What To Pack For An African Safari (+ What to Leave at Home)

Not sure what to pack for an African Safari? We’ve got your complete list!

You’re going on an African safari? Hurray – I’m so excited for you!! Here’s what you need to know about what to pack for an African Safari, based on my personal experience as a safari goer, and as a world traveler. I pack for so many different types of travel, I’ve learned a few tips and tricks along the way!

We all are guilty sometimes of packing items “in case” we might need them. But the more I travel, the more I realize I don’t need all those extra things. This guide will tell you exactly what you need for a safari adventure, and what to leave at home.

Bill and I did a 9-day safari in Northern Tanzania in July/August (the Dry Season). With travel days, plus some additional days in Arusha before and after the safari, our total trip was 16 days. Your packing list may vary if you go at a different time of year, or if you do a different type of safari.

What To Pack For An African Safari

Luggage + Backpacks

The very first thing to decide about what to pack for an African safari is what type of luggage to use.

The Safari providers will tell you to bring a soft-sided duffle bag, not a hard-sided wheeled suitcase, because duffle bags are much easier to fit in the safari truck.

Duffle Bags

• Bill used the big red duffle bag shown above: Eagle Creek “No Matter What^TM Duffel LARGE (110 L, 30” x 15” x 14”). It has TONS of room and when not in use, it folds up into a small pouch for storage.

• I carried the royal blue: Everest Sporty Gear Bag (56 L, 25” x 12” x 12”) – it had plenty of room, big pockets and a long strap.
  
  Next time, I might use this smaller version: Everest Crossover Duffel Bag

Backpacks

• The High Sierra Swoop SG Backpack – I love this backpack! It holds a ton of stuff, and there are lots of pockets and compartments to keep things organized, even a laptop sleeve.
  
  The padded straps make it super comfortable to wear, even when it’s fully loaded.  
  
  I use it on longer trips as my carry-on luggage, and I used it for our daily game drives while on safari.

• We also took the Venture Pal 35L Ultralight Lightweight Foldable Backpack. Lots of pockets for keeping things organized. It’s a great day-trip bag that folds up really small. It’s also the one we use at home for hiking and bird-watching.

Luggage Accessories

Packing Cubes – We both like to use packing cubes (and lots of clear Zip-lock bags!) to keep things organized within our luggage.

• Bill likes the LeanTravel Compression Packing Cubes for their sturdy construction.
• We also use smaller clear toiletry bags for things like medicine, cooking spices and charging cables.

• BAGSMART Compression Packing Cubes – I bought this 6 piece set for our trip around the world. They worked great and saved me a ton of space in my luggage.

• Luggage Scale – make sure your luggage is within weight limits before flying.

Clothing + Shoes

The next thing to decide about what to pack for an African Safari, is what clothes should you bring and wear?

TIP #1 – Dress In Layers! It can be chilly, or even downright cold, when you first head out in the morning. This was especially true at the Ngorongoro Crater.

It usually warms up during the day once the sun is shining. Most days, we wore shorts and t-shirts. But having pants and a jacket / sweatshirt in the morning, or for the sundowner at the end of the day, was often needed.

TIP #2 – Function over Fashion – I like travel clothing that is functional, comfortable and makes it easy to enjoy my experience. I like having lots of pockets, and I like my clothes to be lightweight and breathable. Pretty much everyone we saw on Safari was wearing casual pants or shorts, and plain t-shirts.

TIP #3 – Neutral Colors – The goal is to “blend in” with nature and not stand out in any way that makes the animals be disturbed or bothered by your presence.

So earthy colors like brown, khaki, green, olive and cream all work really well. Avoid bright colors like red, yellow, orange, pink, or busy patterns – those might cause the animals to move farther away from you.

What we brought for clothes and shoes

• 1 pair long pants – The Baleaf long black Pants are my absolute favorite travel pants – lots of pockets, quick drying, water resistant
• 1 pair thin leggings – in case I needed to layer at night
• 1 pair 5 pocket denim shorts – because I like lots of pockets
• 3 long-sleeve shirts – either t-shirts or button up fishing shirts
• 3 short-sleeve t-shirts
• 1 tank top – in case it got hot
• 5 pair underwear
• 2 supportive bras
• 5 pair socks
• 1 pair Tennis Shoes
• 1 pair Kean’s Sandals – in case we had to cross a muddy area
• 1 Raincoat
• 1 pull-over fleece sweatshirt
• 1 zip-up fleece jacket
• Knit hat and gloves – there was one cold morning in the Ngorongoro Crater when I was glad I had the gloves handy!
• Swimsuit – If your lodges have a pool. But know that Tanzania is a very conservative country so choose one that is more modest than revealing.

