Safari tips
What to pack for an East African safari
October 2026 · 5 min read
Clothing that works in the bush
Think neutral colours — khaki, olive, grey, brown — which reflect less heat, hide dust, and disturb wildlife less than bright fabric. Long sleeves and long trousers do double duty against sun and insects. Mornings on an open vehicle are genuinely cold, so bring a fleece or warm jacket you can peel off as the day heats up.
Pack soft-sided duffels rather than hard cases when your itinerary includes light aircraft; luggage space is limited and weight limits are strict. Two pairs of comfortable shoes are plenty.
Sun, health and comfort
- High-SPF sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses — the equatorial sun is stronger than it feels on a cloudy morning.
- A refillable water bottle; camps provide safe drinking water.
- Personal medication in your carry-on, plus a small first-aid kit for the basics.
- Insect repellent for dawn and dusk.
- Talk to a travel clinic before you fly about malaria prevention and any vaccinations; requirements differ by route and traveller.
Gear and documents
- Binoculars — ideally one pair per person. A guide's spotting scope is no substitute for your own glass at a leopard in a tree.
- Camera gear: a zoom lens in the 100–400mm range covers most sightings, with spare batteries and cards; dust is everywhere, so bring a soft brush and dry bags.
- A headlamp or torch and a power bank; campsites and some tented camps have limited charging windows.
- A passport valid for at least six months, and the right visa or electronic travel authorisation for Kenya and Tanzania — entry rules change, so check the official government sources for your nationality before you fly.
What not to bring
Leave camouflage-patterned clothing (restricted in some parks), single-use plastic where it is banned, and anything you would grieve losing to dust. Pack light — the bush rewards travellers who bring curiosity over cargo.
