African Safari Packing List for Women
By Daisy, founder of Leopard Paw Safaris and a former safari guide.
Most women’s safari packing lists online are a fashion haul with a shopping link on every item. You don’t need a new wardrobe, you don’t need head-to-toe khaki, and you don’t need to dress like you’re on an expedition. What you need is a handful of neutral, breathable basics that mix and match, plus a few things specific to women that the style blogs skip. This African safari packing list for women covers both, with no sales pitch.
Do you need special safari clothes?
Mostly no. Neutral, breathable, comfortable clothes you already own will do the job, and laundry at camp means you need far fewer than you’d think. A lot of packing lists would love to sell you a matching safari wardrobe you’ll wear once. Spend the money on the trip. A few items do earn their place, though, and some are particular to women.
The clothing that earns its place
Shirts. Take two or three long-sleeved, breathable, neutral shirts. Long sleeves you can roll up beat short sleeves for sun, bugs and cool mornings. Add a couple of tees or tanks for downtime.
Trousers. Two or three pairs of lightweight, quick-dry trousers. Skip heavy jeans for game drives, because they’re hot, slow to dry and dusty. Convertible zip-off trousers are fine if you like them, but you don’t need them.
Leggings. They’re comfortable for travel and transfer days, and for the long hours sitting. They also work under a longer top.
A jumpsuit or dress. This is the easy one-piece for a 5am start when you can’t think. Throw it on and go. A relaxed, breathable style is best.
One dinner dress. Camps are casual, so one slightly nicer piece is plenty. A simple dress works, or a top you can dress up with a scarf. You don’t need formal wear.
Layers. Pack a fleece or warm mid-layer and a windproof jacket. You’ll need both for the cold dawn drives.
A sports bra. The tracks are rough and the drives are properly bumpy, and you’ll be glad of one.
Underwear and socks. Bring a few extra pairs. Camps do laundry, but most won’t wash undergarments, so plan to rinse those yourself.
Practical things for women that nobody mentions
This is the part the fashion lists skip.
Bathroom stops. On long game drives, facilities often mean a discreet spot behind a bush or the vehicle. A long skirt, a dress or a sarong makes that far easier than wrestling with trousers in the open. It’s a small thing that makes a real difference over a week of drives.
Periods. Bring your own supplies, and enough of them. Remote camps won’t reliably stock your brand. Early starts, long flights and time-zone changes can throw a cycle off, so pack for it even if you aren’t expecting one. In eco and remote camps, be ready to pack out what you use.
A sarong, scarf or kikoi. It’s your hardest-working item. It works as a dust mask on a windy drive, a sun cover, warmth at a cold dinner, a modest layer for a cultural visit, roadside privacy, and a towel or blanket in a pinch. If you pack one clever thing, make it this.
Skincare, hair and toiletries for the dust
Expect fine dust everywhere, strong equatorial sun, hard or limited water, and usually no hairdryer. Pack for that.
Sunscreen and an SPF lip balm are non-negotiable. The sun is fierce even from inside the vehicle. Bring a hydrating moisturiser, because sun, wind and dust dry your skin out. Pack dry shampoo and plenty of hair ties, or a buff or headscarf. Hair takes a beating in an open vehicle, so most women give in and wear a ponytail or braid. Keep makeup minimal, because it won’t survive the heat and dust. A tinted balm and a little mascara is about as far as most people go. If you’re staying in eco camps, bring biodegradable soap and shampoo, as many ask for it. Camps supply the basics, so keep the wash bag light.
Looking good and staying practical
You can look lovely on safari without a fashion haul. Keep the clothes neutral and mix-and-match, and let a few accessories do the work: a good scarf, one nice dress, sunglasses and a great hat. Skip bright white, which dust turns brown by lunchtime. Skip anything long and flowing that snags as you climb in and out of a high vehicle, and skip heels and stiff brand-new safari gear. Leave camouflage at home too, because it’s restricted for civilians in Kenya. Dress for the drive first and the photo second. (For the full colour guide, see what to wear on safari in Kenya.)
The 15kg limit and your safari packing list
If you’re flying between camps, you’re usually held to a soft-sided bag and about 15kg including hand luggage, and it’s weighed. You need far less than instinct says, because of daily laundry. Three of most things covers a week. Women most often over-pack shoes, outfits and toiletries, so be strict.
Clothing
- 2 to 3 long-sleeved shirts (neutral, breathable)
- 2 to 3 lightweight trousers
- 1 to 2 tees or tank tops
- 1 pair of leggings
- 1 jumpsuit or easy dress
- 1 dinner dress or dressier top
- 1 fleece or warm mid-layer
- 1 windproof or light rain jacket
- 1 long skirt or sarong
- Swimwear
- Sleepwear warm enough for cold nights
- Sports bra, plus enough underwear and socks (a few extra)
Feet, head and sun
- Trainers or comfortable closed shoes for drives
- Sturdier closed shoes if you’ll walk
- Sandals or flip-flops for camp
- Wide-brimmed hat
- Sunglasses
- High-SPF sunscreen and SPF lip balm
Toiletries and extras
- Moisturiser, dry shampoo, hair ties or a buff
- Your own period supplies
- Minimal makeup
- Insect repellent
- Headtorch
- Any regular medication
- Camera, chargers, adapter and spare cards
(For the complete non-clothing checklist, see the Kenya safari packing list. For colours and the packing approach, see the what-to-wear guide.)
Frequently asked questions
Do I need special safari clothes as a woman? Mostly no. Neutral, breathable clothes you own will do. Save your money for the trip.
Can I wear leggings or a dress on safari? Yes. Leggings are great for travel and drive days, and a relaxed dress or jumpsuit is the easiest thing to throw on at 5am. Stick to neutral colours and avoid anything long and flowing that catches when you climb in and out of the vehicle.
What about bathrooms and periods on game drives? The loo on a drive is often a spot behind a bush, so a skirt or sarong helps. Bring your own period supplies, because remote camps won’t reliably have them.
How many outfits do I need? Few. With daily laundry, about three of most items covers a week and keeps you under the bush-flight weight limit.
What colours should women wear on safari? Neutrals like khaki, olive, tan and grey. Avoid black and dark blue in tsetse areas, tone down bright colours on walks, and skip camouflage entirely.
Can I look stylish and still be practical? Yes. Neutral mix-and-match clothes plus a scarf, a dress and a good hat do it. The accessories carry the look.
What about makeup and hair? Keep both minimal. Makeup won’t survive the dust and heat, and hair is happiest tied back, with dry shampoo to help.
Packing for your safari
Packing for a safari is simple once you cut the gear you don’t need, and once you know what kind of trip you’re taking. That’s what we work out with guests at Leopard Paw Safaris: a trip planned around you, and a clear answer on what to bring. If you’d like help planning yours, get in touch. If it’s your first safari, start with our Kenya safari tips for first-timers.
Daisy is a former safari guide and the founder of Leopard Paw Safaris.