The toughest part of packing for a safari? Not overpacking! Many people bring too many clothes, imagining more outfit changes than they’ll make. The truth is, you’ll often be busy on safari, returning late from game drives, or won’t feel the need to change for dinner.

Definitely! You might wear a dress at some of the more elegant, owner-hosted camps, but you usually don’t need to dress up for dinner on safari. It’s far more relaxed than you’d expect. My secret to “dressing” for dinner is simply adding a few extra bangles or a beautiful Maasai beaded necklace!

Kenya and Tanzania are often called the lands of eternal spring, boasting consistent weather all year. While Southern Africa sees more variation, it’s rarely scorching here.

For those cooler 6 AM game drives, pack just one or two pairs of shorts, as you likely won’t wear them then. Convertible pants are also a smart choice! Beyond that, include one or two casual skirts, one dress, and fill the rest of your luggage with army green and khakis.

Does your safari wardrobe have to be head-to-toe khaki? Absolutely not! But will you feel right at home, blending in like a true local? Yes, you absolutely will.

There’s a reason all the seasoned safari veterans in Africa swear by khaki. Beyond looking the part, there’s a practical side: walking safari guides will strongly advise against bright colors. Studies have consistently shown that animals easily spot vibrant hues. In East Africa, for instance, lions are known to instinctively shy away from red, perceiving it as a Maasai warrior approaching with a spear. So, while not mandatory, embracing those earthy tones is definitely a smart move for a more authentic and less disruptive wildlife experience.

Navigating a safari vehicle with a purse and camera can be a real juggle. That’s why I always bring a collapsible bag or backpack to keep everything in one tidy spot on the floor. And a neck cord for my sunglasses? Absolutely essential!

When it comes to safari shoes, quality trumps quantity. For those hours spent in the vehicle, comfort is paramount, and you’ll want footwear you can easily slip on and off—especially when popping up to spot lions. Think clogs; they’re a lifesaver. While you won’t always need serious walking boots, hard soles are non-negotiable; an acacia thorn can puncture a sneaker sole with surprising ease.

Not only will you find yourself rolling your clothes, but you’ll likely become a huge fan of stuff sacks. These are easy to find, even on Amazon, and they last forever. You can organize everything into color-coded sacks—blue for your socks, red for your underwear, and so on. This makes it incredibly simple to find what you need, even in a small space. You’ll learn this trick if you travel with children: three days into a trip, their suitcases look like a hurricane hit, and you’ll spend forever repacking just to get everything to fit again!

Our secret for electronics? It’s brilliantly simple. Every single cord and charger gets its own designated stuff sack – we like a vibrant yellow, symbolizing pure power! What’s truly non-negotiable for our travels is a reliable power strip. Do you know how hotel outlets are always in the most awkward places? This way, you streamline everything, avoid forgetting stray cables, and only need one adapter for the wall.

Here’s the secret to a successful safari shopping spree: pack light! After you’ve got everything ready, make a conscious effort to remove at least one item from each category in your luggage. Why? Because you’ll want that precious space for the treasures you’ll find.

The real gems are waiting in Nairobi and Arusha. These vibrant hubs are where you’ll discover an astonishing array of colorful jewelry, captivating art, and one-of-a-kind creations crafted by local artisans and skilled tribespeople. It’s a marketplace unlike any other, brimming with authentic finds.

And trust us on this: you’ll never regret what you bought, only what you left behind!