

How Easy is it to Wash?

When putting your clothing list together, especially on a trip longer than a week or so, you will want to think about how easy each item of clothing is to wash. You might also want to consider how long it might take to dry.

A safari can be both a dusty and sweaty environment, meaning that unless you want to carry a lot of clothes, you will have to plan to do some laundry as you go on a longer trip. Most lodges will likely offer laundry, or you can do your own hand laundry easily enough.

With this in mind, high-end clothing which requires dry-cleaning or a careful delicate cycle might be best left at home if you don’t want it ruined. We’d suggest sticking to clothes that wash easily in hot or cold water, and which air-dry quickly (the majority of locations we’ve visited do not have electric driers).

Versatility

When it comes to choosing clothing and putting outfits together, we’d suggest giving priority to clothing that can be worn in multiple situations or in multiple outfits, to avoid having to bring too much clothing.

So a top that works as well on a safari as at an evening meal would definitely be a better choice if possible, compared to bringing multiple options for different occasions.

Safari Packing List

We’ll now go through a guide to what we think are essentials for safari, which is based on multiple safaris we have taken, some of which have been over quite prolonged multi-week trips.

Of course, there is no definitive list, and you should adjust this list based on what you feel you need to take with you. But this should give you a good starting point.

Shirts for Safari

Wherever you are going on safari, and whatever the weather, you will need a number of shirts or tops. We usually travel with a number of layers, because even in hot countries our experience is that it can be cooler at night.

So for us, we normally pack a bunch of t-shirts, some long sleeve button-up safari style shirts, and a couple of fleece outer layers.

For t-shirts, we prefer these made of wicking material, which is cool and fast drying. So something like this for Laurence and these for Jess . We also travel with a few cotton t-shirts as well, but note that these tend to hold sweat and not dry as fast.

Next, we also like to travel with button-up shirts that are specifically designed for safari, and for that we like the Craghoppers brand of clothing. We mostly wear long-sleeved ones as these protect against both the sun and insect bites.

Craghoppers make a whole range of clothes which are excellent for all sorts of outdoor activities, but we think they are particularly suited to safari. If you spend time on safari, you’ll likely recognize that this is probably the most common brand worn by more experienced travelers, especially those from Europe.

Their clothes are fast drying, very lightweight, durable, usually have multiple handy pockets, and many of them have built-in insect repellent as well!

For shirts, we both like the Craghoppers Adventure II style, available for men here and for women here . We’ve worn them on safari all across East Africa and they have proven to be very capable items of clothing.

Of course, there are many more options out there, and you can see a range of moisture-wicking fast-drying button up shirts on Amazon here .

Finally, when it comes to general top layers, we usually also pack at least one warmer top which can go over everything else. This can be handy for those cooler early morning safaris or evenings in the camp, when temperatures can drop, especially if you are at higher elevations.

Generally, we prefer a top with a full zip down the front as it allows us to control our temperatures a bit more by zipping or unzipping the front, but this is a personal choice.

For tops, we love clothes from Patagonia . Their sustainable ethos and approach to rewearability is something we really appreciate, plus their clothing happens to be fantastic quality. It is definitely a little on the more expensive side, but it should last you a long time!

Jess in particular really likes her Patagonia full-zip better sweater , and there’s a men’s version as well . We’ve also had good experiences with the North Face range of fleeces, which is my current fleece, and you can see a full range of those here .

If you are on a budget, we have had good luck getting secondhand high quality fleeces and pullovers secondhand from thrift stores or online secondhand clothing websites.

Trousers / Pants / Dresses for Safari

Generally we both prefer to wear long pants for safari, even on hotter days. We like lightweight hiking style pants that offer good sun protection, as well as some protection from biting insects and branches. Jeans generally are a bit too heavy and hot in our experience.

When it comes to specific brands, we again like Craghoppers for their range of pants. Their Insect Shield technology helps keep biting insects away and they have a range of hiking pants with this technology built in. Their products are also very lightweight and fast drying.

When it comes to specific products that we have used, Laurence likes these more baggy cargo style trousers , whilst Jess prefers these slightly more fitted pants .

Again, there are multiple brands offering high quality pants, including these options from Patagonia , and this extensive selection on Amazon .

Jess also likes to travel with some easy wear lightweight dresses which are good for wearing in the evening for dinner and non-safari days.

Shoes for Safari

Choosing the right footwear for safari will of course depend on the kind of activities you are going to be doing.

If you will be doing any hiking, including game walks, chimpanzee trekking or gorilla trekking , then we highly recommend a good pair of waterproof hiking boots.

We both have a pair of Scarpa hiking boots , Laurence has these ones and Jess has these .

Of course, there are lot of other great brands . We’ve had various pairs, Jess in particular liked her Merrell hiking boots and she hiked Mt. Kilimanjaro in those.

If your trip doesn’t involve a lot of hiking, then you can probably skip proper hiking boots. They are quite heavy and take up a fair bit of space, so will save you some luggage space if not required.

We just recommend you bring one good pair of comfortable closed-toed shoes. A pair of lightweight flip flops or sandals is also likely a good idea if you plan to spend time relaxing at the pool, resort, or going to the beach.

For more tips on shoes for travel, see our guide to the best travel shoes for men , and the best travel shoes for women .

Hats for Safari

Many safari destinations tend to be quite hot and sunny, and you’re going to be spending a lot of time outdoors. So a good hat is going to be essential for your trip. You just want to make sure that the hat you choose has a wide enough brim to shade your entire face. Some may also want one with a neck flap.

We personally love our Tilley hats . They are well constructed, easy to pack, lightweight, machine washable, and come with a very solid guarantee. For safari, we’d recommend the LTM6 Airflo hat , which is what Laurence uses, or for even more cooling, the LTM8 Airflo hat .

We have also had other hats of course. In addition to a Tilley Airflo hat, Jess also has a hat with a foldable neck flap like this one , which keeps the sun off her neck as well as her head. My parents both took hats with sunflaps with them on safari to be able to protect their necks. So that is also a great option.

Swimwear for Safari

Whilst you are unlikely to be going for a swim whilst out on safari, what with the risk of crocodiles and hippos, that doesn’t mean you should leave your swimwear at home.

Many safari lodges and camps have absolutely wonderful pool areas, and if you have downtime between game drives on a hot day, then a dip in the pool can be a wonderful way to relax and cool down. Many safaris might also include some relaxation time on a beach or island.

We always pack swimwear when we go on safari for just this reason, and we’ve had some lovely swimming experiences as a result.

You can search for swimwear for men on Amazon here , and for women here .

Socks and Underwear for Safari

This one will be a brief entry. Obviously, you’re going to need undergarments and socks for safari!

Our main tips are to be sure to pack enough to last either your trip (if a week or less) or the longest stretch of your trip you plan to go without doing laundry. Ideally pick lightweight and quick-drying underwear and socks that can be easily washed on the go. We tended to handwash these types of items every 4-5 days so we never ran out of them.

If you are looking for a brand, ExOfficio (nylon) or Smartwool (merino wool) are a couple of brands you might check out for travel-friendly quick-drying undergarments.

If hiking or planning to do a lot of walking, be sure to bring good quality hiking socks along. You want good socks that will provide a bit of cushion, wick away moisture, and help prevent blisters. A few brands we like are Smartwool , Darn Tough , and Farm to Feet .

Also, for women, it is a good idea to bring along a supportive sports bra or two. Jess says these are a must-have for bumpy roads and climbing.

Raingear for Safari

Whatever time of year you are planning on going on safari, and whatever activities you will be doing, we still recommend packing some sort of raingear just in case.

This might be a lightweight breathable rain jacket that you can wear over your clothes, or a pack away rain poncho . Just make sure whatever you bring has a hood.

We always travel with rain protection of some kind, just in case.

Camera Gear for Safari

I’ve already written a very comprehensive guide to the best camera for safari , as well as the best bean bag for safari , so I would definitely recommend reading those if you want to get some great images on your trip.

In summary though, if you want to get great images of wildlife, you will need a couple of things. First, a camera with a good zoom lens. Second, a bean bag to stabilize your gear.

When it comes to specific camera suggestions, many folks find that a bridge camera like the Sony RX10 IV  is a good option. At the higher end of the budget and size spectrum, you’ll want a high end dedicated mirrorless camera with at least a 400mm zoom lens.

A camera can be a huge investment, so we also suggest renting as an option to consider. A company like  Lens Rentals will allow you to rent a lens and a camera body at a much lower cost than buying it outright.

They also give you the option to purchase the gear rather than return it, so if you love the experience then you can invest having tested the gear out.

If you decide to rent through Lens Rentals , you can save 15% on any rental by using our discount code, LAURENCE15. Just enter it at checkout.

We also highly recommend a photography bean bag if you will mainly be shooting from inside vehicle. We use these extensively on safari trips, and they are really an invaluable item.

We have a guide to some of the best options photography bean bags here , but recommend checking out either the  Kinesis SafariSack 4.2  or  LensCoat LensSack Pro Jr  as a starting point.

Finally, don’t forget a good camera bag to keep your gear safe, lots of spare batteries , memory cards , your chargers, and ideally a waterproof camera cover to protect your gear in case it rains.

Binoculars for Safari

We can highly recommend taking a good pair of binoculars with you when on safari. Not every bird or animal is going to conveniently place itself within easy viewing range, and a pair of binoculars will let you get a much better view of the wildlife.

You don’t need to spend a massive amount to get a reasonable pair of binoculars, but we’d suggest setting a minimum budget of around $80 USD. Below this price point build and image quality will likely suffer.

We’d suggest looking for a pair with around an 8x to 10x magnification.

Some recommended options include:

• Vanguard Vesta 8×25 . a great entry level option if don’t want to spend a fortune. They are very light and offer both waterproofing and fogproofing. These are a great value option, plus you can save 20% on the price by using our exclusive discount code FindingTheUniverse at checkout on the Vanguard store.
• Celestron Nature DX 8×42 . This is a well-regarded and popular budget option. Fog and waterproof with a tough construction.
• Vanguard VEO HD2 8×42 binoculars – an excellent, well priced and still reasonably compact pair of binoculars featuring extra low dispersion glass carbon-composite construction, waterproofing and fogproofing. We use a pair like this.
• Nikon 8×42 Monarch M5 – lightweight, durable, waterproof and fogproof. Nikon make quite a few binoculars, and these are a popular mid-range option.
• Swarokvski 8.5×42 – we had a pair of Swarovski binoculars loaned to us for several months, and they are magnificent, with wonderful bright and sharp images. This pair offers excellent performance, but are definitely at the premium end of the price spectrum!

