Packing Lists

Complete packing guides for safari adventures, gorilla trekking, beach escapes, and everything in between.

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Packing Tips

Weight Limits

Most safari flights: 15kg (33lbs) in soft-sided bags. Pack light!

Neutral Colors

Wear khaki, beige, olive, brown. Avoid bright colors and camouflage.

Layers

Mornings are cool, afternoons hot. Layer for comfort throughout the day.

Safari Essentials

Binoculars (8x32 or 10x42 recommended)
Camera with zoom lens (see photography section)
Sunglasses (polarized recommended)
Wide-brimmed hat or safari cap
Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
Insect repellent (DEET or picaridin)
Reusable water bottle
Small daypack for game drives
Headlamp or flashlight
Power adapter (UK 3-pin)
Portable charger/power bank
Ziplock bags (for dust protection)

Clothing Guide

Tops

Long-sleeve shirts (3-4) - sun protection
Short-sleeve shirts (2-3) - breathable cotton
Light fleece or sweater - early morning drives
Windbreaker or light jacket
Wide-brimmed hat with chin strap
Buff or bandana - dust protection

Bottoms

Safari pants/trousers (2-3 pairs)
Zip-off convertible pants (highly recommended)
Shorts (1-2 pairs) - lightweight
Jeans (1 pair) - for cool evenings
Comfortable underwear (6-7 pairs)
Warm socks for early drives

Footwear

Hiking boots (waterproof for gorilla trekking)
Comfortable walking shoes/sneakers
Sandals or flip-flops (lodge wear)
Extra pair of socks

Clothing Colors - Important!

✓ WEAR:

  • • Khaki / Beige
  • • Olive / Green
  • • Brown / Tan
  • • Light gray

✗ AVOID:

  • • Bright white
  • • Bright colors (red, yellow, orange)
  • • Dark blue/black (attracts tsetse flies)
  • • Camouflage (illegal in some areas)

🦍 Gorilla Trekking Specifics

Gorilla trekking requires specific gear for hiking through dense rainforest. Add these items to your safari essentials:

Waterproof hiking boots (ESSENTIAL)
Long pants (tucked into socks)
Long-sleeve shirt
Light rain jacket (waterproof)
Gardening/work gloves (for vegetation)
Gaiters (protect from stinging nettles)
Walking stick (provided by park)
Small backpack (hands-free)
Extra socks
Insect repellent
Small first aid kit
Porter tip money (USD 10-15)

IMPORTANT: Terrain can be steep, muddy, and challenging. Expect 2-8 hours of hiking. Proper waterproof boots are non-negotiable!

Beach Vacation (Zanzibar)

Swimsuit (2-3)
Beach cover-up/sarong
Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+)
Sunglasses (UV protection)
Sun hat
Flip-flops/sandals
Water shoes (coral protection)
Beach bag
Snorkel gear (or rent locally)
Light cotton clothing
Evening casual wear
Light scarf (for mosques/temples)

Cultural Note: Zanzibar is predominantly Muslim. When outside resorts, dress modestly—cover shoulders and knees. Bring a light scarf or shawl.

Photography Equipment

Camera Gear

DSLR or mirrorless camera
Telephoto lens (200-400mm minimum)
Wide-angle lens (for landscapes)
Extra camera batteries (3-4)
Multiple memory cards (64GB+ each)
Camera cleaning kit
Lens cloth
Bean bag or small tripod
Camera rain cover
Dry bag or waterproof case

Lens Recommendations

  • Budget: 70-300mm zoom lens
  • Mid-Range: 100-400mm or 150-600mm
  • Professional: 400mm f/2.8 or 600mm f/4
  • Landscapes: 16-35mm or 24-70mm

Dust Protection: East Africa is dusty! Keep lenses capped when not in use. Bring Ziplock bags for extra protection. Change lenses in your vehicle, not outside.

Health & Safety Items

Prescription medications (in original containers)
Malaria prophylaxis pills
Basic first aid kit
Band-aids and blister treatment
Antihistamine
Imodium (anti-diarrheal)
Oral rehydration salts
Pain reliever (ibuprofen/acetaminophen)
Antibiotic ointment
Motion sickness medication
Hand sanitizer
Wet wipes/baby wipes
Tissues or toilet paper
Yellow fever certificate (REQUIRED)
Travel insurance documents
Copies of passport and visa

What NOT to Bring

Hard-sided luggage (weight limits)
Expensive jewelry
Too many outfits (laundry available)
Hair dryer (lodges provide)
Camouflage clothing (illegal)
Drones (restricted/requires permits)
Scented products (attracts insects)
Cotton clothing for gorilla trekking
White clothing (shows dust)
Valuable electronics you can't afford to lose

Luggage Requirements

Light Aircraft Restrictions: Most internal flights limit baggage to 15kg (33lbs) in soft-sided bags. No hard-shell suitcases.

Recommended: Duffel bag or soft backpack. Compression bags help maximize space.

Carry-On: Camera gear, medications, documents, one change of clothes (in case checked bag is delayed).

Ready to Start Your Adventure?

Now that you know what to pack, let us help you plan the perfect East African safari!

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