Complete Safari Packing List: Easy Guide 2 What to Pack for African Safaris

This Complete Safari Packing List tells you exactly what to pack for African Safaris on a budget. Our easy guide on what to pack for safari trips provides an essential safari packing list ideal for planning your first safari in Africa, honing your packing skills, or packing on a budget, in a hurry.

Safari Packing Lists for African Safaris on a budget

1. Essential Safari Packing List - the must-haves
2. Important Items to Pack for African Safaris - don't forget 
3. What to Wear on an African Safari - clothes to pack
4. Recommended for Your Safari Packing List - good to have
5. Useful Things to Pack for Safaris in Africa - handy items
6. Do NOT Pack for Safari Trips - leave at home
7. Nice to Have on Safari in Africa - nice-to-have items
8. Safari Packing List for Gifts & Donations - things to give
9. Africa Safari Packing List Tips - how to pack

Let's start with the essential items to pack for safari trips before we go into more details (like the nice-to-haves, what to wear on an African safari, packing no-nos, and more).

1. ESSENTIAL SAFARI PACKING LIST 

These are the most important things to take on safari with you. You do NOT want to forget to pack these items. In fact, you won't be going anywhere without some of them.

1. Passport with all the required visas for every country your African safari travels to and through.

2. Some cash and bank cards (Forex and/or Credit Card). You can also use e-wallet apps these days to avoid carrying cards and cash.

3. Air tickets and travel vouchers for any pre-booked safari tours.

4. Vaccination certificates (yellow fever, COVID etc) where required. Some vaccinations need to be taken well in advance (see Vaccinations needed for your African Safari)

5. Medication: malaria prophylactics if advised (see Malaria Made Simple) and any personal medication (also take your prescription in case of an emergency - your medication gets lost, wet, eaten by a baboon, etc)

6. Travel insurance policy details. Your policy number and the contact details for claims and emergencies. (Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for African safari bookings).

7. Cell phone. Most globetrotters travel with a smartphone to stay in touch with family and friends, connect to Wi-Fi, and for emergencies.

8. Copies of your important documents: as a precaution take a copy of your air tickets, travel insurance policy, vaccinations, visas, prescriptions, and passport. 

9. A hard copy of your most important contact numbers in case you lose your phone.

Top Safari Packing Tips for Essential Travel Items

#1: Pack your essential documents (#1 to #7) separately to your copies of these important documents (#9) rather than putting all of your 'eggs' in one 'basket' (i.e. a piece of luggage).

#2: Keep your essential documents on you (think fanny pack/moon bag, man bag, cargo pants) or in your day bag which you keep with you. Don't pack your essential documents in your main luggage as baggage does go missing sometimes. 

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2. IMPORTANT ITEMS TO PACK FOR AFRICAN SAFARIS

Take the following items from the safari packing list with you for the best African safari experience. These are the things to pack for a happy safari trip.

1. Sun Protection:

• Sunblock - an eco-friendly 30 SPF (or higher) sunscreen.
• A sun hat. Avoid the floppy straw hat, as experience has shown that you'll spend more time clutching onto it than the shade is worth! 
• Sunglasses are excellent for keeping dust and small flying insects out of your eyes, as well as the blazing African sun.

2. Insect Repellents:

• ECO-FRIENDLY insect repelling lotion or body spray/mist and ECO-FRIENDLY insect spray or citronella products to deter the critters.

3. Head Torch:

• Torch or headtorch. Take a light source for around camp and for getting to/from the safari vehicle on night drives without stepping on any wild animals' toes. It gets really dark out in the bush at night so you need a light source to navigate your way after dark. The headtorch is best as it leaves your hands free to do stuff.

4. Day backpack: 

• A bag for day trips and excursions will come in very handy (a real must on the safari packing list).
• You may want to take a money belt (also known as a moon bag, fanny pack, and bum bag) for travel in cities.

5. Hand sanitizer & a facemask:

• Hand sanitiser (spray or gel) has become an important item to pack for safaris, as with all travel, due to Covid-19. Most places you go will have hand sanitiser but it is best to carry your own just to be safe.
• Sanitizer is great for keeping fresh and healthy on the road, especially if access to clean water is limited. Wet wipes are also handy but less eco-friendly so use them sparingly.
• In most African countries it is mandatory to wear a facemask in public, as is the case in airports and most countries in the world at present.