As you can see, there’s no shortage of choice across a range of price points. If you are interested in bird watching on safari, or getting into birding, see our beginners’ guide to birdwatching for some tips.

Electronics for Safari

You don’t really need a lot of electronics for safari, however there are a few things you might find useful.

First, a USB battery pack . These will let you charge your phone on the go, as well as any other device that uses USB.

Whilst the majority of accommodation options we’ve stayed at on safari have had had power, even the most remote, this isn’t always guaranteed. So a USB battery pack is a great fallback option.

The second thing we recommend, if your camera has removable batteries, is to see if you can get a USB powered battery charger for it.

This is because sometimes, more remote lodges don’t have regular plug sockets. However, they do often have USB outputs. While some cameras support direct charging by USB, this is by no means the standard.

We personally travel with a USB charger which is compatible with our DSLR and mirrorless Canon cameras, which both use the same type of battery. You will need to search for a USB battery charger that is compatible with the batteries your camera uses.

You can see some examples for a range of brands on Amazon here .

Insect Repellent for Safari

One slightly less exciting aspect of safari is the potential for biting insects. Mosquitoes are the obvious one, but there are a range of other insects that can bite you.

Ideally, you want to avoid being bitten if you can help it. Many insects carry various diseases, including malaria, yellow fever, dengue fever, and so on. Whilst you can take medication or vaccines to help prevent some of these diseases like malaria (definitely recommend considering taking antimalarials), prevention is also a really important step.

With this in mind, a good insect repellent like this is a must for safari. Most experts recommend products with DEET in, which are generally regarded as the most effective against most biting insects, including mosquitoes. However, there are also some DEET free options out there for those who want to avoid it, just note they may not be as effective.

Also for those planning to do much trekking, hiking, or walking, depending on your destination, you will also want to think more about crawling insects like safari ants, leeches, stinging caterpillars, ticks, etc.  Generally insect repellent along with long sleeves, long pants, and pulling hiking socks up over your pants are fine to avoid these for most people.

Those going to wetter areas and jungles might also want to consider leech socks or gaiters for those going into wetter areas like jungles where leeches are common.

We own these leech socks and they work great, but they are probably overkill for most people on safari trips. But if you have gaiters for hiking anyway to keep out dirt and stones, these can generally also work to help guard against leeches and ticks.

Toiletries / Medicines for Safari

You will want to bring a range of toiletries and medicines with you, some of which should be fairly obvious, and some which may be less obvious.

Falling into the latter camp, we always travel with and recommend rehydration salts . Dehydration is no joke, and drinking plenty of water is really important. However, as you sweat you can lose salt, and rehydration salts can help replace what you lose.

It’s also important to remember that you may be in some pretty remote places and it is good to be prepared to be able to tend to minor health issues such as cuts, scrapes, blisters, bug bites, headache, common stomach complaints, etc.

Here’s a quick list of things to think about packing in your toiletry / medicine kit for safari:

• High SPF (30+) sun cream or sunscreen
• Lip-balm with SPF
• Rehydration salts
• Basic meds like pain relievers, anti-diarrheal tablets , and antacids
• Mini first aid kit with bandages, blister covers, antiseptic wipes, etc.
• Toothpaste / toothbrush
• Sanitary items (in our experience tampons are not always available in country, depending on where you are going)
• Anti-malarial / other required medication
• Razor / spare blades
• Ear plugs / eye mask
• Hand sanitizer
• Moisturizer / lotion

Of course, your list may vary somewhat but we think the above should be a good starting point.

Laundry on Safari

Depending on how long your safari trip is, it’s possible that you might need to do a little laundry as you travel. We’ve done a couple of five-week safari trips, and we had to do laundry a few times on both of those trips.

Whilst many lodges and hotels will do your laundry for you if you stay more than 1 night, you can also normally just handwash a few items yourself, which is what we often end up doing. In hot countries it can often dry in an afternoon.

The main things you will need are going to be some form of travel wash, a sink stopper, and a portable clothesline to hang your clothes.

For laundry wash in a travel sized bottle or tube we like the Dr. Beckmanns travel wash , Sink Suds , or the Sea to Summit Wash , all of which we have used to do laundry whilst traveling all around the world. Or just put your favorite liquid laundry detergent in a reusable plastic or silicone bottle and pack it along.

For a clothesline, there are lots of portable clotheslines on Amazon . We particularly like this one as it packs away small and you don’t need to pack pegs. For a sink stopper, Jess has been using this one for over 10 years.

For more tips on laundry, see our complete guide to laundry when you travel .

Luggage for Safari

When it comes to choosing what to pack all your belongings into for your safari trip, a lot will come down to the type of trip you are taking, especially around the transport.

If you’re going to be using small planes for example, this will have a big impact, and you will like find a sturdy duffle travel bag like this might be the best option.

You might be wondering if wheeled luggage makes sense for safari. In our experience, the majority of accommodation options don’t really suit wheeled luggage as the ground is simply too rough. So whilst it will be nice at the airport, beyond that you’re likely going to have to carry the bag (or rely on the enthusiastic hotel staff).

However, if you already have wheeled luggage and won’t be taking small planes, then by all means don’t feel you need to purchase new bags. We’ve taken a number of safaris with hard sided wheeled luggage and it worked out great.

As well as larger luggage, we highly recommend bringing a small backpack or shoulder bag that you can use on a day-to-day basis. This can be used to carry things like your water bottle, battery charger, guide books, suncream and insect repellent, for example.

We use a small Osprey day pack as well as a larger Vanguard camera bag for our camera gear on a day-to-day basis.

If you’re looking for a new bag anyway, we have no hesitation recommending Eagle Creek or  Osprey specifically for safari.

For hard sided luggage with wheels, we use and can recommend Level8 or Delsey , both of which we have used on trips around the world including safaris (without domestic flights).

For camera gear, we use Vanguard for our camera bags, they offer a great mix of high quality and great value. Laurence has been a Vanguard ambassador since 2014 and is always happy to recommend their gear.

Books for Safari

When you go on safari you are going to be seeing a lot of new animals and birds.

Your guide will normally be very knowledgeable to help you identify what you are seeing, but it is also nice to be able to develop your own recognition skills.

We’d also often see birds or animals around our hotel when we were not with our guide and want to know what they were.

For this reason, we recommend bringing along a guidebook or two to the likely animals and birds you might see. Whilst your guide will probably have a giant and super comprehensive book, we suggest that a smaller book that covers the most common animals and birds will be more practical for packing.

We particularly like the Pocket Guide books, which we have used on various trips. For example, there’s the Pocket Guide to the Birds of East Africa , the Pocket Guide to the Mammals of East Africa , and the Pocket Guide to the Mammals of Southern Africa .

We have found that having a small reference guide can definitely make the safari experience a lot more fun and hands on, and well worth the small investment.

Reusable Water Bottle / Water Filter

You will definitely need to drink a lot of water on safari. Unfortunately, most safari destinations do not have safe drinking water, meaning you need to either drink bottled water, or figure out a way to purify it yourself.

We prefer the latter option as it means we can cut down on plastic waste. Depending on your safari operator, they may also purchase a large refillable water bottle that you can refill your own bottle from. Some hotels also filter their own water on site.

In either case, we highly recommend travelling with at least one refillable water bottle per person on your trip. Just make sure to get one with a lid that seals and doesn’t drip and one that will fit into a standard cup holder or can be placed in the back of a vehicle seat pouch.

For water bottles, we use and love the Klean Kanteen range , and they have a range of bottles to choose from. Jess uses the classic , whilst Laurence likes the wide mouth version .

If you decide to go down the route of filtering your own water, we recommend reading our guide to safe drinking water when travelling , as well as the best water filters for travel , which contain lots of useful advice and information to help you pick the right product for your trip.

If you have questions or want advice based on our experience, just ask in the comments section of this post or in either of those water related articles.

Entertainment Items

Whilst a safari is very entertaining in of itself, there will be periods of downtime, such as long drives between game reserves, flights, or afternoon and evening periods between game drives.

For these periods, you may want to bring some entertainment. We always like to travel with a pack of playing cards for example, as well as some books to read.

Many hotels and safari lodges will have a small book swap service, so you can often swap books as you go. A Kindle or similar eBook reader can also be a good investment if you read a lot.

Another thing we love to do when we travel is to keep a travel journal. On safari this can serve as a reminder of what we have seen and done each day, and it makes for a lovely keepsake.

See our guide to the best travel journals for some of our favourites.

Safari Packing Checklist

Here’s a full safari packing checklist to help you remember what to bring on your trip for reference.

• T-shirts / tops
• Button down shirts
• Sweater / fleeces for layering
• Trousers / Pants / Shorts
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Hiking boots (if needed)
• Sandals (if needed)
• Nicer outfit for evening wear if required
• Wide-brimmed hat
• Raincoat or poncho
• Coat (if needed)
• Hat / gloves (if needed)
• Reusable water bottle / water filter
• Skincare items (cleansers/soap/creams etc.)
• Chapstick with SPF
• Sun cream / Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
• Insect repellent
• Basic Medications and first aid items (incl. anti-malarials and prescriptions)
• Hygiene Products
• Hair care items (shampoo/comb/hair ties, etc.)
• Razor / tweezers / nail clippers
• Eye mask / ear plugs
• Other __________________
• Camera and lenses
• Photography bean bag
• Memory cards
• Spare batteries / chargers
• Camera accessories
• Headphones / ear buds
• Portable power pack
• Travel adaptor
• Cables / chargers
• hiking day bag, duffel bag (if needed for porter), gaiters or leech socks / hiking poles / hiking clothing, reusable water bottle or hydration pack (like Camelbak), head lamp or flashlight, any camping gear like sleeping bag etc. (if not provided), Other
• Checked bag
• Carry-on bag
• Visa / proof of onward travel etc (if required)
• Vaccination records
• Jewelry / watch
• Laundry supplies
• Travel journal
• Mini sewing kit
• Reading materials
• Cards / games / puzzle books
• Other ___________________

Further Reading

That’s it for our guide to what to pack on safari! We hope you found it useful. We do have some more content that we also think you might find handy when planning your safari.

