Your Essential African Safari Packing List (And What to Leave Behind)

This month I’m traveling to Botswana and Mauritius for my honeymoon. And while I couldn’t be more excited for the trip, it’s definitely one of my most difficult travel packing challenges yet.

I’m already a fan of minimalist packing, but the strict size and weight restrictions for this safari are next level. Adding beach clothes to my African safari packing list makes things even more complicated. But with a few multitasking items and a lot of organization, it’s totally possible. Here are my packing tips and list for a 5-day safari.

African safari packing list tips:

Best safari travel bags
Safari clothing dos and don’ts
Essential items
Toiletry checklist
What to wear on safari
Camera and tech list
What not to bring

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Best safari travel bags

Unlike the safari I went on in South Africa’s Kruger National Park, for this Botswana safari we’ll be flying to our lodge on a small bush plane, which means must bring a soft-sided duffle bag with a 20 kg (44 lbs) weight limit.

Always check with your transportation carrier, but as a general rule think soft-sided (aka no wheels or frame) and carry-on size for the small charter flights to remote lodges.

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Safari clothing dos and don’ts

Wearing the proper clothes is a good rule of thumb, especially if you’ll be going on bushwalks. If you’re only going on game drives in a vehicle, you can be less strict. Just still be mindful—no need to wear neon in the bush.

Do blend in | When it comes to safari clothes, neutral colors are your friend. Think muted khaki, beige, gray, clay and green. Stay away from black and blue (attracts tsetse flies), white (gets dirty), red and any other brights (deter animals) and avoid camouflage in Southern Africa (especially Zimbabwe where it’s prohibited).

Don’t expect warm weather all the time | Always research the weather at your destination for the time you are traveling. Believe it or not, most of Africa gets rainy and cold at various parts of the day and year depending on the region.

Do pack layers | Speaking of weather, you’ll want to pack layers as your game drives will be in the early morning and evening, and most likely in an open-air safari vehicle. It can be chilly, even in the summer months, and downright cold in the winter. Even if it’s not chilly, long pants and shirts will help protect you against insects and bug bites.

Don’t overthink it | Unless you’re camping off the grid for long periods of time, you don’t need to pack to much survival gear or extreme outdoorsman type clothing. Many safari lodges will have laundry services, so keep it minimal and pack for a just a few days, even on longer trips.

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Travel essentials

Don’t forget these Africa travel basics.

□ Passport with plenty of empty pages. Many African countries require at least 2 blank pages
□ Visa (if needed)
□ Travel insurance
□ Yellow fever vaccination proof (if needed)
□ Printed flight and accommodation info
□ Cash for tips and small purchases (US dollars are widely accepted)
□ Any medications you take regularly
□ Malaria medication (as prescribed by your doctor)
□ E-reader or book to read at the camp
□ Travel journal and pen

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Toiletry checklist

You’ll definitely want to keep your safari toiletry list as paired down as possible. Accommodations range from ultra-budget to ultra-luxury so plan accordingly. You can always contact your lodge to see what they provide.

Tip: Many countries in Africa have made disposable plastic bags illegal. You may be fined for carrying one in checked or hand luggage.

□ Clear, reusable toiletry bag
□ Sunscreen
□ Insect repellent with DEET for malaria zones
□ Small First Aid kit with Band-Aids, pain reliever, diarrhea medication, antihistamine cream or lavender essential oil for bites and motion sickness bands
□ Shampoo, conditioner + body wash (solid formulas are eco-friendly and perfect for travel)
□ Dry shampoo
□ Body moisturizer
□ Deodorant
□ Toothbrush / toothpaste
□ Face wash/makeup remover
□ Face serum/moisturizer
□ Lip balm
□ Minimal makeup
□ Feminine supplies
□ Probiotics (take before, during and after your trip for stomach protection)
□ Hand sanitizer or wipes
□ Eye mask and earplugs

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What to wear on safari

You’ll want to think in two categories: game drives/bush walks and hanging out at the lodge. In general, safaris are casual affairs, although you might want to feel a little more put together come time for dinner and drinks, so keep that in mind.

□ 2 pairs of lightweight bottoms
□ 1 pair of shorts
□ 1 dress or skirt
□ 2 long sleeve shirts
□ 3 short sleeve or tank top shirts
□ 1 light weatherproof jacket
□ 1 scarf, pashmina or a fleece
□ 1 sports bra (it gets bouncy out there!)
□ 1 swimsuit
□ Pajamas
□ Socks and underwear
□ Walking shoes
□ Sandals or flip-flops for the lodge
□ Sunglasses
□ Hat that won’t fly off in the wind

1. Jumpsuit // 2. Dress // 3. Gray tee // 4. Fleece zip-up // 5. Wrap shirt // 6. Sneakers // 7. Hat // 8. Sunglasses // 9. Shorts // 10. Wide-leg crop pants // 11. Midi skirt // 12. Sandals 13. Backpack

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Camera and tech list

Of course, you’ll want to take lots of beautiful safari photos. Don’t forget—your camera gear will count towards your luggage weight allowance, so pack as light as possible.

□ Camera (I love my Sony XT20 mirrorless because it’s small and light)
□ Camera lenses (try to bring a telephoto lens for distant wildlife)
□ Multiple SD cards
□ Extra camera batteries
□ Phone or Go Pro for those quick shots and videos
□ Chargers
□ Binoculars
□ Tech wipes for wiping off dust and dirt
□ Outlet adapters
□ Small power strip to charge more than one item at once
□ Waterproof bag for camera gear (not plastic, see tip above)

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What not to bring

You’ll want to leave these items off your African safari packing list.

□ Plastic disposable bags (check to see if your destination has banned them)
□ US dollars printed before 2006 (yes, this is a thing)
□ High heels or any uncomfortable shoes
□ Formal wear
□ Hair dryer
□ Umbrella (stick to ponchos or a rain jacket)
□ Drones (they’ll illegal in most parks)

Going on an African safari is a trip of a lifetime. Hopefully, these packing tips will help you enjoy your time and look good doing it.