It's one of the biggest headaches when planning your African adventure - what to take and what to leave behind. Packing everything but the kitchen sink is just not going to cut it when it comes to going on safari, especially if you're going to be travelling in small planes between destinations where strict weight limits and baggage specifications apply. So you have to be discerning and use what weight and space you have wisely. Here are some tips and tricks we've picked up over the years that will help you pack the perfect safari bag...

Choose the right luggage

When it comes to going on safari, the bag maketh the journey. It's got to be lightweight, soft enough to be able to be squished into the smallest of spaces in the hold of aircraft that look like you may have to literally pour yourself into them, roomy enough to get everything you need into it and hardy enough to cope with the rigours of international air travel. Does such a bag exist? Yes it does! In fact, there's a wealth of quality options out there. So how do you choose the right one for you?

Firstly, go for a duffel-style bag with a flat bottom (or a bottom that will be flat once you pack it properly). A lot of airlines now insist that soft-sided bags have a more solid, flat bottom to allow them to travel smoothly on the luggage conveyor belts without getting stuck and causing log-jams and damage to the machinery. If your bag doesn't have a flat bottom, be prepared to have it wrapped with a piece of cardboard to give it one. 

Duffels are the best style of safari bag because they give you the room you need with easy access in a compact and practical shape. However, when choosing your duffel there are some things you need to take into account: 

1. Make sure your access zips can be locked easily with a padlock. Security is strict in airports across the world so you need to ensure your bag can be locked properly for your own safety and for the safety of others. 

2. Make sure there are no straps or loose pieces that could get snagged on other bags or on the luggage conveyor belt. 

3. Try and go for zippers that are concealed and protected from possible damage during the luggage handling process at airports. You don't want your bag to come out the other end with a broken zip and half of your clothing missing. 

4. Weigh the bag empty. Go for the lightest bag you can to give you maximum carrying capacity for those tight weight limits on small planes between camps and lodges. Weight restrictions can vary depending on the aircraft being used and the airline in question, but they can be anything from 12kg (26lbs) to 20kg (44lbs). Most international airlines only allow 20kg for economy class luggage. We will always tell you what the weight restrictions are in advance, so you know what to expect.

5. Assess the durability of the bag. It has got to make it through the manhandling of international flights, flights in small planes and jostling on the back of a game viewing vehicle from the airstrip at your destination to the lodge you are staying in. It's also a good idea to opt for weatherproof or weather resistant material!

6. Look at the straps: Make sure they are strong, and give you the option to carry the bag in your hand or with a shoulder strap. Some duffels have reinforced adjustable webbing straps that wrap around them to keep whatever you pack in shape which we thoroughly recommend.

What to pack

So, you've got your bag. Now comes the task of filling it! 

First of all, select clothes that are light and can easily be layered. The secret to a successful safari is layers that you can add or remove according to the temperature, especially on early morning game drives and game activities when even in the middle of summer it can be chilly!

Go for neutral, cool colours. Khaki, beige, cream, taupe, greys and browns are always a good option. White is never practical, especially on game drives, as it can make you stand out. Black can attract insects like tsetse flies and also absorbs heat. Blues are OK as long as they are not too bright.

Opt for three or four tee-shirts, two long-sleeved shirts, two or three pairs of shorts and/or cargo pants, a pair of long trousers or two. For the ladies, a pashmina is a wonderful addition. All lodges offer laundry services, so you can easily recycle your clothing. Choose mix and match outfits to get the maximum wardrobe opportunities out of what you pack!

Check what season you are travelling in and choose items accordingly. If its winter (June to August each year) it's going to be cold in the early mornings and evenings, and you will need a fleece or windbreaker, beanie hat, scarf and gloves. Yes. Africa DOES get cold. And when you're on an open game viewing vehicle at 6am with the wind chill factored in it gets VERY cold! Lodges provide blankets on the morning drive and some even offer hot water bottles!

In spring and summer (September to March) it can still be a little on the cool side first thing in the morning but nowhere near as chilly as winter. So a lightweight sweater or jersey should suffice. 

When it comes to shoes, give yourself options. Thongs or flip-flops are great for wearing around the lodge, as are sandals. But if you want to walk, closed walking shoes with a good  sole are a must to fend off things like thorns and prickly seeds. A pair of long pants and a long-sleeved shirt are a good option too, as they protect against biting insects and sunburn.

You won't need high heels in the bush. But in winter a good pair of flat, comfortable boots are a wonderful addition! 



You will need a hat, or two. And sunglasses. And a swimsuit and sunscreen! 

When it comes to personal items, toiletries and cosmetics, don't forget that lodges have wonderful amenities like shampoo and conditioner, body wash, soap and body lotion so it's not absolutely essential to pack these, unless you prefer your own brand. Make sure you pack a bag with any medicines you may need.

Once you have selected your items, it's a good idea to lay them out on your bed or a dining room table and organise them in sections - underwear, T-shirts, Shorts, Long pants, shirts, skirts, sleepwear and swimwear, jackets and jerseys, shoes etc. 

Then comes the task of packing them into your bag. There are lots of "tricks" that can be used to save space, from rolling each item as tightly as possible and stacking them neatly and evenly in the bag to using small, mesh pouches to put like-for-like items in and packing these "bags" within the bag! Pop shoes into ziploc reusable plastic bags (or recycle plastic shopping bags) to protect your clothing. 

Carry-on bags

Choose a soft carry-on bag to match your duffel bag with compartments for your travel wallet (don't forget your passport, ID books, pocketbook, etc) and other things you may want to use like reading glasses, sanitiser, moisturiser, smartphone or tablet. 

Don't put valuables in your check-in luggage - keep them with you in your carry-on bag. Add to this a camera bag with space for binoculars. 

Above all, travel as light as you can so there's room to take some of the amazing textiles, arts and crafts you will find on your travels back home with you. 

Enjoy!