What’s the hardest trip you’ve ever had to pack for? I’ve definitely had my fair share of difficult packing tasks, especially since I like to travel carry-on only. The most surprisingly challenging? My recent safari trip. It was going to be chilly in the mornings, and relatively hot in the afternoons, we needed full-coverage, but light fabrics. We were limited on how much luggage we could take on the bush plane from Nairobi to the safari location. Oh, and I was packing for my toddler, too! Here are the top 10 things you might forget to pack for your safari!
Your Hat
Okay, you don’t need an Indiana Jones hat, or a massive floppy hat with a chin strap, or a hard-sided pith helmet. You do, however, need a hat that provides some shade to your face. I’ve gotten better about it, but I’m still very prone to forget to pack a hat. This is your reminder! That African sun is powerful-strong, and you’ll need some shade.
More here: How to Visit Sheldrick’s Trust the Elephant Orphanage in Nairobi
UPF Clothing
Along those same lines, you’ll want shade for your body, too. UPF clothing acts like sunscreen, blocking out UV light that regular fabrics cannot. What makes it better than sunscreen? You don’t have to reapply! Just wear the clothes. Sure, you can take the cute safari clothes you bought for the trip, but for game drives and particularly bright days, don’t forget to throw in a few UFP items.
Also helpful: The Ultimate Guide to Your Skin and Travel (from my dermatologist)
Sunglasses
Are you sensing a theme here? The sun factor is real! You’ll be missing your sunglasses quickly if you forget them on a game drive. Just make sure they’re polarized, otherwise you won’t be able to see the animals you’re there to see. The hat and sunglasses combo is essential in the hot, strong, African sun.
Read next: What It’s Like to Visit the Rhino Orphanage at Solio
External Phone Battery or Charger
All the typical “packing for a safari” lists include extra memory cards for your digital camera, but this is 2026, and most people (with the exception of professional wildlife photographers) are not toting around gigantic cameras and all the equipment they require. I literally take photos for a living, and I exclusively use my phone! So, my recommendation is to pack an external battery to keep your phone charged. Photos and videos use a lot of battery, and you don’t want to finally see that lion at the end of the day, right when your phone dies!
More here: What It’s Like Staying at Solio Lodge by The Safari Collection
Tissues
Newsflash: There are no bathrooms in the African Bush! Instead, you’ll be relying on actual bushes and trees as… The facilities. You’ll want to BYOTP (bring your own toilet paper), hence the tissues. I don’t think we need to say more than that.
Also helpful: Tips for Your Safari with The Safari Collection
Mud- and Dust-friendly Boots
It’s true that you won’t be walking around all that much on a traditional safari. You’ll be in a jeep or other safari-outfitted vehicle. However, you will be outside enough that you’ll want some solid boots, and some that you won’t mind getting dusty or muddy, depending on the season. The dirt where we were in Kenya was red, so there’s that, too. These are the boots I ordered specifically for this trip, and I loved them. The ankle coverage, tread, light weight, and khaki color all made these a good choice for me. And, can I confess something to you? I didn’t break them in before the trip, and they did not give me blisters! Are these the perfect safari boots? Perhaps.
Keep reading: What to Do at Giraffe Manor (between giraffe feedings)
Tall Socks
You probably brought bug repellent, and you probably brought sunscreen, or perhaps your safari company provides both of those. But did you bring your crew socks? Maybe you did if you’re a Gen-Z-er, but I’m a Millennial, and I like my ankle socks. So, I ordered crew socks for this trip, and I’m glad I did. The extra coverage kept my ankles safe from bugs, which are a real concern on safari.
Keep reading: Your Guide to Your Feet and Travel (from my podiatrist)
A Scarf or Buff
This is something you’re likely to forget, but will be glad you remembered! You can use it to keep dust out of your nose and mouth, sun off your neck and shoulders, and an accessory to help you change up your outfits, so you don’t feel like you’re wearing the same thing too much. Here are a few options.
Read on: Tips for Feeding the Giraffes at Giraffe Manor
A Carrier for Your Baby or Toddler
Okay, this one is a little bit specific! As a single parent, I needed to keep my 20-month-old daughter close on safari. Even though I had a friend traveling with us, and the guys taking us on the safari loved my little girl, it was essential to have her attached to me inside the safari jeep. Seat belts aren’t really a thing, and there is no place for a car seat! The safest place for her was on me, with my hands free to hold on for both of us. If you’re a baby or toddler parent–single or with your spouse–you’ll want to bring a wearable baby carrier to keep them safe.
More here: Why I Took My Toddler on Safari (and would I do it again?)
Your Extra Bag
You’re going to want some things to take home with you, to remember your trip in a tangible way. That means you might (probably will) run out of room in your luggage. That’s why you need to bring an extra bag with you–you’ll be glad you did! The one below folds up into a small, flat square, and will slip easily into your luggage. When it folds out, you’ll have an extra 80 liters of space to work with! That’s plenty of room for handicrafts, artwork, coffee, and anything else you need to bring back with you.
Want more? check out my dedicated Kenya and Packing Pages!
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