Indagare Guide: How to Pack for Safari

"Going on safari" conjures up so many wonderful images—including many that are dashing (Meryl Streep and Robert Redford in Out of Africa), or fashionable (a thousand Ralph Lauren ads), or a mix of both. Though it might seem daunting at first, packing for safari these days need not be complicated. Most of us already have great travel clothes, sports clothes and casual clothes, so it's more about whittling down than stocking up. With the aim of helping you to not overthink it, Indagare founder Melissa Biggs Bradley and members of the team share the ultimate packing list and tips for a trip into the bush—with favorite brands and secret weapons to keep you comfortable, safe and safari-chic at all times.

1. If we had to give just one piece of advice: Pack light.

You can do this because most camps offer daily laundry service, so you can easily rewear items throughout the trip—and you will be wearing a virtual uniform. Most days are the same: Morning game drive, rest and lunch, afternoon or evening game drive, and dinner, so you don't need a big variety of clothing. Rewearing clothes means you can travel much, much lighter than you might at first think.

You do not need to bring the following items, as Indagare-recommended camps will provide them:

• Waterproof ponchos (in case of rain) and blankets for the vehicle
• Reusable water bottles (there will be personal bottles and filtered water for the duration of your stay)
• Basic toiletries like shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion and mosquito repellent (bring your own lip balm and sunscreen, as availability varies)
• Many camps and guides allow guests to use their binoculars—but if it’s important to you, bring your own to be certain (see more below)
  

2. Layer up.

Early morning and evening game drives can be cool, even in the hotter summer months, so you'll want to layer well. A fleece, a vest, a heavy scarf—basic items that can go on or come off easily—will keep you comfortable and protected from the elements (and pests). The summer months in Africa are September through April; winter is May through August. Prepare for higher temperatures in the summer, but still plan on needing some layers. In the winter, bring a warm hat, gloves and scarf as morning and evening game drives can get very cold. Mosquitos are the worst between December and March. Bring all your layers with you for the morning game drive, and stash items in your daypack as the temperature warms up; you will want them accessible again once the sun starts to go down in the evening.

3. Dress in plant-like colors—but you can still show personal style.

Safari outfits may seem cliché to some but they are practical. Center your wardrobe around a palette of neutral and earthy tones like khaki, tan, brown, olive and green. These shades don’t show dirt, and they keep you cool and protected from the sun. Avoid bright white (which contrasts against the bush), blue and black (as these shades attract tsetse flies—namely in East Africa) and camouflage clothing (as it's illegal in some countries). Adhering to bush colors is critical if you are doing walking safaris, when it's important to blend in (so you don’t scare away—or attract—any animals with bright colors). On game drives, this matters less, and you may mix in pops of color or pattern if you like. Outdoor adventure lovers might choose zip-off hiking pants, hiking shoes and a breathable shirt as their base look. Fashion lovers might prefer trendy cargo pants, a linen button-down and the latest fashionable sneaker. Sporty types might be in leggings, running shoes and a baseball cap. All approaches work.

4. Bring a mini pharmacy.

Load up at your local drugstore before you go. Most safari camps are very remote without easy access to a pharmacy. Pack any medicine you think you might need, which may include: antihistamines, anti-diarrheal medications and Dramamine, cold and flu aids, antibiotics and prescription malaria medicine. Bring an extra pair of glasses, extra contact lenses and contact solution. (See our full list of pharmacy essentials below.)

☐ Most safaris involve flights on small bush planes that have strict size and weight limitations. Stick with a weather-resistant, soft-sided duffel bag no larger than 11.8 inches wide x 13.8 inches high x 27.5 inches long, with a max weight of 44 pounds per person, including carry-on luggage and camera equipment.

• A few our team recommends: North Face Base Camp Voyager Duffel (42L), Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler, Patagonia Black Hole Duffle (55L) and L.L. Bean Mountain Classic Cordura Duffle in Medium.
  

☐ You will also want some sort of durable daypack to bring with you in the vehicle on game drives (this can be a backpack or tote, but it should be lightweight, element-resistant and you should be able to securely close it up; pockets are also helpful).

• Our team likes the Paravel backpack (Paravel unfortunately went out of business in May, but products are still available on Amazon) and Bric's.
• "I recently discovered Got Bags, and I am completely obsessed. They are fully waterproof (I promise, I've road tested them) and easy to pack, and, even better, they are made from recycled plastic sourced from ocean cleanup initiatives. I have the large Moon Bag in two colors, but they also have backpacks, belt bags and totes in a variety of styles." — Senior Editor Elizabeth Harvey
  

☐ You may also wish to bring a belt bag for easy access to your most important items, and you should keep your travel documents and cash, toiletries, phone and camera equipment on you at all times when traveling (don't check these items as bags may need to be stuffed under seats or in small holds).

