Preparing for Safari
How I Plan and Everything I Pack
When I think about the trips that most impacted me, the destinations that have stuck with me long after I have left, and experiences that felt truly incredible, each time I have been able to go on safari is at the top of that list.
I have been lucky to visit Seregenti National Park and the Masai Mara, Madikwe Game Reserve in South Africa, and Kanha National Park in India, where I took a tiger safari. While the weather and experience were each different, the overall mentality for planning and packing are always the same.
Before my first trip, I panicked, thinking I would need a variety of safari-specific gear. But I found that I could easily pack from items I already owned, rather than buy clothing I wouldn’t use again.
The first thing to do, once you’ve booked your trip, is ask your lodge (or lodges if you are moving around to a few) what they provide so you don’t pack supplies you don’t need. Many will also offer essentials like bug spray, binoculars, warm blankets for drives, flashlights, hand sanitizer, etc. Then be sure to check with the airlines what size, weight, and even material limitations there might be on the luggage for your flights, since often the planes have very specific restrictions.
No packing list is ideal for everyone because what you need can vary depending on your itinerary. Not just where you’re going and what you're planning to do, but also the time of year, the type of lodge, and what amenities they offer. Most lodges offer daily, complimentary laundry, so packing just 2-3 pairs of pants, tops, and sweaters will suffice.
When it comes to your clothing, it is important to stick to earth tones: khaki, beige, olive, cream. Avoid bright blue + black, because these colors attract tsetse flies, (which is especially an issue in parts of East & Southern Africa) Also avoid neon, or super bright colors since these colors can startle wildlife.
I find don’t need a lot of clothes; just need the right clothes for the various situations, season, and times of day. Here’s exactly what I pack and how I wear it.
Essential Layers
1 - 2 pair Khaki Pants . Make sure they are comfortable! This pair is stylish, but also water-repellent and have UPF 50+ sun protection
1 - 2 pair Khaki Shorts - Again, comfort is key. This pair is also water-repellent with UPF 50+ sun protection
2-3 Sports Bras - Game drives can be bumpy, so I often prefer to wear a longline sports bra because it can double as a tank top.
If I’m not in sports bra, I’m wearing my favorite underwire-free bra, because it’s comfortable and supportive.
2-3 Tank Tops - Always my bottom layer, especially if it’s warm when I’m going! Cotton is best because it’s breathable and easy to wash.
2-3 T-shirts - I bring my favorite short or long sleeve tees, or one of each.
1-2 Button Down - This one is water-repellent and has UPF 50+ sun protection. Being able to wear this style open or closed makes it a perfect layer.
1 Warm Sweater or Fleece
1 Windbreaker or Light Down Jacket (depending on the season)
1 Hat - baseball hat, bucket hat, panama hat will work
1 pair Sunglasses
Other Essentials
1 Backpack - This one is waterproof and has a luggage handle sleeve for when you’re at the airport.
1 Light Scarf - Not a must for me, but many people love that this can double for sun protection, warmth, or even be wrapped around your face if there are a lot of bugs.
Boots or Tennis Shoes (depending on your itinerary or preference.
Sandals - something easy to clean
1 Swimsuit & Cover Up (if your lodge has a pool)
1 Lounge Outfit (same as your plane outfit)
Earplugs
Sunscreen
Bug spray
Binoculars
How & When I Wear It
On a typical day you will take two game drives.