Ultimate Safari
Packing List
Everything you need to pack for Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda & Rwanda — curated from thousands of safari trips by our expert guides.
Packing for a safari doesn't have to be stressful. We've put together this comprehensive guide based on thousands of trips across Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda. Most lodges offer same-day laundry service, so you can pack lighter than you think!
Luggage Weight Guide
Different safari types have different luggage requirements. Plan accordingly.
Bush Flight Safari
15 kg
Soft duffel only
Strict enforcement — weighed at the airstrip
Lodge / Road Safari
20–23 kg
Soft duffel or small suitcase
More flexibility, but keep it manageable
Gorilla Trekking
15 kg
Daypack + duffel
You'll carry a daypack during the trek
Beach Extension
20 kg
Any bag type
Beach resorts are less restrictive
What to Pack
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Pack by Season
What you pack depends on when you travel. Here's what to prioritise each season.
Dry Season
Jun–Oct
Peak safari season. Warm days, cold mornings. Pack layers and a warm jacket. Minimal rain gear needed.
Long Rains
Mar–May
Green season with afternoon showers. Fewer tourists, lush landscapes. Waterproof gear essential.
Short Rains
Nov–Dec
Brief showers, excellent wildlife viewing. Migratory birds arrive. Pack for both sun and rain.
Cool Dry
Jan–Feb
Warm and dry. Calving season in Serengeti. Great for photography with clear skies.
Pro Packing Tips
Use a Soft-Sided Duffel
Bush flights to the Masai Mara, Serengeti, and other remote areas have strict 15–20 kg limits and cannot accommodate hard suitcases. A collapsible duffel is your best friend.
Dress in Layers
Early morning game drives can be as cold as 5–8°C, but by midday it's 30°C+. Wear a base layer, fleece, and windbreaker that you can peel off as the sun rises.
Protect Your Camera Gear
African dust is extremely fine and gets everywhere. Use zip-lock bags, lens caps, and a dust-proof camera bag. Bring a lens cloth and sensor cleaning kit.
Start Malaria Meds Early
Consult your travel doctor 6–8 weeks before departure. Some medications need to be started 1–2 weeks before entering a malaria zone. Don't skip doses!
Wear Safari Clothes on the Plane
Wear your bulkiest items (boots, jacket, trousers) on the flight to save luggage weight. Plus, you're ready for a game drive straight from the airstrip.
Travelling with Kids?
Pack a small activity kit for transfers, familiar snacks, kid-sized binoculars, and a wildlife spotting checklist. Don't forget child-safe insect repellent and sunscreen.
What NOT to Bring
Avoid these common mistakes — some items are not just unnecessary, they're restricted or illegal.
Hard-shell suitcases
Bush planes have strict soft-bag requirements (15–20 kg max)
Bright white or blue clothing
Attracts tsetse flies — stick to earthy neutrals
Military / camouflage patterns
Illegal to wear in several African countries
Expensive jewellery
Unnecessary risk — leave valuables at home
Excessive luggage
Most lodges offer laundry — pack for 3–4 days and repeat
Strong perfumes / colognes
Can attract insects and disturb wildlife
Plastic bags
Banned in Kenya and Rwanda — use reusable alternatives
Drone
Illegal in most national parks without special permits
Safari Packing FAQ
What type of luggage should I use on safari?
Use a soft-sided duffel bag for bush flights (15–20 kg weight limit strictly enforced). Hard-shell suitcases cannot fit in small bush planes. For road safaris, you have more flexibility but a collapsible duffel is still recommended.
What colours should I wear on safari?
Wear neutral, earthy colours like khaki, olive, tan, and brown. Avoid bright white (attracts tsetse flies), bright blue, and military camouflage patterns (illegal in several African countries). Neutral colours blend with the environment and are less likely to startle wildlife.
Do I need malaria medication for an East African safari?
Yes, anti-malaria medication is strongly recommended for safaris in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda. Consult your travel doctor 6–8 weeks before departure, as some medications need to be started 1–2 weeks in advance. Bring insect repellent with 30%+ DEET as well.
How much should I pack for a safari?
Pack for 3–4 days and repeat. Most safari lodges and tented camps offer same-day laundry service, so you don't need a full wardrobe. Focus on layers — mornings can be 5–8°C but afternoons reach 30°C+.
What camera gear do I need for safari?
Bring a camera with a 200–400mm zoom lens for wildlife and a wide-angle lens for landscapes. Pack extra memory cards (64GB+), spare batteries (cold mornings drain them faster), a dust-proof camera bag, and a bean bag or mini tripod for steady shots from the vehicle window.
Can I bring a drone on safari?
Drones are illegal in most East African national parks and game reserves without special permits, which are very difficult to obtain. Leave your drone at home to avoid confiscation and fines.
Remember the Golden Rule
Pack for 3–4 days. Lodges do laundry. Less is more on safari!
Plan Your Safari
Everything you need to plan your dream East African adventure