• An Indagare member-favorite brand is MZ Wallace, whose quilted design and preference for pockets and zippers are helpful for keeping your things organized and protected on the road—plus, they go with everything. The sling bags are especially handy.
• The Dagne Dover neoprene sling bags can be easily packed (thanks to their soft, crushable material).
• "For a belt bag that also transitions to evening bag, I love the Clare V. Grande Fanny. You can't fit a water bottle (which is a considerable fault), but it’s a great crossbody for carrying your phone, passport, cash, sunglasses and chapstick. The textures and colors are lovely, and it’s female-founded. And you can swap out the strap for an evening look (they have fun options on their site)." — VP of Sales Elise Bronzo
  

☐ Packing cubes are also a great way to keep everything organized within your duffel.

• Paravel packing cubes are still available for purchase on Amazon. Other brands our team loves include Monos, July and Quince.

☐ A great safari jacket is a must-bring outer layer for most travelers. We recommend a design with multiple pockets for keeping your phone and other essentials handy.

• "One of my favorite brands for safari jackets (and other bush essential layers) is Anatomie. Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors and Prada often have safari jackets in their collections as well (I also like this double-faced jacket and this suede coat). We love D&B Explorer, the brand created by the National Geographic filmmakers and explorers in residence Dereck and Beverly Joubert. They have a great range of men’s and women’s safari basics, all made in South Africa." — Indagare founder Melissa Biggs Bradley
• "I love Anine Bing and Nili Lotan for safari jackets." — Senior Director of African Safari Rose Taylor
• For a men's safari jacket: AG Jeans
• "The boutique at Segera in Kenya curates some of the most stylish safari-wear out there. I bought my safari jacket there, from a Lamu-inspired brand called Amu. Sadly you can't shop them online—but if you're not finding a safari jacket you love at home, you might just find your perfect fit on the ground." — Senior Editor Elizabeth Harvey
• Another high-end safari jacket brand beloved by Indagare members is Anna Trzebinski.
• A photographer’s or fishing vest is also a great lighter option.
  

☐ One or two of the following, tailoring your layers for the season and weather forecast: a rain jacket, fleece, light sweater, down vest and/or packable parka. A nice cashmere sweater or sweatshirt works well for your travel days as well as cool mornings or evenings.

• "I like this light Callidae raincoat for the wet season in the bush." — Senior Director & Executive Producer Kathryn Nathanson
• "The Uniqlo Ultralight Down Jacket was the MVP of my recent safari to Botswana. We traveled in June, which is their winter, so mornings and evenings were cold in the vehicle. This miraculous jacket keeps you toasty and protected from the wind while weighing almost nothing—and it can be packed up into a convenient little pouch. There is also a vest and a longer parka option in the same material." — Senior Editor Elizabeth Harvey
• "It can get very chilly in Botswana, Zimbabwe and South Africa in June through August, especially in the mornings. This Ororo Heated Vest is one of my new favorite discoveries for winter in the southern hemisphere." — Indagare founder Melissa Biggs Bradley
  

☐ One safari-style hat with a wide brim to protect your face and neck from the sun; bonus points for a drawstring that helps keep it on your head in an open-top vehicle. You should also pack a baseball cap. For winter months, you may also wish to bring a knit beanie or thermal headband. Plus, get a hat clip to carry it all!

• Hat brands we like include: Outback Trading Co., Henschel Hat Company, American Hat Makers, Overland, Hat Attack, Wyeth and Nick Fouquet.
• "I love this South African brand, Rogue, for hats (and shoes), and they do ship to the U.S. This crushable hat from American Hat Makers is also great." — Melissa Biggs Bradley
• "This hat clip is a game-changer if you are a hat-wearer. It attaches to any bag by gripping your hat brim with a strong magnetic clip, and it comes in multiple styles. The magnet is so strong that it can also hold a full water bottle." — Melissa Biggs Bradley
  

☐ One warmer scarf or wrap and one bandana for your face.

• "Scarves are key for dust and sun. I recently discovered Shoo for Good scarves, which are bug-repelling and also support women artisans in Ethiopia." — Melissa Biggs Bradley
• "This ExOfficio BugsAway Woven Bandana is bug-repellent—a cute and effective accessory." — VP of Sales Elise Bronzo
  

☐ Sunglasses, ideally UV-protected and polarized. Croakies are also worth bringing to keep them secure in the vehicle.

