Safari Packing Lists, Tips, & Advice

Get the best safari packing list & safari packing advice from Safari Store USA and find out what to wear on safari

Make Sure You Pack the Essentials For Your Safari By Using Our Safari Packing Lists

Working out what to pack for a safari is an important part of planning your African adventure - and it is also a really fun process in the build-up to your safari. These safari packing lists have been compiled by our founder and team of men and women who not only love going on safari, but who also spend months of the year on safari, testing gear and working from the wild. Some of our team live year-round in Africa too and so live in the conditions described in our packing lists and advice. There are far too many 'experts' providing advice about what to pack for a safari when all they have done is go on one safari. We live and breathe safari. We have sweated, so that you don't have to.

Quick Links to the Expert Advice on this Safari Packing List Page:

Introduction to Safari Packing Lists

Pick the safari packing list you need and follow this definitive safari packing checklist to make sure you have all the safari packing essentials for the best safari experiences. We are passionate about helping you to pack right and light for the most incredible African travels.

These safari packing lists are a safari packing checklist of what you need. If you need custom advice or have any questions, please do not hesitate to email us on contact@safaristore.com - or use our contact page - and our team will happily help. Generally, these lists have been put together to cover safaris to most destinations and across activities - from game drives, walking safaris, horse safaris, and water-based safaris to gorilla and mountain trekking safaris. 

Safari Packing Lists - by Length of Your Safari

We have divided up our packing lists into numbers of days you will spend on your safari. Click on the safari packing list link which best matches the number of days you will spend on safari: 

How To Use These Safari Packing Checklists

The lists above show the items to pack for one person for 3-day, 7-day, 10-day, and 14-day safaris. For safaris over 12 days, we recommend using the laundry service at your lodge or camp to keep within the weight and size restrictions for safari travel. 
Have a read through the safari packing advice per category under our safari packing advice menu to learn more about the clothing, luggage, binoculars, and accessories you will need for your safari. We’ve included an overview of our general safari packing tips below, as well as answers to safari packing-related frequently asked questions.

Safari Packing Tips

  • Top Tip. Many safari experiences begin in the early hours of the morning and can extend into the evenings. You will be exposed to the elements during the changing conditions throughout the day. Dressing in layers is the best way to prepare for whatever the day holds. 
  • Pack light. The good news is that technical clothing is feather-light and dries fast, which is great for packing within weight and luggage size restrictions on safari. If you are going on a fly-in safari, find out what the luggage restrictions are before you pack. 
  • Your choice of safari clothing matters. Pick safari shirts and pants in ultra-lightweight technical fabrics that wick moisture and dry quickly, with an insect repellent finish and built-in UPF50+ sun protection. Versatile safari clothing designs (like zip-off pants and roll-up sleeve tabs on long-sleeved safari shirts) will help to manage your luggage weight. They also help you to adapt to conditions during the day without a wardrobe change. 
  • Pack for performance. When it comes to choosing the best clothes for safari, look for the performance benefits of technical fabrics. Our BUGTech+ insect repellent safari clothing combines built-in insect defense, powered by Insect Shield, with built-in UPF50+ sun protection too. The fabric also wicks moisture to keep you cool, dry, and comfortable - with a luxurious soft-hand feel. Our T-Liteful t-shirt fabric marries technical and non-technical yarns for everyday comfort, without sacrificing performance. 
  • Always pack a warm layer. It is a myth that it is always hot in Africa. Altitude, season, and the fact that you will be out looking for predators before sunrise and after sunset mean you should factor sometimes very cold conditions into your safari packing strategy.
  • The wise accessorize. Always pack a reliable sunscreen and effective, Africa-tested insect repellent as part of your sun and bug protection strategy. Apply and reapply regularly throughout the day.
  • Must-have hats. You will be exposed to the elements. A UPF50+ hat is essential to shield your face, neck, and ears from the sun during safari activities. Select practical, packable, stylish options that do not impede your vision and have features for cooling and adjustable fit. 
  • Your suitcase matters. Hard-sided suitcases are not the best fit for safari. If you are flying by small charter on any leg of your travels, the airline will have strict rules about this as they will have to squeeze your bag into the cramped hold of the plane. A good rule of thumb is to use a soft, squashable, strong duffel bag. These are only as full as you pack them, so they provide the kind of flexibility you need for peace of mind - whether you're flying or tossing your bag into a trailer for a mobile safari. 
  • The number one safari essential. The one thing we wouldn't leave home without is a pair of high-quality binoculars - and one pair per person. Things don't always happen close up or slowly on safari (thankfully!) - and visibility at sightings directly impacts the quality of your game viewing. We've been at leopard sightings where we've had poor-quality binoculars and we may as well not have had binoculars at all, so an investment in quality is important.
  • Night life. A flashlight is a useful accessory to have for nighttime on safari. From being able to shine around your room at night in open camps to lighting up the dark corners of off-grid lodges, a rechargeable flashlight is one of our top 5 safari packing essentials.
  • Don't put your foot in it. When it comes to footwear, a pair of comfortable, closed walking shoes are important whenever you're in the bush. Add blister-free socks to ward off the pain of a blister. Ankle gaiters are a great addition if you're lucky enough to go on any walking-based activities. We also recommend packing a pair of sandals or flip flops for relaxing by the pool.

