WHAT TO PACK FOR YOUR AFRICAN SAFARI

(and Beach, City, or Gorilla Trek Add-Ons)

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Ready, Jet-Set… SAFARI STYLE!

For Safari:

Clothing:

  • πŸ‘• Neutral / earth-tone clothing – Helps you blend into the bush & deters tsetse flies.

  • πŸ§₯ Layers, layers, layers – Breathable long sleeves (linen!) for sun protection + a fleece or puffer for chilly mornings.

  • πŸ‘– Walking pants – At least one long pair for mosquito-prone areas.

  • 🧦 High socks – For gorilla trekking (tuck your pants into them).

  • πŸ₯Ύ Walking shoes or boots – Comfy shoes or sandals for safari; boots for gorilla trekking or Cape Town hikes.

  • 🩴 Sandals or slides – Perfect for downtime at camp; see my ultimate safari sandals here!

  • 🧒 Hat – Snug fit or with a chin strap for windy game drives (twin with me in an Adventurelust Safari Cap!).

  • 😎 Sunglasses – Protect your eyes.


Accessories & Gear:

  • 🧴 SPF 30+ sunscreen & lip balm – That African sun is intense!

  • πŸ”­ Binoculars – 10x42 recommended for best game viewing.

  • πŸ“Έ Camera – Key for crisp wildlife shots!

  • β˜”οΈ Light rain jacket – Most lodges supply ponchos; but just in case.

  • πŸŽ’ Daypack – For game drives and walks.

  • 🧳 Packing cubes – Game-changer for separating city/beach gear from bushwear.

  • πŸ”Œ Adapters

    Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania: Type G
    South Africa: Type M or C
    Botswana: Type G, M, and sometimes D
    Namibia: Type M and D
    Rwanda: Type C and J

πŸ“Œ All countries use 220–240V, 50Hz β€” check your device compatibility or bring a universal adapter!

For Beach & City:

  • πŸ‘— Lightweight beachwear

  • πŸ‘™ Swimsuit & cover-up

  • 🩴 Flip-flops or sandals

  • πŸ‘– Smart-casual wear – For Cape Town dinners & wine tastings.

  • πŸ§₯ Jacket or sweater – Even summer nights can get cool.


Other Essentials:

  • πŸ“² Digital Esim - Install on your phone so you’re connected when you land!

  • πŸ“„ Passport – Valid for at least 6 months before your planned departure date, with at least 2 blank pages.

  • πŸ’³ Credit card + some cash for visas/tips/emergencies.

  • πŸ’Š Personal meds & basic toiletries – Lodges usually provide shampoo/soap.

  • πŸ’§ Reusable water bottle & electrolytes (use code KELLIE25 for 25% off) β€” stay hydrated!

  • 😴 The ultimate black-out sleep mask for long flights & jet lag

  • πŸ”‹ Portable charger / power bank

  • 🧾 Travel insurance – I personally use SafetyWing

  • πŸ“± Offline entertainment – Download podcasts, playlists, books, and offline maps.


✈️ Visas & Entry Requirements

(Always verify with official sites for the latest info based on your passport, as policies may change!)

Apply online in advance where possible, and consult your travel doctor; yellow fever vaccination certificate required for East Africa & malaria precautions are recommended.

  • Uganda: East Africa Tourist Visa (apply online in advance)

  • Kenya: ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) (apply online in advance)

  • Tanzania: Visa on arrival ($50 USD per person)

  • South Africa, Botswana, Namibia: Visa issued for free on arrival for most nationalities; Yellow fever certificate only required if travelling from an endemic country

  • Zimbabwe: Visa on arrival ($30 USD for U.S. passport holders; $75 USD for Canadian passport holders); yellow fever certificate only required if travelling from an endemic country

πŸ’΅ Tipping Guidelines

(Use ZAR in South Africa & Namibia, USD elsewhere)

  • $1 – Porterage & housekeeping (per service)

  • $5–10 / R70–R200 per guest, per day – General lodge or camp staff

  • $8–10 / R100–R200 per guest, per day – Safari guides & trackers

And most importantly… a sense of adventure. πŸ˜‰βœ¨

Tag @adventurelust.travel on your Instagram photos, I would love to share your adventures!