• Ray-Ban or Maui Jim are good brands.
• "This Illesteva chain presents a slightly more chic take on the Croakies." — Senior Editor Elizabeth Harvey
  

☐ Especially for winter months, you may wish to bring a pair of gloves.

• "Outdoor Research makes great lightweight SPF gloves to protect your hands from constant sun. The pro move for cold is to have a pair of touchscreen gloves (like these from Arcteryx) layered under fingerless cashmere gloves (like these from Eileen Fisher)." — Melissa Biggs Bradley
• "The North Face also has good e-tip glove options in safari colors (which you can also find on Amazon)." — Senior Editor Elizabeth Harvey

☐ Comfortable walking shoes. Either more fashionable sneakers or hiking shoes work well, just make sure you have thick, tough soles (for thorns). If you are planning on staying at a lodge that offers hiking, make sure your shoes have strong enough traction and mobility.

• Blundstone is an Indagare-favorite brand.
• "My go-to for safari footwear is the Aigle iconic walking shoe. They have some great colors too, like green and burnt orange." — Senior Director of African Safari Rose Taylor
• "R.M. Williams is the original Australian outfitter of “stockmen” or cowboys, and they sell lots of chic but utility-focused leather boots (and they have a guarantee where you can send them back to be resoled after wearing them in). Their clothing and accessories are good, too." — Senior Editor Elizabeth Harvey
• "Freda Salvador weather-resistant boots. If you need something sturdier, Hokas." — VP of Sales Elise Bronzo
• "My On Cloudrock 2 Waterproof Hiking Boots are perfection. I also like the waterproof options from Sorel." — Senior Editor Elizabeth Harvey
• "Thursday Boot Company has good affordable boot options (since they can get muddy etc., and you don't want to spend too much on a safari boot but still want to look good out there." — Senior Director & Executive Producer Kathryn Nathanson
• Melissa Biggs Bradley also recommends Rogue.
  

☐ One pair of slide-ons, espadrilles or sandals for wearing around the lodge. You may wish to bring a pair of flip-flops for the pool and a lighter shoe that can work with dinner outfits.

• "A super-stylish member turned me on to the Bill Blass suede sneakers with a cushioned platform. They come in many colors and are made with a biodegradable outsole. They run a half-size big." — Melissa Biggs Bradley
• Rag & Bone, Loewe and Veja all carry light, day-to-night sneakers.
• Sabah, Soludos and Rothy's are also great options.

One of Melissa's favorite all-around brands for many of the below items is Anatomie. For your staple base layers (pants and shirts), J.Crew, Banana Republic, GAP and Old Navy are also a great place to start.

☐ Three pairs of long pants. Khakis, hiking or athletic-style pants work well (or you may want to include a pair of good jeans for dinners). Pants should be comfortable to sit in, and ideally don’t show dirt or wrinkle and have SPF or bug protection—but any khakis or cargo pants will do; some people may also prefer pants that zip off into shorts. (Note: Do not wear camouflage print, as it is only to be worn by the army in many African countries.)

• "I'm obsessed with these Banana Republic cargo pants." — Trip Designer Paige Gordon
• "I love these pants from Outdoor Voices—so comfy and nice to have versatility, based on the weather." — Trip Designer Caroline Hansen
• "These Athleta pants are wrinkle-resistant, quick-drying, rated UPF 40+ and available in tall and short cuts." — VP of Sales Elise Bronzo
• Indagare member, artist and designer Suzy Kellems Dominik is the creator of the first fly-fishing jumpsuit for women—but the Tackle Suit has been tested and trusted by safari guides and wildlife conservationists as well. In Suzy's words: "I wanted something with a flattering, sculptural fit that combined couture-level craftsmanship with technical performance. And frankly, I wanted to be able to pee on the river without having to strip down—so I designed our signature rear flap detail. Utility, reimagined. It has become my go-to garment for travel, work and wandering."
  

☐ One or two pairs of shorts for higher temperatures mid-day (or something lighter to change into post-game drive, if you do not like wearing shorts). Oversized, paper-bag-style shorts with a belted waist are comfortable for the vehicle.