Safari Packing Tips for Important Items

#1. When it comes to choosing a sun hat, go with functionality over form. Take a snug-fitting peak or one of those typical safari hats that compliment khaki shorts and protect your neck too. A round-brim hat with a drawcord to keep your hat on in windy conditions is best.

#2. Insect repellent does NOT replace the need for anti-malaria medication! Packing insect repellents is recommended in conjunction with malaria prophylaxis, especially in high-risk malaria areas. Not getting bitten and bugged by mosquitoes also makes travelling far more pleasant, but taking anti-malaria medication is the most essential part so check if you need to take precautions well in advance (See Malaria Made Simple). 

#3. Headlamps are ideal as you still have both hands free to do stuff. Plus you can get headlamps with red lights for watching nocturnal animals without chasing them away. (Remember extra batteries or get a USB rechargeable headtorch and remember to pack the charging cable).

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3. WHAT TO WEAR ON AN AFRICAN SAFARI - CLOTHES TO PACK 

Knowing what to wear on safari is important because it will affect your levels of comfort. The overall recommendation is to pack clothes that are comfortable, durable, and functional. 

• A lightweight long-sleeved shirt or two - these keep the sun and insects out and help you stay warm during cool morning and evening periods.
• Closed shoes (again, comfortable) - for walking in the bush or in wet conditions. You don't need Doc Martens or army boots, just worn-in, comfortable, and sensible footwear. Leave the platforms and high-heels at home.
• Open shoes - lightweight, slip-on shoes for around camp and at the pool and beach. Avoid heels.

• Long pants and/or shorts - I recommend long pants to protect your legs from scratchy bushes (if walking in the wild) and insect or tick bites. 
• A jacket - usually a lightweight, rainproof jacket will be enough for cool nights unless you're heading to more mountainous and colder areas (check seasons and ask your travel advisor).
• Take natural and light-coloured clothing - avoid the glaring primary and neon colours that get you spotted first. Black garments will get you baking in the sun, while white clothes will create glare and become brownish soon anyway. Camo wear isn't necessary, just go with neutral tones.
• If you're travelling to places with distinct wet seasons during the rainy months go prepared - waterproof shoes and a rainjacket etc.

Safari Packing Tips for Clothes on Safari

#1. Pack light. Don't overdo it when packing clothes for your safari!

#2. Activewear and outdoor clothing and gear will serve you well on safari in Africa. Think, comfortable, breathable, and long-lasting.

#3. Avoid bright primary colours and neons. Opt for muted tones (beige, khaki, pastel green, light blue, etc) instead. 

#4. Remember that some cultures are more conservative than others, so dress respectfully (wear clothes appropriate to the local customs). 

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4. RECOMMENDED FOR YOUR SAFARI PACKING LIST

You'll kick yourself if you forget to take these handy things on the African safari packing list.

• Binoculars - you don't want to wait to share binoculars, because by the time it's your turn the action is often over. Take your own binoculars, even night vision binoculars if you can!

• Digital camera - a Single Lens Reflex (SLR) with memory card ports supporting SD cards, or a smaller Superzoom Camera. It's the size (not too big) and a good zoom lens that counts when choosing what camera to take on safari. 
• Charging devices - The correct plugs or adaptors for the areas your safari visits and all of your chargers, batteries, and device power cables.
• Camera storage devices - enough memory for a bazillion photos! Take extra memory space along.
• A warm hat (aka a beanie) - early mornings and evenings can get chilly, especially on game drives so take a warm hat.

• Toiletries (don't forget sanitary wear). Take biodegradable toiletries with you if your safari travels into the bush, especially to pristine natural areas.
• Swimwear - costumes for refreshing dips in the camp swimming pools, waterfalls, rock pools, lakes, oceans, etc.
• Comfortable shoes. Sensible shoes for walking in - avoid big boots as these are heavy, space-gobblers.
• If you plan on cycling then take light gloves for biking in the sun (top tip from Neil Foulger's safari review)

Safari Packing Tips for Recommended Items

#1. Pack your toiletries and devices in wet bags to ensure that they stay dry. 

#2. Keep your camera in your daypack/on you.

#3. Decant your toiletries into smaller containers to save space (shampoo, conditioner, moisturiser, etc).

