Clothing and Footwear

The ideal time to visit most African safari destinations, such as Kenya, is during the dry season (June-Oct) when the weather is warm. Pack lightweight and breathable clothing for safari and don’t forget for game drives you need wear appropriate neutral colours  – sand, beige, brown etc. a swimsuit will also be handy since you can chill in the afternoon before heading out on the evening game drive.

You should take along a comfortable and worn in pair of hiking boots or closed-toe shoes. It can be cold in the early mornings or evenings during the winter months of June, July and August, so you should pack additional layers, such as a fleece plus a beanie for cold winter mornings. If you are visiting during the rainy season, take a good rain jacket, as the weather can be unpredictable during these times and there often big downpours.

 

Personal Hygiene and Toiletries

It’s necessary to pack personal hygiene essentials and toiletries. Many African safari lodges and camps will provide basic amenities such as soap and shampoo, but it’s always a good idea to pack your own. You should take essentials such as toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant, and wet wipes in a small travel-sized toiletry kit. Insect repellent will also be very useful in keeping the bugs at bay.

Don’t forget to take sunscreen, it is especially necessary as you will be exposed on the morning and afternoon game drives.

 

Electronic Devices

Spare batteries, memory cards, travel adapters and chargers are critical for a safari.  A phone is a must-have for communication and having access to information on the go. However, keep in mind that some locations might not have service.  Make sure roaming is activated when you are travelling.  When on game drives make sure that your phones are set to silent – you wouldn’t want to ruin an intimate viewing experience with a ringing phone.

 

Camera and Binoculars

A camera or a binoculars are all great bits of equipment that can help to enhance your safari experience. Consider investing in a good-quality camera that you can take stunning wildlife pictures with. Having a good zoom lens helps you get close to the action, all from a safe distance. You can use the video option of the camera to record a travel diary that you can upload to your social media or save as digital memories. With good-quality binoculars, you will be able to get a close-up look at the African wildlife, in particular birds.



Miscellaneous

You should consider packing the following as well to enhance your African safari experience

 

  • Local currency for tips and small purchases

  • A book or e-book reader for lazy afternoon after game drives

  • Travel docs – passports/IDs, travel itinerary, insurance details.

  • Local SIM card which will be much cheaper than roaming of your service provider