Safari Packing Guide For Kenya Safari
Packing for a Kenya safari can be one of those daunting experiences even for an experienced traveller, let alone a first-time safari tourist. Packing for a Kenya safari or for that matter packing for a Masai Mara trip is rightly so more than a simple affair, with careful consideration required for the weather, comfort, local culture and a lot more. See below our Kenya Safari packing check list. This also applies equally for a Tanzania safari packing guide.
General Packing List for A Kenya and Tanzania Safari
Safari Suitcase
First things first, let’s talk about your safari suitcase. when traveling on a bush plane – as the luggage storage tends to be small and uneven. Hard-shell suitcase makes it difficult to fit all the luggage, especially during high season Kenya safaris. On a Kenya and Tanzania safari trip, you can decide to go for the North Face Base Camp Duffle 50L. It’s very light, spacious, and incredibly durable.
Safari Boots
Unless you are doing a bush walk, you don’t necessarily need a pair of boots, and any close-toed shoes will do. But again, you will find it convenient to wear a pair of boots when walking on gravel and dirt roads. A pair of safari boots will protect your ankles – where most insects like to bite. And it matches with all your outfits. Something like the Women’s Chelsea Boots are super cute and it’s worth the investment because you won’t want to take off. Just make sure you wear them on your bush flights, so you are not adding extra weight.
Pack Breathable and Comfortable Clothing
On your safari packing list, ensure you pack lightweight and breathable clothing for the hot afternoons. Although you may be tempted to wear nothing in the hot temperatures, you’ll find it better to wear loose pants as it works as a barrier against the sun and insects. If you are planning to wear short or sleeveless top, make sure to apply sunscreen and insect repellent.
Carrying Jumpsuits
Packing jumpsuits for a safari is a game changer for those days when you don’t want to overthink about your outfit – like when you are getting ready at 5 am – just wear a jumpsuit.
Packing Safari Accessories
Sunglasses
For those sunny safari days! So, pack a pair of sunnies.
Day Bag
You will need a day bag to bring all your essentials on your game drives. Bring something like a Gatta Bag for women and a light Camera Bag to keep all your camera essentials.
Wide Brim Hat
DO NOT underestimate the African sun! Make sure to pack a wide brim hat with an under-chin strap – you don’t want it to blow away by the wind.
Swimsuit
If your Kenya safari lodge has a pool, bring your swimsuit! Get a refreshing splash during your downtime in between game drives.
Flip-Flops
Always pack a pair of flip-flops wherever you on safari travel – you’ll use them to walk around the room or by the pool. Just find something comfortable, and affordable.
Pashmina/Scarf
For when it gets cold at night or when you would like to look more put together for dinner.
Do Wear On A Kenya Safari:
Earth-Toned Colors – Tan, brown, green, beige, etc. to blend in with the landscape.
Light, Breathable Fabrics – it can get scorching hot, so make sure to bring light and breathable clothes.
Casual Clothes – Even if you are staying at a luxury lodge, you won’t need to pack formal attire – try dress casually.
Avoid To Pack On A Kenya Safari:
Bright colors – as it can scare the animals away.
Black and blue colors – Tsetse Flies love these colors, unless you want their nasty bites, avoid at all costs.
White color – there’s nothing against wearing white, but keep in mind that white will soon turn yellow/brown from all the dusty safari roads.
Camouflage clothes – camouflage is usually associated with the military, and it’s illegal to wear in some countries.
Kenya Safari Packing List
A complete guide on what to pack for your Kenya safari experience. The listed below Kenya safari essentials list is a general guide on what to take on your Kenya safari trip. Where possible luggage should be kept to a minimum due to the weight / space restrictions of 15kg total weight allowance per person (including carry-on bags) on light aircraft, but we are able to store excess baggage at our office in Nairobi.
What Should You Pack For A Safari In Kenya?
Packing for a safari in Africa should focus on comfort, practicality, and suitability for wildlife environments. These are the common types of clothing to bring on your Kenya and Tanzania safari:
-Bring neutral-coloured clothing suitable for warm days and cooler mornings
-Bring lightweight long-sleeved shirts and trousers for sun and insect protection
-Pack comfortable walking shoes and closed footwear
-Pack a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
-Pack binoculars for wildlife viewing
-Bring your personal medications and toiletries
Kenyan Safari Essentials Packing List
Packing For A Kenya Fly-In Safari
On fly-in Kenya safaris, soft bags (lockable) are preferable to large rectangular suitcases, owing to the limited space for luggage storage on the small aircraft used for flights into the parks. The weight of luggage that can be checked in is limited to 15kgs and this is inclusive of carry-on luggage.
Laundry On A Kenya Safari
At many safari camps and lodges a small amount of laundry may be done for you (e.g. one or two items per day per person). This is washed by hand and generally doesn’t include personal items such as underwear for which a supply of detergent is provided in the tents for use of guests. Always ask when you book.
Documents To Pack For A Kenya Safari
These are some of the most important documents to pack for a Kenya safari.
