What to pack for a safari in Kenya
Most of a safari day is spent in a vehicle or at camp, and laundry is offered at many lodges, so you need less than you think. Here is what our driver-guides suggest.
Bags
- Use a soft bag, not a hard suitcase, if any part of your trip is by light aircraft. Small planes to the parks have tight luggage limits, often 15 kg per person including hand luggage, and soft bags fit the hold. We confirm the exact limit for your flights.
- Bring a small day pack for the vehicle: camera, binoculars, sun cream, a layer and a water bottle.
- Kenya bans plastic carrier bags. Pack toiletries in reusable pouches instead, and leave plastic bags at home.
Clothes
- Neutral colours such as khaki, olive, beige and brown. Avoid bright colours on walking safaris, and dark blue and black, which can attract tsetse flies in some areas.
- Layers: early morning game drives can be cold, particularly in the Masai Mara and around Mount Kenya, and afternoons are warm. A fleece or light down jacket is worth the space.
- Light long-sleeved shirts and long trousers for evenings, against sun and mosquitoes.
- A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and comfortable closed shoes.
- Swimwear: many lodges have pools, and you may finish at the coast.
Essentials
- Binoculars, one pair per person if you can. They make more difference to a safari than any camera.
- Sun cream, lip balm and insect repellent.
- Any medicines you take, in their original packaging. Ask your doctor or a travel clinic about malaria tablets and vaccinations well before you travel, including whether you need a yellow fever certificate for your route.
- A universal plug adapter: Kenya uses the UK-style three-pin plug (type G).
- Copies of your passport and insurance, and some US dollars in small notes for tips.
What to leave at home
Camouflage clothing, which civilians may not wear in some neighbouring countries, including Tanzania; a drone, which you can’t fly in Kenya’s national parks without permission; and anything you would be sad to see covered in fine dust.
When you book, we send a packing list for your exact itinerary, with the luggage limits for any flights.
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