Packing tips for your African safari

You’re not going to need a massive suitcase filled with clothes for all occasions, so choose a lightweight but durable travel bag that provides all the space you need without being difficult to manoeuvre.

We recommend duffel-type bags with soft sides and wheels that are easy to carry when you have to but can squeeze easily into safari vehicles when you’re travelling from camp to camp and are squishy enough to squeeze into the belly of a small plane if you’re going to be doing flight transfers into camps with us.

If you are going to be doing a short hop in a small plane, it’s useful to know that generally speaking, the weight limit is 15kg, meaning that you need to leave the kitchen sink at home!

So you’re going to need protection on game activities in the form of a beanie-style hat, gloves and a scarf, as well as a lightweight fleece or puffer-style jacket, long pants and closed shoes or boots.

Choose a selection of clothing in neutral, earth colours that blend into the African wilderness. Khaki, beige, brown and grey are great and muted pastels also work. White is impractical but wonderfully cool, so restrict it to around camp and leave it behind when on a game drive as it makes you stand out too much. 

Bring a selection of layers that allow you to mix and match. Choose clothes that offer a variety of outfits while being easily layered to add warmth where necessary. Even in the peak of summer, it can get chilly in the early mornings, so make sure you have a lightweight sweater or jacket on hand.

Long-sleeved shirts and trousers are also a great idea as they offer protection from the sun and biting insects too, and add warmth if needed.