Safari Packing Advice: Frequently Asked Questions

What to wear on safari?

While there may be some variations depending on the type and destination of your safari, follow these general guidelines on what to wear on safari:

  • Long-sleeved safari shirts with roll-up sleeve tabs in neutral, earthy hues. Choose anti-bug, UV protective, and wicking fabric.
  • Zip-off pants in neutral, earthy hues. Choose anti-bug, UV protective, and wicking fabric.
  • A wide-brimmed sun hat.
  • Layer up with a reliable warm layer. Altitude, early morning and evening game drives, and seasonal conditions make a safari jacket or puffer a must for safari all year round.
  • Anti-blister socks. For short bush walks or long walking safaris, don’t let a blister impact your experience.
  • A beanie hat. Extra snugness for chilly mornings and evenings on game drive.
  • A tubular scarf. An essential accessory for sun protection, wind-proofing, and versatility.
  • Closed shoes. Choose comfortable walking shoes for walks and around camp. 

Shop Men's Safari Clothing | Shop Ladies' Safari Clothing

I am in a hurry - do you have a short summary of what I should pack?

Yes, we do have a shorter summary of what to pack for a safari. While it really is worth reading through our detailed advice pages and safari packing lists (click here), we have developed a safari 'cheat' which answers this question very quickly and efficiently. Our founder, Steve, came up with the 3-2-1-1 safari packing rule for safari clothing. Very simply, as a basis for all safaris, pack: 

  • 3x Long Sleeve Safari Shirts;
  • 2x Safari Pants;
  • 1x Hat;
  • 1x Warm Layer. 

You should also take essential safari accessories such as: 

  • Binoculars
  • Insect Repellent
  • Sunscreen

This is a very basic summary of what to pack for your safari and is by no means a definitive list. It is intended for last minute packing for a safari only. 

What not to pack for safari?

Leave the following items at home when packing for your safari:

  • Camo. Some countries don’t allow camouflage clothing.
  • Cotton. 100% cotton is not the best fabric for wicking and cooling. Opt instead for our safari-tested polycotton.
  • Bright colors. These alert animals to your presence. The trick to the best game viewing is to view the natural behavior of the wildlife you are watching.
  • Black and dark blue. This is especially the case in areas with tsetse flies, as these colors attract tsetes and other bugs.
  • White. As with bright colors, white stands out in the bush and may affect the quality of your game-viewing. It also stands a higher chance of getting visibly dirty in dusty safari conditions.
  • Hard-sided suitcases. Transfer by light aircraft and some mobile safaris require soft, squashable duffel bags as hard-sided suitcases do not fit into cramped holds or trailers.
  • Drones. These are forbidden in many national parks, game reserves, and safari areas. The penalty for flying drones in restricted areas could be confiscation and a fine.
  • Portable hairdryers. These are supplied by many safari lodges - check with your tour operator and the camps themselves if a hairdryer is important to you. Off-grid camps may also not have the ability to power these appliances. 

