Are you wondering what to pack for your upcoming safari? Are you worried about not having everything you need? Worry no more, I’m here to help!

As someone who’s life revolves around safaris, I’m always packing for my next wildlife expedition. Over the years of traveling to places like Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa, I’ve learned what I actually need to bring for exploring the bush.

Embarking on a safari adventure in Africa is an experience like no other, and as someone who has explored the continent extensively, I understand the importance of being well-prepared for this kind of journey. Through years of safari expeditions, I’ve learned what essentials are crucial for a seamless and enjoyable safari experience. In this guide, I’ll share my must-have safari packing list, ensuring that you’re ready for every moment of this incredible journey.

For the sake of this post, I’ll be referring mostly to travel in East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Uganda); however, many of the listed items are relevant and apply to safari adventures in other destinations as well.

I invite you to explore my Amazon storefront where I’ve linked most of the items mentioned in this list, and more! Click here to find all these items organized in one place. (Disclosure, links contain affiliates. Thank you for supporting my page and allowing me to bring you valuable content).

My Safari Packing List – 15 Essentials That I Always Bring

1. Layers: East Africa’s climate can be unpredictable, ranging from warm and sunny to cool and breezy. Packing layers allows you to adjust to changing temperatures throughout the day. Lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics are ideal for comfort and versatility. Wildlife game drives typically start at the crack of dawn, this is when chances of spotting wildlife are most likely. As the day goes on, you’ll be stripping layer after layer until you’re baking in the African heat. My advise: bundle up in the morning and be ready to shed it all off throughout the day. Linked here are some layering items I’ve taken with me!

2. Portable Chargers: Capture every breathtaking moment without the worry of a dead battery. Portable chargers are essential for keeping your devices, such as cameras and smartphones, powered up during long game drives. Charging ports aren’t always reliable, especially at eco-camps that depend on solar energy to keep the lights on. Always have your portable power bank handy, especially if you want to capture surprise wildlife sighting on your devices. Linked here is my portable charger that holds 4+ full charges for my iPhone 14 Pro.

3. Versatile Footwear: Comfortable and sturdy footwear is a must for safari excursions. Choose closed-toe shoes that provide support and protection from dust and uneven terrain. A pair of lightweight hiking boots or comfortable sneakers is ideal.

4. Hats: Protect yourself from the sun’s rays with a wide-brimmed hat. Not only does it shield you from sunburn, but it also enhances your overall safari experience by providing shade. It can be breezy when riding in an open-air safari vehicle, so making sure it’s strapped or secure enough on your head is preferred.

5. LARQ Purevis Water Bottle and Bottle Cap Filtered: Staying hydrated is crucial, and having a reliable water bottle with a built-in filter ensures you have access to clean water throughout your journey. The LARQ Purevis water bottle with Bottle Cap Filtered is a game-changer, providing safe and purified water on the go. The Purevis cap uses UV-C technology to eliminate odors and bacteria from your drinking water. Using the same bottle, you can swap it for Filter Cap to eliminate leads, metals, and larger debris from your water. Together, they’re the ultimate water purification duo!

I ALWAYS use this water bottle setup for all types of adventures. It adds peace of mind when traveling and adds that extra layer of protection when you’re collecting water from questionable sources. Absolute game-changer when it comes to staying hydrated. I’ve had mind for 2+ years and it still works great, and water is still coming out clean. Highly recommend!

6. Sunscreen: the African sun can be intense, so packing a high SPF sunscreen is essential to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

7. Bug Spray: avoid unwanted encounters with insects by packing a reliable bug spray. Look for a formula that provides long-lasting protection against mosquitoes and other biting insects. I prefer these wipes over the spray, so that it doesn’t get in your eyes and nose when applying. They’re also light and compact, and don’t leak.

8. Camera: Capture the mesmerizing wildlife and stunning landscapes with a quality camera. My personal favorite is the Sony A7iii, known for its exceptional image quality and performance in various lighting conditions. This is the camera I’ve used to capture all my highest-quality wildlife photos and videos. Explore my full camera setup and which lenses I take on wildlife trips by clicking here.

9. Lens Wipes: Keep your camera lens and eyewear smudge-free with lens wipes. Clear, crisp photos and a sharp view of the wildlife are essential for an unforgettable safari experience. Definitely have these handy just in case, you’ll thank me later!

10. Lightning SD Card Reader: Transfer and back up your photos quickly with a lightning-fast SD card reader. This ensures you never miss a shot and have plenty of storage for your safari memories. Slip your memory card into the reader, plug it into your phone, and simply select which images you want to save on your iPhone. Transfer is instantaneous and easy.

11. Eye Drops: Dusty conditions can lead to irritated eyes. Pack lubricating eye drops to keep your eyes comfortable and vision clear. You don’t want to compromise wildlife sightings by having dry and irritated eyes.

12. Drugs: Be prepared for unexpected headaches or motion sickness with over-the-counter medications. It’s always better to have them on hand, just in case. Like many travelers, I always have ibuprofen with me!

13. Wildlife Field Guide: Elevate your safari with a compact guide, enhancing species identification, understanding behaviors, and expanding your overall bush knowledge. Hold the East African ecosystem in your hand with this Wildlife of East Africa Field Guide. This is a great beginner guide that covers the vast range of species native to this region.

14. Suitable Clothing: dress comfortably and practically for safari adventures. While you don’t need to dress safari chic attire, avoid bright colors that may disturb wildlife. Animals don’t like bright, reflective colors and will often run off when seeing them. Also, skip white if you want to keep your clothing dust-free. Versatile clothing that’s suitable for all types of conditions is key.

15. First-Aid Kit – I always travel with this lightweight, compact first-aid kit. Injuries and accidents can happen unexpectedly, so it’s essential to have the right first-aid tools on hand when you need them most. I love this kit because it’s thoughtfully designed to be both ultralight and waterproof, ensuring the contents stay safe and dry in any conditions. It includes all the necessary supplies, packed efficiently, and is easy to slip into any bag for all your adventures.

To hear a further explanation on these items, I invite you to watch this YouTube video where I share and show my recommended safari packing list. Video is linked here ↓

I also shared this video where I breakdown EVERYTHING I took with me on my most recent East Africa trip! This is a full, comprehensive packing list where I explain items in every category: travel documents, clothing, footwear, travel gadgets, camera gear, accessories, and more! If it came with me on my most recent safari, it’s featured in this video ↓

Conclusion: Embarking on a safari is a thrilling adventure, and being well-prepared enhances the overall experience. As you plan your East Africa safari, consider these essential items to make the most of your journey. To make your packing process even easier, I’ve curated a selection of these items in my Amazon storefront. Visit this link to find everything you could need for an unforgettable safari experience. Thank you for reading and safe travels!