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5. USEFUL THINGS TO PACK FOR SAFARIS

• Pocket knife - you'll get lots of neat opportunities to utilize your pocket knife and feel like a real outdoor survivor.
• Wet bags - so handy, you'll keep finding more uses for these as you go. A great way to waterproof items and keep snacks fresh and safe from creatures and the elements.
• Antiseptic cream - a multi-purpose ointment for minor scratches, bites, and burns (like Zam-buk).
• Lip ice - being outdoors in often hot and dry places, lip ice is great for preventing and soothing chapped lips.
• Guides/Apps - to local flora and fauna, for insight and useful information about the wild things you encounter in Africa (see Top 6 Wildlife Apps for your African Safari).
• Sarong or kikoi - always useful when travelling. Used as a scarf, an extra layer for warmth, to keep the sun and mosquitoes off your skin, as a picnic blanket or lightweight towel or small pillow, and more.
• Re-usable shopping bags - handy for carrying things on day trips, boat rides, beach outings, and market visits. Fabric shopping bags are great alternatives to plastic bags which are banned in many African countries.
• Earplugs to block out noise when you need to sleep or zone out.

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6. DO NOT PACK FOR SAFARI TRIPS 

When packing for your safari in Africa do not pack the following:

• single-use plastic. Banned in many countries especially in East Africa.
• unnecessary jewellery and expensive accessories
• items prohibited by airlines, check your airline regulations (seeds, plants, certain foods, etc).
• disposable water bottles. Most safari trucks and lodges have water dispensers for topping up reusable water bottles. Alternatively, buy a big 5 or 10-litre water container and top-up from that along the way.

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7. NICE TO HAVE ON SAFARI IN AFRICA

A few things you will be glad you packed for your safari in Africa (if you have space).

• Lightweight travelling hammock - especially for beach tours and safaris into the bush where you will want to laze in the scenic settings.
• GPS app - you won't get lost with African Budget Safaris but a GPS device or app on your phone is handy for finding local sights and restaurants and keeping track of your journey through Africa.
• Digital camcorder - a small handheld video recorder for making personal and YouTube videos that capture all the action on your trip. 
• A good book, iPod, iPad, or games - to keep you entertained on the road and while waiting for transfers and relaxing on your safari.
• A small diary - for recording your travel experiences and noting down the names of animals/birds sighted on game drives as well as useful local words and phrases.
• Headphones - nice for listening to a soundtrack while you watch the scenery on the road or for falling asleep, as well as for audiobooks.

If your luggage is overloaded it may be better to leave some of the extra items from the safari packing list at home. Remember there are shops in Africa and many safari lodges have small libraries you can use.

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8. SAFARI PACKING LIST FOR GIFTS & DONATIONS

Personally, I am in favour of donating directly to charitable organizations or volunteering in support of good causes. But, if you'd like to give gifts and physical donations to people and places on your safari here are a few suggestions.

• Pens, pencils, notebooks, and colouring pencils 
• Extra clothes or shoes
• Toiletries (soap, toothbrushes, and sanitary pads)
• Small tokens/souvenirs unique to your home country

Some responsible travellers donate their old camping gear, sleeping bag, clothes, and shoes to charity at the end of their safari trips which is another easy way to give back (see Responsible Safari: how to travel ethically).

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9. SAFARI PACKING LIST TIPS

Some easy guidelines on How to Pack for African Safaris.

• Don't overdo it. Packing too much for safaris is a common mistake! If your African safari includes domestic flights between destinations in small fixed-wing planes then your luggage allowance is usually restricted to a weight limit of 15 kg /33 lb (check with your travel advisor).
• Soft bags are recommended as safari luggage. Go with a good quality, hardy duffel bag that is light and secure. Nothing fancy. You can even get soft bags with wheels and handles. Just make sure that your bag can be secured properly with sturdy locks.
• When going on a guided group safari (like many tours with African Budget Safaris), you don't need to worry about the emergency first-aid kit and most of your meals are included in the tour price.
• Your guides know where to stop for supplies and can get hold of the most important things, if and when you are caught unprepared.
• Towels, bedding/sleeping bags, and basic toiletries may be provided as part of your safari tour - check when booking your safari.
• Remember not to pack your valuables into your main luggage (stored in the baggage compartment of the plane) when flying as bags do go missing at times. 

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There you have it - the Complete Safari Packing List for the best African safari on a budget. Oh, and one more thing... Don't forget to bring a healthy sense of adventure with you to Africa : )

If you have any essentials or nice-to-have items to add to our Easy Guide on What to Pack for African Safaris, we would love to know! 

Talk to a safari pro for travel advice and tips on planning your African safari. And, let's get packing!