Can I do laundry on safari?

Most mid-range and luxury lodges offer laundry service for $2-5 per item. Budget camps rarely do. Pack accordingly - you can wash basics in your room if needed.

What camera gear should I bring?

Bring a camera with good zoom (300mm minimum for wildlife), extra batteries (cold drains them fast), and multiple memory cards. Dust is everywhere, so bring lens cleaning supplies and protective bags.

Do I need special shots for East Africa?

Yellow fever vaccination required if coming from endemic areas. Hepatitis A/B, typhoid, and meningitis recommended. Start antimalarials 1-2 weeks before travel. Visit a travel clinic 4-6 weeks before departure.

Should I pack formal clothes?

One nice outfit for upscale lodge dinners, but nothing fancy required. Most places are casual. Skip the tie and dress shoes - you're in the bush.

How to Pack for an East Africa Safari

Pack neutral-colored clothing, sturdy boots, and layers for temperature swings from 40°F mornings to 85°F afternoons. Bring a good camera, binoculars, and malaria prevention gear. Most lodges provide laundry service, so pack light with 5-7 days of clothes max.

Choose neutral-colored clothing only. Pack khaki, beige, olive green, and brown clothes. Avoid white (shows dirt), black (attracts tsetse flies), blue (attracts tsetse flies), and bright colors (spook animals). Bring 5-7 shirts, 3-4 pants, and 2-3 shorts maximum.
Pack for extreme temperature swings. Mornings start at 40-50°F, afternoons hit 80-85°F. Pack a warm fleece or jacket, long pants for game drives, and breathable cotton shirts. Bring a light rain jacket for sudden downpours.
Bring sturdy, broken-in boots. Pack ankle-high hiking boots for walking safaris and camp walks. Bring them broken-in - no new boots. Add comfortable sneakers for long drives and camp relaxation.
Pack essential safari gear. Bring binoculars (8x42 minimum), extra camera batteries and memory cards, portable charger, headlamp with red filter for night use, and a small day pack for game drives.
Prepare malaria prevention kit. Pack prescription antimalarials (start 1-2 weeks before departure), DEET repellent (30% minimum), permethrin-treated clothing, and a bed net if staying in basic camps.
Add sun and dust protection. Pack SPF 30+ sunscreen, wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses with strap, bandana for dust, and lip balm with SPF. The equatorial sun is intense even through clouds.

Can I do laundry on safari?: Most mid-range and luxury lodges offer laundry service for $2-5 per item. Budget camps rarely do. Pack accordingly - you can wash basics in your room if needed.
What camera gear should I bring?: Bring a camera with good zoom (300mm minimum for wildlife), extra batteries (cold drains them fast), and multiple memory cards. Dust is everywhere, so bring lens cleaning supplies and protective bags.
Do I need special shots for East Africa?: Yellow fever vaccination required if coming from endemic areas. Hepatitis A/B, typhoid, and meningitis recommended. Start antimalarials 1-2 weeks before travel. Visit a travel clinic 4-6 weeks before departure.
Should I pack formal clothes?: One nice outfit for upscale lodge dinners, but nothing fancy required. Most places are casual. Skip the tie and dress shoes - you're in the bush.