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What to Wear on a Kenyan Safari: the Essential Packing List

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What to Wear on a Kenyan Safari: the Essential Packing List

  • Yuna Tiya
  • December 20th, 2022

Written by: Yuna Tiya, Local Expert

There’s a quintessential safari look you may have seen in pictures and movies. It consists of khaki trousers, a light-colored shirt with a pocketed vest, a wide brim hat, and sturdy boots. This iconic look isn’t just for show; these items are essential for a comfortable safari experience. Your dream trip can be enhanced by packing some useful items and following a few valuable packing tips.

No more wondering about what to wear for a safari. We’ve put together this essential packing list and a couple of tips so you have the best experience on your Kenyan safari.

Kenya Safari Packing List

Light and neutral-colored clothing
Tan, brown, beige, or green colored garments in cotton, linen, or rayon that are loose-fitting and comfortable are ideal Kenya safari clothing. You will be wearing them all day, driving on bumpy roads for the best wildlife viewing. Neutral colors also help you blend in with the landscape during walking safaris. Bright colors can scare away animals, while dark colors like black and blue attract Tsetse flies.Long sleeves and pants
There is a probability of encountering mosquitoes and other insects on your safari. In addition to carrying bug repellant, cover your skin with long-sleeved shirts and khaki trousers or Chinos. Wear shoes with socks for additional protection from bugs. You may also want to invest in ExOfficio clothing from their BugsAway line, which are lightweight, easy to wash and dry, and repel bugs.Footwear and socks
Wear closed-toe, walkable shoes such as sneakers with good grip or Timberland Chukka boots that will keep you comfortable for long periods of time. Pack waterproof shoes for a safari in the wet season. You should also bring at least two pairs of footwear: durable shoes for safari/walking tours and a pair of sandals for moving around the camp. Avoid walking barefoot or leaving your legs naked at night due to mosquitoes. Pack moisture-wicking socks that absorb sweat.Kenyan SafariOther essentials

Here’s a list of other essential safari items to include on your Kenya packing list:

  • International power adapter with three to four sockets
  • Small flashlight and extra batteries
  • Hat that shields the sun; sunscreen and sunglasses
  • Binoculars
  • Camera with zoom lens
  • Bandana for protecting hair from dust
  • Bug repellant spray or bracelets
  • First-aid kit
  • Medicine such as allergy pills, pain relievers, Imodium, and malaria pills. Always check with your doctor first.
  • Disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer
  • Money belt to carry your passport, credit card(s), and money
  • Day pack or a sturdy shoulder bag for carrying essentials on game drives
  • Copies of important documents, such as passports, visas, flight details, travel insurance, vaccination card, driver’s license, and a credit card without foreign transaction fees

Taita Hill Wildlife Sanctuary Natural World Kenya Safaris

Packing Tips

Pack light in soft-sided bagsKeep in mind that regional airlines and bush planes do not allow more than 33 lbs (15kg) total baggage weight per person, including carry-on luggage. Durable duffel or soft-sided bags, such as the 55L Patagonia Black Hole Duffel or the North Face Base Camp Duffel are highly recommended. They can withstand the journey and be flexible enough to fit in tight spaces on aircraft. Pack lightweight clothing that can last a few days if laundry services are not readily available.

Avoid camouflage

Camouflage-patterned clothes should not be on your packing list for an African safari, as they are illegal. They are often worn by rangers and local police.

Dress in layers

Be prepared for every kind of weather by dressing in layers. If you are going on safari in the highland areas north of Nairobi to Mount Kenya, Lake Nakuru, Samburu Game Reserve, and the Aberdares, it can be chilly on game drives in the mornings and evenings from June to August (winter in Kenya). Pack a fleece or warm sweater and flannel nightwear. Convertible pants that can turn into shorts are perfect for long safari days.

Wear sports bras

Sports bras are helpful for women during drives on uneven terrain.

Organize with packing cubes

Leave any kind of grocery or Ziplock bags at home, as Kenya banned disposable plastic bags in 2017. Instead, use packing cubes, which keep your items organized and easy to access. We recommend Eagle Creek products.

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