You don’t need much, and you really don’t need safari-brand everything. Here’s what makes a difference in the field.
Optics
- Binoculars: 8×42 or 10×42 is ideal. Bring your own if you can. We carry spares, but your own will always feel right.
- Camera: for bird photography, a 100–400mm or 150–600mm lens covers most situations. A beanbag on the vehicle window is steadier than a tripod.
- Spare batteries and cards: the vehicle has charging points, but carry backups.
Clothing
- Neutral colours: greens, browns and khaki. Avoid dark blue and black, which attract tsetse flies in some parks.
- A warm fleece or jacket. Ngorongoro and early mornings anywhere can be cold.
- A light rain jacket, especially from November to May.
- Comfortable closed shoes for forest walks. Proper boots are only needed in the Usambaras.
- A hat with a brim, and sunglasses.
The small things people forget
- Your field guide, on paper or as an app. Birds of East Africa is the standard.
- A notebook, or an app you can log sightings in offline.
- Insect repellent with DEET and sunscreen.
- Any personal medication, plus copies of prescriptions.
- A soft bag rather than a hard suitcase. It packs into the vehicle far more easily.
Anything else, just ask. We answer packing questions all the time.
Your questions answered
Is there a luggage limit?
Light aircraft flights usually limit you to about 15 kg in a soft bag. Road safaris are more flexible.
Can I do laundry on safari?
Most lodges offer laundry, although some don’t wash underwear for cultural reasons.
Do I need hiking boots?
Only for the Usambaras or long forest walks. Trainers are fine elsewhere.
