Recently updated on August 14th, 2025 at 08:42 pm
Going on a safari for the first time is an incredible adventure, one where you’ll create lifelong memories to cherish. Before you set off, it’s essential to know what to pack – to ensure you’re ready for anything and everything. From essential gear for wildlife spotting to clothing that keeps you comfortable, this is the ultimate packing list for your first African safari.
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Comfortable, lightweight clothing
Clothing is one of the most important things to get right on a safari. Make sure you pack plenty of light, comfortable clothes with long sleeves to protect you from both the sun and insects. Go for breathable, natural materials like cotton or linen to keep comfortable when temperatures peak. Favour neutral or muted colors over bright tones, so you’ll blend in with your surroundings and avoid spooking nearby wildlife. And don’t forget good quality sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat to keep your face and neck out of the sun.
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Good quality footwear
Depending on the type of safari you’re going on, it may involve a lot of walking or hiking across rocky and uneven surfaces. Even if you’re mostly in the back of a jeep, there will be occasions when you’ll need to stretch your legs. So it’s essential to pack comfortable, breathable walking boots that have great traction and grip, and good ankle support. Trainers won’t cut it, as they’re permeable to thorny brush or spiked burrs.
Don’t forget to break in your shoes before your trip to avoid blisters, and consider bringing extra pairs of socks to keep your feet dry and fresh throughout your adventure. It’s a good idea to invest in waterproof or water-repellent hiking shoes, especially if going on safari in the green season. While your walking shoes have to be closed-toe, you could also bring a pair of flip-flops or sandals for relaxing at camp.
Binoculars for wildlife-spotting
Look the part (and spot the action) with a good pair of binoculars that are lightweight and easy to carry. You’ll likely be taking them with you on game drives and walks, so you don’t want anything too heavy or bulky. With binoculars, quality matters. A higher-quality pair will generally provide a clearer, sharper image, and may also have additional useful features like waterproofing or fog-proofing. If you’re going to splash out on one item, this is it.
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Camera and extra batteries
With any luck, your first time on safari will be full of incredible photo opportunities. We encourage you to take a camera-free moment to soak in the magic. When you’re ready for action photos, a telephoto lens is ideal. Don’t forget to pack spare batteries (recharging on the go is less than ideal) and plenty of memory cards to ensure you don’t run out of space when you encounter a herd of elephants. A good-quality camera bag will help to keep your gear protected from the dust, as will a cleaning kit with cloths and and an air brush.
Sunscreen and insect repellent
A safari can involve long hours spent outdoors, often in direct sunlight. To protect yourself, bring high SPF sunscreen and apply it regularly throughout the day. Choose a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and make sure it’s waterproof, as you may be sweating or splashed with water while on a game drive.
Insect bites are also a common issue on safaris, particularly in areas with lots of mosquitos. To avoid being bitten, bring insect repellent with you. Look for a product that contains DEET, which is a highly effective insect repellent. You may also want to pack mosquito netting or mosquito coils for additional protection, particularly if you’re staying in a tented camp.
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A water bottle and plenty of snacks
Staying hydrated on safari is crucial, particularly during the hotter months. You should aim to drink at least 2-3 liters of water per day to avoid dehydration. Pack a reusable water bottle and refill as needed. Go for something made of a durable material, such as stainless steel or BPA-free plastic, to withstand any rough handling during your trip. Don’t forget to bring small snacks like energy bars or fruit to keep your energy up, especially during long game drives.
Personal medication and first aid kit
When it preparing for your first time safari, it pays to be a bit over-cautious. With the rough and rugged terrain, bringing a first aid kit will make sure you’re prepared for any bumps and scratches you pick up on the way. Your first aid kit should include standard items such as adhesive bandages, gauze, pain relivers, antiseptic wipes, and blister pads. In case of an emergency, you can use these items to treat minor injuries and wounds.
As well as your first aid kit, pack any medication you might usually take, labelled with your name and dosage information. It doesn’t hurt to also bring a copy of your prescription. When packing your medication and first aid kit, keep them in a waterproof and sturdy container to make sure they keep safe.
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Warm clothing for the cool nights
It may be surprising, but warm clothing is one of the most important things to pack for a safari. Even though it’s hot during the day, temperatures can drop significantly during the evenings and early mornings. To prepare for these temperatures fluctuations, make sure to layer your clothing well. This means bringing lightweight base layers, insulating materials, warm mid-layers like fleeces or sweaters, weatherproof outer layers, and protecting extremities with headwear, warm socks, and gloves.
