Things to Pack for Safari in Kenya Including What to Wear

Kenya is a top tourist destination in Africa due to its breathtaking landscapes, abundance of wildlife, and world-class safari lodges. Planning a safari trip to Kenya is more than just booking a flight, you need to pack a few items that will make your safari safe, comfortable, and enjoyable.

Most domestic airlines and bush flights have strict weight limits due to their limited luggage capacity. I understand how this can be a challenge when you have a lot to bring, but I am here to guide you on essential things to have on your packing list including what to wear on a safari in Kenya.

In your briefcase, you must have suitable clothing, safari shoes, insect repellant, sun protection, toiletry, vital medication, and camera or photography equipment among other items. Not to forget airline tickets, credit cards, cash, insurance papers, and travel documents in original and photocopy.

A little about Kenya

Kenya is located in East Africa, bordering the Indian Ocean to the Southeast. Neighboring countries include Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Somalia, and South Sudan. For its equatorial location, Kenya has a mild climate year-round with no summer or winter seasons.

Temperatures are warm throughout the year but nights can be chilly. Expect daytime temperatures to average between 19°C (66°F) and 28°C (82°F). The coastal regions can feel hot and humid most of the time but highlands including Nairobi are generally cooler.

There are two rainy seasons in Kenya. The long rains start from March to June, while the short rains fall in November and December. The western region of the country receives the heaviest rainfall and sometimes along the coast. The arid and semi-arid regions in the north are very hot with erratic rainfall.

Packing list for Kenya safari

First, let’s start with briefcase requirements. Your main luggage including carry-on should be about 15kg (33lbs). Soft-sided bags or foldable duffel travel bags are recommended. This is due to the limited space for luggage storage on the small aircraft used for flights into the parks.

Travel documents

As of 1 January 2024, foreign nationals, regardless of nationality, can enter Kenya without a visa for tourism or business travel for stays up to 90 days. Travelers must, however, have a valid passport and obtain a new Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).

The following documents will be required.

• Valid passport – It must have at least 2 blank pages and six months of validity from the proposed date of exit from Kenya.
• Your recent passport photo (colored).
• Your contact details (home address, telephone, email)
• Proof of booking for the hotel you will be staying at (if staying with friends, show a letter of invitation)
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate if coming from endemic countries.

Cash and credit cards

Kenya shilling is the official currency in Kenya. Notes commonly used are 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000 shillings. Cards, particularly Visa and MasterCard are largely accepted in many cities in Kenya but you’ll need to have cash on you during your trip as many small-scale businesses are cash-oriented.

If you are arriving in Kenya by air, you can exchange currency at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. However, the exchange rates at the airport forex bureau may not be as good as those offered by banks or forex bureaus in major malls like Sarit Center in Westlands. 

In addition to competitive exchange rates, banks provide a safe and secure environment for currency exchange. Some of the major banks in Kenya include Equity Bank, The Cooperative Bank of Kenya, Standard Chartered Bank, Barclays Bank (Absa), and KCB Bank.

Clothing and what to wear

Since you’ll be spending long days in the safari vehicle and sometimes in the sun, opt for natural breathable, and loose-fitting casual wear preferably cotton or linen. Colors should be earthly tones such as khaki, beige, brown, or brown. Avoid bright colors like red, yellow, or white as they can scare animals. 

Forest green and other camouflage patterns are not allowed in Kenya. They are commonly associated with game rangers or the military. Shoes should be lightweight and comfortable. Flip flops or sandals are ever useful for around the swimming pool or in-room use.

So, your clothing items should include; 2 jumpsuits, 1 lightweight jacket or fleece, 2 pairs of pants, 2 long sleeve tops, 2 short sleeves tops (t-shirts), 2 pairs of shorts, 2 swimsuits, 2 scarfs, 1 pair of flats or safari walking shoes, 1 pair of flip-flops, 2 pajamas, 10 underwear, 3 pair of socks.

Long-sleeved shirts and pants can be very helpful in protecting yourself from the sun and insects. They can also be good during chilly mornings and evenings. Short-sleeve or sleeveless tops on the other hand are best for hot hot afternoons especially in places like Mombasa.

Medicine and sun protection

Make sure you have some pain relievers, antacids, and any other prescription drugs in your personal bag. Malaria-causing mosquitoes also occur in Kenya, so carry a strong insect repellent containing 30-40% DEET. You may also take antimalarials right before your trip.

For sun protection it’s also important to have a sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher to use during sunny days. A wide-brimmed hat can also help protect your face from sunburn. Sunglasses or prescription lenses can also be useful especially for individuals with sensitive eyes.

Other essentials

If you are into photography, bring a nice camera and even binoculars. Include Chargers and adapters, batteries for your electronic equipment. For serious photography and video editing, you might want to carry your laptop.  It can also be helpful in downloading, storing, or uploading items. 

Deodorant, hand sanitizer, lip balm, toothpaste and toothbrush, shavers, ear plugs, hair brush, wet wipes, and sanitary supplies for ladies should not be forgotten. Your favorite book or magazine, pen, diary or notebook, money pouch, small backpack, snacks, and water bottle are also useful.

Note: Plastic bags have been banned in Kenya. Using or being in possession of a plastic bag is now against the law.

Final thought

Kenya boasts an array of exciting safari adventures that offer travelers once-in-a-lifetime experiences. The destination is home to large concentrations of wildlife and birdlife. Incredible seasonal highlights such as the great migration of wildebeests give unforgettable memories on your safari in Kenya.