What to Pack for a Kenya Safari

The single most useful piece of packing advice for Kenya: laundry is included at nearly every camp, done daily. Pack for three days, not fourteen.

The luggage constraint

Light aircraft between parks limit you to soft-sided bags, typically 15kg including hand luggage. Hard suitcases will not fit in the hold. This is not negotiable and camps cannot store overflow for you.

Clothing

• Neutral colours — khaki, olive, stone. Avoid blue and black, which attract tsetse flies.
• Layers. Mornings can be 10°C and afternoons 30°C on the same day.
• A proper fleece or down layer for early drives.
• Long sleeves and trousers for evenings, against mosquitoes.
• A wide-brimmed hat. Caps leave your neck exposed.
• Comfortable closed shoes. Walking boots only if you are actually walking.

The two things people forget

Binoculars. Bring your own, at least 8x42. Sharing a single pair between two people ruins half the sightings.

Storage. Whatever card capacity you think is enough, double it. Charging in camp is limited and often solar.

Also worth having

• High-factor sun cream and lip balm with SPF — the altitude sun is fierce.
• Insect repellent containing DEET.
• A headtorch for tents at night.
• A dust-proof bag or cover for camera bodies, especially in Amboseli and Tsavo.
• Any personal medication in original packaging, in hand luggage.
• Small US dollar notes for tipping.

Leave at home

Camouflage clothing — it is restricted in Kenya and can cause real problems. Drones, which require permits almost nobody obtains. Single-use plastic bags, which are banned outright.