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Wondering what to pack for safari? These are the top items to pack
When creating a packing list for safari, the brief is to blend functionality and a modicum of style into about 15 kilograms – roughly the luggage allowance on the bush planes that whisk safari guests to lodges, though it might be even less. By all means splash out on fancy gadgets or study stills from Out of Africa to create a mood board for a capsule wardrobe, if that sparks joy. (For specific suggestions on the items below, browse our fashion editor’s ‘what to wear on safari’.)
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What luggage should I take on safari?
To carry the clobber, choose a soft-sided suitcase or duffel bag, nothing with a hard shell. “Even though it’s tempting to take your much-loved wheelie,” says writer Harriet Compston, “this can fit into the light aircraft much more easily.” Conservation writer Sarah Marshall goes everywhere with fabric or tarp-based water-resistant luggage from Eastpak or Osprey, especially the latter’s Rolling Transporter 60. As a day bag, safari writer Jane Broughton swears by the Sealand moonbag made in her hometown Cape Town from recycled nylon and sailcloth. “It’s just big enough for my passport, purse and phone while travelling, then great for game drives and walks to store sunglasses, lip balm, SPF and tissues close to hand.” Those carrying extra lenses for cameras or binoculars will need a larger day pack.
What clothes should I pack for a safari?
Comfort is crucial, and these days, as Jane Broughton notes, “stylish athleisure wear is perfectly acceptable”. She means leggings rather than tracksuits, but overall a safari wardrobe is a simple capsule of comfortable layer items in shades of neutral earth tones, creams and greens that will traverse the gamut of chilly mornings in an open vehicle, blazing midday sun, and everything in between. Avoid camouflage (associated solely with the military in some countries) and bright colours. Also, avoid dark colours, metallic fabric and blues – the tsetse fly is attracted to them.
