What to Actually Pack for a Kenya Safari From Australia

Packing for a Kenya safari is a particular pitfall for people coming from Australia. What makes sense to pack often isn’t what you’d expect, and most of the packing guides online are written for travellers from the UK or USA, where the starting point (and the luggage restrictions on the connecting flights) is different. Here’s what actually counts, based on what we see Australian travellers get right and wrong.

Begin with the Climate, NOT the Season Name

In Australia’s winter months (June-August), it is important to note that this is Kenya’s dry season, but dry does not necessarily mean hot as it does in some countries. Game drives are really cold in the morning, particularly at 6am in open vehicles. Expect single-digit temperatures in the Mara and Rift Valley in the early hours, followed by comfortable, sometimes hot, temperatures by mid-morning. In Kenya, the green season (December to January) is the summer season, which is generally warmer but with the possibility of afternoon rain. Our guide to the best time to visit Kenya from Australia breaks down each season in more detail if you’re still choosing your dates.

The bottom line: plan for a day that is cold to warm, not cold to cold. Layers are more important than any one “right” jacket.

Clothing

Colour is more important than you might believe. Use neutral, subdued colours: khaki, beige, olive and others. Bright colours and white are not suitable as they can frighten wildlife and dark blue or black should not be used in tsetse fly infested areas as these colours are particularly attractive to the flies.

Long sleeves and long trousers for game drives, even when it’s warm. They keep you safe from the sun, dust and insects and they roll up easily when the sun starts to beat down.

For chilly mornings, wear layers. For dry season trips, a fleece or light jacket that can be shed by mid-morning is a must. Many Australians don’t realize that 6am in an open safari vehicle is actually quite cold, especially at higher elevations such as Mara or the Rift Valley lakes.

Warm layer for evening wear. Lodges and camps are located at high altitudes and nights are cold even on a hot day.

Comfortable, closed shoes. On most safaris you don’t do serious hiking, but closed shoes will help to keep you safe from dust, thorns and the occasional uneven path around camp.

Swimwear, as most lodges have pools, and it’s actually one of the better ways to cool off after a dusty afternoon drive.

A hat and sun glasses. Even when the sun is obscured by clouds, the equatorial sun is stronger than it appears.

Gear

If you’re taking a camera with you and want more than phone-quality wildlife photos, a zoom lens of 200mm or greater. For safety and conservation reasons, vehicles maintain a respectful distance from animals and a good zoom can make the difference between a distant blur and a good photo. Take a dust cover or protective bag as dust on game drives is always present and is relentless on camera equipment.

Binoculars, one pair per person if possible. When you are looking for a leopard in a tree from 200 metres away, it becomes very tedious to share one pair between two people.

A good daypack for water, sunscreen, and camera equipment on drives.

Power adapter. The electrical outlet in Kenya is the UK style 3-pin plug (Type G), which is different from what Australians are used to.

A headtorch (for camps where there is no full-time lighting and for night-time navigation).

Luggage: The Detail People Miss

On longer safaris that involve a light aircraft transfer (which is common on many safaris, including Samburu), a soft-sided duffel bag weighing less than 15kg will be required. Small charter planes have weight and shape restrictions and hard-shell suitcases do not always fit in the cargo hold. If you are travelling by any internal flights, check this before you pack, not after you’ve packed a hard case.

If you’re going on a fly-in safari, a soft bag will be easier to get in and out of the safari vehicle each day, but for a road-only safari, a standard suitcase will do.

Health and Practical Items

Sunscreen and insect repellent. Both are available in Kenya, but it saves time and ensures you have what you are accustomed to if you bring your own, especially a repellent that contains DEET.

Malaria prophylaxis, if advised by GP or travel clinic, particularly for parks such as Tsavo, and as a general precaution in the Masai Mara as well. This is something that should be sorted out weeks before you leave and not the day before your flight. The Australian Government’s travel advisory service, Smartraveller, provides up-to-date health advice on Kenya and our Kenya vaccinations, malaria and travel insurance guide provides more detail.

A basic first aid kit: plasters, pain relief, rehydration salts and any personal medication in their original packaging.

Hand sanitiser and wet wipes are more useful than they sound. Dusty game drives and long days between proper stops make these essential.

Money and Documents

Printed and electronic confirmation of your eTA. The Electronic Travel Authorisation is the new visa system for Australians, and although it is processed electronically, it is important to have a physical copy of the visa as a backup in case of any issues.

A combination of dollars and Kenyan shillings. USD is accepted at lodges and for tipping, shillings are easier for small purchases and local markets. Mobile payments via M-Pesa are also popular but not something you’ll need to do for a short visit.

Tipping money, as this is something that is expected on a daily basis and not all at the end. Allow AUD 15-30 per day for your guide and AUD 5-10 per day for lodge staff and set this aside from your travel budget to avoid rummaging through a money belt every morning.

What You Really Don’t Need

Formal attire, dressy shoes, or what you would wear to a nice dinner at home. Even the safari lodges have a casual dress code. Unless you’re planning on walking safaris, you don’t need heavy hiking boots. And you don’t need to overpack toiletries. Most lodges offer the essentials and laundry is available on longer trips, so you can pack lighter than you think!

A simple way to check yourself

Before you seal the bag, ask if each item will perform well on a cold morning, hot midday and cool evening, as that is the temperature spectrum you are packing for. If it only works one of those ways, it’s likely not a requirement. Kenya rewards those who pack light and layer well, rather than those who bring a suitcase for each and every scenario.

If there is anything you are not sure about for your route, especially regarding light aircraft weight limits or walking safari requirements, let us know your route and we will highlight anything that needs special attention prior to packing. If you’re still working out your budget as you’re working out your packing list, our Kenya safari cost breakdown will tell you how much to allow for tipping and extras.