If you’ve ever googled ‘what to wear on a safari’, you’ll come across many photos of both men and women, dressed head to toe in beige and khaki colors, donning safari hats, and with binoculars slung around their necks. They’ll look like they had signed up for some Indiana Jones digging expedition. In reality, they’re following the footsteps of Robert Redford and Meryl Streep in ‘Out of Africa’ (a pre-safari must watch) and opting for a recommended wardrobe to wear during an incredible African safari.
Due to the location and nature of Africa, you’ll need to pack certain items for your trip. Visitors who take bush flights are often limited to 15 KGs in total, including hand luggage. So safari travelers will have to forfeit the luxury of wardrobe choice.
Here’s a list of what you should pack and what you should leave behind.
Documents:
Kenyan E-visa paperwork: When we arrived, the airport in Nairobi was packed with many people in a long line waiting to get their visa on arrival. So it’s definitely wise to apply online in advance and get a print-out of the e-visa to show immigration officials. Here is the link to apply online. Total fees paid: USD 53.
A Yellow Fever Vaccination Card may be required for you to enter Kenya and particularly Tanzania, depending on where you are coming from. Your own country may also require you to have a yellow fever vaccination after returning from tropical and subtropical areas in Africa. So make sure to get the vaccination at least two weeks prior to the trip. After getting vaccinated, you will receive a signed and stamped yellow card known as an International Certificate of Vaccination which you should bring with you when you fly as proof of vaccination. For Dubai-based readers, you can get the vaccine done at the Al Barsha Health Center which is open on weekdays from 7:30 to 13:00. Best to arrive early. Total fees paid: AED 335.
Travel insurance: While many safari companies and airlines do offer vehicle and flight insurance respectively, health and other types of insurance are not provided by default. So it is highly advisable to ensure you have coverage when traveling.
First-aid and toiletries:
Anti-malaria pills are recommended to prevent (you guessed it!) malaria, a sometimes fatal disease transmitted by mosquitoes. Doctors typically prescribe weekly or daily tablets to take before and after your trip which may have some side-effects (although I didn’t have any issues). Better safe than sorry!
Insect repellent: The number one rule to follow during a safari is to spray good insect repellent. Mosquitoes are everywhere. Because yellow fever and other lethal diseases such as malaria are spread by mosquito bites, you should aim hardest to prevent bites during travel by using long-lasting repellents. Those which contain DEET are most effective (personal opinion).
Eco-friendly packing cubes and toiletry bags. Plastic bags are banned in Kenya.
Lip balm: for when your lips get dry due to the change in weather.
Sunscreen
Toothpaste and toothbrush
Hairbrush
Unscented deodorant and lotion to keep fresh and moisturized especially with all the layers and change of weather. Uunscented because lions and other animals like scents as much as humans do.
Daily panty liners
Tissues and wet wipes: The long game drives can often mean being away from camp for 6+ hours. So our tour guide was kind to stop when needed so that the men would ‘check the wheels’ and the women would ‘water the roses’. In both cases, tissues and wet wipes were incredibly helpful.
Basic medical kit with panadol, motion sickness pills, alcohol wipes, and band-aids.
Clothes and accessories:
Soft-shelled luggage for bush flights.
A light handbag to put your gadgets and other stuff in for game drives. As some of the vehicles are open and the roads are bumpy, it helps to have a bag to stow your items in so nothing falls out or gets wet when it rains.
2 Pairs of cargo pants and 1 pair of shorts*.
2 T-shirts/tops per day as you can start to feel icky after the long game drives*.
*Avoid black and blue colors as they attract biting tse tse flies found in certain areas in Africa. Also, skip white as it can get quite dusty when driving in open safari vehicles.
2 Scarves/Pashminas for the chilly mornings and evenings.
1 Jacket: Depending on when you visit Africa, I would highly recommend a lightweight hooded jacket during summer and a heavy-duty one for winter. Also, you really only need 1 as jackets take up valuable luggage real estate.
Boots: I would highly recommend packing a pair of comfortable boots with high ankles, a good grip, and are waterproof. Even if you don’t plan on hiking, the boots are ideal for the often muddy terrain and the critters you’ll encounter as you walk around.
Around the camp shoes: Once back in the camp, you’ll definitely want to slip into comfier shoes. Would recommend a closed pair.
Socks suitable for boots to avoid blisters.
Comfy cotton undies.
Sunglasses
A bathing suit as some camps have swimming pools.
A wide brim hat for the sun.
Binoculars: Best thing I’ve read is a running joke that the no. 1 reason cause of divorce among couples in Africa is bringing one pair of binoculars on a safari. While we didn’t witness any spats or partake in any, I’d definitely recommend investing in a quality pair of binoculars to make sure you can see the wildlife in all its detail, particularly when the animals are practically hiding in the bushes. A costly investment yet worthwhile!
Ear plugs to sleep at night for tent roommates who snore (both human and non-human).
A book to read and music player to listen from (using your phone can often drain your valuable battery).
A great camera with a long lens for taking photos of the animals at far distances. Phone cameras don’t do the wildlife any justice and photos end up looking grainy when you zoom in.
Extra battery and memory cards for cameras.
Portable mobile charger
A converter if needed. The electricity in Kenya has a voltage of 240V and uses ‘G’ type plugs.
Headlamp/LED torches: When you’re waking up as early as 4AM and it’s pitch black outside and you’re trying to get ready, it helps to be able to see. The lights in the camp can be quite dim. Also, during late night game drives when its dark outside to be able to see the animals.
A reusable water bottle which you can refill every day for your game drives. Don’t use plastic!
Other items:
If carrying USD to use or exchange in Kenya, do ensure that the notes are issued post year 2000 as older notes are no longer accepted.
Kenyan shillings for tips to porters, waiters, and guides which are preferred in the local currency.
Granola bars to avoid being hangry during long game drives.
A board game for the children of the Masai tribes. A small gift which will guarantee many smiles.
