Packing for a Kenya Safari or for that matter packing for a Masai Mara trip is rightly so more than a simple affair, with careful consideration required for the weather, comfort, local culture and a lot more.
Clothes. The ideal clothes to pack for your safari are casual in nature, loose fitting and lightweight, so as to keep you cool and dry. For colours, pick neutral Pastel shades over brighter colours for optimum suitability for the wilderness. Khaki and Forest Green colours are an all-time safari favourite and most recommended.
Please note that camouflaged, military pattern clothes may be considered unlawful in East Africa as they are worn by the local forces so best to avoid. Make sure to pack a fleece, cardigan or light jacket for the cool early mornings during game drives. When packing, keep in mind that most lodges and camps provide laundry services.
Shoes. For most safaris which do not involve trekking or “bush walking”, fully closed lightweight and comfortable walking shoes such as sneakers with good grip do just fine. The classic Safari boots are always a great all-round choice. These are also known as Chukka boots. Hiking boots are also useful but you may find these unnecessarily heavy unless you actually plan on hiking during your trip.
Flip flops or sandals for around the swimming pool or in-room use are ever useful and are cheap to buy in Nairobi as well.
Hats and Sun Protection. For Sun protection we recommend you pack sunscreen lotion (a high enough SPF) as well as a wide brim Safari hat (pictured) which will help keep the sun off your face and neck. A pair of Sunglasses and prescription glasses for those that wear contact lenses
Insect Repellent. Some of the lodges and camps provide insect repellent but we still encourage you to pack your own preferred brand. Repellents containing Deet are said to be more effective against most insects and bugs. All-natural citronella repellent can also get the job done if you are concerned about the deet effects.
Medication. Remember you will be in the “bush” so to say while on Safari and the nearest town or city may be hours away. Be sure to pack your most essential personal medications especially brands or medicines that may not be available locally in Kenya.
Pharmacies in Nairobi stock a wide variety of medicines so for basic requirements such as pain relief, anti-malaria pills or antacids and the like one can purchase once in Nairobi. Keep in mind to carry along any prescriptions when you bring along medication into Kenya in case you are required to show this at the airport.
Cameras, Binoculars, Travel Adaptors & Laptop. East Africa offers amazing photo opportunities so bring along a decent camera to make the most of your trip. Binoculars are very useful and though some Safari operators provide a pair in their vehicles, these may be basic in specs so if you can bring a set you prefer.
For serious photographers, you may want to carry your laptop which is so useful for downloading and processing your images after a day on Safari. Also helps you make the most of your camera storage cards as you can keep moving images to your laptop or hard disk at the end of each day. Spare AA and AAA batteries are available for sale at certain lodges in Masai Mara as well and this includes standard and rechargeable batteries.
Other stuff. Other important items that you must include in your packing list includes personal toiletries (such as travel size shampoo, conditioner, soap, deodorant, moisturizer, hair brush, tooth paste and toothbrush), sanitary products for ladies, wet wipes and hand sanitizers, small sewing kit, small scissors and pocket knife, alarm clock, money pouch or money belt, reading materials, pen and a notebook.
