Women’s Safari Packing List
Our clients often ask us what they should pack for a safari. Our women’s safari packing list gives you a good guideline for a 10-14 day safari in southern (like a Botswana safari) and eastern Africa (excluding a Kilimanjaro hike). The number one thing to consider when packing for a safari is to avoid overpacking. Small chartered flights on safari adhere to strict weight restrictions for all luggage.
In most cases, you will want to dress mainly for outdoor comfort in lightweight, loose-fitting clothing. Cotton and cotton/synthetic mixtures are most comfortable. Safaris can also be dusty, and while game viewing, the most practical clothing is tan, khaki, and other neutral colors. In the evenings, you’ll want an informal change of clothing for dinner. In the austral winter, you will need a heavy sweater or jacket when game viewing or spending any time outside in the early morning and evening.
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Women’s Safari Packing List
Safari Pants
- 3 pairs of light cotton pants or pants that convert to shorts, or 3 pairs of light cotton pants and 1-2 pairs of shorts
- 1 pair of long cotton pants suitable for walking in the bush
- 1 pair of jeans or other casual long pants for the evening
From left to right: The North Face Women’s Paramount Convertible Pants | prAna Women’s Halle Pant | prAna Women’s Mantra Pant | Columbia Women’s Saturday Trail Short
Shirts
- 3 short sleeve shirts
- 2 long sleeve shirts (styles with tabbed, rollable sleeves are most versatile)
- 3 cotton t-shirts
From left to right: Columbia Women’s PFG Bahama Short Sleeve Shirt | Columbia Women’s Bahama Ls | Amazon Essentials Women’s 2-Pack Short-Sleeve V-Neck T-Shirt
Outerwear
- 1 lightweight jacket or windbreaker
- 1 safari vest for camera equipment (optional). We really like this one by ExOfficio for all of its interior pockets.
- Raincoat (Optional)
From left to right: ExOfficio Women’s Flyq Lite Vest | Marmot Norhiem Women’s Sweater Knit Fleece Jacket (Alternative: Columbia Women’s Fast Trek Ii Jacket | The North Face Women’s Resolve 2 Jacket
Shoes and Accessories
- 1 pair of lightweight hiking or walking shoes. We’re big fans of shoes like these Merrell sneakers and New Balance trail running shoes for how lightweight they are and how well they pack. In most cases, they can pull double duty as hiking/walking shoes, and casual shoes for the evening so you can save space in your luggage.
- 1 pair of comfortable shoes for the evening
- 1 pair of flip flops or sandals for use in your room, at the spa, or around the pool
- 10 pairs of socks
- 10 pairs of undergarments
- 1 wide brimmed hat, especially to wear in safari vehicles while driving in the parks, as the tops are left open for game viewing and photography
- 1 swimsuit
- 1 bandana for dust and/or cooling
- sunglasses with UV protection
From left to right: Merrell Women’s Glove Trail Runner | New Balance Women’s WT10v1 Minimus Trail Running Shoe | Rainbow Sandals Women Premium Leather Narrow Strap Single Layer | Serengeti Andrea Sunglasses | Scala Classico Men’s Crushable Felt Outback Hat
Optional Items You May Want to Pack:
- small personal flashlight
- binoculars
- universal wall plug adapter kit
Don’t forget to pack any medications you are currently taking at your time of travel. You should also consider packing your preferred pain relievers, lip balm, sunscreen, antiseptic cream, personal toiletries, and insect repellent with 35% DEET. Most camps will have these items on offer, but if you have a preference and the room in your luggage, by all means take it with you.
To see more ideas of what to pack on your safari, visit our Amazon Women’s Safari Packing Guide.
To start planning your safari, contact your Ker & Downey designer.