• "One of the women who worked at Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Kenya had these linen overalls on in green, and we all loved them. They are made to order." — Associate Producer Claire Gelalich
• "The Halfdays Trail Short is lightweight, moisture-wicking and UPF 50+ in a sporty cut." — Senior Editor Elizabeth Harvey
  

☐ Three long-sleeve shirts, such as linen or cotton button-downs. For winter months, include a fitted thermal or knit layer for cold mornings.

• "I opt for classic, lightweight linen button-downs from places like J. Crew, GAP, Banana Republic. I also like Frank & Eileen for their linen shirts and oxfords (like this denim model)." — Senior Director of African Safari Rose Taylor
• VP of Sales Elise Bronzo also recommends Xirena for linen shirts (and they have pretty shirt dresses for dinners, too).
• Associate Producer Claire Gelalich recommends Everlane and AYR for shirts.
  

☐ A mix of t-shirts (two or three) and sleeveless shirts or tank tops (one or two) for layering and warmer temperatures mid-day.

☐ Five pairs of socks and undergarments. We recommend thermal options for winter. Because of the bouncy jeep rides, people might want to pack a jog bra or a lower back brace if long, bumpy rides could be uncomfortable.

☐ Comfortable pajamas. Bring a lighter pair for summer.

• "Eberjey pajamas are super-soft and packable. I also like to embrace the festivity of safari with a fun animal-print PJ. (Plus, some lodges, like Angama Amboseli, even do "pajama-safaris"—prime for photo-ops.) Desmond & Dempsey, Printfresh and Olivia von Halle all have beautiful, comfortable options in leopard, zebra and cheetah prints." — Senior Editor Elizabeth Harvey
  

☐ Bathing suit and sarong or cover-up.

• A few brands we love include: Summersalt, Andie and Agua by Agua Bendita.
  

☐ One or two sets of sports clothes if you plan on exercising (and if the camps have facilities—yoga is a nice way to stretch after game drives).

• For athletic staples, Alo, Lululemon, Outdoor Voices, Halfdays and Nike are all great brands.
  

☐ It’s nice to have one or two more fashionable options to change into for evening dinners or mid-day relaxing. A printed tunic paired with pants or a flowy skirt or dress are easy to pack. Men may wish to bring a nicer button-down and khakis.

• "The Australian brand Alémais is one of my personal favorites for wear-everywhere dresses and matching sets. When you opt for prints and bright colors, you have an eye-popping outfit with fairly low effort—and since most of their pieces are linen, they're light and easy to pack, and also easier to wash on the go. A few other favorite brands for bush-themed looks include Ulla Johnson, Figue and Ganni." — Senior Editor Elizabeth Harvey
• "I love Farm Rio for bright, tropical, fun dresses that fit the vibe!" — Associate Director of Industry Partnerships Sarah Minges
  

☐ Leave valuable jewelry at home, but you may wish to bring a few light, inexpensive accessories like a printed scarf, a chunky bangle or statement earrings for a bit of fun and variety. Most Indagare-recommended lodges also have great boutiques.

• "For less expensive, safari-chic jewelry, I love this Kenya-based brand Soko. This female-founded company connects Kenyan artisans with the global marketplace, and pieces generally are made from upcycled materials—so when you're shopping, you're shopping for good! Plus, their gold-plated brass pieces are durable enough for safari (don’t bring anything you can’t bear getting caught while climbing in and out of a vehicle or heli, or left behind in a lodge, or lost on an adventure activity)." — Senior Editor Elizabeth Harvey
• "Ardmore is a heritage South African brand that makes the most fabulous safari-printed silk scarves (and other beautiful safari-inspired accessories and home décor). They have a boutique in the Joburg airport for a quick style upgrade between layovers; on my recent trip to Botswana, I picked up one (featuring lionesses) on the way into the bush...and another (with a leopard and zebra design) on the way out. (The brand also has a long-standing partnership with Hermés, so you can find some of their designs there too.)" — Senior Editor Elizabeth Harvey
• "Elisabeth Scarlett makes beautiful, well-priced, lightweight velvet pouches with nature- and animal-themed embroidery for a fun and easy evening accessory—or a bit of stylish organization for your daypack. Plus, her wildlife collections donate a portion of proceeds to various conservation initiatives (including Indagare-adored organizations like the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust for elephants)." — Senior Editor Elizabeth Harvey
• A bright strap is also a great way to bring a bit of color to your binos on game drives—like these ones from Elie Beaumont.
• "I love a beaded belt to pull it all together." — VP of Sales Elise Bronzo

☐ A strap case for your phone for easy, quick photo access and worry-free storage in the safari vehicle.

