The Complete Kenya Safari Packing List
What to bring on a Kenya safari — and what to leave behind. Neutral colours, smart layers, and the right gear make all the difference. Most camps offer laundry, so pack lighter than you think.
15kg Bush Flight Limit
Strict weight limit — soft bags only, no exceptions
Neutral Colours Only
Khaki, olive, tan, brown. No white, blue, or camo
Layers Are Key
12°C mornings to 30°C middays — dress in layers
Camps Do Laundry
24-hour turnaround — pack less than you think
Packing Checklist
Everything you need, organised by category. Most camps do laundry, so pack lighter than you think.
Clothing
- 3-4 long-sleeved shirtsKhaki, olive, tan, or brown
- 2-3 convertible trousersZip-off legs for versatility
- 1 fleece or softshell jacketFor cold morning game drives
- 1 lightweight rain jacketPackable, folds into pocket
- Wide-brimmed hatFull brim for ears and neck
- Buff or bandanaDust protection on dirt roads
- Underwear for each dayLaundry takes 24hrs to return
- Socks for each dayMoisture-wicking preferred
- 1 smart-casual outfitFor lodge dinners
- SwimwearMany lodges have pools
Footwear
- Closed-toe walking shoesLight hiking or trail runners
- Comfortable camp sandalsClosed-back preferred over flip-flops
- Warm socks for morningsMerino wool ideal for cold game drives
Health & Toiletries
- SPF 50+ sunscreenReapply every 2 hours
- DEET insect repellent (30%+)Apply at dusk and dawn
- Malaria prophylaxisMalarone or doxycycline
- Personal medicationsOriginal packaging + prescription letter
- Basic first-aid kitPlasters, antihistamines, rehydration salts
- Hand sanitiserEssential for bush breakfasts
- Lip balm with SPFSun + wind + altitude dries lips fast
- Biodegradable wet wipesFor dusty game drive refreshes
Documents
- Passport (6+ months validity)Minimum 2 blank pages
- Printed eTA approvalDon't rely on airport WiFi
- Travel insurance documentMust cover air medical evacuation
- Document copies stored separatelyOne set in daypack, one in main bag
- US dollars in small billsPost-2006 series only, $10-20/day for tips
- Credit card (Visa preferred)Notify bank of travel dates
Photography
- Camera or smartphoneModern phones work beautifully
- Telephoto lens (100-400mm)The workhorse safari lens
- Extra memory cards (128GB+)RAW files fill 64GB in 2 days
- Spare batteries (2-3)Cold mornings drain faster
- Dust-proof camera bagRed soil gets into everything
- Lens cleaning kitClean front element multiple times daily
Safari Extras
- Binoculars (8x42)Best all-round safari spec
- Small daypack (15-20L)For game drive essentials
- Headlamp with red light modeFor walking between tents at night
- Reusable water bottleLodges provide filtered refills
- Power bank (10,000mAh+)Some camps have limited charging hours
- Universal adapter (Type G)UK-style three-pin plug
Luggage Rules by Transport
Weight limits vary by how you travel between parks.
| Transport | Weight Limit | Bag Type | Key Rules |
|---|---|---|---|
✈️Bush Flight | 15kg max | Soft duffel only |
|
🚙Road Safari | 20kg max | Soft or semi-rigid |
|
🌍International Flight | 23kg max | Any type + 7kg carry-on |
|
Bush flight limits are strictly enforced
Bags are weighed at Wilson Airport check-in. Even 1kg over means your bag stays behind. Weigh your packed bag at home before departure and leave non-essentials at your Nairobi hotel.
Seasonal Adjustments
Add these items to your base list depending on when and where you travel.
Dry Season Kit
July — October
- Extra dust protection (bandana, lens covers)
- Warm fleece + windbreaker combo for cold mornings
- Lip balm and heavy moisturiser (dry air)
- Sealed bags for electronics
- More sunscreen (intense UV at altitude)
- Lighter sleeping layers (warm days)
Wet Season Kit
April — June, November
- Fully waterproof jacket (not just water-resistant)
- Gaiters for walking safaris (wet grass)
- Quick-dry everything — zero cotton
- Waterproof pack liner for main bag
- Extra ziplock bags for electronics
- Insect repellent (mosquitoes thrive in rain)
Coast Extension
Diani, Lamu, Watamu
- 2 swimsuits (one drying, one wearing)
- Reef-safe sunscreen (protects coral)
- Light cover-up for Lamu Old Town
- Water shoes for reef walking
- Sarong (multi-purpose beach essential)
- Waterproof phone pouch
Frequently Asked Questions
What colours should I wear on safari?
Neutral earth tones: khaki, olive, tan, brown, beige. These colours blend with the savannah environment and don’t attract unwanted attention from wildlife or insects. Avoid white (gets filthy instantly and is visible to wildlife), bright blue (attracts tsetse flies), and military camouflage (illegal in Kenya — you can be detained at park gates or checkpoints). Dark greens and muted greys are also fine.
How strict is the 15kg luggage limit on bush flights?
Very strict. Bags are weighed at check-in at Wilson Airport or your departure airstrip. There are no exceptions and no negotiations — even if your bag weighs 16kg, it will not fly with you. Excess goes into storage at Wilson Airport and can be collected on your return. We always tell clients to weigh their packed bag at home before departure. If you're over, remove items and leave them at your Nairobi hotel or use Wilson's storage.
Do I need to bring my own binoculars?
Your guide will have a pair, but having your own transforms the experience. You can scan the treeline while the vehicle is stopped, watch birds at breakfast, identify distant animals before anyone else, and observe behaviours that are too far for the naked eye. 8x42 is the best all-round safari specification — the 8x magnification is steady enough to use handheld from a moving vehicle, and the 42mm objective lens gathers enough light for dawn and dusk game drives when the best action happens.
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