SAFARI PACKING LIST FOR EAST AFRICA 

Looking for what to pack for your upcoming safari in East Africa? This list has everything you need to get started planning.

Women’s Clothes Packing List For East Africa Safari

  • Sandals or lightweight shoes
  • Walking shoes or lightweight hiking shoes (not white for walking safaris)
  • Wide-brimmed hat and a cap
  • Windbreaker
  • Sweater or fleece
  • 2–3 pr. safari* pants
  • 2–3 pr. safari* shorts
  • 5 pr. safari/sports socks
  • 3 short-sleeve safaris* shirts
  • 3 long-sleeve safari* shirts
  • Swimsuit/cover-up
  • 1 pr. casual slacks or skirt
  • 1 or 2 blouses
  • Belts
  • 6 pr. underwear
  • 3 bras
  • 1 sports bra (for rough roads)
  • pajamas

Optional: Fine Dining

  • 1 cocktail dress
  • 1 pr. dress shoes and nylons/panty hose

Men’s Clothes Packing List For East Africa Safari

  •  Sandals or lightweight shoes
  • Walking shoes or lightweight hiking shoes (not white for walking safaris)
  • Wide-brimmed hat and cap
  • Windbreaker
  • Sweater or fleece
  • 2–3 pr. safari* pants
  • 2–3 pr. safari* shorts
  • 5 pr. safari/sports socks
  • 3 short-sleeve safari* shirts
  • 3 long-sleeve safari* shirts
  • Swim trunks
  • 1 pr. casual slacks
  • 1 sports shirt
  • 6 pr. underwear
  • Belts
  • pajamas
  • Large handkerchief 

Optional: Fine Dining At Restaurants / On Luxury Trains

  • 1 pr. dress slacks, shoes and dress socks
  • 1 dress shirt/jacket/tie
  • * Any comfortable cotton clothing for safari should be neutral in color
  • (Tan, brown, light green, khaki). Evening wear can be any color you like!

Optional: Cold Weather Packing List

For travel in Southern Africa May to August, temperatures may drop below 40°F (5°C). If you’re traveling in that time, or considering the Mt. Rwenzori addition, consider the following cold weather clothes:

  • warm pajamas or thermal underwear to sleep in
  • warm ski hat covering the ears
  • scarf
  • gloves
  • additional sweater or fleece

Toiletries and First Aid Packing List For East Africa Safari

  • Anti-malaria pills (prescription)
  • Vitamins
  • Aspirin/Tylenol/Advil
  • Motion sickness pills
  • Decongestant
  • Throat lozenges
  • Laxative
  • Anti-diarrhea medicine
  • Antacid
  • Antibiotic
  • Cortisone cream
  • Antibiotic ointment
  • Anti-fungal cream or powder
  • Prescription drugs
  • Medical summary from your doctor (if needed)
  • Medical alert bracelet or necklace
  • Band-Aids (plasters)
  • Thermometer
  • Insect repellent
  • Sunscreen/sunblock
  • Shampoo (small container)
  • Conditioner (small container)
  • Deodorant
  • Toothpaste (small tube)
  • Toothbrush
  • Hairbrush/comb
  • Razor
  • Q-tips/cotton balls
  • Nail clipper
  • Emery boards
  • Makeup
  • Tweezers

Sundries Packing List For East Africa Safari

Don’t forget these essentials to make your trip as smooth as possible.

  • Passport (with visas, if needed)
  • International Certificate of Vaccination
  • Air tickets/vouchers
  • Money pouch
  • Credit cards
  • Personal checks
  • Insurance cards
  • Cellphone
  • Sunglasses/guard
  • Spare prescription glasses/contacts
  • Copy of prescription(s)
  • Eyeglass case
  • Travel alarm clock
  • Small flashlight (torch) and extra batteries
  • Binoculars
  • Small scissors
  • Tissues (travel packs)
  • Handwipes (individual)
  • Anti-bacterial soap
  • Large waterproof bags for damp laundry
  • Copy of the African Safari Journal
  • Maps
  • Business cards
  • Pens
  • Deck of cards
  • Reading materials
  • Decaffeinated coffee/herbal tea
  • Sugar substitute 

Camera Equipment Packing List For East Africa Safari

With this camera packing list, you’ll be sure to capture all those East African Safari memories.

  • Lenses
  • Digital memory cards/Film
  • Camera bag or backpack
  • Lens cleaning fluid
  • Lens tissue/brush
  • Extra camera batteries
  • Flash
  • Flash batteries
  • Battery charger and adapters
  • Waterproof bags for lenses and camera body
  • Beanbag, small tripod or monopod
  • Extra video camera batteries
  • Video charger
  • Outlet adapters (3-prong square and round plugs)
  • Cigarette lighter charger (optional)

Gifts & Trades Packing List For East Africa Safari

  • T-shirts
  • Pens
  • Inexpensive watches
  • Postcards from your area/state
  • Children’s magazines and books
  • Small acrylic mirrors
  • Balloons
  • School supplies