Safari packing guide

Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or embarking on your first African journey, this safari packing guide will ensure you have all the essentials for your trip.

Suggested safari packing list

Long, warm afternoons. Crisp early mornings. Thrilling game drives. Clear nights under a sky full of stars. When it comes to preparing for a safari, packing light and practically is the name of the game. Your wardrobe and gear need to strike the perfect balance between comfort, style, and utility. Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or setting off on your first African journey, this safari packing guide will ensure you have all the essentials – so that you’re ready to embrace the wild in style while staying sun-safe, dust-proof, and rain-ready.

Safari sun hat

Binoculars

Comfortable closed shoes

Camera

Jacket

Suggested clothing: light, comfortable, and practical

Here's what you'll need

 

  • Lightweight, breathable fabrics: Safari clothes should be made from natural fibres such as cotton or linen, as these materials allow your skin to breathe and help regulate body temperature. Synthetic fabrics may trap heat and moisture, making you uncomfortable in the summer heat.
  • Neutral-coloured clothing: Earthy tones like khaki, beige, olive green, and brown are ideal for blending into the environment on safaris. Bright colours and white are not recommended for safaris, and camouflage clothing is generally discouraged for travel in Africa.
  • Layering pieces: Pack a light fleece or long-sleeved shirt for the early morning game drives, as temperatures can be surprisingly chilly. These pieces can easily be layered over your daytime clothes and stowed away as the day heats up.
  • Sun-protective clothing: Long-sleeved shirts, pants, and wide-brimmed hats are advised to protect your skin from the African sun. Some clothing is specially designed with built-in SPF for additional protection.
  • Packable rain jacket: Having a lightweight, waterproof jacket is wise for unexpected showers and water-based activities.
  • Swimwear: Essential for a dip on warm afternoons between game drives or if you plan to go to the spa.
  • Bandana or buff: Especially in dusty, drier regions, a buff helps keep dust off your face, and doubles as sun protection for your neck.
  • Comfortable walking or hiking shoes and thicker socks are recommended especially if you are planning to enjoy a walking safari.

Safari essentials from the Wilderness Store

Packing for a safari is a little different from packing for an ordinary holiday. Though we encourage you to pack light, these are a few non-negotiables you’ll be glad to have on your safari packing list.


From hats to quick-dry safari shirts, to explorer rain pants and jackets, the Wilderness online store apparel is sustainably sourced and guide-approved, designed for any adventure.

 

You’ll also need sturdy, yet soft, safari luggage for flights between camps with Wilderness Air (no frames or rigid structures will be transported on bush flights), as well as a lightweight tote or safari backpack for all those smaller things you need while out and about on game drives and other activities.

 

Naturally, we’ve thought ahead, and together with our friends at Sealand, created a limited-edition collection of handmade upcycled gear to suit every kind of wild. Available in three colourways, each bag is sturdy and weather-resistant, made from recycled nylon waste, built to be resistant to ripping and tearing, and guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Buy our branded gear

Essential safari gear

Summer or winter, your safari experience is all about observing wildlife in its natural habitat and being able to see and capture details up close.

  • Binoculars: A good pair of binoculars is a game-changer on safari, allowing you to spot animals from a distance and observe them more closely. Look for compact, lightweight options with a magnification range of around 8x or 10x.
  • Camera (and extra memory cards): If you're keen to capture the incredible moments you’ll encounter, a camera is a must. Whether it's a DSLR, mirrorless camera, or a quality smartphone, pack or buy extra online storage, memory cards and batteries, as you’ll be snapping away more than you think!
  • Waterproof drybag: This is great for protecting your gear from the elements. A small drybag can also help keep out the dust, which is a common issue on open-air game drives.

What to pack for a gorilla trek

A journey in the Land of a Thousand Hills is unlike anything else you’ll experience on this exceptional continent. It’s no surprise then that it requires a bit of special packing.

Everything you’ll need for gorilla trekking in Rwanda

Safari packing list for kids

A family safari is one of life’s great adventures, and comfort can make all the difference for young explorers. With a little thoughtful packing, the kids feel more relaxed and the journey becomes easier and calmer, allowing them to fully embrace the sights, sounds, and stories of the wild.

Your guide to packing for young ones

Make a difference & Pack for a Purpose with Travel Elevates

You can support Children in the Wilderness (CITW), the flagship programme of our Impact strategy’s Educate pillar, by leaving some space in your luggage to bring essential supplies for children living in communities near our camps. CITW’s primary aim is to bridge the divide between communities and wildlife, empowering young learners with the life-skills and know-how to become future guardians of Africa’s precious wilderness areas.

 

The most needed items include book bags and school stationery, solar lanterns and any educational tools. Personal hygiene products are also greatly appreciated as are items like soccer balls, flattened for packing. Drop off your donations at your Wilderness camp and make room for safari souvenirs!

Pack for a Purpose for children in over 60 countries

Our downloadable packing list

Download our handy guide of items to use as a guideline whilst packing for your safari.

Suggested packing list

Need some more help?

A Travel Designer is ready to answer any of your questions.

Let us guide you
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Let’s plan your next journey

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When we say we’re there every step of the way, we mean it, literally. From planning the perfect circuit, to private inter-camp transfers on Wilderness Air, and easing you through Customs. We’re with you on the ground, at your side, 24-7, from start to finish. Ready to take the road less travelled? Contact our Travel Designers to plan an unforgettable journey.