Packing for a safari is simpler than you might think: comfortable, practical clothing in neutral colours and a few key pieces of gear.
Clothing
- Lightweight shirts and trousers in khaki, olive or beige (avoid dark blue and black, which attract tsetse flies)
- A warm fleece or jacket — early mornings in open vehicles are cold
- A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
- Comfortable walking shoes and sandals
- Swimwear for lodge pools
Gear
- Binoculars — ideally one pair per person
- Camera with a zoom lens, spare batteries and memory cards
- Headlamp or torch
- High-SPF sunscreen, lip balm and insect repellent
- Personal medication and a small first-aid kit
Luggage
If your itinerary includes light-aircraft flights, luggage is usually limited to 15 kg per person, including hand luggage, in soft-sided bags.
Extras
Gorilla trekking: waterproof boots, gaiters, rain jacket and gardening gloves. Ethiopia: modest clothing and socks for church visits. Beach: reef-safe sunscreen and snorkel mask.