• Our guide to getting better photos on safari , as well as choosing the best camera for safari
• We also have a guide to the best photography bean bags for safari
• If you are keen on seeing primates, we have a guide to gorilla trekking as well as a guide to chimpanzee trekking
• We have a guide to  getting online when travelling , to help you stay connected on the go
• You’re going to need to power all your devices when you travel – see our guide to the  best travel adapters so you can choose the right one for your trip

And that’s it! As always, we are happy to try to answer any questions you may have about planning your own safari. Just pop them in the comments below, and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

Or if you have been on safari and want to share your own experiences or advice about packing for a safari, feel free to share it below!

Enjoyed this post? Why not share it!

There are 4 comments on this post

Please scroll to the end to leave a comment

25th March 2024 at 12:26 pm

Hello there, I am wondering about packing jackets or coats for an upcoming safari trip to South Africa? It will be myself, a friend, and my teenage daughter. We have never been and will be visiting during the country’s winter season (July). We’ll be in both north and south parts of the country and we’ve been told to prepare for cool weather and rain, as well as warm sunny weather, but not too much else. Going on a 10 day planned safari tour and need to keep our packing to a minimum as I think there are size/weight requirements for parts of the journey. Wondering how you would decide about what to bring for warmth and rain given the time of year?

Also, if the 3 of us share a photo beanbag, which one might you suggest for someone who has little space?

Appreciative of any advice you can share with me and thanks for such a great article on packing for a safari – it has been a great help for us as we come up with what we need to buy for our trip to South Africa!

Laurence Norah says

25th March 2024 at 6:41 pm

Sounds like you have a wonderful trip coming up!

Having visited South Africa in July I can confirm that it definitely gets pretty cold, especially at higher elevations. In July in Johannesburg it’s not unusual to have temperatures close to freezing for example. So you are definitely going to want warm clothes for your trip.

I would recommend packing a number of layers so you can take them on and off as the day warms and cools, and you can also then mix and match to suit. If you are particularly sensitive to the cold you might consider thermal baselayers, but the challenge with those is that as it gets warmer you will likely find they are too hot and removing a base layer in the middle of a safari is going to be more challenging.

So a good warm coat as your outer layer is probably going to be your best bet, and then a long sleeve mid-layer fleece followed by a baselayer. You might also appreciate a warm hat and gloves. A lot of safari time takes place early in the morning and in the evening, when temperatures are going to be lower. I would personally bring a lightweight rain jacket or poncho and a warmer jacket. Then if it’s warmer in the day and raining I can still wear the rain jacket, rather than having a heavy waterproof jacket that might be too warm.

A good down (or down style) jacket will be fairly lightweight and still warm, so that might be the best option. Fleece is also a light material.

For a photo bean bag I’d probably recommend the smaller Kinesis Safari Sack 1.4 which is pretty small. If you get buckwheat that is very light, or you can buy something like kidney beans when you arrive in country. If you have larger camera gear then the Kinesis 4.2 is also a great pick, I own of these and it works great. It’s also worth noting that most bean bags are very light and small when empty, they only start to take up weight and space when they’re full.

I hope this helps, have an amazing time on safari and let me know if you have any more questions!

Glenn M. says

9th September 2023 at 6:32 pm

Just wanted to stop by and say that this is such a wonderful post for anyone packing for a safari for the first time (or second time!). We have been lucky to do a couple of African safaris in our life and it was fun to read over this and remember them even if our safari days have probably come to an end. Definitely second the recommendations for Craghoppers (if you know, you know!) and for bringing soft sided luggage, hard wearing clothes, comfortable high-top hiking shoes/boots, lots of sun cream & insect repellent, a hat, earbuds, and some physical things to do (books, cards, journals, etc.) in the evenings and on long driving days.

Also woudl add for those who wear glasses like myself, those eye glass things that attach to your glasses with a cord and keep your glasses from coming off. Can also be useful for sunglasses as my wife and son wore them as well. They saved my glasses a couple of times and they are very cheap to buy. Maybe somethign to add to your otherwise great safari packing list here?

Also my wife always brought a few little souvenirs or useful items from home for our main driver and guide on the trips to give them as a small token of our appreication.

10th September 2023 at 2:57 pm

Thanks so much! Your tip on a sunglasses holder is a good one, Jess does actually normally travel with one and also finds it invaluable. I will definitely add that to our post. I also like your idea of bringing things from home as gifts for your guide, that’s a lovely idea.

Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts! I’m actually hiking in Wales in my Craghoppers at the moment. Such great pants 🙂

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

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

Let me know when there's a reply to my comment (just replies to your comment, no other e-mails, we promise!)

Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter where we share our latest travel news and tips. This also makes you eligible to enter our monthly giveaways!

We only ask for your e-mail so we can verify you are human and if requested notify you of a reply. To do this, we store your data as outlined in our privacy policy . Your e-mail will not be published or used for any other reason other than those outlined above.

• Work With Me

• Sierra Leone
• South Africa
• United States
• New Zealand
• Falkland Islands
• Netherlands
• Accommodation
• Electrical Gear
• Essential Gear
• Working Abroad
• Blogging Resources

Africa , Travel Gear & Packing

Ultimate safari gear packing list.

If you’re anything like me, then you’re probably feeling a little overwhelmed about what the heck you should put on your safari gear list!

There’s just so much to think about and so much conflicting information, it’s hard to wade through it all to get to the real essentials.

After all, most of us who go on safari are newbies – we’ve never been on this sort of trip before, in fact, we may not have even been to Africa before.

Knowing what to pack therefore can be a stressful guessing game.

Been there, felt that!

Having just finished a 2 month overland trip through Southern and East Africa with Absolute Africa however, I’m now pretty clued up about exactly what safari gear you need… and what you don’t!

So, to help give you some ideas about what to take, here’s my complete safari packing list…

Related Posts

• How Much Does an African Safari Cost?
• Top 5 Africa Travel Itineraries
• Travel Insurance for Africa: Why I Chose World Nomads

This page contains affiliate links meaning Big World Small Pockets may receive a small commission on any purchases at no extra cost to you.

Top 4 Safari Packing Tips

#1 Stick to Practical, Comfy Clothing

You want to make sure you’re comfortable during your safari, so choosing thin, loose clothing is the best idea.

Cotton can often be the best choice, as it’s a breathable natural fabric that helps you stay cool.

Clothes with pockets are also a good idea when it comes to what to wear on a safari, as is a good day pack .

You’ll probably have a lot of things that you’ll want in easy reach during your trips in the park, including your camera at the ready, along with spare lenses and lens cleaning equipment; not to mention your hand sanitiser, sunglasses and hat, and having a decent day pack makes keeping things close at hand a lot easier!

#2 Opt for Neutral Colours

There’s a reason you so often see people wearing khaki on safari – it blends in with the surrounding habitat!

After all, you don’t want to be spotted by the wildlife before you spot them, so stay camouflaged if you can!

Choosing clothes in neutral earthy tones, such as beige, brown and grey, are perfect choices.

You can get pretty dusty and dirty on game drives and walking safaris too, so it’s sensible to avoid white and cream.

#3 Don’t Forget Warm Layers & Sun Protection

You may not realise, but it actually can get very chilly on safari, especially if you’re enjoying any dawn or dusk game drives in an open-top vehicle!

I definitely recommend bringing a warm fleece, as well as a thin windproof jacket, a buff / scarf and a warm hat with you for these occasions.

Long sleeves and trousers will also help keep you warm in the morning and evenings (as well as protect you from biting insects!) and, in the day, longer layers will help protect your skin from the strong sun too.

Packing a good sunhat, sunscreen and sunglasses is also a good idea to counteract the harmful effects of the strong UV rays.

#4 Bring Closed-Toe Shoes

Covering up from mosquitos and insects is also a reason closed-toe shoes are also strongly advised for your safari packing list.

They are also more practical and safe, protecting your feet from thorny plants, or when walking in rough or rocky terrain.

Trainers are fine for your safari if it’s the dry season and it’s not too cold.

However, if you’re planning to do any hiking safaris, such as to see gorillas or chimpanzees in east Africa, then you’ll need boots as it can be really muddy in some places.

Boots may also be a better choice for chilly morning game drives.

Safari Clothes

1x Waterproof Jacket

It didn’t rain at all during the first month of my safari trip and then I got to East Africa and it barely stopped!

As such, I was beyond glad to have packed my lightweight waterproof jacket with me!

Not only for the rain, but in the highlands and during those freezing early morning game drives, its windproof qualities really came into their own!

2x Hooded Jumper / Fleece

I splashed out before I came on my safari trip and bought a thermal fleece from Kathmandu, which ended up being so useful for those cold nights camping in altitude at Tanzania or during morning safari drives in Zimbabwe.

If you can’t find a Kathmandu one, this one from North Face would also do brilliantly.

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

2x Thin Long Sleeved Tops / Base Layers

Perfect to go under your thermal fleece, thin long sleeved tops, or base layers, are also awesome for cold nights, early morning safaris and mosquito protection during the evenings.

Try to choose a natural fabric like cotton or merino if you can, as they wick sweat away, keep you fresh, cool and smelling better! I love this ones from Meriwool .

7x Singlets / T-Shirts

Singlets are good for hot days, T-shirts are good for when you need to protect your shoulders from the hot African sun or want to dress moderately.

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

2x Pair Long Thin Trousers

Having some long pants to protect you against evening mosquitos is also a good one on your safari gear list.

Long trousers are also useful for places like Stone Town in Zanzibar where is it advised you dress moderately.

Again, I always bat for natural fabrics like linen or cotton first. These ones from Roxy would be ideal.

2x Pair Leggings

As well as trousers, I’d also suggest putting a couple of pairs of legging on your safari gear list too.

Leggings are great to wear under trousers on cold game drives and to wear in bed on cold nights.

They are double as great hiking / yoga / active wear if you want to do any fitness whilst you’re on the road.

2/3x Pair Shorts

No safari gear list would be complete without some shorts for all those beautiful sunny days.

I took 2 pairs of denim shorts and a pair of Nike Dri-Fit shorts , but you could get away with just 2 pairs if pushed.

1x Beach Dress

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

I also like to pair mine with leggings for a more “dressy” evening look!

1x Sports Bra

Required for those bouncy and rough safari rides!

3x Pair Socks

Take a mix of ankle and long, thick hiking socks would be my recommendation.