Why is cotton not the best fabric for safari?

  • Unraveling the Cotton Myth - Many safari packing advice pages recommend cotton as a top fabric for a safari. However, cotton on its own is not a great fabric in terms of its performance in warmer climates (or in cold ones, for that matter - especially if you are active). The reason for this is that 100% cotton is a very a poor wicking material, which hinders temperature regulation and cooling.
  • The Best Alternative to Cotton Clothing for Safari - Lightweight technical fabrics - and fabrics with added sun protective and insect repellent properties - are the best choice for moisture wicking, cooling, and protection on safari. They are also the best option for reducing wrinkling of your garments when you travel. This makes them much faster to wash and dry too. The same can be said for some cotton blends, such as our T-Liteful Polycotton T-shirt material. With T-Liteful, we have blended a technical yarn (65%) with cotton (35%). The technical yarn vastly improves the wicking and anti-wrinkle characteristic of the fabric in comparison to a pure cotton fabric. This makes T-Liteful t-shirts a way better option for safaris, the outdoors, and everyday living than 100% cotton t-shirts.

What clothes are suitable for safari?

The best safari clothing has the following features:

  • Safari colors. Neutral colors like khaki, beige, tan, and olive green are the most suitable colors for safari.
  • Bug repellent clothing. Technical clothing like BUGTech+ safari clothing helps to protect you from mosquitoes and other insects – perfect for exploring the bush in Africa.
  • Sun protective clothing. Choose technical fabric with built-in, tested UPF50+ sun protective properties.
  • Moisture wicking. Technical fabrics have the edge over materials like cotton and linen because they wick moisture more effectively. This is an important consideration for cooling in warm-weather environments.
  • Long-sleeved safari shirts. Long sleeves are essential for safari so you can cover up to protect yourself from bugs and the sun. Features like roll-up sleeve tabs allow you to secure your sleeves when rolled up, giving you the choice of long or short sleeves depending on the conditions.
  • Zip-off pants. Cover up for sun and insect protection, with the option to convert to shorts while you’re out on game drives or enjoying activities.
  • Wide-brimmed hat. Get 360-degree sun protection for the neck and protect your face from the sun.
  • A warm puffer or jacket. It can get very cold on safari – no matter what time of year you travel. Make sure you’re prepared by packing a reliable warm layer and accessories like a beanie hat and scarf. 

What luggage is best for safari?

The best luggage for safari is soft, squashable duffle bags. If you are traveling by light aircraft, strict luggage restrictions will apply, limiting weight, dimensions, and luggage type. This is because your bag will need to be squashed to fit in the small hold of your charter plane. The same principles apply for mobile safaris where your luggage is taken to camp in luggage trailers or on the back of Land Rovers. This makes hard-sided suitcases a poor fit for safari travel. 

How do I look good on safari?

Follow safari packing tips and embrace safari style! Safari fashion elements perennially feature in the fashion world for a reason. At Safari Store, our designers have worked tirelessly to create a range that balances modern fabric technologies with chic, classic safari clothing designs so you can look and feel great even in tough conditions.

What colors not to wear on safari?

Avoid black, dark blue, bright colors, and white clothing on safari.

  • Black and dark blue attract tsetse flies and other insects.
  • Bright colors make you conspicuous in the bush, which alerts wildlife to your presence and may affect game viewing.
  • White also makes you stand out in the African bush – and easily gets dirty.

Is it ok to wear jeans on safari?

Jeans are not the best pants for safari. In up to hot conditions, heavy denim doesn’t help with cooling. Jeans take a long time to dry and may add unnecessary extra weight to your luggage. In tsetse areas, the color of jeans may also attract these flies with their painful bite. The better options are lightweight, technical cargoes or convertible pants for versatility and sun protective, anti-bug benefits. 

Can you wear sneakers on safari?

For game drives and boat-based safaris, you can wear sneakers on safari. However, it is worth noting that they may get dirty in dusty conditions – and may not be the best option for walking-based activities in the bush. For long distances, uneven terrain, and sometimes very thorny areas, it’s a better idea to take closed shoes that have a bit of grip and a tough sole.

