Your plan to go for an African safari in Kenya is at its final stages. You have already booked your holiday with one of the best tour companies in Kenya and you can't wait to travel. But what should you pack for your safari in Kenya?
The temptation to pack everything in your wardrobe is real. But remember, the more items you carry, the more inconvenient and expensive the trip will be.
The weather and activities in your safari itinerary should be the primary consideration when packing. For a safari, focus on packing comfortable, loosely fitting clothes to allow you to relax and enjoy the game drives.
Most airlines limit luggage in terms of Kilograms. So, avoid packing heavy items unless you really need them.
In the following section, James Gatheru, a Nairobi based safari director for AjKenyasafaris.com, shares tips on what you should pack for your beach and safari holidays in Kenya.
1. Clothes
A visit to the Masai Mara game reserve will give you memories of a lifetime. Unfortunately, a poor choice of clothes may ruin your day. For instance, brighter clothes are not fit to wear when going to the park. Here is a list of things to consider when packing clothes for a safari in the Mara.
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Choose clothes with neutral/dull colors - bright colors tend to scare the animals away plus they catch the dirt quickly.
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Take a hat and sunglasses to shield you from the hot sun.
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Carry comfortable shoes to prevent getting blisters.
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A swimming suit is necessary since many camps have a swimming pool.
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You don't want to risk getting rained on in the bush. Carry a compact raincoat.
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Since the temperature is cold in the night, pack long-sleeved t-shirts/shirts/blouses. You can carry at least two safari trousers and a warm jacket.
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For dinner, an elegant casual outfit is okay.
2. Right Gadgets
During game drives in the Mara, you don't want to miss capturing some of the most memorable moments as they unfold. The Mara is a land of captivating scenes and sceneries and on a lucky day, you might witness a chase. To best view and freeze these memories, pack the following gadgets.
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A Binocular is essential if you want to enjoy the view and see the animals well.
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A camera
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A Laptop
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A Phone
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Chargers- carry the charges for your laptop, camera, and phone.
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Flashlights- They will help you at night
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A life straw water bottle is vital to help you stay hydrated the whole day.
3. Basic Medical Kits
During a safari in Africa, you might be affected by the change in weather or your plan to sample African cuisines may not go well with your stomach. Pack the following or check with your guide that you will have them if need be:
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Some preventative pharmaceuticals and painkillers. They will help you in case of headaches due to the hot sun, heartburn, and other simple illnesses. Relax if you forget to carry them; these are available locally.
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Do not forget to carry an insect/mosquito repellant, hand sanitizers, and anti-malaria tablets.
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In case of an insect bite, you will have to counter the effect using anti-allergy antihistamines.
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Painkillers and sunscreen are also vital.
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Toothbrush, toothpaste, and deodorants will help you remain fresh.
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In case you get blisters or get a cut, plaster, and antiseptic ointment will help you.
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For ladies, pack adequate feminine hygiene supplies.
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Activated charcoal- If you want to sample different delicacies, activated charcoal is vital to carry. It will protect you from food poisoning and stomach upset.
4. Other Items
Other than the clothes, basic medical kit, and right gadgets, there are other few items that you may require during a safari in Kenya. For instance, some of the most captivating moments are during the Wildebeest migration. When going to the park, you will need the items below.
- Daypack - Good day pack will help you carry your camera, binocular, and other safari essentials. The daypack should be lightweight but also durable.
- Neck wallet- Imagine if someone pickpockets your wallets, stealing the money and any other relevant document. To avoid that, carry a neck wallet.
Beachwear
You haven't seen anything yet if you have not gone to the beaches in Kenya. Some of the activities here include swimming, sunbathing, and even beach walking.
The temperature is warm; therefore, it is okay to wear light clothes. Wearing sandals around the ocean is an excellent option.
A hat and sunglasses will protect you from the scorching sunlight. For a beach resort dinner, consider trouser pants and polo shirts.
Safari Luggage Guidance
Smaller aircraft are available to take you from one park to another. Unfortunately, if you want to travel with a big suitcase, it will not fit the aircrafts' luggage compartment.
If your load exceeds 15 kg, it will attract extra charges. So, try and pack as light as possible.
Age Recommendation
Maybe you're wondering, what's the minimum age for safari? Can you travel with a baby to Kenya? If you intend to visit the parks, avoid going with a small baby.
Malaria is one of the significant health risks in some areas and exposing your baby could be dangerous.
Traveling on some bumpy and dusty remote roads may not be suitable for the baby too. So, if you want to carry your kids along, consider going with older ones and make sure to consult your Masai Mara safari operator.
Brands such as masaimarasafari.in have lots of information on traveling to Kenya. Personally, I booked my family safari with ajkenyasafaris.com and the whole adventure was well orchestrated.
My major fear was that maybe I could not see the animals I wanted to see. To my surprise, the driver knew where to find the animals.
The guides being locals had a vast knowledge about the people we met and the destinations we visited. By the time we were going back to the camp, I was satisfied.
Wrap Up
Packing can be a headache when planning to travel to Kenya since you are not sure what to carry. That is why you need to consider the reason for your travel, weather, and activities you will undertake.
Know the type of clothes to take. Thanks to the laundry services in the camps, you don't have to carry a lot of clothes. Don't forget your basic medical kit. Your travel document should be safe in your suitcase. The right gadget, such as the binoculars and camera, should not be missing in your luggage. If possible, avoid traveling with small children.
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