What to Pack for a Safari Adventure in Kenya: A Complete Checklist

You must start packing for your trip, depending on the location you plan to visit. As you are planning to visit Kenya, you must start packing things that will be necessary there. For example, you should pack clothes that suit the weather. You might experience hot and humid weather in Kenya if you visit during the hot weather. So, you should pack loose-fitting and permeable clothes for a comfortable travel experience.

On the other hand, if you are visiting the country during the rainy seasons, pack a poncho among other clothes. It will safeguard you from sudden episodes of rain. Similarly, you will also need to pack some essential medicines if you are going on a safari to the Masai Mara. You never know when an emergency will hit you.

So, let’s take a look at the essential things that you must pack for a Kenya safari tour.

Essential Clothing: Layering for All Conditions

You should pack clothes depending on when you want to visit Kenya. The country mainly has two seasons – the Dry season and the Wet season. The dry season lasts from June to October. During this time, you will experience a temperature from 10°C (morning) and around 23°C (during daytime). However, the temperature will be a bit higher in locations like the Masai Mara. The open area is exposed to direct sunlight, so the temperature is higher in this area. 

During the Wet seasons, the morning temperature feels cool, like the morning weather in the Dry season. During the daytime, the temperature remains around 24°C to 30°C.

Packing for Dry Season

As the morning temperature is cooler, pack warm clothes, such as fleece or warm jackets. It will keep you warm during a light cold temperature. Also pack breathable full-sleeve clothes when you go out on a safari holiday in Kenya. The temperature will be higher, so you need clothes to protect your skin from UV rays, and also to keep yourself cooler during the time.

Packing for Wet Season

During the wet season, you can expect regular and sudden episodes of rain. Keeping a poncho would be a good idea when packing for the safari trip. Or, you can pack a waterproof jacket to keep yourself dry when it’s raining. Also carry other clothes like lightweight shirts and trousers. Wearing loose-fitting clothes would be the best option for going on a safari. Besides, pack some casual wear to go to a cafe, restaurant, or clubs at night after you return from the safari.

Moreover, packing swimsuits is also recommended, no matter which season you go on a safari holiday in Kenya. You can make your stay more enjoyable if the hotel has an attached pool for the guests. 

Footwear: Comfort and Practicality

You cannot experience a complete safari holiday in Kenya without wearing safari shoes. Choosing a safari shoe makes all the difference when packing for the trip. If you want a light safari shoe, keep a classic safari boot. These are lightweight and built to carry your weight comfortably. You can travel almost all terrains comfortably. These boots are also known as Chukka boots, and they are a perfect fit for walking around the jungles or crossing a muddy field across the Masai Mara Reserve.

However, if you want to protect your feet from snake bites or other insects, consider choosing a pair of boots with a high rise. It will keep you safe from ground insects and other troubles. If that is not enough, you can also go for hiking boots. These boots come with solid and durable materials and a strong grip with a rugged design.

Make sure that all the shoes that you have purchased for the safari trip are broken in before you wear them on the trip. Besides, you should also pack sandals or flip-flops to wear when staying in the lodge.

Health & Medical Kit

If you are visiting Kenya from any European or Asian country, you will experience a different climate in Kenya. Besides, the food habits and water will also be different, so falling ill is not too difficult. So, plan before you make the trip.

If you have any chronic illnesses, it’s better to pack essential medicines and also keep the prescription with you at all times. It will come in handy in case you fall ill in a foreign land. The doctors will know your condition from the prescription and can administer necessary drugs. 

Besides prescriptions, keep insect repellent in your backpack. Make sure that the insect repellent you have chosen contains DEET. It is said that the insect repellents containing DEET are most effective for any insects or mosquitoes. 

However, when you are preparing to go out on the safari, do not put the mosquito repellent first on the skin. First, apply sunscreen (with high SPF), wait for 15-20 minutes, and then apply the insect repellent on your skin.

This way, you can protect your skin from UV rays and also keep yourself safe from insects. However, you should also pack a wide-brim Safari hat and sunglasses to keep yourself protected from the scorching sun.

Documents & Money

When travelling to a new country, you must apply for a visa. Similarly, apply for a Kenya visa before you visit the country. For Kenya, you will have to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA). To get an approved eTA for Kenya, you will need the following documents:

• A valid passport
• Travel itinerary
• Passport-type photo or Selfie
• Confirmed accommodation booking, etc.
• A valid mode of payment – credit or debit cards

Besides, when you travel across the country, you’d better keep the local currency Kenyan Shilling (KES). You will also see that travel-related costs are quoted in USD. If you want to tip the guide who was with you during the safari to enhance your experience, tip him in USD. It is customary here in Kenya.

Electronics & Gadgets

This might be the most important section in modern times. We can’t imagine our lives without smartphones, cameras, or other electronic gadgets. So, you need to pack electronic gadgets smartly, so that you can use them whenever you need them. 

First, carry a power bank; you might not need it in the cities, but you will need it during your safari across the Masai Mara. You can keep your smartphones charged and also use the power bank to charge your satellite phone.

Besides, keeping a universal travel adapter with you will help to charge your smartphone and also your laptop. The travel adapter or Type G port is most useful for you when you go out on a journey to a foreign country.

Pack Things Smartly with Necessary Documents

From lightweight breathable clothes to sunglasses, hiking shoes, and many more. Packing things smartly is the key to having a smooth Kenya Safari tour. Keep a combination of clothes with you that are comfortable to wear during your safari, and you also have shirts and trousers to wear at a party in Kenya.

But don’t forget to keep a copy of the Kenyan eTA before you travel to Kenya.