Pack light, soft and neutral. The one rule that catches people out is luggage: most small safari flights in Kenya limit you to about 15 kg per person, including hand luggage, in a soft bag with no wheels. Everything else on this list follows from that.
This checklist is built for a typical mid-range safari with a mix of road and light-aircraft transfers. If your trip is all by road you have more room, but packing lean still makes every camp move easier.
Luggage: the rule to plan around
Most light aircraft that connect Nairobi, the Maasai Mara, Samburu and other camps limit passengers to about 15 kg (33 lb) in total, including camera gear and hand luggage. Bags should be soft-sided, such as a duffel, because the cargo hold is small and oddly shaped. Typical size limits are around 60 x 45 x 33 cm. Limits differ by airline and aircraft, so confirm the exact allowance for your itinerary before you pack. Coastal flights are usually more generous, at around 20 kg.
If you travel with more, leave a spare bag at your Nairobi hotel. Most hotels will store it while you are on safari. Kenya also bans single-use plastic carrier bags, so pack in cloth or reusable bags and leave plastic carrier bags at home.
Clothing
Think layers and neutral colours. Mornings on a game drive can be cold, afternoons hot and evenings cool again. Bring three or four lightweight long- and short-sleeved shirts in khaki, olive, beige or brown, two pairs of lightweight trousers, one pair of shorts, a fleece or light down jacket for early mornings in the open vehicle, and a thin waterproof jacket, especially from November to May. Add swimwear for camp pools and the coast, plus sleepwear and underwear for the number of nights, as most camps offer laundry.
Avoid black and dark blue, which are often said to attract tsetse flies in some areas, and bright white, which shows the dust.
Footwear
Bring comfortable closed shoes or light walking boots for the vehicle and any walking safaris, plus sandals or flip-flops for camp. You do not need heavy hiking boots unless you are adding a climb.
Camera and electronics
A 200 to 400 mm lens is ideal for wildlife, although a phone with a good zoom gets results in the right light. Bring spare batteries and memory cards, because you will take more photos than you expect. Kenya uses UK-style three-pin sockets (type G) at 240 V, so pack one adapter and a power bank. Most camps charge devices in the main tent or at reception.
Binoculars, ideally 8x42, are the one thing we would buy before any other piece of kit. Add a microfibre cloth and a zip bag to keep dust off your gear.
Health and personal items
Pack sunscreen, a brimmed hat, sunglasses and insect repellent. Bring any prescription medication in its original packaging with a copy of the prescription, a small first-aid kit with plasters, antiseptic, rehydration salts and pain relief, and hand sanitiser. For malaria prevention and vaccinations, speak to a travel clinic or your doctor six to eight weeks before you go.
Documents and money
Bring a passport valid for at least six months from arrival with blank pages, your approved Kenya eTA saved offline and printed, your travel insurance details including medical evacuation, and some small US dollar notes or Kenyan shillings for tips.
What to leave at home
Leave hard-sided suitcases and wheeled bags, heavy jewellery and strongly scented products. If you plan to bring a drone, check Kenya's current rules and permit requirements first, as drones are generally restricted in parks.
Frequently asked questions
How much luggage can I take on a Kenya safari?
About 15 kg per person in a soft bag if you fly between camps.
Do I need a hat and sunglasses?
Yes. The equatorial sun is strong even on cool, cloudy mornings.
Can I do laundry on safari?
Most camps offer laundry, so you can pack for fewer days than your trip. Check the policy for underwear.
Do I need a warm jacket?
Yes, for early morning game drives and cool evenings, especially from June to August.
Plan your safari: Your exact list depends on your route and dates. If you are still choosing when to go, read our month-by-month guide to the best time to visit Kenya, or tell us about your trip.
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