The Most Important Rule

Pack less than you think you need. Safari vehicles have limited luggage space — especially on fly-in safaris where soft-sided bags under 15kg per person are often required. If in doubt, leave it out. You can buy almost anything you forget in Nairobi or Arusha.

Luggage rule for fly-in safaris

Most small aircraft used for fly-in safaris have a strict 15kg combined weight limit (bag + hand luggage). Soft bags only — no hard-shell cases. Check with your operator before packing. Violations may mean leaving bags behind or paying overweight fees.

Clothing

  • Neutral colours only: Khaki, olive, tan, brown, grey. No bright colours or white (dust) and no camouflage (illegal near some military areas).
  • 3–4 lightweight long-sleeve shirts (sun and insect protection)
  • 2–3 lightweight t-shirts
  • 1–2 pairs safari trousers (zip-off legs are practical)
  • 1 pair shorts
  • Fleece or light jacket — mornings and evenings in highland areas (Ngorongoro, Bwindi) get cold
  • Rain jacket / poncho — essential for low-season travel, useful in any season
  • Comfortable walking shoes or boots (waterproof for gorilla trekking)
  • Sandals for camp
  • Sun hat with full brim

Health and Protection

  • Malaria prophylactics: Prescribed by your doctor. Take the full course. Do not skip this.
  • DEET insect repellent (30–50% DEET for serious protection)
  • SPF 50 sunscreen — the equatorial sun is more intense than most visitors expect
  • Prescription medications in original labelled containers
  • Basic first aid kit: antihistamine, antidiarrhoeal, painkillers, antiseptic wipes, blister treatment
  • Lip balm with SPF
  • Hand sanitiser

Camera and Technology

  • Camera: A zoom lens of at least 300mm (equivalent) is the minimum for useful wildlife photography. Your phone camera will not do the subject justice at distance.
  • Extra batteries and memory cards — charging opportunities in the field can be limited
  • Dust-proof bag or case — Serengeti and Tarangire dust will destroy unprotected electronics
  • Binoculars — 8x42 or 10x42 are ideal. Do not skip these.
  • Universal power adapter (Type D and G sockets in East Africa)
  • Power bank
  • Phone with offline maps downloaded (Maps.me or Google Maps offline)

Money

  • USD cash in new notes printed after 2009 — older notes are often refused
  • Budget $300–$500 cash for tips on a 7-day safari
  • Budget extra for balloon safaris, village visits, souvenirs
  • Notify your bank of travel dates to prevent card blocks
  • ATMs available in major cities; not reliable in remote areas

For Gorilla Trekking (Uganda/Rwanda)

  • Waterproof hiking boots — mandatory for Bwindi
  • Long trousers tucked into boots (stinging nettles and safari ants)
  • Gardening gloves — protect hands when grabbing vegetation on steep slopes
  • Gaiters — useful for muddy trails
  • Walking pole / stick — rangers often provide bamboo sticks

Hard suitcases (fly-in weight limits require soft bags), bright colours, camouflage clothing (illegal near military areas), heavy jewellery (impractical and security risk), perfume and strong aftershave (attracts insects, disturbs wildlife), and more shoes than you will genuinely use.

A telephoto lens of 300–600mm equivalent dramatically improves wildlife photography. Many travellers hire a long lens for the trip rather than buying one. Your phone camera is fine for camp and landscape shots. For serious wildlife close-ups, a dedicated camera with reach is necessary.