Cash for small purchases
No matter where you go for your first time safari, it helps to bring a bit of cash in case you want to pick up any souvenirs or do extra activities. In Africa, while places are becoming more accepting of credit cards, it’s still a good idea to have some cash on hand, especially if you’re visiting more remote areas to pay for small purchases and tips.
While most hotels, lodges, and larger establishments accept major credit cards like Visa, Mastercard, and American Express, it’s important to check with your bank before you leave to ensure that your credit card will work in the country you’re visiting. Some banks may also charge international transaction fees, so it’s worth checking this as well. It always helps to contact your bank and let them know where you’re traveling and for how long.
A sense of adventure
Lastly, don’t forget to pack your spirit of adventure and a willingness to try new things. Your first time safari is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so make the most of it and enjoy every moment.
Embrace the unknown, whether it’s trying new foods, activities, or exploring new areas. Remember to keep an open mind and be spontaneous, as a safari can be unpredictable. This may mean changing your schedule to follow a herd of elephants, or staying up late to observe a pride of lions on the prowl.
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FAQs: What to take on safari
Additional advice for curating your perfect African safari list.
What should I wear on an African safari?
You’ll want to pack neutral colored clothing that is lightweight and breathable. Dark or vibrant clothes (even white) aren’t recommended as they attract the heat and attention from wildlife. A t-shirt and shorts are ideal, as are safari shits and pants. Most people bring long sleeve shirts, pants, and a light jacket for nightfall. A hat, sunglasses, closed-toe shoes like hiking boots, moisture-wicking socks, and comfortable underwear/sports bras are also essentials. A headlamp and raincoat are suggested as well for night hikes.
What toiletries do you need for African safari?
Insect repellent to ward off mosquitoes and tsetse flies is essential, as is sunblock with a high SPF rating. Hand wipes or sanitizer, skin moisturiser, chap stick or lip balm, and eye drops are all great items to keep in your pack. You should also keep a personal first-aid kit in your toiletries bag that includes pain medicine, antihistamines, bandages, motion sickness pills, and alcohol wipes.
What clothes do I need for an African safari?
Depending on the length of your trip, you’ll want to ensure you have exactly what you need to be comfortable without overcrowding your suitcase. For a five-day safari experience, we recommend hiking boots and sandals, a mix of 5-7 long and short sleeved shirts, two pairs of shorts, two pairs of pants, a swimsuit (if the hotel or tour has swimming opportunities), a safari hat with a wide brim, a light jacket, a windbreaker or rain jacket, and one extra pair of underwear and socks in addition to the one-per-day you pack.
What is the best bag to take on a safari?
Every traveler is different which is why you won’t see a specific type of bag listed in a safari packing guide. Remember, being practical often stops you from being problematic. A sturdy mid-sized backpack or duffle bag is large enough for most travelers on their first safari. You’ll want durable material that’s also malleable so it can squeeze into tight spaces. If you’re bringing significant camera equipment in a dedicated bag, consider bringing a smaller bag for essential personal items.
Is grey okay to wear on safari?
Yes, grey is an acceptable color to wear on a safari but you might want to lean into a different neutral color like brown or beige. Grey can attract insects like the tsetse fly. Earth-toned colors are always the best for safari drives and hikes.
Is it okay to wear jeans on a safari?
We do not recommend wearing jeans on a safari. For starters, jeans aren’t as breathable or flexible as other pants which means you’re bound to be uncomfortable. The blue color is also a no-go on safairs. Instead of jeans, consider khaki safari pants or even cargo shorts.
What not to pack
Now that you’ve got a solid list of what to pack for your first safari, let’s highlight what you should leave out of your luggage. Expensive jewelry and accessories should not accompany you on a safari drive, nor should you pack clothing items that lean more fashion-forward than practical. Leave behind any items that aren’t essential to keep your pack as light and efficient as possible. While items like sunscreen and an extra camera zoom lens or camera battery are critical, anything beyond a small personal first aid kit or small selection of snacks will only clutter and congest your backpack.
Leave it to the experts
Going on your first time safari is an unforgettable experience, but it requires careful planning and preparation. Researching this can be pretty daunting, which is why guided tours are fantastic for getting rid of the struggle of doing everything yourself. With Trafalgar, you can take specialised safari tours like the Kenya & Tanzania Safari Adventure, where you’ll unlock the best of your first time safari with the support and guidance of safari Travel Experts. With all the research, planning, and booking done by our team, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the adventure of a lifetime.
Unlock your first time safari with Trafalgar’s safari tours