What to Pack For Safari in Kenya
In this article, I discussed what to wear on a safari in Kenya. Now let’s look into the comprehensive list of what you’ll need to pack for safari in Kenya.
If this is your first trip to Kenya and you don’t know what to pack this list is for you. Kenya is a popular safari destination in Africa and East Africa in general. One of the top tourist attractions is the Great Migration at Maasai Mara. Besides this magical safari experience, Kenya has many more national parks across the country with equally amazing safaris.
As mentioned in my “What to Wear on a Safari in Kenya” article understanding the seasons and weather in Kenya is important. This will help you pack the right outfits, shoes, and gear to capture the best quality images.
Clothes & Shoes
Hottest/Dry Season
If you are visiting Kenya from January to March, pack light clothes such as:
- Light shirts, T-shirts, and tops
- Sun dresses
- Sun hats
- Light pants, shorts
- One or two sweaters
- Light jacket
- Windbreaker
- Light pajamas
- A scarf
- Swimsuits
- Enough underwear if staying at a safari camp
- Sneakers, light walking shoes, open shoes (comfortable to walk in)
- Hiking or safari boots
During these months the temperatures are very high during the day and at night. Don’t forget to carry a windbreaker or a light jacket during your safari. Driving through the parks it can get very windy.
Most importantly, don’t forget to carry enough sunscreen or wear protective clothing.
Cold/Rainy season
If your safari is from April to June, here’s what you need to pack:
- Heavy/warm clothes
- A waterproof jacket or a raincoat
- Warm sweater
- Beanie or scarf
- Small umbrella
- Long pants, skirts, and dresses
- Closes shoes with a good grip (hiking/trekking shoes preferred)
- If staying at a safari camp, pack warm pajamas, socks, and gloves
This is the rainy season with heavy rains in April and May, and a few sunny days. Towards the end of June, the rains have reduced but expect cold days and a few rainy days.
Read More: 10 Tips & Tricks to an Affordable Safari in Kenya
Cold season
Traveling from July to September? Pack this:
- Warm clothes
- Closed shoes (pack some light boots to keep your feet warm)
- Warm socks and pajamas
- Warm jacket or sweater
- Scarf
- Beanie and gloves
- Long and warm pants, dresses, or skirts
From late June to September expect very cold days and nights and a few sunny days. It does get very cold at night ensure that you have warm pajamas.
Short rain season
Safaris from October to December, pack a little bit of everything. Here’s why, the weather is very unpredictable during this season. Some days are sunny, others cold and sometimes there are light showers.
- Pack comfortable clothes
- Include a few warm pieces (jacket, sweater, pants, and long skirts)
- Carry a small umbrella, raincoat, or rain poncho
- Closed shoes
- Windbreaker
- Scarf, socks, beanie
- Regular pajamas if staying at a camp
- Sunglasses, sunhats
- Long-sleeved tops and Shirts
- Swimsuits
Gear & Accessories
As mentioned above Kenya is a popular safari destination. Many wildlife photographers and videographers come to capture memorable moments in the wild.
From October to March, the sky is clear, and the surroundings are perfect to take photos with all types of gear. You can easily get a good shot without using any lens filters.
On the other hand, from April to September the sky can be heavily cloudy and surroundings foggy. If you hope to capture good shots carry the right lenses and filters.
If you love bird-watching, carry a good pair of binoculars. Some parks have few for rent but may not meet your expected quality or focus.
Travelers working on the go don’t forget to carry your laptop, hard disk, chargers, and an international adapter. In Kenya, type G plug is the most popular. This is the plug that has three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern with a 240V supply voltage and 50Hz.
Documents
Double-check your documents and ensure you packed everything. You’ll need:
- Valid passport
- Visa (check country requirement here)
- Vaccination/health card
- A valid COVID test
- Air ticket
- Copies of your important travel documents
- Contact details of your safari resort or contact person in Kenya
- Your emergency contact details
Other Supplies
Don’t forget to pack other essential items such as lotion, medication with a prescription when applicable, toiletries, insect repellant, a small flashlight, sunscreen, money, earplugs, a fanny pack, or a small backpack.
Baggage
Travellers flying into a safari lodge such as Maasai Mara, should avoid too much baggage. Most safari camps offer laundry services daily. If staying for extended periods, you can carry a few clothes in a carry-on suitcase.
The small planes used only allow 15 kgs per traveler. In case you have heavy photography gear, driving to the park may be the only option available especially if travelling in a large group. The other option may be to split up to reduce the cargo weight.
If staying in a camp for a few days a backpack is enough to pack all you need. When driving to the safari camp, you have an advantage on how much baggage you can bring.
