Safari Essentials
Our Recommended Safari Travel Essentials:
We are frequently asked by our clients for packing tips for their safari vacation. These are the main items that we suggest, along with links to Amazon’s newest sales. The list of safari items provided below serves as a general suggestion for packing for your safari. Due to weight and space limits, which limit each passenger’s total weight allowance to 15 kilograms (including carry-on bags) on light aircraft, luggage should be kept to a minimum wherever feasible. However, extra baggage can be stored at our head office in Nairobi; contact our sales team for additional details.
Women’s Safari Clothing
Men’s Safari Clothing
REMEMBER: No plastic bags please
Kenya has outlawed plastic bags since August 2017. It is currently illegal to possess plastic bags (though the government has stated that Kenyan manufacturing and retail establishments will be the target of fines at first, not private citizens). It is recommended that travelers not include any plastic bags in their carry-on or suitcases.
Click HERE to download the Gazette Notice on the Ban of Plastic Carrier Bags
Safari FAQs
Is there a limit to the amount of baggage I can bring on my safari adventure?
Yes, the standard baggage allowance is 15kg inclusive of hand luggage. However, additional options are available for heavier baggage.
Where can I store excess baggage during my safari?
Complimentary secure storage is available at our Office in Nairobi. Please inquire with our safari consultants first.
Is the 15kg baggage allowance inclusive of hand luggage?
Yes, it includes both checked baggage and hand luggage.
What should I do if my baggage exceeds the weight limit?
Our check-in staff usually allow a leeway of up to 2 kgs. Additional excess baggage may be carried at the discretion of the captain, subject to space availability and will be charged at the prevailing rate.
Why is it recommended to use soft bags for luggage?
Soft bags are preferred due to limited volume and irregular shape of luggage compartments in our aircraft. Large rigid suitcases may need to be carried on the next available flight in extreme situations.
Are there laundry facilities available during the safari?
Many camps and lodges offer limited laundry services. Please inquire at the time of booking for more information.
What documents should I bring for my safari adventure?
Essential documents include passports, health cards (vaccination certificates), airline tickets/e-tickets, cash, credit cards, and a photo-copy of important documents.
What clothing is recommended for safaris?
Khaki and green-colored clothing are recommended. Avoid bright colors, especially on safari. Camouflage-patterned clothes are illegal. Warm clothing is essential for chilly mornings and evenings.
What toiletries and medicine should I pack for the safari?
Essential items include malaria prophylaxis, prescription drugs, motion sickness pills, insect repellent, sunscreen, toiletries, and feminine hygiene supplies.
What other supplies are essential for a safari?
Necessary supplies include sunglasses, prescription glasses, flashlight, batteries, converter plug set (if needed), binoculars, day backpack, snacks, books/magazines, and earplugs.
Should I bring cash or credit cards for expenses during the safari?
It’s advisable to bring a combination of cash and credit cards for expenses. Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are widely accepted.
Are there any restrictions on electronic devices during the safari?
No specific restrictions, but it’s recommended to bring devices with extra batteries and converters if needed.
Can I bring my own snacks and drinks for the safari?
Yes, you can bring your favorite road snacks. However, alcoholic beverages may have restrictions depending on the safari destination.
What should I do if I have dietary restrictions or special dietary needs?
Please inform us at the time of booking, and we will do our best to accommodate your dietary requirements during the safari.
Are there specific safety precautions I should be aware of during the safari?
It’s essential to follow the instructions of your guides and adhere to safety protocols during wildlife encounters. Keep a safe distance from animals and avoid any actions that may provoke them.
Recommended Reading List
Here is a list of some of our favorite books and materials to help you get ready for your safari experience.
National Audubon Society Field Guide to African Wildlife
The birds, mammals, reptiles and insects of Africa–a continent unparalleled in its ecological richness–are brought to life in this authoritative, compact field guide, an essential companion for safari-goers and armchair travelers alike.
This guide is packed with nearly 600 stunning color photographs of African habitats and animals, and provides a wealth of information on more than 850 species compiled by veteran safari leaders and experts in African wildlife. The parks and reserves for which the continent is famous are described in thorough detail, taking the reader on an unforgettable virtual safari.
The Rough Guide to Kenya (Rough Guides)
The Rough Guide to Kenya is the ultimate companion to East Africa’s biggest travel destination.
Get under the skin of cosmopolitan Nairobi with full coverage of the city’s nightlife, restaurants, and hotels. Detailed information will help you make the most of the Maasai Mara reserve and discover the best Indian Ocean beaches, as well as the northern deserts and the various national parks.
