A Complete Packing List for Your First African Safari
This is the final episode in my series all about planning the perfect safari trip! In this episode I am going to break down everything I brought on my trip to help you create a safari packing list!
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Packing for this safari trip took a lot more planning and thinking about what I wanted to pack. This trip was so new and different from what I am used to, so there was a lot to think about. I hope that this info is helpful to anyone who is thinking about going on a safari soon!
I’ve collected a bunch of the things I packed in this Amazon list to help you easily find what you need in one place.
How to pack everything?
For our trip, we were required to bring a soft-sided duffle bag. We brought Patagonia Black Hole Duffels.
They were perfect! We had the 55L bags, which qualify as carry-on bags.
They fit more than any carry-on suitcase I’ve had!
Our friends on the trip got these duffels on Amazon and they worked great also.
I also brought a smaller backpack as my personal item while traveling. It held any extra things that didn’t fit in my duffle.
You might not have to get a soft sided bag! This was required because of a charter flight that we took. Just be sure to check ahead of time.
I LOVE packing cubes! I like to pack similar items each in their own cube. This keeps everything so organized and easy to find.
What to pack
Pack neutral colors with minimal prints. This makes it easier to mix and match things! Also, some safari sites ask that you do not wear certain bright colors or camouflage patterns.
Don't bring your favorite clothing items. They will be washed by others at the camps, so if you really care about the way something needs to be washed or dried, don't bring it.
You won’t need to dress up! We stayed at nice places, but no one ever wore dresses/skirts, so they aren’t necessary to pack.
Pants
I brought 3 pairs of pants: in olive green, khaki, and mustard. These went with all my shirts and made more easy mix and matching.
I wore pants on all of the safaris, whether it was cold or warm. They were great for sun and bug protection.
Shorts
I brought 2 pairs of shorts BUT definitely could have SKIPPED these!
I visited in September, so if you’re going during a warmer month you might want to bring one pair of shorts. However, you might only want pants depending on how many bugs there are in the region.
T shirts/tops
I brought 4 shirts
Mine were cream, black, and white. Nothing fancy!
Long sleeve linen/light cotton shirt
This was perfect for layering when I wanted a little more coverage without adding a lot of bulk.
Light weight sweater or sweatshirt
I brought a Vuori Long Sleeve Halo Crew and it was perfect!
Utility jacket
This isn’t a necessity, but I loved having it. I got mine on Amazon and it was great.
It was army green with big pockets, which felt perfect for a safari. It was very nice in the mornings and evenings when it got chilly.
Rain coat
Bring a packable raincoat.
Lightweight puffer jacket
I didn’t bring this, but I wished I had a packable puffer jacket on the colder mornings. Remember, that winter is June - August in Southern Africa. So if it’s really hot at home in the US, it will likely be cold on your safari.
Leggings
I brought leggings thinking that I would work out, but that didn’t end up happening besides some hikes in Cape Town. Our safari camps didn’t have gyms and it wasn’t safe to go on a run since wild animals were wandering the camp.
However, they ended up being great for layering under pants when it was cold.
Pajamas
You only need one pair of pajamas! Trust me, it saves space and one set was totally fine since we had laundry done multiple times on the trip.
I brought Vuori joggers (lightweight cotton)
Socks and underwear
Check ahead of time if your lodge will wash these for you! That will determine how many you need to bring. Also, I usually end up hand washing underwear when we travel. I always pack these laundry sheets and wash things in the sink.
Shoes
Tennis shoes: I wore these everyday on the safaris and hikes
Slide sandals: These are so nice to wear while hanging out around the camp
Ankle boots: I didn’t bring these but I wish I had! I have these waterproof Vessi boots that would have been perfect.
Miscellaneous
Reusable water bottle. My current favorite is my Owala water bottle.
Accent handkerchief (kept the sun off or pulled it on my face when it was dusty + it looks cute!)
Or a Buff (around my neck)
Hats
Wide brim wicker hat (typical safari hat.) The brim does blow up as you drive, so make sure your hat has a stampede string to hold it on.
Baseball cap (more practical than a safari hat. Holds your hair out of your face.) This didn’t blow off while driving. Jut make sure it’s snug on your head.
Beanie (I was skeptical, but was SO glad I had one. We had a lot of cold mornings.)
Sunglasses
I love my Goodr glasses! They are affordable and comfy.
These were fun to have! Our driver had a pair that everyone in the vehicle could share but if you want to use binoculars without waiting your turn, bring your own.
Toiletries
Deodorant
toothpaste/toothbrush
I usually bring my own shower stuff, but I chose to use what the camp provided so save on packing space.
Medications/supplements
Day pack
You will want a small packable backpack or a larger fanny pack for daily essentials to take on the safari drives. It held sunscreen, chapstick, sunglasses, and a few snacks.
Sunscreen
Bug Repellant
I spent so much time planning things and I think it was worth the planning effort. My biggest takeaways are to keep it simple, remember that you can do laundry along the way, and pack neutral colored clothes that can mix and match.
All of the things I’ve shared here are all complied in one place: My Safari Essentials
If you use links, I may receive a small commission. The items I recommend we purchase by me and I’m sharing what actaully worked for me when we went on a safari trip.
Please let me know if you have any questions & follow along for travel tips and guides with This Travel Tribe on Instagram.