Packing for a safari is genuinely different from packing for any other trip. You will be in a 4×4 for hours at a stretch, stepping out into dust or mud, transitioning from cold mornings to hot afternoons, potentially moving between multiple camps with luggage restrictions. Get it right and you won't think about it again. Get it wrong and it will follow you for 10 days.
The Golden Rules
- Soft-sided bags only: Bush planes and light aircraft have strict luggage restrictions (typically 15kg in a soft bag). Hard suitcases cannot fit in the small baggage holds.
- Earth tones and neutrals: Khaki, olive, tan, brown, grey. White stands out against the bush and shows every dust stain. Bright colours can startle animals during a walk.
- Layers, not bulk: A safari morning can be 10°C; the same afternoon 32°C. Three thin, packable layers beat one heavy jacket every time.
- No military-green or camouflage: Genuinely avoided in several countries where it is associated with military forces. Stick to nature tones, not army patterns.
Clothing Checklist
- 3-4 lightweight long-sleeved shirts (preferably with sun protection UPF 40+)
- 2 pairs lightweight safari trousers (zip-off legs are useful for warmer parks)
- 1 pair of shorts (for camp, not game drives — legs are more comfortable covered)
- Warm fleece or light down jacket (for morning and evening game drives — it gets cold at speed)
- Waterproof shell layer (packable, for unexpected showers)
- Thermal base layer if travelling June-August (mornings below 4,000m can be genuinely cold)
- 3 sets of underwear (technical, moisture-wicking fabric)
- 2-3 pairs of hiking/walking socks
- 1 pair of casual trousers/dress for evenings in camp
- Swimsuit (many camps have pools)
- Wide-brimmed hat with chin strap (it blows off at speed in an open vehicle)
- Gaiter or buff neck scarf (invaluable for dust)
Footwear
- 1 pair of broken-in walking/hiking shoes or boots: You will walk between vehicles and around camp. Blisters on day 1 are avoidable.
- 1 pair of sandals or flip flops: For the pool, the shower, relaxing in camp.
- NOT high heels, white trainers, or anything you care about: Dust is relentless.
Photography Equipment
- Camera body with telephoto lens (400mm minimum): Big cats and birds require reach. A 100-400mm or 150-600mm zoom covers almost everything.
- Extra batteries and charging cables: Some camps have limited power. Carry more batteries than you think you need.
- Bean bag or window mount: Better than a tripod for vehicle-based photography — steadies the shot on the car door.
- Memory cards: You will shoot more than you expect. Bring multiple, carry a portable hard drive for backup.
- Dust-proof camera bag or dry bag: The dust is extraordinary.
Health and Safety
- Prescription anti-malarials (consult your doctor 4-6 weeks before travel)
- Permethrin-treated clothing or spray for clothes
- High-SPF sunscreen (50+) — African sun at altitude is severe
- High-quality insect repellent (DEET 40%+ for malaria-endemic areas)
- Antihistamine and altitude medication (if climbing Kilimanjaro)
- Personal first aid kit (blister treatment, rehydration salts, imodium, broad-spectrum antibiotics prescribed by doctor)
- Your prescription medications in carry-on luggage with copies of prescriptions
Documents and Finance
- Passport with 6 months' validity beyond return date
- Visa documentation (Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda all offer e-visas)
- Yellow Fever vaccination certificate (required for Uganda; recommended for Tanzania)
- Travel insurance documentation (comprehensive, with medical evacuation)
- USD cash (used throughout East Africa; carry small denomination bills for tips)
What NOT to Bring
- Single-use plastic bags (banned in Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania)
- Drones (illegal in most national parks without a special permit)
- Heavy hardshell suitcases (won't fit on bush planes)
- Expensive jewellery (leave it at home)
- Too many books (heavy; most camps have libraries)
All Masonda guests receive our full pre-departure information pack approximately 6 weeks before travel. Plan your safari →