Enough so you don’t have to do any washing for a week!

1x Swimwear

I love my Ripcurl bikini sooo much!

1x Woolly Hat / Beanie

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

1x Wide-Brimmed Sun Hat

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

Also great for beach days and summer in Southern Africa.

2x Sarong / Scarf

Great for beach days, dusty safari rides, shoulder-covering, as a second towel, sheet, dress or blanket.

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

Safari Shoes

1x Pair Sandals

Flip flops, like these Havaianas , are good as they can quickly be thrown on and off when you’re getting in and out of the safari truck, your tent or the shower!

You may also want to take some extra cheap or old pairs to trade with locals when you get to Africa.

1x Pair Sneakers

Great for any walking or cycling other vaguely active activities you may want to do in drier climates.

I love my New Balance runners , which have great grip and tread for all sorts of terrains.

I wore them to hike in Malawi and for earlier morning safaris in Zimbabwe when it was freezing!

1x Pair Waterproof Boots

Essential if you’re going to be trekking to the gorillas or visiting anywhere at altitude in East Africa.

Not only is this to do with the cold, but it really can rain just about anytime of the year here and as such places quickly become muddy as hell!

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

I took my Doc Martens on a total whim, but ended up wearing them almost everyday in the highlands of Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya and Ethiopia!

Electrical Items

Mirrorless Camera

I love my Sony A6000 mirrorless camera which is lightweight, compact and study enough for any safari.

It comes with a 16-50m lens which is ideal for capturing landscapes.

My Sony A6000 mirrorless camera came with a 16-50mm optical lense, but it’s definitely worth putting a good zoom lens on your safari gear list too.

My Sony 55-210mm lens was perfect for this and not too expensive either!

2x 64GB Fast SD Memory Cards

Get large 64GB SD memory cards as you do not want to run out of photo space when on safari!

I’d also recommend splashing out a bit and getting some fast ones , as these cards will process videos and continuous shooting images much speedier – just what you need to snap that cheetah!

Spare Camera Battery

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

Battery Charging Unit / Cables / Leads

Take spare micro USB leads as they always get lost / broken!

Adapter Plugs

I took a South African adapter (for South Africa & Botswana) a British Adapter (for Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania & Kenya) and a European adapter (for Ethiopia).

They all add up but are definitely needed!

Smartphone & Headphones

It’s amazing but almost all the campsites / hostels we stayed at during the overland trip had wifi, so taking your smartphone to stay in touch with those at home and to upload some pics is a great idea.

Also download some audiobooks and music onto your phone before you leave home – a great idea for longer journey days. I recommend Amazon Audible and Spotify Premium for these purposes.

Also some noise-cancelling headphones, like these from Bose , would have been amazing!

Portable Charger

Portable power banks are great when travelling without a solidly reliable charging source, like on a safari!

I recommend the  Anker 20000mAh Portable Charger PowerCore 20100 which is super weight and super fast, meaning I could charge my phone and my camera brilliantly while on the move.

Toiletries Must Haves

Thin Washbag with Hook

Shampoo and Conditioner Bar

Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Floss

Face Cleanser, Toner, Serum & Moisturiser

Anti-Bacterial Soap

Body Moisturiser

Razor & Spare Blades

Tweezers, Nail Scissors, Nail File

Cotton Buds & Safety Pins

Hairbands & Hair Brush

50+ SPF Suncream

I always recommend an organic sunscreen if possible to cut down on the nasty chemicals and Eminence Organic Skincare has all you need for sun protection and hydration.

Menstrual Cup

Ye yeah ladies, you know what I’m talking about! If not, check one out here .

Medical / First Aid Kit Essentials

Anti-Malaria Medication

2x DEET Insect Repellent

Rehydration Salts

Painkillers + Anti-Inflammatories

Antihistamines / Cortisone Cream

Band Aids & Bandages

Anti-Septic Cream

Other Safari Packing Essentials

Sleeping Bag and Silk Liner

I love my snugpak sleeping bag , which condenses down to nothing and my silk sleeping bag liner, which is perfect for keeping me cool and sweat-free.

Check out my list of other great sleeping bags for travellers here .

Travel Towel

Compact, quick-dry and all-round brilliant!

I wouldn’t be without my Sea to Summit Tek Towel , which packs down to nothing and never gets smelly or gross!

Combination Padlock

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

Travel Sewing Kit

Your clothes will get worn out fast in Africa, so having some way to repair them is a definite bonus!

Travel Clothes Line & Handwash

A travel clothes line is one of the handiest things to pack on your safari gear list as laundry facilities in Africa are thin on the ground.

I wouldn’t be without my pegless one, which I’ve used so many time on the road it’s not funny!

Mosquito Net

Great to have for those times when the one provided is less than adequate!

Toilet Paper

Headlamp & Spare Batteries

An absolute necessity on your safari gear list. Make sure you take one with a red setting to deter those insects and bugs at night.

You can easily get cheap pairs like these ones from Eurohike .

I have this exact pair and they were perfect – lightweight and durable.

And believe it or not, I fitted all of this into a Berghaus Freeflow 40l backpack – my number 1 choice when it comes to the best backpack for travel!

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

Information will be sent to the email provided above

Mini African Safari Travel Guide

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

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

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

In East Africa, visiting during the long dry season is a great idea. In general, this runs between the months of July and September and also conveniently aligns with the Great Migration too. the short rainy season in November and December can be another good time to visit this part of the continent.

And finally, we come to Southern Africa.

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

Best African Safari Tours

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

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

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

Travel Insurance for Safaris

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

Safari Travel Money

When it comes to paying for things across this continent, you want to ensure you’re not being charged overseas transaction fees or getting poor exchange rates when using your card abroad, which is why I always take my Wise card away with me wherever I travel.

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

SAVE THIS ARTICLE TO PINTEREST!

So there you have it, my ultimate safari gear list.

Have you been on safari in Africa?

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

Please join the conversation in the comments box below …

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

4 thoughts on “ Ultimate Safari Gear Packing List ”

What time of year we’re your travelling Africa? I’m trying to figure how light a sleeping bag I can get away with during a November Trip on an almost identical route.

Hi Gemma, I travelled through Southern and Eastern Africa in the months of Sept-Dec. Understandably the climate varies quite considerably between say, South Africa and Uganda – as well as within the countries themselves due to altitude and topography. If you’re travelling the East African highlands – such as to see the gorillas etc or to the Drakensberg Mountains in South Africa, I think you’ll need a 3 season sleeping bag. If it’s just the coast you’re sticking to, 2 Season should be fine! The variables are of course Kilimanjaro or Simien Mountains in Ethiopia. I always recommend a silk sleeping bag liner too – great for when it’s too hot for a sleeping bag, or for reducing sweating and dirt on bag generally!

During all my trips, a medicine bag is always a must carry for me. The thing I’m adding to my bag is the rehydration salts. Didn’t think of that. You wrote a great article.

Thanks so much, really appreciate you saying so. And yes, rehydration salts are a great packing addition! Safe travels, Steph 🙂

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 .

Want to know what to pack for your Safari?

What to pack for your Safari

Thank you for using our safari packing list to help you plan and pack for your safari. We are confident that by following this list you will make the most of your incredible safari experience.

If you are on a mobile device please scroll down this page to find your safari packing list or click here .

For more information on this packing list and on what to pack for your safari please use the links below - and we have provided the Safari packing list essentials list just in case you are in a hurry.

• Summary of safari packing list essentials >
• Safari packing list introduction >
• How to use this safari packing list >
• Read the top safari packing list tips from our experts >
• View our handy safari preparation timeline >
• Download our interactive safari packing list pdf here.

What Safari Packing List Essentials to Pack for All Safaris (per person):

• 1 wide-brim Safari Hat
• 1 Safari Beanie for winter
• 3 Safari Shirts
• 1 warm Safari Fleece or Jacket
• 1 optional Safari Dress or Skorts for women
• 2 pairs of Safari Trousers and/or Shorts
• 2 pairs Safari Socks
• 1 pair Safari Shoes
• 2 bottles of Safari Insect Repellent
• 2 bottles of Sunscreen
• 1 large, soft-sided Safari Duffel or Holdall .
• 1 pair of Safari Binoculars : 10x42's are best.
• 1 LED Safari Torch : 200 lumens or more is best.
• 1 Travel Adaptor .

We recommend that you still use the full safari packing list on this page to ensure that you get the right clothing and gear for your safari - and the best advice.

Safari packing list introduction

⊙ This is the ultimate safari packing list and we believe offers the best response to the frequently repeated question "What should I pack for my safari to Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, Mozambique, Zambia, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa".

⊙ This safari packing list has been a decade in the making and has been made by our safari packing list experts to ensure that you pack the correct safari clothing and gear for just about all types of safaris: game drive safaris, walking safaris, canoe or paddling safaris, horse safaris, gorilla safaris, and mountain trekking safaris. In a sentence: we are dedicated to ensuring that you have the most incredible time on safari and packing the right safari clothing , safari luggage , safari binoculars , and all the other important safari accessories is key to this.

⊙ As a general introduction to the safari experience, most safaris start early in the morning and will be on open safari vehicles with little protection from wind and rain. The rule of thumb is to dress in layers for all activities. For more in-depth information on what to pack for your safari - and why - we recommend that you read through our safari clothing advice , safari luggage advice , safari binocular advice , and our safari accessories advice pages.

Back to the top of this safari packing list page >

How to use this safari packing list

⊙ This packing list calculates the total number of items you will require for the number of men, women, and children you have indicated above. Simply divide by the number of men, women, and children should you wish to work out the number of items required on a per person basis or, of course, set the number to one for each in the form above.

⊙ Please also note that if your safari is longer than 12 days - and if you will have a laundry service available on your safari - that you should only take the recommended number of items for a 12-day safari or you will run out of space in your safari luggage.

⊙ To find out what our experts have to say about each recommended item, please simply click on "more info" and following the advice link. We have also included accessories you may need for add-on safari activities such as gorilla safaris, plus everything else you will need to remember to pack in your bag.

⊙ Please also read our guidelines for packing for a safari by visiting our expert safari packing advice pages too.