• Sun hat – I love mine because it folds up small and protects me from the sun. Charis, is stylish in her safari hat too. Bill wore a baseball hat much of the time.

KARI’S TIP: We did laundry a couple of times (in the shower using shampoo). Some of the camps/lodges offer laundry service for a fee.

KARI’S TIP: Ladies, you most definitely want to wear a good supportive bra while on the bouncy roads! Trust me, your girls will thank you later. 😊

What’s a Tanzania safari really like? Learn more about our 9-day safari experience.

Cameras + Technology

Now for the fun stuff – capturing images and memories! As a travel photographer, this is the most important part to me.

Your list of what to pack for an African safari should include tools such as cameras and binoculars to see the animals, plus a way to record everything you see and experience.

Binoculars

• We are blessed to have a really good pair of Swarovski binoculars that have been all over the world with us. They are a steep investment, but if you’re going to be traveling more in the future, it’s one worth considering.

• For less expensive binoculars, Travel and Leisure magazine recommends this pair or this pair.
• REI has great information about how to choose a pair of binoculars.

Cameras

• My camera – The Canon Powershot SX70 HS is a point and shoot camera with a fantastic zoom (65x optical, 130x digital) and great photo quality (20.3 Megapixels).
  
  As a travel photographer, I chose this camera after considering many factors. Honestly, I love this camera almost as much as I love Bill! 😊LOL

• Bill’s Camera – The Canon 7D Camera with a 100-400mm lens and a 24-105mm lens. His camera equipment is excellent, but it’s also quite heavy to carry.
  
  Thankfully, Bill loves me more than he loves his camera. 😊

KARI’S TIP: I highly recommend using a camera with the best zoom you can afford. Cell phones are great for shooting scenery, but not for getting close ups of animals 100′ away.

Take Amazing Pictures on Safari – Easy Safari Photo Tips

Camera Accessories

If we travel for extended periods, then I don’t have room in my luggage for a big bag full of camera accessories. I go down to the bare essentials and use a plastic quart sized Ziplock to carry them in. Here’s what I bring:

• 8 Camera Batteries – My camera uses LP-E12 batteries. I have two small ziplock bags to keep the dead batteries from the good ones.

• Battery chargers – For Tanzania, I knew we’d have pretty limited access to electricity. With this dual charger, I could charge two batteries at once.

• 128 GB SD Cards – It would be not cool if I ran out of space on my memory card just as the elephant was approaching, right? So I use an 128 GB SD card, and I brought 2 back ups, for just in case.

• Card Reader – At night, I use a plug-in card reader to back up the photos and videos off my SD card to my laptop. This way, I will still have all my pictures if my camera got damaged, fell down a cliff or was stolen.

• Lens cover and lens cloths – I always have extra lens covers with me and several lens cloths.

• Camera Strap – The padding on this camera strap makes it very comfortable around my neck, even for a full day of shooting.
  
  Even better, the 2 zippered pockets hold additional batteries. So I don’t need to carry any more beyond that when I’m out shooting all day.

• Rainsleeve Plastic Protector – This is my newest addition to my camera accessory bag. This plastic sleeve keeps the body of the camera safe from both rain and dust, while still allowing me to to keep shooting. During the dry season, it’s VERY dusty in Tanzania so you need to be sure to protect your camera equipment.

Check out all the best videos and photos in our Safari Album

Computers & Charging Cables

• Laptop – Every night, I use my favorite Acer Swift 3 laptop to back up my photos and document the highlights of the day. Thin and light with a 14″ touchscreen, it’s easy to type on and doesn’t take up much room in my backpack.
• iPad – Bill uses his iPad to check email, watch movies and track our budget.
• Travel Plug Adapter Kit – Bill uses the Ceptics Travel Power Strip and I have the Ceptics Universal Travel Adapter Kit. Each has two electrical outlets, at least one USB port (mine has two) and 6 different international plugs. You definitely need one of these on your list of what to pack for an African safari.

• Power Bank – We were supposed to have charging capabilities in our Safari vehicle, but the outlets weren’t working. Good thing Bill brought his Imuto power bank so I could charge my phone during the day!

KARI’S TIP: Some lodges only have electricity available during certain hours. Start charging your camera batteries and phone as soon as you check in before they turn the power off at 9:00 or 10:00 PM.

Airalo eSim

I always buy Airalo eSims when we travel internationally because I don’t have an international plan on my cell phone. Here, I bought a Tanzania specific one with 2GB and 15 days for $8. I topped it off with another 1GB when our flights home got canceled and we ended up staying 2 more days.

