What to pack for a Kenya safari
Pack neutral-colored clothing, a good hat, sunglasses, and sturdy walking shoes. Bring binoculars, sunscreen, and a camera with extra batteries. Most lodges provide laundry service, so pack light with 7-10 days of clothing max.
- Choose neutral-colored clothing. Pack khaki, olive, brown, or beige clothes. Avoid bright colors (especially red and orange) and white, which can spook animals and show dirt easily. Bring 2-3 long-sleeve shirts, 3-4 short sleeves, 2 pairs of long pants, 1 pair of shorts, and 1 light jacket.
- Pack essential accessories. Bring a wide-brimmed hat, quality sunglasses, and a lightweight scarf or bandana for dust. Pack 7 days of underwear and socks minimum - these are hard to wash and dry quickly on safari.
- Get the right footwear. Pack closed-toe walking shoes or lightweight hiking boots for game drives and walking safaris. Bring sandals for evenings at the lodge. Avoid brand new shoes - break them in before your trip.
- Prepare your photography gear. Bring a camera with telephoto lens (300mm minimum recommended), extra memory cards, and portable chargers or power banks. Many safari vehicles have charging ports, but backup power is essential.
- Pack health and comfort items. Bring SPF 30+ sunscreen, insect repellent with DEET, personal medications, hand sanitizer, and wet wipes. Pack a small day pack for carrying water and essentials during game drives.
- Can I do laundry on safari?
- Most lodges and camps offer laundry service, usually returned within 24 hours. Pack enough clothes for your first few days, then use laundry service to rotate items. Bring extra underwear and socks as these take longer to dry.
- Do I need special vaccinations for a Kenya safari?
- Yellow fever vaccination is required if coming from an endemic area. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended for most safari areas. Consult a travel medicine doctor 4-6 weeks before departure for personalized recommendations.
- What if I forget something important?
- Nairobi has good shopping for safari gear at places like Village Market or Westgate Mall. Items cost more than at home but quality is decent. Many lodges also sell basic items like sunscreen, hats, and t-shirts.
- How much luggage can I bring?
- If flying between camps on small aircraft, luggage is limited to 15kg (33 lbs) in soft-sided bags. Check with your safari operator about weight limits and bag requirements before packing.