What a Safari Expert Packs for 14 Days in the Bush
- Kirstin Benish
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 6 hours ago
By Marni Granston, Founder of Tribù Travel
After more than 30 safaris across Africa and most recently returning from a whirlwind 14-day trip through Botswana, I can confidently say this: what you pack matters. With remote locations, limited luggage space, and shifting weather patterns, packing smart (and stylishly) will make all the difference in your comfort and ease.
Here’s what I, a safari travel specialist and founder of Tribù Travel, always pack for two weeks in the bush:
Start with the Right Luggage
Safari flights have strict weight limits: 15kg (33lbs) per person in a soft-sided bag, preferably with no wheels. I recommend the Patagonia Black Hole Duffel (55L).
To stay organized, use packing cubes or Aloha Collection bags
A small daypack for days in the safari truck
Protection is Key
A wide-brim hat (two favorites are Brixton or Lack of Color), baseball cap, or a classic safari bucket hat
Polarized sunglasses
Lightweight, moisture-wicking tops and jogger (I love Vuori－the styles and colors are MADE for safaris)
Scarf or bandana for dust/wind
Layer Like a Pro
Fleece or lightweight puffer jacket
Beanie and mittens for early mornings (yes, Africa gets cold)
Neutral-toned shirts, shorts, pants
Avoid white, black, and bright colors
Footwear
Sneakers
Birkenstock sandals/slip-ons
Evening Wear
Crisp clean outfit or casual dress
Lightweight wrap or shawl
Gear & Gadgets
Binoculars (your guide will have one in the vehicle, but it's smart to bring your own for personal use)
Camera + charging gear
Power converter and USB cords
Sunscreen SPF 30+
What Not to Pack
Drones
White shoes/clothing
Formalwear
Hair dryers
Full-size toiletries
Final Thoughts
When packing for a safari, keep it simple and don’t feel like you need an entirely new wardrobe. Focus on versatile pieces that can mix and match, and pack in layers to adapt to shifting temperatures throughout the day. Most safari camps offer daily laundry service, so you can comfortably pack light without worrying about running out of clean clothes. Trust that the camps are well-equipped with essentials, so there’s no need to overcomplicate your packing. If you’d like help customizing your packing list to suit your itinerary, I’m here to help—let’s chat!
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