Kenya Safari Packing List 2025: What to Bring, What to Leave, What Everyone Forgets
The complete Kenya safari packing list — clothing, footwear, camera gear, health essentials, and documents. Includes the strict 15kg charter flight rule and Kenya’s plastic bag ban.
The 15kg rule and plastic bag ban
Two things to understand before packing a single item. First: charter flights between Kenya’s safari destinations enforce a strict 15kg total luggage allowance per person — including carry-on. Soft-sided duffel bags are required; rigid suitcases cannot be stored in small aircraft. Many first-time visitors discover this rule at Wilson Airport and leave their cases in Nairobi storage. Second: plastic bags are completely illegal in Kenya — enforced law with fines for violations. Use fabric packing cubes, mesh bags, or cloth bags throughout your trip. Most lodges provide same-day laundry service; two sets of safari clothing, layered well, is genuinely sufficient for most 5–7 night safaris.
Clothing — the complete list
The rule for safari clothing: neutral earth tones only. Khaki, olive green, tan, sand, dark beige. These colours help you blend into the bush, avoid startling wildlife on walks, and don’t attract biting insects the way white and bright colours do. Camouflage or military-pattern clothing is illegal in Kenya — reserved for the armed forces. Never pack it.
| Item | Qty | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Long-sleeve lightweight shirts | 2–3 | Neutral colours. Quick-dry fabric. Protects against sun and insects on open-vehicle drives. |
| Short-sleeve shirts | 2 | For lodge downtime and warmer afternoon hours. Neutral colours only. |
| Lightweight long trousers | 2 | Convertible zip-off trousers ideal — two items in one. |
| Shorts | 1–2 | For lodge and casual use. Not for walking safaris. |
| Fleece jacket or pullover | 1 | ESSENTIAL — Dawn game drives are cold. Mara at 5am can be 10–12°C. |
| Windproof outer layer | 1 | For open-vehicle drives and balloon safaris at altitude. |
| Compact rain jacket | 1 | Brief rain arrives even in dry season. |
| Swimsuit | 1–2 | Most lodges have pools. Add a second for beach extensions. |
| Smart-casual evening wear | 1 outfit | No tie required. Light linen trousers and collar shirt is sufficient at all camps. |
| Wide-brimmed hat | 1 | ESSENTIAL — Full-brim protection; not a baseball cap. Equatorial sun is intense. |
| Buff / neck gaiter | 1 | For dust on long drives and as a lightweight morning layer. |
| Underwear and socks | 4–5 sets | Merino wool socks ideal — warm, quick-dry, odour-resistant. |
Footwear
You do not need specialist hiking boots for a standard vehicle-based safari. Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes for lodge grounds and short walks; lightweight trail runners if walking safaris are included; sandals for pool time. Smart-casual shoes are unnecessary unless adding a Nairobi city stay. Avoid white or pale shoes — they show dust immediately and look conspicuous in the bush.
Camera and optics
- Binoculars — ESSENTIAL. Bring your own; lodge-supplied binoculars are poor quality. Minimum 8×42 or 10×42. Transforms every game drive.
- Camera with longest available zoom — Bridge camera (40×+), DSLR, or mirrorless with 100–400mm. A smartphone with telephoto is adequate for most shots; river crossings benefit from more reach.
- Extra memory cards and batteries — Bring at least 2× what you think you need. You will photograph more than you expect.
- Dust bag or insert — Game drives generate significant dust that damages unprotected equipment.
- UK-type plug adapter (Type G) — Kenya uses three-pin rectangular plugs identical to the UK. Bring one adapter and a multi-socket extension.
- Portable power bank — For all-day drives when charging in the vehicle is unavailable.
Health and medical
Kenya is a malaria-risk area throughout. Consult a travel health clinic at least 6 weeks before departure to discuss prophylaxis options (Malarone, doxycycline, or mefloquine — each with different timing requirements and side effects).
- Malaria prophylaxis — ESSENTIAL. Prescription required. Start before departure as directed.
- DEET-based insect repellent (50%+) — Apply to exposed skin at dusk and dawn.
- SPF50+ sunscreen — Reapply every 2 hours on open-vehicle drives. Equatorial sun is intense year-round.
- Antihistamine, Imodium, rehydration sachets — Dietary changes and heat are the most common guest health issues.
- Personal prescription medications — More than you need, in original packaging, with a doctor’s note. Carry in hand luggage.
- Yellow fever certificate — Required if arriving from a yellow fever-risk country.
- Travel insurance with medical evacuation cover — AMREF Flying Doctors is widely recognised in Kenya. Mandatory, not optional.
Documents and money
- Kenya eTA confirmation — Apply at etakenya.go.ke at least 72 hours before departure. $30. Print or save to phone.
- Passport — Valid for at least 6 months beyond travel dates, with at least 2 blank pages.
- USD cash — Accepted almost everywhere. Mix of $1, $5, $10, $20 for tips; larger notes for emergencies.
- Tipping budget — $15–25 per guide per day; $5–10 per camp staff per day. Cash only. Most lodges provide tipping envelopes.
- Copies of all documents — Stored separately from originals and emailed to yourself.
What NOT to pack
- Plastic bags — Illegal in Kenya. Use fabric alternatives throughout your entire trip.
- Camouflage clothing — Illegal. Leave at home entirely.
- Bright or white clothing — Counterproductive on game drives. Attracts insects, disturbs wildlife on walks.
- Hairdryer — Most safari camps cannot support the power draw. Ask your lodge before packing one.
- Rigid suitcases — Cannot be stored in small charter aircraft. Soft duffels only for safari legs of your itinerary.
- Strong perfume or cologne — Avoid during bush walks. Unscented products preferred throughout.
Beach extension additions
If combining your safari with Diani Beach or Lamu Island, add: 2–3 swimsuits total; reef-safe biodegradable SPF50+ sunscreen; lightweight cotton or linen beach cover-up; modest clothing for Lamu Old Town (covered shoulders and knees in the predominantly Muslim old town); waterproof phone case or dry bag; sandals. And remember: Lamu has very limited ATMs — withdraw all the cash you need in Nairobi before travelling to the coast.
