Planning an African safari is an adventure in itself, whether you’re spotting the Big Five in Kruger National Park, exploring the Okavango Delta by mokoro, witnessing the Great Migration in the Serengeti, or trekking with gorillas in Uganda. From sunrise boat safaris to guided walking tours and 4×4 game drives, your journey will take you through a variety of terrains, altitudes, and weather conditions—so having a solid packing list is essential! No matter how many times you’ve been on safari…
Our handy safari packing guide has already covered what to wear on safari, from breathable, neutral-toned clothing to sturdy, closed-toe shoes for bush walks, as well as wide-brimmed hats, polarized sunglasses, and high-SPF sun cream. But what do you need on safari besides your wardrobe? Read on for the ultimate safari packing list of must-have gear and gadgets, plus a dedicated women’s packing section at the end.
Timbuktu’s essential safari packing list
A good book by a local author is always a great way to immerse yourself in a destination before you even arrive. Whether it’s a paperback, Kindle, or audiobook, it helps you connect with the country, its people, and its culture. If you need inspiration, check out our Top 10 Books for Travelling to Africa.
If your itinerary includes flights on small bush planes, keep in mind that luggage limits are typically 20kg per person in a soft duffel bag. Fortunately, many safari lodges offer laundry services, so you can pack light while still bringing all the essentials!
Pack with a Purpose
One of the most rewarding aspects of travel is the opportunity to connect with local communities and understand their way of life. Many safari lodges support nearby communities and conservation projects through responsible tourism initiatives.
Your trip often contributes to these initiatives—whether by creating employment opportunities, sourcing produce from local farmers, or supporting community-run tourism activities. You can also contribute directly by packing items such as stationery, books, clothing, and sanitary products for donation. If you’d like to help, let us know during the trip planning process, and we can assist in organizing meaningful contributions.
Tech and gear safari packing list
Binoculars – A game-changer on safari! Bino’s are especially important for birders or anyone hoping to spot a well-camouflaged leopard lounging in a tree. While some safari vehicles provide a pair to share, having your own makes all the difference.
Camera – Whether you’re a photography enthusiast or just want to capture your adventure. As it all comes down to your zoom lens, we recommend 400mm (at least) with a low aperture but newer smart phones also have excellent camera functionality. If you plan to buy a new camera (or rent one) for your safari, familiarise yourself with the settings and pre-set your function buttons. You don’t want to miss a once-in-a-lifetime sighting because you were fidgeting with a dial, trust us!
Photography Gear – A tripod/monopod goes a long way for sharp photos, especially in low-light conditions during sunrise and sunset game drives. Most safari lodges that cater to serious photographers will have a few bean bags to pass around – otherwise pack your day backpack and use it as a makeshift rest to steady your camera. Bring spare camera batteries and many high-speed, large storage memory cards (especially if you’re not travelling with your laptop).
Universal Travel Adaptor – Just like the diverse wildlife you’ll see on safari, Africa has a very diverse selection of electrical outlets (something to keep in mind if you’re doing a multi-country safari)! It’s one of those ‘I can’t leave home without’ safari essentials.
Power Bank – There are few things more disheartening than seeing your first lion kill, as you’re making your way back to camp after a game drive, only to have a low cellphone battery. A power bank with a capacity of 30,000mAh or more will keep your devices fully charged, and allow for multiple recharges, so you never miss a video opportunity.
Headlamp – Though the friendly staff at your tented camp or safari lodge will escort you to and from your lodging before sunrise and after sunset, it’s always helpful having a headlamp – even more so if you’re staying in a remote destination or off-the-grid property that only has electricity at certain times of the night. No doubt your room will be equipped with a portable light source, but we’ve never packed a headlamp and regretted it.
Dry Bag – To protect your electronics and travel documents, pack a small dry bag or resealable plastic bags, especially if you’re doing an African water safari or travelling during the rainy season.