• Bandolier has great options—including this model that can be used with a MagSafe portable charger.
  

☐ Power adapter: Most camps will have US, UK and/or European outlets and many now have USB outlets, but we still recommend bringing along a universal adapter just in case.

☐ External battery or power bank for charging electronics on-the-go. Many vehicles are also equipped with charging stations; bring an extra charging cord and USB and USB-C converters to be prepared.

• "I love this power bank by Anker. It's lightweight and powerful! So nice not to have to worry about your phone dying." — Senior Director of African Safari Rose Taylor
  

☐ Binoculars (8x40 or 10x42), although some camps will provide binoculars, and most guides will share with guests.

• REI, B&H, L.L. Bean and Orvis are all great retailers for binoculars (and other outdoor adventure essentials).
• "I brought these binoculars to Kenya and all of the guides were jealous of them!" — Senior Editor Elizabeth Harvey
• "For a splurge—Swarovski 10x42 NL Pure Binoculars!" — Trip Designer Isabel Graubart
• "My favorite accessory are my bins with a strap I bought from Colombia." — VP of Sales Elise Bronzo
  

☐ Digital camera with a zoom lens (a 100-400mm range is ideal) and carrying case (you should also bring charging equipment with extra batteries or a spare charger and multiple memory cards!). Some lodges do rent camera equipment and so do companies in the U.S., if you don’t own a zoom lens.

☐ Travel-sized sunscreen and lip balm with SPF.

• "The Supergoop! Bestsellers Starter Kit and Mineral Sunscreen Stick are always in my carry-on. The creams from Supergoop! are reef-safe and skin-friendly, and the Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 is compact and sweat- and water-resistant—just throw it in your pack and reapply throughout the day.” — Melissa Biggs Bradley
• "I have sensitive skin, and I fell in love with Kiehl's Better Screen UV Serum SPF 50+ Facial Sunscreen with Collagen Peptide. The texture was not greasy at all; in fact, my skin improved from daily use thanks to the collagen peptide." — Senior Editor Elizabeth Harvey
• "I love Sun Bum. The face stick is a good option and fits nicely into a small bag." — Trip Designer Paige Gordon
  

☐ Wet wipes and/or deodorant wipes. Indagare-recommended lodges will keep tissues, wipes and hand sanitizer in the game drive vehicle, but you may wish to carry your own.

• "I discovered these amazing deodorant wipes when packing for Kenya and they're now my secret weapon—for safari or otherwise. They're individually packaged, so you can easily slip one into your daypack for a quick refresh on the go. They're really effective—and they're organic and use sustainable materials." — Senior Editor Elizabeth Harvey
  

☐ Mosquito repellent (DEET-based repellents are recommended, medium or maximum strength).

☐ Eye drops if you’re sensitive to dust.

☐ Ear plugs if you’re sensitive to noise.

☐ In addition to your regular toiletries, bring a personal "mini pharmacy."

• See your doctor before you leave for advice on what to bring, but, in addition to a sufficient supply of your regular prescriptions, it's generally recommended to bring: prescription malaria medicine, Cipro (or similar all-purpose antibiotic), Imodium/anti-diarrheals, antihistamines (Benadryl cream and pills), Neosporin, Band-Aids, Ibuprofen, Pepto-Bismol (chewable for kids and pills for adults) and cold/flu medicine.
• "To keep healthy while traveling, I swear by a number of powdered supplements, and electrolytes are a must for the plane. See my favorites here." — Melissa Biggs Bradley
• You may also wish to bring a few granola bars for travel days.
  

☐ An extra pair of correction glasses and, for glasses-wearers, spare glasses, contact lens solution and contact lenses.

• "I always pack a spare pair of sunglasses and spare reading glasses, but a traveler on our Sicily trip introduced me to Thin Optics, which are paper-thin and perfect for traveling." — Melissa Biggs Bradley
  

☐ Travel-sized laundry detergent or a bar of all-purpose soap (like castile) in case you need to quickly wash items like undergarments.

• "Dr. Bronner's pure-castile bar soap is easy to pack and leak-proof." — Senior Editor Elizabeth Harvey
  

☐ Small bills for tipping and shopping throughout your trip. US dollars are generally accepted. Consult Indagare's tipping guidelines for the correct amounts based on your destination, but approximately $40 per traveler, per day (for lodge staff and guides) is sufficient—plus extra for shopping.

☐ A journal and/or safari-related books for reflecting in the afternoons between game drives. For children, lodges will also stock board games, cards and other entertainments like bird-watching kits.

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