With detailed background information and maps, a wealth of practical information, and a handy wildlife section, this is the essential guide for your next trip, whether you’re visiting for a two-week safari or going to Kenya on business.
Make the most of your time with The Rough Guide to Kenya.
Stuarts' Field Guide to the Tracks & Signs of Southern, Central & East African Wildlife
Originally published in 1994, Stuarts’ Field Guide to the Tracks & Signs of Southern, Central & East African Wildlife quickly became the standard reference to the subject in the region, reprinting many times. This new edition provides the most detailed coverage of tracks, droppings, bird pellets, nests and shelters and feeding signs, not only for mammals, but also for birds, reptiles, insects and other invertebrates.
Greatly expanded, this extensive update now features: full color throughout; many more examples of all tracks and signs; photographs of animal species to supplement the numerous examples of tracks and signs; coverage of central African species; additional quick reference keys.
This guide is packed with nearly 600 stunning color photographs of African habitats and animals, and provides a wealth of information on more than 850 species compiled by veteran safari leaders and experts in African wildlife. The parks and reserves for which the continent is famous are described in thorough detail, taking the reader on an unforgettable virtual safari.
Field Guide to the Larger Mammals of Africa
Of the more than 5,500 mammals species worldwide, at least 1,200 occur in Africa. Stuarts’ Field Guide to the Larger Mammals of Africa – a classic and widely acclaimed work – concentrates on the more visible and easily distinguished larger species, as well as some of the more frequently seen smaller mammals. This new edition has been extensively revised, expanded and redesigned and includes: the most recent research and taxonomy; revised distribution maps and many new images; colour-coded grouping of orders; size icons; detailed descriptions of each species, offering insight into key identification characters, typical behaviour, preferred habitat, food choice, reproduction and longevity; whales and dolphins now featured too.
East Africa Birds: A Folding Pocket Guide to Familiar Species in Kenya, Tanzania & Uganda
East Africa is home to nearly 1,400 species of birds, making it one of the premier international destinations for birdwatchers. Nature lovers visiting the region’s forests, wetlands, marshes, deserts and coastlines will find a variety of unique birds including snake-eating eagles, elegant flamingos and the world’s largest bird, the ostrich. This beautifully illustrated guide highlights over 140 familiar and unique species and includes a map featuring prominent bird-viewing areas. Laminated for durability, this lightweight, pocket-sized folding guide is an excellent source of portable information and ideal for field use on safari. Made in the USA.
The best field guide to observing and understanding the behavior of African mammals and an indispensable tool for naturalists traveling to Africa!
The Second Edition has been fully revised and includes a new preface.
The Safari Companion enables readers to recognize and interpret visible behavioral activities, such as courtship rituals, territorial marking, aggression, and care of young. Each account of over 80 species includes a behavioral table in which the unique actions of the hoofed mammals, carnivores, and primates are described for easy reference.
East African Wildlife
This indispensable guide offers all the information you need to get the most out of wildlife watching in East Africa. Accessible and beautifully illustrated, this revised second edition of Bradt’s much praised guide to East African Wildlife will appeal to both the first-time visitor and to the serious naturalist seeking a compact volume to carry around. Written by Africa expert Philip Briggs, this guide provides a colourful overview of the region’s variety of large animals together with information on their habits and habitats. The book also provides an excellent introduction to the region’s less heralded variety of smaller creatures including 1,500 bird species and butterflies. It also makes a great souvenir. The wildlife of east Africa is the major visitor attraction of this region, thanks to the legendary game reserves of Serengeti and the Maasai Mara.
The Wildlife Photography Workshop
Wildlife watchers and aspiring natural-history photographers—collect up your kit and get ready for a practical course with a difference
Photographic workshops are exceptionally popular but not everybody has the time or budget to attend one in person. This “workshop in book form” allows you to absorb the benefits of the workshop experience without actually being on location with the professionals. Whatever your level of experience, this comprehensive book will help you improve and capture better photographs whether you are a beginner or an enthusiast who wants to brush up on some skills. Be guided by the authors’ breadth of knowledge and follow the progression of technical advice. Chapters dedicated to different types of wildlife give hands-on advice of how to locate, approach, and photograph your subject using insider tricks of the trade.
The Second Edition has been fully revised and includes a new preface.
The Safari Companion enables readers to recognize and interpret visible behavioral activities, such as courtship rituals, territorial marking, aggression, and care of young. Each account of over 80 species includes a behavioral table in which the unique actions of the hoofed mammals, carnivores, and primates are described for easy reference.
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