What to Pack on Safari: Your Ultimate Guide

Essential Documents

Before you start choosing outfits or organizing gear, make sure your travel documents are sorted and safely stored.

1. Passport: Valid for at least six months beyond your return date and with the necessary visas for all countries you’ll visit.
2. Travel Insurance: Keep a copy of your policy and emergency contact numbers.
3. Vaccination Certificates: Some countries require proof of yellow fever or other vaccinations. These may need to be done weeks in advance.
4. Birth Certificates for Minors: If you’re traveling with children, you may need an unabridged birth certificate and a letter of consent if only one parent is traveling.
5. Air Tickets & Safari Vouchers: Print and digital copies.
6. Cash & Bank Cards: A small amount of local currency and an international bank card. E-wallet apps are also helpful.
7. Photocopies: Backups of all important documents, including prescriptions, are always a good idea.

Medical Supplies

While our Experiences have trained paramedics on hand, it’s smart to pack a personal medical kit with the basics:

• Malaria prophylaxis (with prescription copy)
• Chronic medications (and prescriptions)
• Painkillers and antihistamines
• Mosquito repellent and bite relief cream

Clothing

Stick to Neutral Tones

Light browns, greens, tans, and khakis help you blend into the bush and avoid attracting attention from wildlife. Avoid bright colors – and remember that camouflage clothing is illegal in Zimbabwe.

What to Pack:

• Light, breathable fabrics (cotton is ideal)
• Long-sleeved shirts and pants for evenings and sun protection
• Warm layers for early mornings and evenings (especially on game drives)
• Waterproof jacket for the Emerald Season
• Swimsuit and casual camp wear
• Durable sun hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses
• Comfortable closed-toe shoes (no need for heavy hiking boots)
• Lightweight scarf or bandanna for dust

Tip: Our Experiences offer laundry services, so you can pack light.

Gear & Gadgets

Don’t leave behind the tools that will help you capture and enjoy your safari:

• Camera, memory cards, extra batteries, and chargers
• Lightweight binoculars
• Flashlight or headlamp
• Southern African bird guide (e.g. Sasol or Newman’s)
• Power bank for on-the-go charging
• Adaptors for your electronics

Nice-to-Have Extras

These small additions can make a big difference:

• Lanyard for your phone – especially handy on bumpy game drives or scenic flights
• Crossbody bag for essentials like lip balm, sunscreen, or gum
• Warm hat or beanie for chilly mornings
• Good book, tablet, or games for downtime
• Travel journal for tracking wildlife sightings and memories
• Headphones for music or audiobooks

What Not to Pack

Avoid these common packing mistakes:

• Single-use plastics: Many African countries have banned them.
• Excessive jewelry and valuables: Leave expensive items at home.
• Disposable water bottles: Our Experiences will provide you with a reusable water bottle that you can take home.
• Heavy luggage: Most safari travel requires soft-sided duffel bags with a strict weight limit of 40lbs (18kg).

Final Tips

• Keep it simple. Overpacking is the most common mistake.
• Our guides are here to help – you won’t be stranded if you forget something small.
• Essentials like towels, bedding, and basic toiletries are provided in our camps. Reach out if you’re unsure.

Now that you know what to bring (and what not to), packing for your safari should feel a lot easier. Use this guide to get organized and excited – and if you’d like a printable version, [click here to download our Traveler PDF].

Happy packing and see you on safari!