Top safari packing advice from our safari experts

When packing for your safari, select safari clothing which offers some or all of the following six key travel garment technologies:

• 1. Safari clothing which is easy to pack, dries quickly, and wicks moisture away from the skin;
• 2. Safari clothing which offers a built-in insect defence . Insist on seeing proof that the built-in anti-insect treatment has been proven to work by asking to see the laboratory test results ;
• 3. Safari clothing that offers protection from the sun . This will be shown as an SPF rating. 50+ is the highest rating available today;
• 4. Safari clothing that is lightweight, but which also has built-in ripstop for added strength;
• 5. As we all prefer to smell fresh, select safari clothing that uses an anti-microbial or anti-bacterial fabric. This also means that you will be able to wear the same safari clothing for longer and so pack less and travel lighter.
• 6. Add to the protective performance of the safari clothing which you take on safari by packing a wide-brimmed, packable safari hat , an effective sunscreen, and insect repellent which has been proven to work to spray onto your safari clothing, safari hat, and skin.

• Use our safari clothing packing advice guide image above for quick, handy tips on what clothing to pack for your safari. Click on the image or click here to view a larger version of the image.

Safari Packing List Pre-Departure Timeline

2 to 3 months before departure ⊙ Visa: If you require a visa and want to get it beforehand, make sure that you apply for the visa as soon as possible. ⊙ Passport: Check that your passport has sufficient pages as most African countries require two blank pages or more, and that your passport does not expire within 6 months. Apply for new passport if needs be. ⊙ Medication: Ensure that you visit your doctor and tell him where you are going. He will then advise you on malaria prophylactics, and other injections or medication that is necessary for your trip

8 Weeks Prior to Departure ⊙ Pay: Make sure that you have settled your balance due for your holiday with your tour operator. ⊙ Safari supplies: This is a good time to also contact The Safari Store for advice on what to pack, and to obtain your safari essentials (as above) in good time. ⊙ Re-confirm: If travelling independently, you must go through your itinerary, check that all flight times (including dates) coincide with your holiday dates, and contact all lodges, camps, hotels, transfer, private guides & car hire companies to re-confirm your holiday details ⊙ Pets, houses etc: Make sure you have made arrangements for your pets, booked a house sitter, and any other arrangements you may need to make for post, services and so forth.

4 Weeks Prior to Departure: ⊙ Departure-day planning: A smooth departure day takes 3/4 of the stress out of your holiday. Make sure that you arrange parking at the airport, start looking into taxis or trains, and book where necessary. ⊙ Travel money: Work out what you are going to do to pay for tips, purchases, extra tours etc while travelling.Arrange cash, credit & debit cards, travellers cheques accordingly (travellers cheques tend to be a pain to use in most parts of Africa - cash and credit cards are best! Take small denominations in cash in US Dollars - US$1, 5, 10 & 20 for tips and sundry purchases).

Share your safari packing list

This is your tailored safari packing list for 1 woman, 1 man and 1 child for 9 days, click here to adjust the number of travellers or number of days, women's safari clothing to pack for your safari, 4 x women's safari shirts more info, 3 x women's safari trousers and/or shorts more info, 1 x women's safari jacket or fleece more info, 1 x women's wide-brimmed safari hat more info, 3 x women's safari dress(es) and/or skorts more info, 4 x blister-proof socks for walking safaris more info, 1 x safari belt more info, 1 x women's safari beanie & scarf more info, 2 x women's safari shoes (walking shoes + camp shoes) more info, men's safari clothing to pack for your safari, 4 x men's safari shirts more info, 3 x men's safari trousers and/or shorts more info, 1 x men's safari fleece or jacket more info, 1 x men's wide-brimmed safari hat more info, 1 x men's safari beanie & scarf more info, 2 x men's safari shoes (walking shoes + camp shoes) more info, kid's safari clothing to pack for your safari, 4 x boy's and girl's safari shirts more info, 3 x boy's and girl's safari trousers and/or shorts more info, 1 x boy's and girl's safari jacket or fleece more info, 1 x boy's and girl's wide-brimmed safari hat more info, 1 x boy's and girl's safari beanie & scarf more info, safari shoes and socks for children more info, safari luggage, 3 x large soft-sided safari holdall or duffle more info, 3 x small safari bag for game drives, walks, and safari activities. more info, 3 x collapsible luggage trolley more info, 3 x safari washbag more info, 3 x travel wallet more info, safari binoculars, 3 x safari binoculars more info, 3 x sets safari-suitable camera and lenses more info, safari accessories, 7 x insect repellent (africa-tested) more info, 6 x safari-suitable sunscreen more info, 3 x sunglasses more info, 3 x safari torch/flashlight more info, 3 x travel adaptors more info, 3 x spare batteries, chargers, memory more info, specialist safari clothing and gear to pack, 6 x anti-chafe tights for walking & active safaris more info, 3 x pair of gardening gloves for gorilla safaris more info, 3 x dry-bag for water-based safaris more info, 3 x pair of ankle gaiters for walking safaris more info, general clothing to pack for your safari, 6 x non-safari shirts for travel and around the camp more info, 6 x casual trousers and/or shorts more info, 7 x casual shirts and/or t-shirts more info, 3 x swimming costume or trunks more info, 12 x underwear more info, 3 x pyjamas more info, 3 x kikoy or sarong more info, gym gear or sportswear more info, seasonal safari clothing to pack, 3 x waterproof safari jacket for the rainy season more info, important items to pack for your safari, passports with any required visas more info, health card and insurance details more info, air tickets & vouchers more info, credit card more info, calculator more info, money pouch with some cash in it more info, prescription glasses & hard glasses case more info, safari reading material more info, super glue more info, toiletries to pack for your safari, malaria prophylaxis for malaria areas more info, motion sickness pills more info, lip balm more info, shampoo/conditioner more info, deodorant more info, toothpaste and toothbrush more info, dental floss more info, hair brush / comb more info, electric / hand razor more info, emery boards, tweezers, etc. more info, hand & body lotion more info, ladies' hygiene supplies more info, contact lenses and fluid more info.

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

23 MUST-HAVE Items on your African Safari Packing List

• Updated on January 15, 2024
• No Comments

This post may contain affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, we may receive a commission (at no additional cost to you). As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more about disclosures.

First trip to Africa? You’re in luck!

Having recently been on Safari in Tanzania, we can provide you with first-hand, reliable and up-to-date information on how to make your trip stress-free, with this ultimate African safari packing list.

Packing for your first safari can be a daunting task. It is not just about taking the essentials, but also understanding what to expect from this new and exciting experience. 

Most people don’t realize that African safaris are not just limited to a few hours in the wild.

You need to be prepared for lots of travel, long drives, and a great deal of time outdoors.

If you want to know exactly what to take and the practical reasons WHY you need them, then you’ll find this safari packing list incredibly helpful!

Safari Clothing Essentials

The following list of safari clothing is based on the assumption that you will be sat in a vehicle for the majority of the day, which makes your safari packing list a tad easier.

Note: We are all for sustainable travel and find no need to splurge on expensive safari gear that will only be used once!

Tips for Safari Clothes Packing

• Material Choose clothing that is easy to pack, dries quickly, and wicks moisture away from the skin. Man-made fabrics (such as polyimide) perform better than natural fabrics (such as cotton) and keep you cooler.
• Laundry Services Laundry services are generally available at camps and lodges, so only pack what you need as luggage space is precious.
• Wear Earth Tones The African Tsetse fly is ferocious and is attracted to dark blue and black colors. With bites similar to horseflies, they can and will make your trip a living nightmare! Choose khaki green and brown colors where possible. It’s best to avoid pale colors as you will get rather dusty and dirty during the day!
• Organize Your Clothing Organizing your safari clothing makes life so much easier, particularly if you have onward travel to another destination. Use packing cubes to place your safari clothes on the top for easier access and less mess.

Read More: Riu Palace Resort Zanzibar – Our Honest Review

Clothing for your African Safari Packing List:

1. safari shirt.

If there is one thing worth investing in, it is a proper safari shirt. We were the only ones in our camp that didn’t get bitten to bits by those relentless tsetse flies!

Tsetse flies can bite through thin or penetrable fabric, and a quality safari shirt will prevent them from doing so.

The best safari shirts will have built-in anti-insect treatment.

You can thank us later…!

2. T-Shirts

Layering is key to keeping warm and/or cool. Wearing t-shirts (under your shirt) also means you only need to fork out on the one expensive safari shirt.

3. Boots or Shoes

You don’t need specific safari boots or shoes and you certainly don’t need to spend a fortune on them. As you’ll be in the vehicle all day, a sturdy pair that you can wear with socks (that you can tuck your pants into) will do just fine.

When you’re walking around camp you won’t want to wear open-toe sandals, especially once you’ve seen all the sunspiders scattering around! Eeeek!

4. Safari Hat

Don’t forget your safari hat! You want full coverage – preferably one with a large brim that keeps your face and neck in the shade. Even with a pop-up roof, the sun will still manage to beat down on you, and it’s one heck of a sun!

Tip: Make sure your safari hat fits you snugly or has a neck cord – your rides will pick up speed and you don’t want to lose it with an unexpected gust of wind!

We love this packable safari hat that always bounces back to life (in featured photo).

5. Safari Pants

Long, lightweight, and enough to cover up those legs but not too hot or bulky. You’ll be sitting for a large proportion of the day so they’ll need to be comfortable.

You probably won’t want to wear shorts after you’ve encountered those tsetse flies.

Read More: The Lodge in Ngorongoro that has Spectacular Views

Lightweight, comfortable, and preferably water-resistant. Early starts can get chilly, so don’t be fooled – even if you’re the hardiest of people!

African Safari Packing List Essentials

7. soft-sided luggage.

If you’re traveling on bush flights you’ll be limited to 15kg on your luggage, plus you’ll need a soft bag (no hard suitcases allowed) that can be stuffed onto small planes. A duffel bag is an essential item to get your safari packing list going!

8. Packing Cubes

If you’ve never used them before, you’re in for a treat! Packing cubes made life so much easier on safari!

These provide the perfect way to organize your clothes and toiletries. Plus, you’ll be able to quickly see what’s in them which makes it easy when you’re looking for something specific without having to unpack everything. A total game-changer for organized travel!

Note: Plastic bags are now banned in many African countries and will be confiscated at airports. Sealable silicone bags are a perfect alternative for your leaky toiletries.

9. Universal Travel Adapter

Be sure to bring the correct travel adapters for Africa so you can charge your essential batteries. There are two types of outlets, European and British – this universal travel adapter will have you covered in any eventuality! 

