Do I really need to wash my clothes every day?

Yes. Most safari camps offer same-day laundry service for a small fee. Pack enough for 4 days and rotate your outfits to keep your luggage weight under the 15kg bush flight limit.

Can I wear camouflage clothing?

No. In many East African countries, wearing military-style camouflage is reserved for official security forces and can lead to questioning or confiscation of the items.

Packing for an East Africa Safari

Focus on lightweight, neutral-colored layers and specialized gear that can handle dust and heat. You need to pack everything into a soft-sided duffel bag to fit into small bush planes, as hard-shell suitcases are strictly prohibited.

Choose the right luggage. Buy a high-quality, soft-sided duffel bag with a capacity of 60-80 liters. Rigid suitcases do not fit in the baggage compartments of the small Cessna aircraft used for internal transfers in Kenya and Tanzania.
Select your color palette. Pack neutral colors like khaki, tan, olive, or beige. Avoid dark blue and black, as they attract tsetse flies, and avoid bright white, which gets dirty instantly and can spook wildlife.
Layer for variable temperatures. Early morning game drives are freezing (around 50°F/10°C), while midday can reach 90°F/32°C. Pack a light windbreaker or fleece, a zip-off pant, and moisture-wicking t-shirts.
Protect your electronics. Bring a dedicated dust-proof bag or dry bag for your camera and lenses. The dust in the Serengeti and Maasai Mara is incredibly fine and will ruin sensitive gear if left unprotected.

Do I really need to wash my clothes every day?: Yes. Most safari camps offer same-day laundry service for a small fee. Pack enough for 4 days and rotate your outfits to keep your luggage weight under the 15kg bush flight limit.
Can I wear camouflage clothing?: No. In many East African countries, wearing military-style camouflage is reserved for official security forces and can lead to questioning or confiscation of the items.