-Passports (with visa entries)
-Health cards (vaccination certificates)
-Airline tickets / E-tickets
-Cash & Travellers’ Cheques
-Separate record of Travellers’ Cheque numbers
-Credit Cards (VISA, Mastercard and / or American Express)
-Photo-copy of passport / visas / insurance papers
Clothings To Pack For A Kenya Safari Holiday
Below is the kind of safari clothing’s to pack for Kenya and Tanzania holidays:
-Trainers / Walking shoes / safari boots
-Comfortable shoes: loafers / moccasins / deck shoes
-Hat
-Jacket / Windbreaker / Fleece for the very chilly early morning and evening game drives
-Waterproof light rainjacket
-Warm sweater / Fleece jacket
-2 pairs safari trousers / chinos
-2 pairs safari shorts
-4 pairs sport socks
-3 short sleeve shirts
-1 long sleeve shirt
-2 t-shirts
-Nightwear
-Swimwear
-1 pair casual trousers (men) evening outfit (women) – for evening in the city
Packing Toiletries & Medicine For Kenya Safari
Consider packing the following when travelling to Kenya for safaris:
-Malaria prophylaxis
-Prescription drugs (also bring the generic names for these drugs, good idea to pack 2 separate lots)
-Motion sickness pills
-Insect repellent (containing DEET for mosquitos)
-Sun Screen (SPF 15 or higher)
-Lip Balm
-Shampoo / Conditioner (if you have a preferred brand otherwise shampoo provided by most hotels, camps)
-Deodorant
-Toothpaste / Toothbrush
-Hair Brush / Comb
-Electric / Hand Razor
-Emery Boards / Tweezers
-Hand Lotion
-Feminine Hygiene Supplies
What To Pack For A Beach Holiday In Kenya
If you’re considering visiting Kenya beaches, make sure you bring along the following:
-Lightweight clothing: Breathable tops, trousers, shorts, and dresses are vital for the tropical coastal climate of Kenya.
-Compact rain jacket: Sudden tropical showers can occur along the coast.
-Multiple swimsuits: So you always have a dry option available.
-Beach bag: To carry your essentials during beach or pool days.
-High-factor sunscreen and SPF lip balm: Absolutely vital for protecting your skin and lips from the intense equatorial sun encountered on Kenya’s beaches.
-Insect repellent: Still recommended for the evenings, even by the sea, to ward off any coastal insects.
-Hats and sunglasses.
-Open shoes like sandals and flip-flops.
-Comfortable walking shoes: For when you’re exploring surrounding towns.
-Waterproof bags or phone cases: Crucial for safeguarding your electronic devices from water and sand damage while you’re enjoying the ocean.
-Reusable water bottle
Other Recommended Items to Pack For A Kenya Safari
We recommend that you further consider packing the following safari essentials for your trip to Kenya:
-Sunglasses / Case
-Prescription glasses (and a spare pair)
-Flashlight (small with extra batteries, or headlamp)
-Batteries (for electronic equipment)
-Converter plug set if needed (the electricity supply is 240 Volt, 50 Hz). Sockets are usually 3 pin and are of the square variety.
-Alarm clock
-Money pouch or money belt
-Small Day backpack
-Favourite road snacks
-Books / Magazines / Journal
-Pen / a notepad
-Earplugs
Best Tips When Packing For a Safari In Kenya
Plastic bags are strictly banned in Kenya, so please make sure that you do not carry any (including duty-free shopping bags) with you into the country. Zip-lock bags and travel pouches are fine to use.
Please note that there is a strict 15kg limit in soft bags (inclusive of hand luggage) for most internal safari-bound flights within Kenya.
Excess luggage can be stored at our office at our Nairobi office for collection on your return to Nairobi.
Kenya Safari Packages & Tanzania Safari Tours
On your Big Five tours in Kenya and Tanzania, you will see the (lions, leopards, elephant, rhino and buffalo). Expect to see lots of other wildlife against a backdrop of beautiful African landscapes featuring Africa’s highest mountains (Kilimanjaro and Mt.Kenya ), Ngorongoro Crater, the vast stretching grasslands of the Masai Mara and Serengeti, and top East African beaches. Experience a combined kenya & tanzania parks safari where adventure knows no limit.
8-Days Kenya Safari and Beach Holiday
per person
$1.00-
Experience Optional Activities Hot Air Balloon Rides, Sundowners, Night-Time Game Drives with this premium package.
-
Inclusion This package covers Accommodation, Daily Meals, Park Entry Fees & Local Transfers to ensure a worry-free trip.
6-Day Fly-In Safari Kenya
per person
$1.00-
Experience Optional Activities Hot Air Balloon Rides, Sundowners, Night-Time Game Drives with this premium package.
-
Inclusion This package covers Accommodation, Daily Meals, Park Entry Fees & Local Transfers to ensure a worry-free trip.
10-Day Best of Kenya and Tanzania Safari
per person
$1.00-
Experience Optional Activities Hot Air Balloon Rides, Sundowners, Night-Time Game Drives with this premium package.
-
Inclusion This package covers Accommodation, Daily Meals, Park Entry Fees & Local Transfers to ensure a worry-free trip.
