What to Pack on An African Safari Your Complete African Safari Packing List: Seasonal clothing, Must-Haves and Travel Reads.

So, you’re going on your dream safari and the only thing standing (or lying) in the way of you and a sunrise Amarula coffee is the intimidating beast that is your unpacked bag, glaring at you from across the room. Packing almost always seems to come with the internal tug-of-war between the excitement of what lies ahead and the quiet panic of “what if?” and “just in case.”

Lucky for you—we’re here to guide you through what to pack on an African safari, the essentials, and a few suggestions to make the experience a little more magical and a little less “why did I bring five cashmere sweaters to Botswana?”

Here is our ultimate guide to getting it right: from what to wear (without looking like you’re stuck in Jumanji), to what to read and all the in-betweens.

Use our summer safari list as your base and winter items as your add-ons.

Repeat after us: neutrals, natural fibres, nothing too loud. You want to blend into the bush, not blind a leopard. Think brown, olive, tan, khaki, sand and greys.

Materials:

• Cotton & linen – breathable, natural, durable.
• Merino wool – warm but lightweight for winter.
• Technical fabrics – quick-dry and moisture-wicking for hot days.

Avoid anything too synthetic—plastic fabrics don’t breathe and can turn a beautiful day into a sticky ordeal.

Hot days, warm nights, and the occasional thunderstorm.

• Shirts: Short and long-sleeved in cotton or linen. A long-sleeved button-down is ideal—sun protection and breathability all in one.
• Trousers/Shorts: Loose, light, and dust-friendly.
• Lightweight jacket/windbreaker: For surprise rain or cooler evenings.
• Swimsuit: Trust us, you’ll use it.
• Evening wear: No need for black tie.
  • Ladies: A flowy maxi dress and sandals. Add a scarf or shawl for the chill.
  • Gents: Collared shirt, chino shorts, and trusty Birkenstocks or flip-flops.

Chilly mornings and evenings, warmer midday temps. Think layers you can shed and re-layer.

• Fleece or down vest – Compact, warm, great for layering.
• Jersey/hoodie – Layering!
• Insulated jacket or windbreaker – For morning game drives when the wind feels like a slap in the face.
• Warm hat/beanie – Crucial for early starts.
• Scarf/shawl – Multi-purpose warmth and sun protection.
• Tracksuit pants/joggers – Get toasty on game drives.

• Closed-toe shoes – Light trainers or bush boots for drives and walks.
• Flip-flops or Birkenstocks – For around camp or pool lounging.

Non-negotiable. Go wide-brimmed for sun protection and practical style. Just make sure it doesn’t fly off the back of a game vehicle – lions are hard to barter with. For this reason, a cap will also do!

Not everything’s going to saunter up and pose for you. Sometimes the leopard is in a tree. A far away tree. Lightweight and decent quality is fine. You’re here to spot the big 5, not spy on satellites.

It’s bright out there, and you will need help telling the difference between a distant rhino and an unusually shaped termite mound.

You’ll have time to read—glorious, uninterrupted time.

• Further immerse yourself in the bush with: Cry of the Kalahari by Mark and Delia Owens for the adventurer or The Elephant Whisperer by Lawrence Anthony for the animal lover.
• Bird book: For the curious and those who want to take their game drive up a notch.
• Notebook: For deep thoughts, animal sightings, or very dramatic journal entries.

• Sunscreen (SPF 50) – The African sun is not a joke.
• Insect repellent (Mozzie mooti) – Go strong or go home covered in bites.
• Reusable water bottle – You’ll need to hydrate more than you think.
• Headlamp/torch – For late-night walks or power blips.
• Camera – Whether it’s a compact zoom or your trusty DSLR, you’ll want more than memories when you see a pack of wild dogs.
• Tote bag/ backpack – For the above!

• Backgammon, cards, travel games – For fireside fun and healthy competition.

Safari isn’t about impressing anyone with your outfit changes; it’s about being comfortable enough to notice the things that matter— like falling asleep to a lion’s roar, or how your gin tastes better when served under a marula tree. Bring what you need, leave what you don’t, and trust that the African bush has its own way of reminding you what’s essential.