Written by the Paramount Gorilla Expeditions team, based in Uganda, with our complete East Africa safari packing list.
Pack light, pack in layers and pack in a soft bag. A good safari packing list is short: neutral clothes you can layer, comfortable closed shoes, binoculars, sun and insect protection, any medication you need and a small daypack. Mornings on game drives are cool, middays are warm and forests are wet, so flexible layers matter more than lots of outfits.
East Africa safari packing list: clothing
- Neutral colours. Khaki, olive, tan and soft greys hide dust and are less likely to disturb wildlife. Avoid bright colours and pure white, which show dirt.
- Avoid camouflage prints. Camouflage patterns are best left at home, as some countries restrict civilians from wearing them.
- Layers. A warm fleece or jacket for early drives, breathable long sleeves and trousers for sun and insect protection, and a light rain shell in any season.
- Shoes. Closed, comfortable walking shoes for camp and walking safaris, and sandals for downtime.
- Sun protection. A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
East Africa safari packing list: gear
- Binoculars. Bring your own rather than relying on a shared pair. They make a big difference.
- Camera and spare batteries, with a dry bag or protective sleeve for dusty roads.
- Power bank and a universal plug adapter. Some camps have limited electricity, and sockets differ between countries.
- Headlamp or small torch, useful in camps without all-night power.
- A lightweight daypack for each day's essentials.
Health and practical items
- High-SPF sunscreen and lip balm.
- Insect repellent for evenings and early mornings.
- Your regular medication in its original packaging, and a small first-aid kit.
- Copies of your passport, insurance and permits, kept separately from the originals.
For vaccinations and malaria precautions, read our guide to malaria, yellow fever and vaccinations.
Extra for gorilla and chimpanzee treks
- Waterproof, ankle-supporting hiking boots, broken in before you travel.
- Long trousers and a long-sleeved shirt, to protect you from nettles and insects.
- Light gloves for gripping vegetation, and a rain jacket.
- A packed lunch and plenty of water, carried in a small daypack.
See what happens on a gorilla trek day and how fit you need to be.
Luggage: soft bags only for small planes
If your itinerary includes light aircraft between camps, luggage space is limited. Airlines often set a weight limit of around 15 kg in a soft bag, though limits vary, and hard suitcases usually do not fit. We confirm the exact limits for your flights in your quote. A common approach is to leave spare luggage at your hotel in the city while you travel with a soft duffel.
What to leave at home
Skip bright clothing, camouflage prints, smart outfits (most camps are relaxed), single-use plastic bags (which some countries restrict) and anything you cannot easily carry. For help choosing a trip, see the first-time safari planning guide or check safari weather for the months you plan to travel.
Flying between parks changes what you can pack. Bush airlines usually allow 15 kg per person including hand luggage, in a soft bag: our safari luggage weight limits guide shows the limit for each carrier.
Check your East Africa safari packing list with us
For health advice, check the CDC Travelers' Health pages and see a travel clinic. We confirm the current fees for your dates in every quote.
Packing a close-focus lens for small animals? See our Little Five photography tips.
Phone, plug adapter and power bank: our SIM card and WiFi guide for East Africa covers the connectivity side of packing.
For medicines, day bags and comfort items, see our safari for seniors guide.
Packing for a six-hour forest walk? See our Buhoma to Nkuringo trek guide.
Packing binoculars and a field guide? See our birding in Bwindi guide.
Packing for a long forest day? Read our gorilla habituation experience guide.
Packing light for a flight to Bwindi? See our 3 days gorilla trekking guide.