Packing for your safari is essential and can be difficult for your first safari. The anxiety of figuring out what to pack can dampen your pre-getaway excitement. For your benefit, we have created a suggested list of things to bring along with you when you’re on a safari. These items can be essential or not depending on your safari style.
- Pack light:
Less is more! You’ll stop at different camps/lodges throughout the safari and get in and out of the jeep (with your luggage) often; the less you pack overall, the easier it’ll be. - Bring strong mosquito repellent.
This is especially important and helpful when the sun goes down and you’re relaxing at the camp. - Bring cash!
As you can imagine, you won’t be running into ATMs in the middle of the Serengeti, so plan in advance and take an adequate amount of cash with you for souvenirs, the Maasai village entrance if you decide to visit, and any tips you may want to leave along the way. - Light and comfortable clothes.
Bring a mix of short and long sleeves to adapt to temperature changes; just make sure not to pack extra“outfits,” as you likely won’t be needing them. - Bring a warm outfit.
You wouldn’t think it, but if you visit Ngorongoro, you’ll be about 600 meters above the sea… which means that at night, it’ll be cold. A warm sweater, jacket, and some thicker, comfortable pants will allow you to sleep well at night. - Pack a light, waterproof jacket, or even a poncho.
If the weather takes a turn for the worse, this jacket is going to save you from getting soaked and keep your safari adventure enjoyable. - Leave camping preparations to the professionals : and rest easy! You don’t have to worry at all regarding the tent, sleeping bag, mattress, and pillow. Fortunately, the team handles all of this for you so that you can enjoy your safari experience to the fullest.
- Pack a decent flashlight!
While mobile phones carry good-enough flashlights for most situations, you’ll quickly find that at a campsite, they don’t light up more than a few feet/meters in front of you. So, what you’ll need is a good flashlight (or even a headlamp) to help light the way at night. - Sim card or Roam.
If you don’t have an accommodating and affordable international mobile data plan, we highly recommend you purchase a cheap SIM card at the start of your trip (in the city of Arusha). Internet coverage is understandably choppy in certain areas, but being able to stay connected with your loved ones throughout the trip is a huge plus. - Pack flips-flops.
If you’ve decided to go the camping route, don’t forget to pack flip-flops! These are needed for the shower, but will also be convenient for walking around the campsite. - Wet wipes (biodegradable, please!)
These can be one of your best friends on this trip. They’re incredibly helpful for cleaning up sand and dust after a game drive (and before you’re anywhere near a shower). - Hand sanitizer
This is another easy-to-forget piece that’s useful far too often. They come in handy before snacking or eating (and when you’re not around a water source for cleaning your hands). - Pack for fun!
Nights start early; by 8 PM or so, you will have already eaten and be free to go to bed. We recommend bringing a deck of cards, for example, so that you can enjoy time with your team and any friends you might make along the way!
Extra packing (for your comfort)
- Guide books.
You don’t need a heavy Lonely Planet for your safari, but having a wilderness guidebook is a good way to build a ‘to-do list’ for your trip.
Your safari driver is a font of knowledge when it comes to animal, bird, and plant life too. Don’t hesitate to ask questions! We love questions.
- A good book.
You’ll rarely find yourself without something to see while on safari, but there is going to be some downtime.
Whether it’s the drive to or from the airport or just a lazy night at your lodge, having a good book (or a Kindle) on hand is a great way to pass the time.
- Travel pillows
on a safari you will spend most of your time in the jeep, travel pillows can be essential if you want to take a quick nap
- Extra blanket
Hopefully, these tips will help you to figure out what you need to pack for your safari.
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