Kenya Safari Packing List

Luggage Guidelines & Weight Restrictions

Before you start packing, note that most light aircraft flights used in Kenya’s safari circuits have a strict 15kg (33 lbs) per person luggage limit, including hand baggage. All luggage should be packed in soft-sided bags (not hard cases), as small aircraft have limited and irregularly shaped storage compartments.

If you exceed the weight limit:

• You may be asked to leave excess baggage behind.
• Some airlines allow a “freight seat” booking to carry extra luggage (charged separately).
• A few lodges and airlines offer storage facilities (e.g., at Wilson Airport in Nairobi).

Documents & Travel Essentials

Keep all critical documents easily accessible in a waterproof travel wallet or pouch.

• Valid passport (with visa if applicable)
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate
• Airline tickets / e-tickets
• Cash in USD and local currency (Kenyan Shillings)
• Travel insurance details
• Credit cards (VISA and Mastercard are widely accepted)
• Photocopies of passport, visa, and insurance (stored separately)

Clothing: Dress Smart, Pack Light

Kenya’s safari regions experience a wide range of temperatures. Mornings and evenings can be chilly, especially from June to August, while midday temperatures are warm. Neutral-coloured clothing (khaki, olive, beige) is recommended for game drives. Avoid white (gets dirty quickly), black (attracts heat), and blue (attracts tsetse flies).

Clothing Checklist:

• 2 pairs of lightweight safari trousers/chinos
• 2 pairs of safari shorts
• 3–4 short-sleeved shirts
• 1–2 long-sleeved shirts (for sun and bugs)
• 1 fleece, sweater, or jacket for chilly mornings
• 1 waterproof light rain jacket or windbreaker
• Hat or cap (with neck protection)
• Swimwear (some camps have pools)
• Casual wear for evenings in cities
• Undergarments and nightwear

Footwear:

• Safari boots or comfortable walking shoes
• Lightweight slip-on shoes for camp
• Flip-flops or sandals (for relaxing at lodges)

Important Note: Camouflage clothing is illegal in Kenya and should not be worn.

Toiletries & Personal Hygiene

While most lodges provide basic toiletries, bring your preferred brands, especially if you have sensitive skin. Many camps offer laundry service, but personal items like underwear are not typically washed.

Toiletries Checklist:

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Lip balm (with SPF)
• Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
• Insect repellent (with DEET)
• Hand sanitiser and wet wipes
• Razor, comb, and small mirror
• Feminine hygiene supplies
• Travel-sized detergent for hand-washing
• Quick-dry towel (if needed)

Medical & Health Items

It’s best to carry a small personal medical kit, even though most safari lodges have first-aid facilities. Prepare for basic health issues like headaches, allergies, or stomach upsets.

Health Checklist:

• Malaria prophylaxis (consult your doctor before travel)
• Motion sickness tablets (for game drives or small flights)
• Any prescription medication (bring extra in case of delays)
• Pain relievers (ibuprofen, paracetamol)
• Antihistamines (for bites/allergies)
• Diarrhea tablets and rehydration salts
• Tweezers, nail clippers, and band-aids
• Digital thermometer
• Eye drops (if you wear contacts)

Safari Equipment & Other Essentials

You don’t need to bring everything, but these extras can greatly enhance your safari experience and comfort.

Essential Gear:

• Binoculars – 8x or 10x magnification (one per person)
• Flashlight or headlamp – with extra batteries
• Power bank and charging cables
• Universal plug adapter – Kenya uses 3-pin UK-style plugs
• Small day backpack – for game drives and short hikes
• Sunglasses (with UV protection)
• Camera with zoom lens and spare memory cards
• Waterproof dry bag for electronics
• Light scarf or bandana (for dust protection)
• Earplugs (for light sleepers)

Optional but Useful Items

• Travel journal or notebook
• Favourite snacks for road transfers
• Books, e-reader, or magazines
• Travel alarm clock
• Zip-lock bags (for organising small items)
• Travel wash line or folding hanger
• Extra copy of travel itinerary and emergency contacts

Laundry Services :

Most lodges offer limited laundry service, included in your stay. Clothing is hand-washed and line-dried, with detergent sometimes provided in your tent. Underwear is usually not included in the service due to cultural norms, so plan to wash those yourself using the detergent or travel wash you bring along.

Weight-Saving Packing Tips

• Choose lightweight, quick-dry fabrics that can be layered.
• Pack mix-and-match outfits.
• Use packing cubes to stay organized and minimize volume.
• Wear your heaviest items during travel days.
• Bring a collapsible duffel bag in case you shop for souvenirs.

Ready for Your Safari? Let’s Make It Seamless

Still wondering what to carry or leave behind? At Melodica Africa Tours and Safaris, we guide you beyond just destinations, and we ensure you're fully prepared. From helping you understand aircraft baggage limits to suggesting seasonal gear based on your itinerary, our team makes planning effortless.

Let us handle the logistics while you focus on creating lifelong memories with our expertly tailored Kenya Safaris. This Kenya Safari Packing List is just the first step to an experience you’ll never forget.