The Ultimate Kenya Safari Packing List

Clothing should be in neutral colours like khaki, olive, and stone. Avoid dark blue (attracts tsetse flies) and camouflage patterns. Pack lightweight long-sleeve shirts for sun and mosquito protection, a fleece or light down jacket for dawn drives, and a wide-brim hat with chin strap as it gets windy on the cruiser. For footwear, bring broken-in hiking shoes or trail runners for bushwalks and slip-on sandals for around camp. Tech and optics are essential. Bring binoculars 8×42 minimum or you'll share the guide's pair otherwise. Pack a DSLR or bridge camera with 200-400 mm lens plus spare batteries as cold drains them fast. Don't forget a power bank since many camps run generators only a few hours daily. Health and toiletries include SPF 50 lip balm and moisturiser as equatorial sun plus altitude creates burn risk. Bring personal meds plus anti-malarial prescription and a re-usable water bottle as we provide filtered water to cut plastic waste. For baggage, use a soft-sided duffel (max 15 kg) for light-aircraft transfers and packing cubes to keep dust out. Print this list, tick items off, and you're safari-ready. See you in the Mara!