Ultimate safari packing list

14 must-have items to pack for an African safari

Embarking on a luxury safari is an unforgettable journey into the heart of Africa’s wilderness; one that will open your heart and mind to the wonders of the wild, unencumbered by the stresses of daily life. However, before your adventure begins, it is important to consider the practical aspects of preparing for your trip including what to pack and what clothing to wear.

On a luxury safari with ROAR AFRICA, you can expect exquisite accommodation and meticulous service to anticipate your every need. Still, the African bush requires certain preparations to fully enjoy the vast range of experiences on offer. Thoughtful packing is essential and ultimately depends on the climate you are visiting, the activities you are undertaking and of course, your personal preference.

To enhance your experience on our breathtaking home continent, equip yourself with essentials that cater to both comfort and functionality. These are a few of our suggested items.

What to pack for an African safari

Packing for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure to places unknown can often feel daunting. Fortunately, ROAR AFRICA guests have it easier than many travelers, with several safari packing essentials provided by our team to ensure a seamless adventure.

Consider this your safari packing checklist for both the personal items to bring from home, as well as the equipment that may be provided during your stay on the continent.

Essential clothing

It is highly recommended to pack comfortable, practical clothing with plenty of light layers. Africa’s climate is as varied as its beautiful landscapes and range from arid savannahs to lush floodplains. Being comfortable in all temperatures will only enhance your enjoyment. This part of our safari packing guide covers the clothing basics:

• Lightweight, breathable fabrics for summer (September – April): Choose garments crafted from premium, breathable materials, like linen and cotton, or advanced moisture-wicking fabrics that provide comfort under the radiant African sun. Most guests wear T-shirts or golf shirts with shorts and skirts, cotton trousers and capris or lightweight leggings and yoga pants.
• Warm comfort pieces for winter (May – August): Winter in Africa doesn’t bear many similarities to the season in the northern hemisphere, but you may find the evenings and early morning cool. Long-sleeved cotton shirts and T-shirts are ideal in this season, as are sweaters and jerseys. Pack shorts for the daytime and pants for the evening, as well as gloves, a beanie and a scarf for the early morning game drives.
• Neutral colors: Earthy tones are ideal on safari—think hues of sand, stone and forest green that will blend into the landscape and ensure the wildlife remains undisturbed by your presence.
• Layers: Though your accommodation will provide blankets for a cozy morning game drive or nights of stargazing, it is always a good idea to dress in layers you can slip on and off as needed. Bring a light sweater in the summer or warmer sweaters and a windproof puffer jacket in the winter.
• Durable footwear: Rugged terrain demands sturdy footwear. Durable, closed-toe shoes such as sneakers or ankle boots are essential for safely navigating uneven landscapes.

Depending on where you travel you will often find opportunities, both at your accommodation and sometimes elsewhere, to shop for safari clothes and anything you may have forgotten. The clothing for sale is of excellent quality, often handmade, and can also be a wonderful reminder of Africa and your trip.

Gear and equipment

ROAR AFRICA is happy to equip guests with some safari essentials, such as flashlights for evening activities. However, we also suggest including these items on your Africa safari packing list to make the most of your experience:

• Soft-sided luggage: Many of the smaller safari airlines restrict the use of hard-body luggage as only soft, malleable bags can fit into the hold. Please prepare to pack your essentials into your provided ROAR AFRICA duffel bag.
• Binoculars: High-definition binoculars heighten the excitement and detail of so many wildlife sightings, whether you spot a rare African painted dog in the bush or a colorful kingfisher on the riverbank. Our favorites are the CL Pocket binoculars from Swarovski Optik.
• Day pack: A small day pack is perfect for storing anything you might need on safari game drives and activities — think sunscreen, sunglasses, bug spray, your phone, camera extras and layers you may need as the weather changes throughout the day.
• Headlamps and flashlights: Most lodges provide durable, high-quality lighting devices for predawn and post-sunset adventures as well as for moving around your accommodation, but you may want to bring your own for backup.
• Journal: A ROAR AFRICA safari is a transformative experience. Though you will no doubt capture countless photos of extraordinary moments in the wild, you may wish to jot down memories to cherish long after you return home.

Photography equipment

Capturing magnificent wildlife and landscapes on camera is the best way to bring Africa home with you. These are the photography essentials we recommend on safari:

• High-quality camera and lens: Photographers often have a favorite between DSLR and mirrorless cameras, and both are excellent on safari. When in doubt, choose a polarized camera with a long (300mm) lens. We prefer the Nikon COOLPIX P1000 super-telephoto digital camera.
• Camera extras: Spare batteries and memory cards are helpful for long shooting sessions on game drives. You may also wish to bring a tripod or monopod for images of the sunset or starry sky.
• Charging devices: Don’t forget a country-specific or multi-plug global adapter for your camera, phone and other equipment.
• Protective gear: Durable covers and bags are recommended to safeguard your equipment from dirt and dust in the bush.

Health and safety

Health and safety are paramount on all ROAR AFRICA journeys, which is why our team provides a comprehensive first aid kit for peace of mind on your trip. Of course, guests are asked to please bring their required medication and preferred medicine brands for the most comfortable experience. Additionally, you will find the following items helpful on safari:

• Insect repellent: We recommend the Peaceful Sleep and Tabard brands, which can both be purchased at Cape Town and Johannesburg airports.
• Sun protection: Southern and East Africa are famous for having more than 300 sunny days per year. In addition to wearing 30+ SPF sunscreen, do be sure to pack sunglasses and a wide-brim hat.
• Travel documents: ROAR AFRICA will assist you with the necessary documentation for your trip – and please do carry this with you – but remember to also bring your passport and travel insurance documents.

Personal care and comfort

ROAR AFRICA’s preferred resorts and luxury safari lodges offer a variety of amenities for your comfort. We take great pride in partnering with accommodations that provide not only seamless service, spectacular wilderness experiences and sustainable design, but also luxury amenities that make your stay as restful and revitalizing as possible.

Consider adding the following items to your safari packing list, but also know that our team can assist in acquiring any amenities you may need when you arrive.

• Toiletries and comfort items: Most rooms are equipped with shampoo, conditioner, soap, body lotion, bathrobes, hair dryers and slippers. For those with brand preferences, packing personal items from home adds another layer of comfort to your safari experience.
• Chapstick or lip balm: Small enough to tuck into your day pack, lip moisturizers offer relief during Africa’s dry season and when exploring the bush.
• Eye drops: Similarly, you may wish to use eye drops should your eyes feel dry during game drives, bush walks and other outdoor activities.

What NOT to include on your safari packing list

We highly recommend traveling lighter and enjoying your time on safari without unnecessary burden. In this spirit, these are the items to leave off your safari packing checklist, either for convenience or compliance with local regulations:

• Drones: Drones are often banned in national parks and reserves to prevent disturbances to wildlife and other guests.
• Hair dryers: Most luxury safari lodges provide hair dryers.
• Camouflage clothing: Wearing camouflage is not advised for most African countries as it is associated with military personnel.
• White or brightly colored clothing: Bright clothing stands out in the bush and may be startling for wildlife, while white clothes are prone to getting dirty in dusty, arid environments. Stick with neutral tones that blend in with the landscape.

Let ROAR AFRICA, the Navy SEALs of travel, handle the planning and logistics of your safari. Learn more about our luxury safari destinations and inquire about your trip today.