10. Insect Repellent

It’s important to keep biting insects away from you, both during the day and at night. They can carry dangerous diseases such as malaria, so don’t be tempted to leave this out.

The best type to use is one that can be sprayed over clothing. I know this may sound peculiar, but that’s what they all do in the bush! 

Choose a natural repellant that does not damage clothing – this is the insect repellent we used and our safari guides absolutely loved it!

11. Tiger Balm

African tsetse flies have a nasty bite on them. This tiger balm will help take the edge off any itchy or swollen skin and should not be missed off your safari packing list. We first discovered this in Thailand and it’s by far the best relief for insect bites

12. First Aid Kit

Remember that you’re a while away from any emergency medical care. A simple first aid kit can take the stress out of any minor accidents along the way. Plus, you won’t have to rely on calling the staff to your tent at night if you have your own kit.

13. Sunscreen

Being so close to the equator means that you’re going to be exposed to a lot of UV radiation. Pack sunscreen and wear it when outdoors, even when you think you don’t need it.

On our first day, we thought the pop-up roof in our vehicle would provide enough protection from the sun – we were very wrong!

Read More: How we found The Best Safari Tour Guides in Tanzania

14. Sunglasses

UV protection is essential in Africa! Protecting yourself from intense sunlight will make your safari experience so much more comfortable. If you want to avoid squinting all day, then sunglasses are a must!

15. Flashlight

It gets pretty dark at night when you’re in an environment with zero light pollution. Most camps should provide you with a flashlight, but we would always err on the side of caution and have one handy.

16. Mosquito Net

It goes without saying that tented camps will lack any air-conditioning that ordinarily keeps mosquitos at bay! Check if your accommodation provides mosquito nets around beds before you book, if not – take one with you.

17. Power Bank

A power bank is essential if you’re on safari for more than a day. It’s always handy to have an external charger that can work anywhere in Africa.

Most safari vehicles will have USB ports that can be used with charging cables, but if you’re staying in tented camps then I wouldn’t rely on charging anything too quickly!

18. Selfie Stick

Wait, I know what you’re thinking… selfie sticks are soooo NOT on-trend!

But when you’re up close to a pack of lions feasting, or that cheetah that’s slowly walking behind your vehicle, you’ll be incredibly pleased you had something that could reach around to capture the all-important moment (rather than hanging your arms out of the jeep!)

19. Anti-Diarrhea Tablets

Being on the go in Africa can result in some stomach upset, so it’s best to have a supply of anti-diarrhea tablets with you. The last thing you need is for your bucket list safari trip to be ruined because you can’t part with the bathroom!

20. Binoculars

Check whether your safari vehicle provides a sufficient number of binoculars for all travelers. 

If not, you might want to bring your own as there’s nothing quite like hurrying up the person next to you so you can cop a look at the action!

21. Microfibre Towel

These smart microfibre towels are light and packable for when you’re not staying in a hotel. They dry quickly too and won’t cause a stench when you’re on the go! 

22. Toilet Paper/Wipes

Depending on your safari destination, there may not be any bathrooms within a 2-hour radius, so be prepared by packing toilet paper/wipes and hand sanitizer! These are absolutely essential items for your safari packing list!

23. Anti-Malaria Tablets

There is a risk of malaria in most parts of Africa. Speak with your travel clinic about the pros and cons of taking anti-malarial tablets, sometimes the side effects can be off-putting if you have existing medical conditions or a sensitive tummy. 

You may decide that taking the tablets is not an option and therefore need to re-evaluate whether an African safari is the right choice for you.

Read More: How Plan an Affordable Serengeti and Ngorongoro Safari

Other Handy Safari Packing Tips:

• Take sufficient cash You may be surprised to hear that there are no ATM machines out on safari! Make sure you bring enough cash for the duration of your safari for souvenirs, additional snacks, drinks at your camp/lodge, and tips for your safari guide
• Drones Drones are not allowed by any camps in East Africa due to the effects they have on wildlife (and also for security reasons)
• Hairdryers Hairdryers and other powerful appliances generally cannot be used if you’re staying in tented camps as electricity is scarce
• Avoid any military/camo clothing It’s a safari, not the SAS! Just kidding. The real reason to avoid military-style clothing is that it may land you into trouble in some territories, especially in Kenya. Governments are wary of anyone posing as a military officer and will question your intentions. A situation we would all just rather avoid!

READ: Zanzibar Travel During Covid-19 – What You Need To Know

Your Safari Packing List Covered!

Packing for a safari can be stressful, especially if you have no idea what to expect.

Hopefully this African safari packing list will help to make your experience as stress-free as possible, so that you can focus on making great memories instead!

You may also be interested in our post about Safari Anxiety: 19 Things That Freak People Out

Further Reads:

• Things People Worry About on Safari
• How to Save $$$ on an African Safari
• 9 Luxury Safari Tented Camps in Serengeti

Related Posts

African Safari Anxiety: 19 Things People Worry About!

Riu Palace Zanzibar Review: Best All-Round Luxury Hotel

Roy Safaris Review: Best Tour Operator in Tanzania?

11 Smart Tips: How to do Affordable Luxury Travel

Luxurious destinations are little to do with how much they cost and everything to do with how they make us feel –  long after the journey ends. That’s the essence of Roaming in Luxury. We’re a group of people who have mastered the art of LuxVenturing – a blend of adventure and affordable luxury travel. Our aim is to share our insights, resources, and stories, so you can focus on crafting the best, most affordable luxury experiences on your own travels. Read more about us…

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

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

Remember Me

Become a Luxventurer with us!

Don’t miss out on the thrill of luxury adventure! Sign up for our newsletter and get insider tips, exciting destinations, and inspiration for your next luxurious adventure, all delivered straight to your inbox.

Quick Links

• Cookie Policy
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Service

Search the site

Copyright © 2024 Roaming in Luxury | All Rights Reserved

Unlock the Secrets of Affordable Luxury Travel!

Are you an adventurer with a taste for comfort? Join our newsletter and receive weekly tips on experiencing  luxurious destinations without breaking the bank.

Complete Safari Packing List

The golden rule here is to pack as lightly as possible . You don't want to be stuck with a lot of heavy baggage that you might not use anyway.

Space will be at a premium on your international flight, light aircraft transfers and safari vehicle so with that in mind, the safari packing list below will help you to pack only the necessary and correct items.

It may look long at first glance but depending on your personal circumstances and the type of trip you are going on some of the items won't be applicable to you and you can safely ignore them.

The safari packing list is based on the advice and recommendations from all the trip reports over the years at African Safari Journals and my own experience in packing for the hundreds of safaris ( including self drives ) that I have been on.

SAFARI GEAR

• There are specific clothing mistakes that many people often make when they go on safari. Find out how to avoid them...
• Safari hats must do three things well to be effective.
• Clothing in neutral colours: khaki, light brown/green, tan. Avoid bright colours & white for improved game viewing, especially when on foot. Not as important in a vehicle.
• A safari jacket is a very handy accessory to take with on your trip.
• Comfortable short- and long sleeved safari shirts (2 or 3 of each)
• Comfortable shorts and long trousers (2 or 3 of each)
• About 5 sets of underwear
• Swimming costume
• Flip-flops or sport sandals (public showers, airing feet)
• Comfortable safari hiking/walking shoes (not white). These are very important on a walking safari.
• About 5 pairs of socks
• Extra shoelaces

SAFARI SUPPLIES

Some of these supplies might be available in the first aid kit that every safari company should carry but make sure before leaving them off your safari packing list.

• Insect repellent/Mosquito Coil (do not use coils in a tent)
• Mosquito netting - Your safari company might supply these so find out from them first
• Sunblock and after sun lotion
• A travel towel is light and takes very little space
• Malaria tablets (very important)
• Citronella or other body soap/shower gel
• Sunglasses - make sure they have polarised lenses.
• Biological Water Filtration Bottle or you can stick to the bottled water
• Wet wipes/hand sanitizer or no-water/antibacterial soap - very handy in the safari vehicle.
• Pocket Knife (Swiss/Leatherman type)
• Small scissors, if not on your Leatherman/Swiss knife
• Toothbrush/toothpaste/dental floss
• 2-in-1 shampoo/conditioner
• Q-tips & cotton balls
• Razor & shaving cream/gel
• Birth control (enough to last your trip)
• Sanitary requirements (shops are sometimes few and far between, and very basic)
• Contact lens solution & extra set of disposable lenses
• Band aids & moleskin
• Antiseptic cream
• Motion sickness tablets
• Heartburn remedy
• Anti-diarrhoea medicine
• Re-hydration salts
• Small unbreakable mirror
• Plastic bags (wet washing/muddy shoes/organise clothes in suitcase)
• Small compass
• Deck of cards/travel size game
• Book to read between game viewing and other leisure time
• String/rope (washing line, tying sleeping bag, multitude of uses!!)
• Cold/flu tablets
• Allergy remedy
• Some people take a basic antibiotic in case
• Sterile needles (in case you need an injection and don't trust the hygiene conditions)
• Prescribed medicine (enough to last your trip) - keep packed in your hand luggage in case of baggage delays

SAFARI LUGGAGE

• The thing to remember when choosing safari luggage is mobility. You will probably be moving between several different modes of transport (airplanes, cars, light aircraft, trucks, boats) so plan accordingly.
• Suitcases with wheels don't work very well in the African bush but they are adequate if you don't mind carrying them. A good safari company will probably have someone on hand to carry your luggage for you.
• A daypack is very handy to transport the items you need while driving around in the safari vehicle or walking through the bush.

SAFARI EQUIPMENT

• Safari Binoculars . Essential for a successful trip. No safari packing list is complete without them.
• Flashlight or headlamp
• Camera, memory cards, extra batteries, battery charger and lens cleaner
• Read the free "Better Safari Photography" ebook for information on the best safari cameras and lenses to take with.
• Small bean bag to substitute a tripod
• Sleeping Bag if on a camping safari (may be supplied by safari company so check first)
• Travel pillow, or you can use your polar fleece/windbreaker
• Small calculator (or if you're taking your mobile phone) for currency calculations
• Washing powder/travel soap for laundry
• Plug adaptors - generally in Africa it's 3-prong round or square
• Lighter/waterproof matches
• Travel alarm clock
• Mini combination locks (keys get lost)
• Mini sewing kit
• Passport & correct visas
• Emergency phone numbers
• Africa travel insurance policy
• The African Safari Journals travel dairy book - to write your journal and record the wildlife you see. Also includes a hard copy safari packing list
• Guide book(s) covering the area you're visiting - it should include animals/birds pages for easy identification
• Your itinerary
• Addresses and mobile numbers (postcards/e-mails/texts)
• Any vaccinations certificates
• International Youth Hostel card (depending on your type of trip and accommodation)
• Phone card and international access numbers
• Extra passport photos
• Copy of your passport, kept in a separate place than your passport
• Copy of marriage certificate, if applicable especially if you recently tied the knot
• Medical history
• Copies of prescriptions
• Small stickers to label your used films, if you still use film

Follow this safari packing list and you will never have to worry about the frustration of leaving something behind or taking something that you won't need on your African safari.

