WHAT TO PACK FOR YOUR AFRICAN SAFARI
(and Beach, City, or Gorilla Trek Add-Ons)
*This website contains affiliate links, and if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions are my own, and your support helps me continue sharing my honest travel advice so THANK YOU! π
Ready, Jet-Set⦠SAFARI STYLE!
For Safari:
Clothing:
π Neutral / earth-tone clothing β Helps you blend into the bush & deters tsetse flies.
π§₯ Layers, layers, layers β Breathable long sleeves (linen!) for sun protection + a fleece or puffer for chilly mornings.
π Walking pants β At least one long pair for mosquito-prone areas.
𧦠High socks β For gorilla trekking (tuck your pants into them).
π₯Ύ Walking shoes or boots β Comfy shoes or sandals for safari; boots for gorilla trekking or Cape Town hikes.
π©΄ Sandals or slides β Perfect for downtime at camp; see my ultimate safari sandals here!
π§’ Hat β Snug fit or with a chin strap for windy game drives (twin with me in an Adventurelust Safari Cap!).
π Sunglasses β Protect your eyes.
Accessories & Gear:
π§΄ SPF 30+ sunscreen & lip balm β That African sun is intense!
π Binoculars β 10x42 recommended for best game viewing.
πΈ Camera β Key for crisp wildlife shots!
βοΈ Light rain jacket β Most lodges supply ponchos; but just in case.
π Daypack β For game drives and walks.
π§³ Packing cubes β Game-changer for separating city/beach gear from bushwear.
π 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
π All countries use 220β240V, 50Hz β check your device compatibility or bring a universal adapter!
For Beach & City:
π Lightweight beachwear
π Swimsuit & cover-up
π©΄ Flip-flops or sandals
π Smart-casual wear β For Cape Town dinners & wine tastings.
π§₯ Jacket or sweater β Even summer nights can get cool.
Other Essentials:
π² Digital Esim - Install on your phone so youβre connected when you land!
π Passport β Valid for at least 6 months before your planned departure date, with at least 2 blank pages.
π³ Credit card + some cash for visas/tips/emergencies.
π Personal meds & basic toiletries β Lodges usually provide shampoo/soap.
π§ Reusable water bottle & electrolytes (use code KELLIE25 for 25% off) β stay hydrated!
π΄ The ultimate black-out sleep mask for long flights & jet lag
π Portable charger / power bank
π§Ύ Travel insurance β I personally use SafetyWing
π± Offline entertainment β Download podcasts, playlists, books, and offline maps.
βοΈ 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)
Zanzibar: Mandatory travel insurance ($44 purchase online in advance)
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
π΅ Tipping Guidelines
(Use ZAR in South Africa & Namibia, USD elsewhere)
$1 β Porterage & housekeeping (per service)
$5β10 / R70βR200 per guest, per day β General lodge or camp staff
$8β10 / R100βR200 per guest, per day β Safari guides & trackers
And most importantlyβ¦ a sense of adventure. πβ¨
Tag @adventurelust.travel on your Instagram photos, I would love to share your adventures!