Okay, so you booked your safari in Kenya, now what? Here’s a packing list that will hopefully help you out as I tried to keep it as simple as possible. If you can, don’t pack into a large luggage. Some bush airlines won’t allow that size luggage as it won’t fit. Please reference your airline if you are flying to your safari destination once arriving into Kenya.

Mornings can be cool (10-15 degrees Celsius) but you’re in an open truck in time for sunrise and the wind can make it cool so my biggest tip for packing is to pack layers!!

Warm sweater
Windbreaker/rain jacket
Pair of pants

Afternoons are hot (around 30 degrees) so you’ll want to change into cooler clothing

Breathable dress
Shorts
Tank top/T-shirt

Evenings, after being in the hot sun all day you’ll be back outside for your second drive - Light sweater or think oversized button ups that you wear in the fall or summer evenings.
I do also suggest bringing 1 dressy outfit in case you decide to dress up one night at supper for photos.

Shoes:

1 one pair of sandals
1 pair of closed toe shoes.
*I would avoid white shoes unless they are easily washable as the dirt here can stain depending on what region you are going to
*Hair dryers and straighteners may not work due to the difference of voltage. Kenya is 240V. Camps will sometimes have a hair dryer in your room to use if you need it.

Others:

Power bank to charge your phones while we are out in the trucks and in the airports (not a necessity but if you have one, bring it!)
International plug adaptor, Kenya uses the 3 rectangle prong European one
Luggage lock for your checked baggage
Sunscreen, I recommend SPF 50, do NOT bring SPF15, it will not work here, but at a minimum bring SPF 30.
Bug Spray
Sunglasses
Hat
ALSO, random but helpful, you know the little small travel packs of Kleenex? Yeah, bring a couple for when you’re out on a drive and need the “bush” toilet.

Meds: This is ONLY for if you get sick/emergencies in the bush.
*This is not medical advice, please consult with your doctor before taking any medications.

1 course of antibiotics
Pepto Bismol
Immodium
Hydration tablets
Advil/tylenol - Gravol
Benadryl
Any prescription medication, make sure it’s in your carry on in the original prescription bottles.
Documents:

Passport
Yellow Fever vaccine proof (they will need to see the original if they decide to ask for it)
$US cash: this can be used for tips for your drivers and then the rest of the staff at camp. The recommendation is anywhere from $10-20 day/person in your room. You tip your driver/guide separately as you are with them most of the time.
You can get Kenyan Shillings out in Nairobi if you would like to use that instead.
Travel insurance is also a must, especially when going to more remote places like a safari camp. For this we highly recommend SafetyWing which is affordable, easy to use and they also offer medical evacuation which can be very handy where you are in the middle of safari land. You can enroll now by clicking here.

Keep in mind that safari camps, especially in a country like Kenya, are much better equipped than you might think and most of them do have extra items that you might have forgotten from toothbrushes to hats and sunscreen.

It is now time for you to go out there and enjoy your own safari adventure!