Print the safari packing list out and tick the items off as you go along to make sure you don't miss anything.

If you're planning to do a self guided camping safari, find out what to take from our camping checklist .

Did I miss anything? What did you find really valuable on your safari? Let me know here...

Top Three Safari Companies

These are the best safari companies in Africa ranked by African Safari Journals using thousands of safari travel reviews.

Related Pages

Free Safari Diary

Safari Binoculars

African Visas

Mosquito Netting

Malaria Tablets

Africa Books

Africa Travel Insurance

Camping List

• Mount Kilimanjaro
• Mount Kenya
• Mount Toubkal
• Mount Aconcagua
• Mount Everest
• Mera Peak and Island Peak
• Mount Kinabalu
• Himalayan Mountains
• Borneo treks
• Nepal treks
• Moroccan Atlas treks
• Treks in East Africa
• Trek in Europe
• Wildlife Safaris
• School Expeditions
• Family Holidays
• Medical Electives
• Private Expeditions
• Indonesia and Papua
• Experiences
• Trip Finder
• Trip Leaders
• Sustainable Tourism
• Adventure blog
• Add a review
• Trip reviews

Ask Us A Question...

Safari Clothing & Equipment

• Safari clothing

Safari Clothing & Equipment - Personal Kit

We recommend keeping clothing light and long-sleeved during the day (colours are traditionally khaki or green, bright colours could spook some wildlife) with a fleece or jumper for the evening and a lightweight raincoat, particularly if you are travelling during wet seasons.

Safari Packing Essentials

The following should give you an idea of the essentials;

• Short & Long Sleeve Shirts - Long sleeved is for protection from the sun and insects in the evenings.
• Shorts & Trousers - again, long trousers can protect from the sun & insects.
• Safari Hat - wide-brimmed works best, but a cap is a good alternative!
• Jacket/Fleece - it can get colder in the evenings and on early morning game drives.
• Shoes - Comfortable trainers/shoes and a pair of sandals. You will need some type of hiking or safari boot if you plan on any walking safaris.
• Binoculars Camera
• Personal first-aid kit and wash kit
• A packet of wet wipes is very useful to clean up after driving along a dusty road!
• A small day pack
• Sunglasses and sunscreen (including SPF lip salve)
• Guidebooks, maps, etc
• Torch (can be useful on a luxury safari but very important on camping/budget safari)
• Water bottle
• Insect Repellent

Spotting hippos in a pool in Kenya.

If you're on a camping safari then you need to add the following extra's;

• Sleeping bag
• Sleeping bag liner (helps to keep your main bag clean and can be used on its own in very warm weather)
• Camping mat or Therm-a-rest

Visiting Our Projects

If you're planning on visiting some of our Moving Mountains projects during your safari then it's a good idea to pack some photos of your family and pictures from your home. Most children are fascinated by the outside world and will really appreciate you taking the time to show where you come from.

Contact us if you are considering bring gifts, etc. We have put a lot of effort in over the years to ensure that our beneficiaries feel part of a family rather than a charity case and although we welcome your efforts in bringing gifts for the kids we prefer to stay away from the old hand-out mentality, in favour of a much more progressive developmental aid, a hand-up rather than a hand-out. As such, any gift should be distributed by our staff on the ground to ensure that no favouritism is shown to specific kids. Our staff will ensure that the right children are receiving it and this also helps children get away from any sort of begging mentality, if aid is delivered to local children by our local staff then it avoids any sort of old colonial attitude towards aid.

There are however some things that are needed, particularly in schools, our children's home, rescue centre and on our sports and music programmes, if you have access to any of the following then our staff will be very grateful and will ensure that they reach the communities, schools or children who benefit most;

Spotting wildlife on the savannah means protecting yourself from the sun and wind.

• Football kits (full kits for our Black Cats  teams) and football team jerseys... All children love football, particularly the big teams; Man Utd, Arsenal, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Sunderland (!?!), etc
• Football boots (the red dirt pitches are very sore on boots and they are expensive to buy locally, even 2nd hand)
• Footballs and sports equipment, not just for the Black Cats but for the schools that we work with (includes sports medical kits and pumps for balls)
• Musical equipment
• Pencils for school children (pens are not used in Primary level education, pencils are much more useful)
• Games and group activity equipment, colouring and reading books 
• Black school shoes (like boots these are reasonably expensive to buy in Kenya, even 2nd hand)
• Good quality clothing (all sizes, not just to distribute at our children's home or rescue centre but to boost stock in local social enterprises)
• Local produce (helps the local economies and if visiting family homes then a bag of sugar, maize, rice and tea, etc will be much more useful to any family)

• console.error('Error sharing:', error)); } else { navigator.clipboard.writeText('https://thetoyinsider.com/national-geographic-backyard-safari-kit-review/').then(() => { console.log('Link copied to clipboard'); alert('URL copied to clipboard'); }).catch((error) => { console.error('Error copying link to clipboard:', error); }); } return false;" aria-label="Share share" > share

Dress for the Quest with the National Geographic Backyard Safari Kit

This explorer gear sets the vibe for a summer full of adventures!

• twitter Link to Twitter
• linkedin Link to Linkedin
• instagram Link to Instagram
• facebook Link to Facebook

You never know what you might find in your own backyard if you look hard enough!

Kids can let their imaginations run wild in the great outdoors with the National Geographic Backyard Safari Kit from Blue Marble . The safari gear includes a hat, a vest, a field guide with a pencil, a magnifying glass, a compass, a whistle, a pair of binoculars, and stickers, all packaged inside an eco-friendly compact box made from 100% recyclable cardboard.

The vest is designed to fit most kids between 4-6 years old, but you better believe I put that green-and-khaki bad boy on as a full-grown adult and it’s now the coolest article of clothing I own. Dressing the part of safari explorer really helps set the vibe for a summer full of adventures — even if the expeditions are taking place at home this year. The vest has four pockets, conveniently sized to fit all of the explorer gear, as well as zippers, straps, and hooks that kids can tie the objects to. The compass, the whistle, and the binoculars all have string necklaces attached to them so kids can wear them around their neck or secure them to the vest for easy access.

The gear is all functional so kids can really use the items as part of their observation activities to get hands-on with their surroundings, like reading the compass to figure out in what direction they’re going, or using the magnifying glass to get a closer look at a leaf or a ladybug. Explorers can feel free to get a close-up look and even roll around in the dirt because the vest is machine washable.

Related: Become an Eco-Astronaut with PlayMonster’s Green Science Kit

The field guide contains educational information and activities to help kids interact with nature , including pages about flowers, trees, plants, insects , mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Each section includes a blank page where kids record their observations, as well as prompts to help guide them and make them think on a deeper level, such as “Describe the color, shape, and number of petals you saw on the flower,” “What was the insect doing?” and “What surprised you about the animal?”

The sticker sheet includes badge stickers for each section so kids can feel accomplished when they complete the activities. Plus, it’s rewarding to spend time outdoors and seek out different objects that kids might not have known were there in their own backyard all along.

Once kids start observing the nature around them, they’ll realize you don’t have to travel far to discover what makes our world so incredible — all you need to do is open your eyes and start exploring.

About the author

Jackie Cucco

Jackie Cucco was a Senior Editor of The Toy Book, The Toy Insider, and The Pop Insider. She covered toy trends, pop culture, and entertainment news, and made appearances on national and regional outlets, including CBS, WPIX, News 12, and more. Jackie spends her time watching horror movies and working her way through every Stephen King novel out there.

10 Hidden NEW Features in iOS 15

Posted: April 27, 2024 | Last updated: April 27, 2024

There are a ton of new hidden features no one is talking about!⇒ Become a channel member for special emojis, early videos, and more! Check it out here: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/ThioJoe/join▼">https://www.youtube.com/ThioJoe/join▼</a> Time Stamps: ▼0:00 - Intro0:28 - Built in 2FA Code Generator2:20 - Safari Video Playback Speed3:05 - Control Center Music Recognition3:41 - Background Sounds5:02 - Safari Extensions5:47 - Customize Safari Start Page6:27 - Record App Activity7:07 - Per-App accessibility settings8:02 - FindMy iPhone (While Turned Off)9:55 - FindMy (After Factory Reset)11:24 - Allow More 5G Data12:07 - Dual Sim iMessage Switching12:44 - iCloud Temporary Storage▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Merch ⇨ <a href="https://teespring.com/stores/thiojoe⇨">https://teespring.com/stores/thiojoe⇨</a> <a href="http://Instagram.com/ThioJoe⇨">http://Instagram.com/ThioJoe⇨</a> <a href="http://Twitter.com/ThioJoe⇨">http://Twitter.com/ThioJoe⇨</a> <a href="http://Facebook.com/ThioJoeTVMy">http://Facebook.com/ThioJoeTVMy</a> Gear & Equipment ⇨ <a href="https://kit.co/ThioJoe▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬">https://kit.co/ThioJoe▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬</a>

More for You

How Much Beer You'd Have To Drink To Equal A Single Shot Of Liquor

30 food items that you might not know are banned in America

John Jacob Astor IV was one of the richest men in the world when he died on the Titanic. Here's a look at his life.

My husband wants me to sign over 20% of my home. If not, he threatens to take half in a divorce. What should I do?

Southwest Airlines Is in Trouble

106 Favorite Recipes From Our Test Kitchen

LeBron James explodes on Darvin Ham during Lakers' Game 4 victory over the Nuggets

Scientists finally confirm what lies inside the Moon

A man who 'hopes he runs out of money' before he dies explains why you may not need as much cash to retire as you think

“One vote from the end of democracy:” Weissmann sounds alarm on SCOTUS immunity case

Martin Lewis issues warning to people choosing air fryer over oven

The films everyone should see at least once before they die, according to critics

School girl makes specialty cakes after picking up baking hobby at a young age

Lost Planet Theia Is Hidden Inside the Earth, New Study Says

‘I feel slighted’: My husband and I are in our 70s. We married 3 years ago. He’s leaving his $1.8 million home to a 10-year-old relative. Is that normal?