If you are going to visit other countries in Africa, they also have a regional eSim called Hello Africa that covers 36 countries. I’ve used similar plans in Europe and Southeast Asia. Then you don’t need to buy a new one every time you switch countries. Learn more here

What To Expect On A Safari in Tanzania – 12 Helpful Things to Know

Gadgets + Gear

There are several other items that should be on your list of what to pack for an African safari to make the game drive more pleasant or to provide weather protection.

• Sunglasses
• Umbrella – small and compact
• Mosquito Netting Head Cover
• Face Mask – to protect from breathing all the dust when in the bush
• Cloth Bandana – for wiping sweat off my face, for making a head-band, for drenching in water to wrap around my neck to cool off
• Small Flashlight/Headlamps – for finding things in the dark lodging rooms or making your way to the toilet. This one is small, but powerful.
• Bug Spray/Mosquito Repellent
• Glasses Lens cleaners for all the dust – I used them several times a day 
• Silk Sleep Sheet – to be used when you’re not sure how clean the bed sheets are. Every place we stayed at was clean!
• Microfiber Towel – sometimes the lodging doesn’t provide any towels
• Compression Socks – for the long plane rides
• Sarong – Can be used as a wrap, beach blanket, towel, or folded up to be a pillow

Toiletries + Meds

Next on your list of what to pack for an African Safari is your personal medications and toiletries. Besides your normal toiletry items, here are some things we recommend adding to your list:

• Prescription Medications – see note below
• Sunscreen – Super Important! In the dry season, the sun is almost always shining
• Aleve / Advil – I really needed it after all the bouncing in the safari vehicle (see #8)
• Melatonin – to help get over jet lag
• Diarrhea medication / Antacids
• Motion Sickness medications – If you are prone to getting car sick, recommend something like non-drowsy Dramamine
• Eye Drops or Visine – it’s dry and dusty
• Zyrtec – for dust and allergies
• Travel Hairdryer – make sure it’s dual voltage one
• Shampoo – was not often provided at the lodges
• Lotion – was not ever provided at the lodges
• Bar Soap – most camps offered some kind of soap, but we brought our own
• Wet Wipes – for wiping down all the dust that gets on everything (see #9)

KARI’S TIP: Here’s my post about How to Travel with Meds, including tips about packing and going through TSA.

KARI’S TIP: Check with your personal physician about any vaccinations needed. If you are bringing prescription medications, have a note from your doctor when you go through Immigration upon arrival.

KARI’S TIP: Once you leave Arusha, there are no stores available to purchase things on safari. Bring it all with you.

Documents + Money

• US Passport – with at least 6 months left on it at the end of your safari trip. We used it at all the airports of course, and when checking in to some of the camps/lodges.
• Visa documentation – Americans need a Visa to enter the United Republic of Tanzania. We applied and paid for ours online a month before we left. Bring the printout of your approval to turn in at Immigration when you get off the plane. Cost in July 2024 was $101.50/per person USD. More info available here
• Credit Cards – your main one, and another one hidden deep inside your luggage
• Driver’s License – as a second form of ID
• American Money – $ USD – Since most things are included in your safari package, you only need cash for tips, drinks at the lodge/camp, laundry, etc. Learn more here
• Prescriptions – bring a paper copy of all your prescriptions for medication. We also carry our vaccination documents, but no one has asked for them in the last 2+ years.

KARI’S TIP: Theft is a huge problem in some parts of Africa. While in Tanzania, we never felt unsafe. But I also wouldn’t carry all your cash on you when walking around. Keep most of it hidden deep inside your luggage, or split between different pieces of luggage.

KARI’S TIP: American money (US dollars) is widely accepted in Tanzania. We never got any Tanzanian shillings during our time there. We either used our credit cards or paid in USD.

Read detailed descriptions about our safari experience here – including our lodging, the food, the animals, the costs, etc.

What NOT To Pack For Safari

These items appear on many other recommended pack lists for Africa, but are unnecessary in our opinion. Here’s why:

• Neck pillow for the long plane rides – takes up too much room in your luggage for a limited time of use. Ask the airline for a second pillow if you need one.
• Water Bottles – Bottled water is provided everywhere in Africa because you can’t drink the tap water.
• Notebook/Pen – I took notes on my phone instead.
• Jewelry – Theft is a concern in many parts of Africa. Plus, in the picnic areas at the parks, sometimes the monkeys like to swoop in to grab earrings or other “bright shiny objects”.
• Purse – Since we didn’t spend any money once the safari started, it’s unnecessary to bring a purse. However, this is the one I bought and used for our trip around the world and I really love it.
• Printed Guidebook of the Animals – Our Guide provided all the facts we needed about the animals and birds that we saw.
• Hiking Boots – This type of safari takes place mostly inside the Safari Land Cruiser. Tennis shoes are just fine.
• Scented products – Animals have a very keen sense of smell. You don’t want them to become aware of your presence and move farther away from you.

