Safari Packing List
Pack Smart, Travel Light, and Focus on the Adventure
How to Pack for a Photo Safari in Africa -
Essentials for Travel and Photography.
Packing for a photographic safari or classic safari adventure is different from any other trip. It’s about finding the balance between being prepared, staying mobile, and protecting your gear — all while maximizing your comfort across remote areas.
Whether you’re joining one of our small-group photo safaris, exploring Africa’s wild parks on a classic safari, or flying between lodges by charter plane, this guide will help you pack with purpose.
Essentials for Every Safari Traveler
These items are must-haves whether you’re headed to Botswana, Kenya, Zambia, Zimbabwe, or Tanzania.
✅ Travel Essentials
Passport (valid for 6+ months beyond return date)
Visa documentation (if applicable)
Copies of important documents (stored separately from originals)
Travel insurance details (including medical evacuation cover)
Credit cards and USD cash (small denominations)
Soft-sided duffel bag (20kg limit typical on charter flights)
Daypack or camera backpack
Power bank and universal travel adapter
Sunscreen (reef-safe recommended)
Lip balm with SPF
Personal medications + basic first aid kit
Insect repellent (DEET-based recommended)
Download Our Safari Packing Checklist
Make preparing for your safari simple and stress-free.
We’ve created a printable Safari Packing Checklist to help you pack smart, travel light, and arrive ready for adventure - whether you’re photographing lions in the Okavango Delta, canoeing the Zambezi River, or tracking leopards in South Luangwa
✔️ Essential travel documents
✔️ Safari clothing guide
✔️ Photography gear checklist
✔️ Charter flight baggage tips
Safari Clothing Guide
Neutral tones (khaki, green, beige) are best, avoid white, bright colors, and dark blues (which attract tsetse flies).
🧢 Clothing Must-Haves
Lightweight, breathable shirts (long and short sleeve)
Convertible zip-off pants or lightweight trousers
Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots
Sandals or slip-ons for camp
Fleece or light jacket for cool mornings and evenings
Wide-brimmed hat or cap
Light rain jacket (especially for green season safaris)
Buff, scarf, or bandana (for dust and sun protection)
Swimsuit (for lodges with pools)
Optional but Useful
Quick-dry socks and underwear
Gloves (for cold early-morning drives)
Light sweater or hoodie
Sarong or shawl (multi-use for sun, dust, or modesty at local stops)
Photographic Gear Checklist (for Photo Safaris)
Whether you’re photographing lions at golden hour in South Luangwa or elephants crossing the Okavango channels, having the right gear matters.
📸 Camera Gear Essentials
DSLR or mirrorless camera body (2 bodies recommended)
Wide-angle lens (16–35mm or similar)
Mid-range zoom lens (24–105mm or similar)
Telephoto lens (100–400mm, 200–600mm, or fixed prime)
Spare batteries (3–4 recommended)
Memory cards (plenty of high-capacity, fast cards)
External hard drive for backups
Laptop or tablet for backup/editing (optional)
Cleaning kit (sensor blower, lens cloths, brush)
🎒 Accessories
Bean bag (provided on our safaris, but you can bring your own small version)
Rain covers for camera/lens
Polarizing filter
Lightweight tripod or monopod (optional, rarely used but helpful for scenic shots)
Portable SSD drive for backups
Editing software installed (Lightroom/Photoshop)
Packing Tips for Charter Flights
Most internal safari flights have strict baggage limits, typically 15–20kg including hand luggage, and soft-sided bags only.
Use a duffel bag without hard frames or wheels
Keep your camera gear as part of your carry-on (soft camera backpacks are ideal)
Wear heavier boots or jackets when flying if weight is tight
Pre-book extra baggage allowances with our help if needed
Other Safari-Smart Items
Compact binoculars (8x32 or 10x42 ideal)
Reusable water bottle
Wet wipes or biodegradable hand sanitizers
Flashlight or headlamp (with red light mode preferred)
Earplugs (for light sleepers — safari camps can be lively at night!)
Reading material (e-reader or small book)
Small dry bag (for canoe safaris or wet areas)
Personal snacks (protein bars, trail mix)
What Not to Pack
Camouflage clothing (military camo is illegal in many African countries)
Drones (heavily restricted or banned in national parks)
Plastic bags (banned in Kenya, Rwanda, and other countries)
Excessive jewelry or valuables
Hard-shell suitcases
Heavy tripods unless absolutely needed