You’ve book your family safari. Now it’s time to start packing. You might have an idea of what to pack for yourself, but what about for your children? What should you pack for them so that they can have their best safari experience? 

Just like adults, the number one tip for kids, is don’t overpack. You can do laundry at most properties. Plus, small charter flights adhere to strict weight restrictions, so it is best to pack light. Younger kids especially may need some extra guidances as they have a tendency to pack much more than they need when they are in charge of their own packing. They often forget the necessities and pack too many stuffed animals.  

Clothing Color

Ideal clothing is lightweight and darker shades of green, khaki, brown, or lighter shades of blue in color. Depending on where you are traveling on safari, black and darker shades of blue can attract tsetse flies. Avoid wearing bright colors like red, pink, and white. Finally, keep in mind that camouflage clothing may be reserved for the military. 

Here’s our recommended packing list for kids traveling on a safari. 

Kid’s Africa Safari Packing List Suggestions

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For the Plane

• Small backpack with a few personal items to keep them busy and comfortable on the long haul flights 
• Drawing pad and marker
• Journal for documenting their trip
• Deck of cards or small travel game
• A favorite stuffed toy 
• A few favorite snacks
• 1 change of clothes
• Sweatshirt or jacket

Choosing to bring an electronic device is a personal decision. If you choose to bring one for your kids, remember headphones. However, we recommend packing these away while you are on safari and fully soaking in the wildlife and surroundings. 

Pants & Shirts 

• 3 lightweight shirts with long sleeves (styles with tabbed, rollable sleeves are most versatile) 
• 3 pairs of lightweight long pants or long pants that convert to shorts  
• 3 pairs shorts 
• 3 pairs of lightweight short sleeved shirts//t-shirts 

Outerwear 

• A fleece or sweater for evenings and early mornings as it can be cold on game drives  
• Lightweight rain jacket during the rainy seasons, March – May and October – December 

Shoes and Accessories 

• 1 pair of comfortable sneakers or hiking boots, ideally lightweight and worn-in to avoid blisters 
• 3 pairs of socks  
• 1 pair sandals/lightweight shoes (for wearing at the lodges) 
• 7 pairs of undergarments
• Bandana or scarf
• Sun hat with a wide rim 
• Sunglasses with UV protection 
• Swimsuit (most properties have swimming pools) 
• Flipflops 
• Pajamas  

Personal Items

• Passport and applicable visas (However, we recommend parents hold onto their children’s passports.)
• Binoculars
• Personal refillable water bottle 
• Daypack for carrying water bottle, binoculars, etc.  
• Journal and pen for keeping track of wildlife seen
• Older children may wish to have a camera to document their safari

Toiletries

Personal toiletries including toothbrush and toothpaste. Though please note most properties will provide essentials like shampoo, conditioner, and soap.  

• Bring enough of any prescribed medication that your children are currently taking to last the length of your trip. Keep it in its original packaging with your children’s name and the prescription information clearly indicated on the label. Note: If you are traveling to Zambia, please do not bring any over-the-counter medications containing diphenhydramine (active ingredient in Benadryl). This ingredient is on Zambia’s list of controlled substances. 
• Brush/comb  
• Facial tissue and waterless hand sanitizer 
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent for body application 

For even more Africa packing tips, see our Men's Safari Packing Guide, Women's Safari Packing List, Southern Africa Packing List, East Africa Packing List, and Primate Safari Packing List.