The best African safari luggage is completely different to the necessary luggage for a city trip or backpacking expedition.
There are some very unique conditions that make it important to choose specific safari luggage. This includes the dusty savanna, cramped buses, and a jam-packed Land Cruiser bouncing into the wilderness.
The single most important part of African travel is having a suitable bag. Everything else you can work out after you have arrived.
But what is the best luggage for an African safari? Is it a duffel bag or backpack? And if so, what are the best safari bags for your trip?
In this guide, we’ll detail everything you need to know.
Are you ready for this great adventure?
Preparing to travel to Africa for a long trip can be challenging. Don’t get stressed on what to pack. Keep it simple.
On most safaris, it’s going to be hot, so bring sun protection and choose lightweight clothes in neutral colors. These natural colors help you blend into the wild. Temperatures can drop at night, so a long sleeved shirts and long trousers are also important. Wear several layers that you can take off or add to as needed.
Keep in mind that the amount of luggage you can bring on the smaller planes and safari vehicles is limited, so don’t overpack. You will probably use only about half of what you brought anyway.
Note that in the staring point town there are some larger grocery stores and pharmacies where you still can buy many things if necessary.
On an African adventure, you will be moving from place to place. On many safaris, you go to a different camp every day.
So there isn’t even time to unpack everything. Just take the basics and stay practical – this isn’t a fashion statement!
As you regularly move between destinations, you won’t need lots of luggage. And don’t worry if your clothes are a little sweaty or dust-stained. You will look more out of place in incredibly clean clothes.
It’s going to be hot, probably very hot. You will be battling against humidity. If it’s the rainy season, you and your luggage will get drenched.
These can be tough conditions, so the fundamental principle of all safari luggage is to make it easier for yourself.
Safari packing list
- One small day pack – to have aside you in the safari car
- The big trolley you pack for the entire trip should be made out of soft textile and not a plastic big bag as something you need to load it in the back of the car or on the roof of the car and the plastic one could bring big challenges when storing the luggage.
- Sunscreen
- Lip Balm with SPF
- Bug spray (DEET)
- Anti-malarial meds (check with travel doctor before your trip)
- Insect repellent or lemongrass essential oil- to keep away the mosquitos
- Basic toiletries
- Cameras or just your phone
- Chargers (a power bank is a must! the days are long and you want to film it all)
- Spare memory card (or clean the files from your phone – move all to your laptop to make some space)
- Headlamps/torches (to see your way in the bush at night! also this gear will be provided localy)
- Sunhat or cap (or you buy one locally and keep it as a souvenir)
- Sunglasses – mandatory!
- Binoculars – if you don’t have one, use the one in the safari car, free of charge
- Universal adaptors
- First aid kit: painkillers, antidiarrheal, hand sanitizer, malaria medication, anti-bacterial medicine.
Clothes and shoes
- Good pair of trainers/sneakers or hiking shoes
- Sandals or flip-flops
- Socks
- Cotton clothes in light tones (grey, brown, olive). Keep in mind that mosquitos love red, blue and green – so you’ll become a delight for them! Avoid waring bright colors or you will become their main attraction.
- Shorts, t-shirts (it’s hot and dusty, you’ll need to change many times)
- Long sleeved shirts and a pair of long trousers, in the evenings you want to keep away the mosquitos.
- Waterproof jacket, just in case of rain or wind.
- Fleece or light sweater – the mornings could get chilly.
- Swimsuit – as you want to relax by the pool, right?
Travel Documents
- Passport (valid a minimum of 6 months prior to entry)
- Flight tickets
- Tanzanian visa (you can get it on arrival at the airport for USD50)
- Romanian tourists do not need a visa!
Let’s plan your next trip!
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Hai cu noi!
Let’s enjoy!
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Daniela Berbece
Fondator Enjoy Touring
+40741559352
daniela@enjoytouring.ro