Should I bring a laptop to edit photos?

Only if you have a workflow that requires it. Most safari days are 10-12 hours long, leaving very little time for editing. A rugged portable SSD is better for backing up your files.

How do I deal with sensor dust during the trip?

Don't change lenses unless absolutely necessary. If you must, point the camera body downward to minimize dust falling onto the sensor and do it inside the vehicle with the windows up.

How to Pack Camera Gear for an East African Safari

Protect your gear from relentless dust using airtight dry bags and focus on a versatile lens range (up to 400mm or 600mm) to capture wildlife from a distance. Prioritize carrying your primary camera body and lenses in your carry-on luggage to avoid the risks of checked baggage.

Use Dust-Proof Protection. East African safari dust is extremely fine and gets into everything. Pack your camera bodies and lenses in sealed, dust-proof dry bags or dedicated camera inserts before placing them in your day pack. Use a soft, lint-free cloth to wipe down your gear every evening.
Select the Right Lens Range. You need reach. Pack at least one lens that hits 400mm (e.g., 100-400mm or 200-600mm). A second camera body with a 24-70mm lens is ideal for landscape shots or animals that wander close to your vehicle, avoiding the need to swap lenses in the dusty environment.
Optimize Power Management. Safari vehicles often have limited charging ports. Pack 3-4 spare batteries per camera body and at least two high-speed 128GB SD cards. Ensure you have a portable power bank that can charge your camera via USB-C if your specific model supports it.
Bring a Beanbag, Not a Tripod. Tripods are useless inside a safari vehicle because they take up too much space and are hard to stabilize. Pack an empty fabric beanbag that you can fill with beans or rice upon arrival to steady your lens against the vehicle door or window frame.

Should I bring a laptop to edit photos?: Only if you have a workflow that requires it. Most safari days are 10-12 hours long, leaving very little time for editing. A rugged portable SSD is better for backing up your files.
How do I deal with sensor dust during the trip?: Don't change lenses unless absolutely necessary. If you must, point the camera body downward to minimize dust falling onto the sensor and do it inside the vehicle with the windows up.