Safari Packing List for UK Travellers – What to Pack

Essential packing guide for UK travellers heading on safari. Learn what clothing, equipment, and health items to bring for your African safari adventure.

Packing for Your Safari Adventure

Packing correctly for a safari is essential for comfort, safety, and enjoyment. The key is to pack light, practical items in neutral colours that blend with the environment. Remember that many lodges have laundry services, so you don't need to pack for every day.

Consider the climate and season of your destination, but be prepared for temperature variations - early morning game drives can be chilly, while midday can be hot. Layers are your best friend on safari.

Also remember that internal flights on small aircraft have strict weight limits (typically 15kg checked, 5kg hand luggage), so pack efficiently. Soft-sided bags are easier to store in small aircraft.

Complete Packing Checklist

Clothing Essentials

  • •Neutral-coloured long-sleeved shirts (3-4)
  • •Lightweight trousers (2-3 pairs)
  • •Shorts (1-2 pairs)
  • •Warm fleece or jacket
  • •Waterproof jacket
  • •Comfortable walking shoes
  • •Sandals or flip-flops
  • •Wide-brimmed hat
  • •Sunglasses
  • •Underwear and socks (enough for trip)

Camera & Binoculars

  • •Camera with zoom lens (200mm+)
  • •Extra memory cards
  • •Extra batteries and charger
  • •Binoculars (8x42 or 10x42 recommended)
  • •Camera bag or protective case
  • •Lens cleaning kit
  • •Power bank for charging

Health & Safety

  • •Prescription medications
  • •Malaria prophylaxis (if required)
  • •Insect repellent (DEET-based)
  • •Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
  • •Hand sanitizer
  • •Basic first aid kit
  • •Rehydration salts
  • •Personal medications

Documents & Money

  • •Passport (valid 6+ months)
  • •Visa (if required)
  • •Travel insurance documents
  • •Vaccination certificates
  • •Flight tickets
  • •Emergency contact information
  • •Credit/debit cards
  • •Some cash (USD or local currency)

Packing Tips

Colour Matters

Stick to neutral colours (khaki, beige, olive, brown) to avoid disturbing wildlife. Bright colours and white can startle animals and make you more visible to insects.

Pack in Layers

Temperatures vary significantly throughout the day. Early morning game drives can be cold, while midday can be hot. Layering allows you to adjust throughout the day.

Weight Restrictions

Internal flights on small aircraft have strict weight limits. Pack light and consider leaving some items at your hotel if doing multi-destination trips. Soft-sided bags are easier to store.

Protection is Key

Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses) and insect protection (long sleeves, trousers, repellent) are essential. The African sun is strong, and insects can be active, especially at dawn and dusk.

Frequently Asked Questions

What clothing should I pack for a safari?

Pack neutral-coloured clothing (khaki, beige, olive, brown) to blend with the environment. Avoid bright colours and white. Include lightweight long-sleeved shirts and trousers for sun and insect protection, a warm fleece or jacket for early mornings and evenings, a waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes, and a wide-brimmed hat. Layers are key as temperatures vary throughout the day.

Do I need special camera equipment for safari?

While not essential, a camera with a good zoom lens (200mm+) will help capture wildlife. Binoculars are highly recommended for viewing distant animals. Bring extra memory cards, batteries (charging may be limited), and a camera bag that protects from dust. Many lodges provide binoculars, but bringing your own ensures availability.

What health items should I pack?

Essential health items include: prescription medications (with copies of prescriptions), malaria prophylaxis (if required), insect repellent (DEET-based), sunscreen (high SPF), hand sanitizer, basic first aid kit, rehydration salts, and any personal medications. Bring enough supplies for your entire trip plus a few extra days.

What should I NOT pack for safari?

Avoid packing: bright or white clothing (disturbs wildlife), camouflage clothing (illegal in some countries), expensive jewellery, unnecessary valuables, and excessive luggage (weight limits on small aircraft). Also avoid strong perfumes or scented products as they can attract insects.

How much luggage can I bring?

International flights typically allow 23kg checked baggage. However, internal flights on small aircraft often have strict weight limits (usually 15kg checked, 5kg hand luggage). Pack light and use soft-sided bags (easier to store). Consider leaving some items at your hotel if doing multi-destination trips.

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