Health and first aid essentials
We know that much like us you dream of taking the ultimate off the beaten track safaris across the continent. While safari lodges have basic medical and First Aid supplies, as well as insect control measures, such as treating the room with insect spray and lowering mosquito nets during evening turndown services; it’s important to remember that you’re travelling into remote wilderness areas where pharmacies and doctors may be hours away. Being self-sufficient is crucial, especially if you have a medical condition, allergies, or require prescription medications. That’s why, no safari packing list is complete without these.
Prescription medications and motion sickness tablets: Always pack extra in case of unexpected travel delays.
Malaria medication: If your safari adventure takes you to malaria-prone regions across southern Africa. Keep in mind that some African countries only experience regional or seasonal transmission patterns. There’s a higher malaria risk during and directly after the rainy season.
Insect repellent: Choose brands that contain Picaridin (we prefer it over DEET because it’s not harmful to wildlife and waterways) to keep mosquitoes and insects away. Repellents sold in Africa may contain ingredients specifically tested against African mosquitoes and biting insects, making them more effective. Brands like Peaceful Sleep and Tabard are designed for high-risk malaria areas. Keep in mind that pesky tsetse flies – which you might come across in sub-Saharan Africa but not in deserts, at high altitudes or in dry grasslands – are attracted to blue and black colours (clothing) and strong-scented perfumes and lotions.
Antihistamines, insect bite cream, antiseptic cream: Antihistamines are lifesavers if you’re prone to allergies or insect bites. An insect bite cream can provide relief from itchy welts, while antiseptic cream is helpful for treating small wounds to prevent infection.
Rehydration/electrolyte salts: The African sun can be intense, especially if you’re not used to it. Stay hydrated and add rehydration/electrolyte salts to your safari packing list – it’ll help you replenish essential minerals lost through excessive sweating.
Imodium, activated charcoal and water purification tablets: All of Timbuktu’s properties across Africa maintain very high standards for food and access to safe drinking water (whether it’s bottled or filtered), but it’s always wise to prepare for unexpected stomach issues or if there’s no reliable clean drinking water while in transit to your holiday.
Sunscreen and lip balm (SPF 30-50), after-sun lotion: While we see you chasing that African sun-kissed glow, it’s important to use high SPF sunscreen and lip balm and to reapply it generously throughout the day, especially in summer, after swimming or sweating, and during outdoor activities, such as a walking safari. And that’s when you’ll be grateful that you remembered to add after-sun to your safari checklist because you’re likely to get sunburnt at least once.
Hand sanitiser and biodegradable wet wipes: These are our go-to safari essentials for staying clean and refreshed on the go, especially before meals, after bathroom breaks, or during long game drives when soap and water aren’t available. Biodegradable wet wipes are also handy for wiping off dust from your hands, face or camera gear.
Eye drops: Dust and dry conditions can irritate your eyes, especially when you’re spending hours in an open-air safari vehicle with wind blowing in your face.
Women’s safari packing list
Once you’ve packed for your tenth African safari, you realise that being practical is the best way about it. The key is to pack light, yet be prepared, while bringing safari essentials that’ll keep you comfortable during your African adventure.
Here are a few extra essentials for women on safari.
Minimal makeup: Swap ‘heavy’ foundation for a lightweight tinted moisturiser with SPF protection.
Hydrating facial mist: During the dry season, the hot air can leave your skin feeling dehydrated, especially after a few days of adventuring. A refreshing facial mist will keep your skin cool and moisturised.
Kikoi: This is probably one of the most over-looked safari essentials of all time. Plus, it can double up as a makeshift scarf/buff that protects your neck from the sun.
Biodegradable toiletries and haircare: Africa’s eco-friendly safari lodges sometimes offer guests environmentally-friendly products to protect local waterways and biodegradable products to minimise waste. Keep this in mind, if you prefer to use your own!
Tangle-free hair ties: Between game drives, open-top vehicles and the humidity, your hair can quickly become a tangled mess, especially if it’s not plaited or in an up-style.
Travel journal: Document your travel experiences, who you met along the way, what you saw, how you felt and how your African safari has impacted your outlook on life. You’ll be so grateful you did, when you read it years down the line.
Now that you have the ultimate safari packing list, get ready to embark on an unforgettable African safari adventure.