Is it okay to wear black on safari?

Avoid wearing black on safari – especially in areas with tsetse flies. These flies have a painful bite and are attracted to dark colors, along with other insects. 

Can a lady wear shorts to safari?

In many safari destinations, it is acceptable for women to wear shorts. However, long pants are recommended for covering up for sun and insect protection. Long pants are also the top recommendation for walking safaris. It is also important to be sensitive to the conservative outlook prescribed by some cultures and religions no matter where you travel. 

What is the best color to wear on safari?

Safari-suitable colors help you to blend into the environment around you, making you less conspicuous to wildlife. These colors include shades of khaki, brown, tan, beige, olive, and green.

What is the best fabric to wear on safari?

Technical fabrics outperform many traditional fabrics for bush-friendly features on safari. The best fabric for safari is BUGTech+ insect repellent fabric. This provides insect defence, tested UPF50+ sun protection, moisture wicking, and quick drying properties. 

Can I wear leggings on safari?

Yes, leggings are suitable for safari. Choose leggings in safari-suitable colors. 

What colors attract tsetse flies?

Dark blue and black are known for attracting tsetse flies. That is why tsetse fly traps are dark blue and black in color. This is why wearing safari clothing in safari-friendly colors such as khaki and olive green is so important. 

What to wear at night on safari?

At night, around camp or at your safari lodge, you have more freedom to choose what to wear. However, nighttime is when it is a good idea to be vigilant about mosquitoes, so wearing insect repellent clothing and a good bug spray is important. We also recommend closed shoes and a torch for walking back to your room or tent at night. In case the temperature drops after dark, have your jacket or puffer handy.

Can you wear perfume on safari?

Avoid wearing any strong-smelling perfume or cologne on safari. There should be no issue with subtle scent, but we have heard reports that perfume affects the natural behavior of some wildlife – and that’s not worth the risk if it means compromising your sightings. It’s also been said to attract insects. 

What trousers to wear on safari?

Long pants in lightweight, technical BUGTech+ fabric are our top recommendation for anyone wondering what trousers to wear on safari. Long pants provide coverage for protection from the sun and insects. On walking safaris or bush walks, this keeps the grass off your legs, which helps to prevent tick bites. Convertible pants are a great idea, allowing you to simply zip off the lower leg of your pants (and zip them back on again) to adapt to conditions throughout the day. 

Can I wear white on safari?

Avoid wearing white on safari, as it stands out in the bush. This alerts wildlife to your presence, which may affect natural behavior – and the quality of your game viewing. In dusty safari conditions, white also shows dirt more obviously than khaki and other safari colors.

Is safari cold at night?

This depends on where you are going and what time of year. However, it is a myth that it never gets cold in Africa. We have been cold on safari in the middle of summer. It is always best to be prepared for cold conditions and having a jacket or puffer at the ready for lower nighttime and early morning temperatures is a good idea all year round.  

What color hat for safari?

Choose a hat in safari-suitable, earthy colors like khaki, beige, and khaki green. As your head is the topmost part of your body and most visible on the back of game viewers and on walking safaris, it is important to avoid bright colors, white, and black.

Where to shop for safari clothing?

Safari Store is the best place to shop for safari clothing for a number of reasons:

  1. The best made-for-purpose safari clothing. BUGTech+ insect repellent clothing and the range of non-technical safari clothes have been designed to meet the conditions on safari. Built for insect repellency, sun protection, wicking, and versatility.
  2. Tested performance. Every item available from Safari Store USA has been safari- and expedition-tested to make sure it is a match for African safari. Where possible, independent lab tests have been conducted to ensure that we can back up our claims.
  3. Expert insight. Our founder is South African and has a background that includes working as a safari guide, designing safari travel itineraries in the U.K., and extensive African travels. Today, he is focused on creating the best clothing and gear for outdoor adventures. This vision is shared by our team who live and breathe safari - and have traveled extensively throughout Africa over the years.

Have Questions About What to Pack for Safari? Contact Us

If you need any advice around your safari packing list, contact us and our team will happily assist you.

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