What to pack for a safari
The list, and the things people bring that they should not.
Most packing lists are written by people selling something. This one is written by people who see what comes off the aircraft, and what gets left behind in camp.
The luggage limit is real
Light aircraft between camps allow 15kg per person, in a soft bag. Not 15kg plus a carry-on — 15kg total, and the bag must squash. Hard cases are refused at the airstrip, which is a miserable place to discover it. Camps do laundry daily and it is usually free, so pack for three days rather than ten.
What to actually wear
Neutral colours — khaki, olive, brown, grey. Not because animals care much, but because tsetse flies are drawn to dark blue and black, and white shows dust within an hour. Avoid camouflage outright: it is illegal for civilians in several East African countries.
Long sleeves and long trousers for mornings and evenings, which are genuinely cold on the Mara — around 10°C at dawn in July. A proper fleece or down layer, not a hoodie. Then shorts and short sleeves for the middle of the day, which is hot.
The things that matter more than people expect
A hat with a brim and a strap. Open vehicles at 40km/h remove hats.
Binoculars, one pair each. Sharing a pair is the single most common regret we hear. 8×42 is the right compromise.
A soft scarf or buff. Dust, sun, and cold mornings, all solved.
Sunscreen and lip balm. The equatorial sun at altitude is stronger than people expect, even when it is cool.
What to leave at home
Heavy walking boots, unless you are trekking gorillas — trainers are fine in a vehicle. Safari-branded clothing with fifteen pockets. A hairdryer. Drone equipment, which requires a permit that takes months and is confiscated at the airport without one. Plastic bags, which are banned in Kenya and carry a genuine fine.
