What to Pack for a Safari in Kenya: The Ultimate Checklist

Packing for a Kenya safari doesn't need to be stressful. Most lodges and camps have laundry services, and the dress code is relaxed. That said, bringing the right kit makes a huge difference to your comfort and enjoyment.

Here's our complete checklist, refined over 8 years of guiding safaris across East Africa.

• Neutral colours — khaki, olive, tan, brown. Avoid bright white (startles animals) and dark blue/black (attracts tsetse flies)
• Layering system — mornings can be surprisingly cold (10°C in the Mara), while afternoons hit 28–30°C
• Long-sleeved shirts (x3) — sun and insect protection
• Convertible trousers (x2) — zip-off legs are incredibly practical
• Warm fleece or light jacket — essential for early morning game drives
• Wide-brimmed hat — sun is intense at altitude
• Comfortable walking shoes — closed-toe for walking safaris
• Sandals — for around camp

• Camera body — DSLR or mirrorless with good autofocus
• Telephoto lens — 100–400mm or 200–600mm is ideal
• Wide-angle lens — for landscapes and vehicle interior shots
• Bean bag or window mount — far more stable than a tripod in a vehicle
• Extra batteries (x3 minimum) — cold mornings drain batteries fast
• Memory cards — 256GB minimum, you'll shoot thousands of photos
• Binoculars — 8x42 or 10x42 for spotting distant wildlife

• Prescription medications — enough for the full trip plus spare
• Antimalarials — consult your doctor; Malarone or doxycycline are common choices
• Insect repellent — DEET-based (30%+) for mosquitoes
• Sunscreen — SPF50+, the equatorial sun is fierce
• Basic first aid kit — plasters, antiseptic, painkillers, antihistamines
• Rehydration sachets — heat and altitude can dehydrate quickly

• Headtorch — camps can be dark at night
• Power bank — some camps have limited charging
• Universal adapter — Kenya uses UK-style Type G plugs
• Reusable water bottle — reduces plastic waste
• Small daypack — for walking safaris and excursions
• Dry bag or ziplock bags — keeps electronics safe from dust and rain

• Camouflage clothing — illegal to wear in Kenya (military association)
• Bright white or neon colours — spooks wildlife
• Perfume/cologne — attracts insects
• Drone — banned in all Kenyan national parks without a permit
• Plastic bags — single-use plastic bags are banned in Kenya