What to Pack for a Kenya Safari: Complete Packing List

A Kenya safari is not a typical beach holiday and your packing needs to reflect that. You will be sitting in open-sided 4x4 vehicles for hours at a time, often in the early morning cold and midday heat on the same day, in dusty savannah conditions with no access to shops for days at a time. Pack smart and you will be comfortable; over-pack and you will regret every extra kilogram.

Clothing: the essentials

• Neutral-coloured clothing only: khaki, olive, beige, and brown; avoid blue and black (attract tsetse flies)
• Lightweight long-sleeved shirts for sun and insect protection
• A warm fleece or midlayer: mornings on the Mara can be surprisingly cold
• A waterproof jacket: East Africa has unpredictable afternoon thunderstorms
• Wide-brimmed hat: essential for game drives; the sun is intense at altitude
• Comfortable trousers and shorts; one pair of smart casual clothes for lodge evenings
• Sturdy walking shoes or boots; flip flops for around camp

Photography and electronics

• Long zoom lens: a 200-400mm lens is ideal for wildlife
• Extra camera batteries and memory cards: no charging options on game drives
• Beanbag for stabilising long lenses on the vehicle window
• A travel power bank for charging devices on long drives
• Binoculars: 8x42 is a versatile choice for spotting and watching wildlife
• eSIM for your phone: Kenya's 4G coverage is patchy outside Nairobi, but signal improves every year

Health and safety essentials

• Malaria prophylaxis: most of Kenya is a malaria risk area; see your GP or travel clinic
• DEET insect repellent (50%+): essential for evenings at camp
• High-SPF sunscreen: UV levels are intense on the equator
• First aid kit with diarrhoea treatment, rehydration sachets, and blister plasters
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate: required if travelling from certain countries

Safari bag tips

Most light aircraft used for internal safari flights have a strict 15 kg baggage limit, and bags must be soft-sided (no hard suitcases). A 50-litre soft duffel is ideal. Pack a daypack for items you want with you on game drives.

Frequently asked questions

Can I charge devices at a Kenyan safari camp? Most tented camps have limited charging points -- typically in a central charging station and sometimes in your tent. Check with your specific camp in advance. Bring a power bank as a backup.