🦁 Safari Packing List East Africa 🐘
Uganda • Tanzania • Namibia • Kenya • Rwanda
Clothing
Safari Pants (2-3x) in neutral colors
Khaki, beige or olive green – lightweight and quick-drying
Long-sleeve Shirts (3-4x)
Sun protection and insect protection
Fleece Jacket or Softshell Jacket
For cool morning game drives
Rain Jacket/Windbreaker
Waterproof and packable
Safari Hat or Cap with Neck Protection
Wide brim against intense sun
Sturdy Hiking Boots
For gorilla trekking in Uganda/Rwanda
Lightweight Sneakers/Sandals
For the lodge in the evening
Equipment & Technology
Binoculars (10×42 recommended)
Essential for wildlife viewing
Camera with Telephoto Lens
At least 200mm focal length, better 300-400mm
Memory Cards (multiple, min. 64GB)
You’ll take lots of photos!
Power Bank (20,000+ mAh)
For multi-day safaris without electricity
Universal Plug & Adapter
UK plug (Type G) for East Africa
Headlamp/Flashlight
For nighttime walks at the lodge
Day Pack (20-30L)
For game drives and trekking
Health & Hygiene
Mosquito Repellent (DEET 50%)
Malaria prophylaxis is important!
Sunscreen SPF 50+
Equatorial sun is very intense
Travel First Aid Kit
Anti-diarrheal, pain medication, bandages, disinfectant
Malaria Prophylaxis
Get prescribed by travel doctor (Malarone/Doxycycline)
Water Filter or Purification Tablets
For safe drinking water on the go
Wet Wipes & Hand Sanitizer
Hygiene on the go
Documents & Miscellaneous
Passport (min. 6 months valid)
+ copies of it
Visas (apply online)
E-visas for all countries in advance
Vaccination Card (Yellow Fever!)
Required for entry to some countries
Travel Insurance
International health insurance with repatriation
Dry Bags/Drybags
Protection for electronics in rain and dust
Sunglasses with UV Protection
Important for dusty drives
Travel Towel (Microfiber)
Quick-drying and space-saving
🌍 Important Tips for Your Safari
- Colors: Wear neutral colors (khaki, beige, green, brown). Avoid white (dust!), black, and bright blue (attracts tsetse flies)
- Luggage: Many bush planes have 15kg luggage restrictions – pack in soft luggage/duffel bags
- Gorilla Trekking: Bring long pants, sturdy shoes, and gardening gloves (stinging nettles!)
- Layers: Cold in the mornings (41-50°F), hot at midday (77-86°F) – onion principle!
- Dust: Bring drybags/ziplock bags for electronics
- Cash: US dollars in small bills for tips (bills from 2006 onwards)
- Offline Maps: Download Maps.me or Google Maps offline