A safari is one of the most unforgettable trips you can make: the first sight of elephants at a waterhole, sunrise over the savannah, nights under a sky full of stars. It is also a trip where your luggage choice really matters.
The soft-bag rule
Many safaris use small light aircraft to fly between camps. These planes have tiny luggage holds, and operators very often require soft bags without wheels or a rigid frame, with a strict weight limit, typically around 15 kg including hand luggage. Always check the exact rules with your operator before you pack.
This is where a soft travel bag comes into its own. The Weekender Backpack and the Canvas Weekender squeeze into small holds, are easy to carry across the airstrip, and have handles for quick loading in and out of safari vehicles. For a longer itinerary, the Travel Bag gives you 28 to 38 litres in a soft, packable shape.
What to wear
- Neutral colours: khaki, beige, olive and brown. They blend in with the landscape and show dust less. Avoid dark blue and black, which can attract tsetse flies in some regions.
- Layers. Early morning game drives are cold, midday is hot. A fleece and a light jacket are essential.
- Long sleeves and trousers for the evenings, against mosquitoes and the sun.
- A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
- Comfortable closed shoes for walking safaris, plus sandals for camp.
The essentials
- Binoculars, one pair per person if possible
- Camera with spare batteries and memory cards; charging can be limited in remote camps
- A power bank
- Sunscreen, insect repellent and a small first-aid kit
- A headlamp for moving around camp at night
Keep the dust out
Safari roads are dusty. Pack clothes in cubes or bags so that dust stays outside, and keep your camera gear in its own padded pocket. Most camps offer laundry, so you can pack less than you think.
Travel light, see more
A safari is about being present in the wild, not about managing luggage. Pack soft, pack light and pack in neutral tones, and you will be ready for the adventure of a lifetime.