96 Midwest Comfort Foods Everyone Should Make

Farmers warn food aisles will soon be empty because of crushing conditions: 'We are not in a good position'

‘The Great Gatsby' Review: Broadway Musical Has Glamour but Little Grit

Animated VR Anthology ‘Blue Figures' Brings Jazz Greats to Life

The first interracial kiss aired on TV more than 55 years ago—and more shows that broke racial barriers

THE 5 BEST Moscow Safaris

Safaris in moscow.

• Adrenaline & Extreme Tours
• Gear Rentals
• Nature & Wildlife Tours
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• District Central (TsAO)
• 3rd Transport Ring (TTK)
• District North-Eastern (SVAO)
• District Eastern (VAO)
• District South-Western (YuZAO)
• Lomonosovskiy
• Ostankinskiy
• Meshchanskiy
• Krasnoselskiy
• Maryina Roshcha (Jewish Quarter)
• Good for Couples
• Good for Kids
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Budget-friendly
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Rybokhotsoyuz

2. Easy Russia Tour Guide

3. UTS GROUP

4. 365AltaiMongolia

5. #1 Russia -Tanzania | Zanzibar, Serengeti Safari & Kilimanjaro Agency | BURIGI CHATO SAFARIS CO LTD

6. Aviashop.Ru

7. Transsib Moscow

8. BASK TOUR

• Easy Russia Tour Guide
• #1 Russia -Tanzania | Zanzibar, Serengeti Safari & Kilimanjaro Agency | BURIGI CHATO SAFARIS CO LTD
• 365AltaiMongolia

• Toys & Games
• Sports & Outdoor Play
• Nature Exploration Toys

Enjoy fast, free delivery, exclusive deals, and award-winning movies & TV shows with Prime Try Prime and start saving today with fast, free delivery

Amazon Prime includes:

Fast, FREE Delivery is available to Prime members. To join, select "Try Amazon Prime and start saving today with Fast, FREE Delivery" below the Add to Cart button.

• Cardmembers earn 5% Back at Amazon.com with a Prime Credit Card.
• Unlimited Free Two-Day Delivery
• Streaming of thousands of movies and TV shows with limited ads on Prime Video.
• A Kindle book to borrow for free each month - with no due dates
• Listen to over 2 million songs and hundreds of playlists
• Unlimited photo storage with anywhere access

Important:  Your credit card will NOT be charged when you start your free trial or if you cancel during the trial period. If you're happy with Amazon Prime, do nothing. At the end of the free trial, your membership will automatically upgrade to a monthly membership.

Return this item for free

Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping charges

• Go to your orders and start the return
• Select the return method

This item has been tested to certify it can ship safely in its original box or bag to avoid unnecessary packaging. Since 2015, we have reduced the weight of outbound packaging per shipment by 41% on average, that’s over 2 million tons of packaging material.

Image Unavailable

• To view this video download Flash Player

Safari Kidz Outdoor Explorer Kit - Children's Camouflage Cargo Vest and Hat Set (green)

Purchase options and add-ons

• 100% Polyester
• 🦒 Let the Outdoor Adventure begin. This cute fun Kit will excite the Little Explorer in every child. Let your child's imagination run wild with this Park Ranger, Archeologist, Hunter, Adventurer, Costume and Dress Up. Encourages love of nature and wildlife.
• 🐅 VEST - Features durable washable fabric. Fun vibrant Jungle Print, pockets and D-rings for storing and carrying all essential items. Great for Hunting, Bird Watching, Fishing, Safari, Hiking, Camping.
• 👨‍🌾 HAT - Wide Brim hat to protect from natures harmful rays. This bright cute hat can be worn 3 different ways. The adjustable drawstring keeps it secure while the quick release velcro makes it safe.
• 🐝 Your child will love getting outdoors with this adorable Hat and Vest costume Set. Play, explore and interact with nature as part of your child's STEM education. Perfect gift for any child 3,4,5,6,7,8 to promote staying active and engaging with the natural environment.
• 🙂 At Kidz@Play we are dedicated to customer service. 100% GUARANTEE, IF YOU ARE NOT HAPPY WE ARE NOT HAPPY! All products meet US safety standards.

Frequently bought together

Top rated similar items

Product information

Warranty & support, product description.

At Kidz@Play we are dedicated to producing quality products for children. We are passionate about products that stimulate the imagination and ignite the little explorer in every child. Safari Kidz Outdoor Explorer - Camouflage Cargo Vest and Hat Se t is a complete outdoor adventure set perfect for the little adventurer! This boys and girls Park Ranger, Archeologist, Hunter, Explorer, Costume and Dress Up encourages imaginative play and interaction with nature and wildlife.

Start you child's Safari Adventure TODAY!!

Outdoor Fun for Boys and Girls

Each Set contains a fun Vibrant Jungle Print VEST and HAT. The cute Vest has 4 deep pockets and D-rings for storing and carrying all essential items. Great for Hunting, Bird Watching, Fishing, Safari, Hiking, Camping.

Your child will be ready to explore, collect, study and learn about nature and the tiny creatures that live in it.

Encourages every child to want to play and learn while outdoors.

OUR COMMITMENT We at Kidz@Play are passionate about children and expanding every boy and girl's love of nature and learning while having fun. Ideal gift for the active, imaginative, curious child from 3 up to 8 years of age. Fantastic present for the Preschool, Kindergarten and Primary School student from Mom, Dad, Aunts, Uncle s and Grandparents!

What's in the box

Videos for this product.

Click to play video

Vest and Hat Set (Green)

Looking for specific info, customer reviews.

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Customers say

Customers like the versatility, value, appearance and quality of the costume outfit. They mention that it's awesome for kids, great for dress up play and worth the money. Some appreciate the cute outfit and the fact that it prevents breakage from hard use. That said, opinions are mixed on fit.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers are satisfied with the appearance of the costume. They mention that it's a great costume for the little explorer in your life, and a perfect dress up gift.

"This is a cute high quality get up . My child had ‘nature/camping day’ at her Montessori school and it was perfect : -)" Read more

"This was such a cute little outfit for my sons first field trip at the zoo. Everyone loved it & the pockets were really cool...." Read more

"...When they saw each other wearing the gear, it was so cute . Play day couldn't gotten any more interesting in the backyard. Lol! They love them." Read more

"This is a really cute outfit for the little explorer in your life!..." Read more

Customers are satisfied with the quality of the costume outfit. They mention that it is durable, holds up well, and prevents breakage from hard use. Some appreciate the material.

"...What a great feature that prevents breakage from hard use ...." Read more

" Well made . My granddaughter loved it. She is 7 and weighs 47 lbs and it fit her cute." Read more

"...received my package today 2/6 and although the item seems to be good quality and got it in a timely manner I will have to return it since I was sent..." Read more

"...It's well made and the vest has a lot of pockets for keeping treasures in! The hat can be worn a few different ways which makes it fun!..." Read more

Customers find the costume outfit versatile. They say it's a great gift for kids who love to dress up and make-believe, and it'll be a perfect outfit for little explorers on their adventures.

"...This would make a great gift for any outdoorsy child or a child that likes playing dress up inside!" Read more

"It is just as advertised. Great gift for kids who love to dress up and make-believe!..." Read more

"...This was perfect for their adventures ." Read more

"A little small for a 9 year old, but it is a great outfit for a play jungle adventure " Read more

Customers appreciate the value of the costume outfit. They say it's worth the money, great price, and a great buy.

"...well worth the investment ." Read more

"...I was impressed with the quality of the product for such a reasonable price ." Read more

" Worth the money ..." Read more

" Great buy ..." Read more

Customers appreciate the pockets in the costume outfit. They say they can hold snacks and other things.

"...Everyone loved it & the pockets were really cool . He could hold snacks and other things!" Read more

"My daughter loves it She especially love all the pockets " Read more

"Bought 4. Kids loved it! Plenty of pockets to hold stuff that they collected. You won’t be sorry with this purchase!" Read more

Customers are mixed about the fit of the costume outfit. Some mention that it fits perfectly, while others say that it's too big or too small.

"...My granddaughter loved it. She is 7 and weighs 47 lbs and it fit her cute ." Read more

"...It’s not a big deal, but still. It’s a bit small , we were desperate to get something in time. I wouldn’t order this for a child over 5." Read more

"...The vests are very light weight and fit great ...." Read more

"...I got what would normally be her size and it’s super tight on her " Read more

Reviews with images

• Sort reviews by Top reviews Most recent Top reviews

Top reviews from the United States

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. please try again later..

Top reviews from other countries

• Amazon Newsletter
• About Amazon
• Accessibility
• Sustainability
• Press Center
• Investor Relations
• Amazon Devices
• Amazon Science
• Sell on Amazon
• Sell apps on Amazon
• Supply to Amazon
• Protect & Build Your Brand
• Become an Affiliate
• Become a Delivery Driver
• Start a Package Delivery Business
• Advertise Your Products
• Self-Publish with Us
• Become an Amazon Hub Partner
• › See More Ways to Make Money
• Amazon Visa
• Amazon Store Card
• Amazon Secured Card
• Amazon Business Card
• Shop with Points
• Credit Card Marketplace
• Reload Your Balance
• Amazon Currency Converter
• Your Account
• Your Orders
• Shipping Rates & Policies
• Amazon Prime
• Returns & Replacements
• Manage Your Content and Devices
• Recalls and Product Safety Alerts
• Conditions of Use
• Privacy Notice
• Consumer Health Data Privacy Disclosure
• Your Ads Privacy Choices

MOSCOW - RUSSIA

Ibls freight forwarding.

Tolbuchuna Street, 10 Bld 3, 121596 Moscow, Russia

• Phone: +7 8916 656-34-09
• email: [email protected]
• web: www.ibls.ru

Company Profile

• LIST WITH US

To: IBLS FREIGHT FORWARDING

Enter the security code:

+7 8916 656-34-09

Directory of Freight Forwarders, Cargo Agents, Shipping Companies, Air, Ocean, Land, Logistics and Transportation Brokers