How to pack for an East African safari
Focus on lightweight, breathable layers in neutral, earth-tone colors that hide dust and avoid attracting tsetse flies. Pack for a week and use provided laundry services to keep your luggage under the strict 15kg limit imposed by bush flight operators.
- Choose the right color palette. Stick to khaki, tan, olive, or light brown. Avoid bright colors, which can startle animals, and avoid black or dark blue, which are proven to attract tsetse flies.
- Master the layering system. Mornings in the bush are cold, even in summer. Pack a lightweight fleece or a medium-weight jacket for early game drives, and thin, long-sleeved shirts for sun and insect protection during the day.
- Prioritize fabric performance. Use moisture-wicking synthetic or merino wool fabrics. Cotton stays damp with sweat and takes too long to dry if you have to hand-wash items in remote camps.
- Respect the luggage limit. You are almost certainly taking a small prop plane to your camp. Pack in a soft-sided duffel bag—no hard cases—weighing no more than 15kg (33lbs) total.
- Do I really need to buy expensive 'safari' brands?
- No. Just make sure your clothes are comfortable, earth-toned, and functional. Focus on fit and fabric performance rather than brand names.
- Can I bring a hard-shell suitcase?
- No. Bush planes are small, and the luggage compartments are flexible. A hard-shell case will not fit and you will likely be forced to leave it at the base airport.
- How often can I do laundry?
- Most safari camps offer daily laundry service for a small fee or included in the room rate. You rarely need more than 4 sets of clothes.