What NOT To Pack For Your African Safari

1. Bright and Bold Clothing

While you might love bright and colourful clothing, it’s best to leave these at home or save them for your beach stay if you are going to the coast after your safari. Wearing bright colours on safari is a no-no, they can attract unwanted attention from insects and might even disturb the wildlife. Stick to neutral tones like khaki, olive, and beige to blend in with the environment without causing any unnecessary disruption to the natural surroundings.

2. Heavy and Bulky Luggage

Safari vehicles and small charter planes have strict weight limits and limited space for luggage. Avoid large, hard-sided suitcases and opt for soft, lightweight duffel bags or backpacks that are easier to store and carry.

3. Excessive Jewellery and Valuables

Expensive jewellery and valuables are not only unnecessary on safari but can also attract unwanted attention. Keep it simple, a watch and perhaps a simple pair of earrings are all you need. Leave your precious items safely at home to avoid the risk of loss or theft.

4. Unnecessary Gadgets

While it’s tempting to bring all your gadgets, many of them - such as hairdryers & electric razors - will be unnecessary in the bush and can add considerable weight and bulk to your already limited luggage allowance. Plus, many bush camps operate on eco or solar power, making it impractical to bring high-powered electrical items, as they do not have sufficient capacity for running these items. Keep it simple by packing necessary gadget & tech items only.

5. Perfumes and Scented Products

Wildlife has an acute sense of smell, and strong fragrances can disturb them. Avoid wearing strong perfumes and heavily scented lotions, or colognes. Instead, opt for unscented, mild or natural scented personal care products.

6. High Heels and Formal Wear

Safari is all about comfort and practicality. High heels and formal attire have no place in the rugged outdoors. Instead, pack comfortable walking shoes, closed toe sandals, and casual clothing that you don’t mind getting a bit dusty!
If you are travelling to the coast or another destination after your safari and wish to take some formal clothing, please speak to your travel consultant at Gamewatchers Safaris who can arrange for you to leave a spare bag in Nairobi to collect after your safari.

7. Food and Drinks

On a safari, you'll never go hungry! Camps and lodges provide delicious home-cooked meals and afternoon tea before your afternoon activities. They can accommodate dietary needs, if informed in advance, ensuring everyone can enjoy suitable food. Bringing your own food or drinks isn't necessary, as it can attract wildlife, especially clever monkeys, to your tent or room, which can be dangerous.

8. Plastic Bags

Since 2017, plastic bags have been banned in Kenya and other African destinations, being in possession of a plastic bag is against the law and it is important not to bring them into the country and instead travel with reusable cotton bags such as a tote bag. It's also worth noting that in airports in UK/USA/Europe, you may be given plastic bags for duty-free or toiletries. Please make sure to dispose of these before boarding the plane to your African destination.

9. Drones

Drones are prohibited in national parks and wildlife conservancies due to privacy concerns and their potential to disturb wildlife. If you wish to bring a drone, please speak to your travel consultant at Gamewatchers Safaris

10. Excess Cash

There’s no need to carry large amounts of cash. City hotels, restaurants and shops accept credit cards, and ATMs are available in major towns and cities. Carry only enough cash for tips and small purchases. A helpful tip is to estimate the amount of cash needed for tips, small purchases, and souvenirs before traveling and order the local currency from online travel exchanges prior to the trip. It is also a good idea to take some USD$ as a back up fund.

Final Thoughts

Packing for a safari requires thoughtful consideration to ensure you have everything you need without overpacking. Focus on bringing versatile, lightweight, practical gear and leave any unnecessary items at home. It's also a good idea to do a trial run of packing your bag, to ensure you come within the luggage allowances with everything that you need to take. It’s best to leave camera tripods at home as they are bulky to use in safari vehicles and opt instead for a smaller telescopic “monopod”. And make sure you include a warm jacket or fleece for chilly early morning game drives when it can be freezing cold!

Take a look at our Safari Packing List below as a guide on what to pack for your safari holiday.

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Get in touch with your own recommendations:

If you have been on a safari with Gamewatchers or stayed at the Porini Camps and would like to share your own safari travel must-haves, please send an email to info@poriniduka.com with your recommendation and why you wouldn't travel on a safari without this item, we will then add it to the list of travel recommendations.

Safari Packing List

Download our packing lists as a Guide to help you prepare and pack for your safari.

Must haves:

• Long-sleeve shirts and trousers for evenings and also insect protection

• Short-sleeve shirts and shorts for warmer days

• A waterproof, lightweight jacket to cover up if wet or windy

• A fleece for cooler mornings and evenings

• A wide-brimmed hat and polarised sunglasses for sun protection

• Comfortable, lightweight walking shoes or safari style boots