Packing for safari is an art form. Too much and you're weighed down; too little and you're underprepared. After thousands of guests, here is the list our team actually stands behind.
The golden rule of safari packing: neutral colours, layers, and less than you think you need. Bush planes have strict luggage limits (typically 15kg in a soft bag), vehicles are intimate, and you will be moving camps. Here is what actually matters.
Clothing
Think khaki, olive, tan, grey and brown. White is impractical (dust). Black and dark blue attract tsetse flies in some areas. Bright colours are discouraged near wildlife. You need less than you think — you will be wearing the same clothes across multiple days and that is entirely normal on safari.
- 3–4 lightweight long-sleeve shirts (moisture-wicking, quick-dry)
- 2 pairs of comfortable safari trousers (zip-off legs are useful)
- 1 pair of shorts for camp
- Warm fleece or light down jacket — mornings start cold at altitude
- Windproof layer for open game drive vehicles
- Wide-brimmed hat — non-negotiable
- Comfortable walking shoes and sandals for camp
- 1 smart-casual outfit for lodge dinners
- Light rain jacket (particularly relevant April–June)
Optics & Photography
- Binoculars — minimum 8x42, ideally 10x42. This is perhaps the single item most guests wish they'd prioritised more.
- Camera with a zoom lens of at least 200mm (300–400mm for serious wildlife photography)
- Extra memory cards and batteries — charging opportunities vary by camp
- Lens cloth — dust is unavoidable
- Beanbag or small tripod for vehicle-mounted shooting
Health & Toiletries
- High-SPF sunscreen and lip balm
- DEET-based insect repellent (50% DEET or higher)
- Antimalarial medication as prescribed by your doctor
- Hand sanitiser
- Personal prescription medications with sufficient supply
- Basic first aid kit including blister plasters
- Altitude sickness tablets if heading to mountain areas
Documents & Essentials
- Passport valid for 6+ months beyond travel dates
- Kenya eVisa (apply online before departure at evisa.go.ke)
- Travel insurance documents — comprehensive, including medical evacuation
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate (required if arriving from endemic country)
- Emergency contact details and your Engolong itinerary
The Luggage Itself
Most bush flights operate with a 15kg soft bag limit. Hard-shell suitcases cannot be accommodated in small aircraft hold compartments. A soft duffel or dedicated safari bag is essential. Bring a small daypack for game drives — camera, water, binoculars, sunscreen and a light layer.
"The most common mistake we see is overpacking formal clothes and underpacking layers. Lodges are smart-casual at most. But a pre-dawn game drive in an open vehicle at 2,000m will make you wish you had that extra fleece."
— Operations Team, Engolong Savannah Tours