Other Things To Consider

Items We Purchased When We Got To Tanzania

• Bottled Water – Tap water is not safe to drink in Tanzania so you must use bottled water to drink and brush your teeth. Once the safari starts, it is provided for you, but we bought some for our time in Arusha before and after the safari.
• Diet Pepsi bottles – Soft drinks aren’t usually available while on safari. So we bought a supply in Arusha and brought it with us.
• Snacks to eat while in the safari truck
• Alcohol – We bought and took some bottles of Rum with us, rather than buying drinks at the lodges.
• Toilet Paper – Many bathrooms in the National Parks do not provide TP so we took all the extra rolls from our Arusha hotel. I carried some in my pocket at all times.

Items We Took On Our Daily Game Drives

• Camera, spare batteries, lens cloth
• Binoculars
• Jacket / Sweatshirt
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Bug Spray / Mosquito head covering
• Bandana / Face Mask
• Hairbrush / Hair clip
• Sun hat / Tilly Hat
• Water Bottles / Diet Pepsi / Snacks
• Medication
• Charging cable for my phone
• Toilet Paper
• Wet Wipes

Packing Tips

Tip #1: The Benefits of “Practice Packing”

Your goal should be to pack as light as you possibly can. I have found great value in an exercise called Practice Packing before each big trip.

A month before you leave, spread out across your bed every single item you think you want to take on safari. Pack it in your duffle and weigh it. Take out 1/3 of the items. Use packing cubes to compress the remaining items.

Switch to a smaller duffle bag and repack. Weigh it with your luggage scale. Take another 1/4 of the items out. Now you’re ready to go! 😊

Tip #2: Don’t Unpack Any More Than Necessary

Whenever we arrive at a new place, we take all our packing cubes out of our luggage, but we just place them on a shelf or in a drawer without opening them until we need something. The less we unpack, the faster re-packing goes when it’s time to leave.

FAQs

What kind of bag is best for African safari?

Most Safari providers will require you to bring a soft-sided duffle bag, instead of a hard-sided wheeled suitcase. Soft duffle bags are much easier to fit inside the safari truck because they can squish into tight spaces. We pre-treated our duffels and backpacks with water-proofing spray for extra protection.

If you will be flying in small planes from camp to camp, there will likely be further restrictions about the size and weight of the luggage you can bring. In that case, you’ll really want to focus on packing light!

Can I wear shorts in Tanzania?

Shorts are totally acceptable while out on Safari. But on our days in Arusha before and after, none of the locals were wearing shorts. The country is quite conservative in their dress. The men were all wearing long pants and the women were all wearing dresses or long skirts. No knees were showing at all! So when in town with locals, pants or skirts are recommended.

How much money should I take on an African Safari?

After you’ve paid for your safari tour, the only things you need money for is beverages purchased at the lodges, laundry at the lodges, any souvenirs you purchase, and a tip for your Guide and Driver. We also bought meals and supplies in Arusha before and after our safari. We spent about $600 USD, of which $360 was the tip for our Guide.

What to wear at night on safari?

For your evening sundowner, outdoor dining and campfires at the lodges, you may want to add a jacket and pants. For sleeping, whatever you wear at home is fine to wear on safari. It can get chilly at night, but there were warm blankets on the bed.

Conclusion: What To Pack For An African Safari

I hope you found this list of what to pack for an African safari to be helpful and informative. Thanks for sticking with me to the end! You are going to have the most fabulous trip – a Bucket List item for sure!

See below for more articles and posts that can help you have an amazing safari adventure in Africa. Have any specific questions for me? Feel free to reach out.

More Information About African Safaris:

Here are some more posts about Safaris, Tanzania and Africa, including some that I’m still working on. If you’d like to receive emails when I’ve posted new content to the site, please complete the short form above.

• Best Camera for Safari? Simple to Use & Stunning Results
• Amazing Animals In Tanzania: A Safari Photo Adventure
• How to Take Amazing Wildlife Safari Photos  –  20 Easy Tips
• What’s an African Safari really like? All The Good & Not-so-Good Parts
• What To Expect On A Safari – 12 Helpful Things to Know
• What to Pack for an African Safari (+ What to Leave at Home)
• Tanzania Travel Facts & Important Tips
• How I Travel with Medications – 7 Important Tips

Posts still to come

• Birds of Tanzania – A Photo Album
• 25 Safari Tips – what we wish we knew before we left
• How to choose the right safari for you and why we chose the one we did
• What animals can you see in Tanzania?  
• Safari FAQs

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