Can I bring a camera drone?

Generally, no. Most national parks in East Africa have strict bans on drones to avoid disturbing wildlife. If you must bring one, you will need special permits that can cost hundreds of dollars.

Do I really need to wear khaki?

It is not a fashion statement; it is about visibility and insects. Neutral colors help you blend into the environment, and darker colors like navy are scientifically proven to attract Tsetse flies, which carry sleeping sickness.

How do I handle laundry?

Most safari lodges and tented camps offer same-day laundry service, usually included in the price. Bring enough underwear for 5 days and plan to wash the rest mid-trip.

Packing for an East African Safari

Pack light, focus on breathable layers in neutral colors, and keep all your gear in soft-sided duffel bags rather than hard-shell suitcases. You need to account for bumpy bush flights and limited laundry services, so aim for a maximum of 10kg (22lbs) of luggage total.

Select the right bag. Use a soft-sided, unstructured duffel bag. Safari vehicles and small bush planes have tight, oddly-shaped storage compartments that hard-shell suitcases physically cannot fit into.
Follow the neutral color rule. Stick to khaki, olive, tan, or light brown. Avoid dark blue or black (they attract Tsetse flies) and bright white (it gets dirty immediately and can alarm wildlife).
Master the layer system. Early mornings on game drives are cold (often 10°C/50°F), while mid-day is hot (30°C/86°F). Wear a base layer, a long-sleeved shirt, and a fleece jacket that you can peel off as the sun rises.
Protect your electronics. Bring double the memory cards and batteries you think you need. Pack them in a sealed, dust-proof bag to protect them from the fine volcanic dust common in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro regions.

Can I bring a camera drone?: Generally, no. Most national parks in East Africa have strict bans on drones to avoid disturbing wildlife. If you must bring one, you will need special permits that can cost hundreds of dollars.
Do I really need to wear khaki?: It is not a fashion statement; it is about visibility and insects. Neutral colors help you blend into the environment, and darker colors like navy are scientifically proven to attract Tsetse flies, which carry sleeping sickness.
How do I handle laundry?: Most safari lodges and tented camps offer same-day laundry service, usually included in the price. Bring enough underwear for 5 days and plan to wash the rest mid-trip.