Should I bring a second camera body?

Yes. Changing lenses in a dusty safari vehicle is a recipe for getting dust on your sensor. Keep a wide-angle lens on one body and a telephoto on the other.

Only if you plan on backing up your photos daily. Otherwise, bring an external SSD and a phone/tablet adapter to offload your SD cards each night.

Almost never. Drones are heavily restricted in most African national parks. If you bring one, it will likely be confiscated at the park gate.

Packing Photography Gear for an African Safari

Prioritize a weather-sealed camera body and a telephoto lens with at least 400mm reach to handle dust and distance. Keep your primary gear in a dedicated, dust-proof carry-on bag to protect it from the harsh environment and transport vibrations.

Select the right focal length. Bring a lens that reaches at least 400mm (on full frame) or 300mm (on APS-C). Animals are often further away than you expect, and cropping heavily in post-production kills image quality.
Protect against fine dust. Safari dust is pervasive and microscopic. Bring a dedicated 'dust cover' (a simple nylon sleeve) for your camera. Use a blower and a soft brush to clean your sensor and glass every single evening.
Stabilize for the game drive. Do not bring a traditional tripod; they are useless in a moving safari vehicle. Instead, pack a beanbag (you can buy them empty and fill them with dried beans or rice at your lodge) to rest your camera on the vehicle's window frame.
Manage your power. Expect long days with no grid power. Bring at least 3 camera batteries and a high-capacity (20,000mAh+) power bank for charging on the go. Verify your lodge's voltage and plug type to ensure your wall chargers work.

Should I bring a second camera body?: Yes. Changing lenses in a dusty safari vehicle is a recipe for getting dust on your sensor. Keep a wide-angle lens on one body and a telephoto on the other.
Do I need a laptop?: Only if you plan on backing up your photos daily. Otherwise, bring an external SSD and a phone/tablet adapter to offload your SD cards each night.
Is a drone allowed?: Almost never. Drones are heavily restricted in most African national parks. If you bring one, it will likely be confiscated at the park gate.