Ultimate Packing List Africa

In need of a packing list for a trip in Africa? Always forgetting something when packing? Well, here is my complete travel packing list. Perfect for every destination in Africa!

Making a list is the first thing I do when packing for a holiday. I don’t want to forget anything important on my travels. But my list also brings me into the holiday vibe already because I know that I’ll be leaving soon. So why not share it with you? This list is based on 25+ years of traveling to 37+ countries.

Tip: Make sure to print them out twice! One before you leave for your vacation and one leaving for home, in order to not forget anything!

General Packing List

Passport, Visa, Vaccinations, and Travel Insurance

The following things must be on the top of your packing list!

Passport validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months and must have one blank page.
Visa: Check if you have to buy a visa upfront or not.
Vaccinations: Check your vaccinations, this is very important! Some countries require mandatory vaccinations in order to enter them.
Travel insurance: Make sure you have travel insurance to be fully covered for having an accident or disease while traveling. It might come in handy!

Backpack or Luggage

Your backpack is also an important item on your packing list. Do you want a backpack or luggage?

Backpack: Invest in a good backpack (or luggage, but the roads are not made for luggage). I have an Osprey backpack of 40L. This one is perfect for a two-week trip, but it was just a bit small for a 3-week trip (I managed by rolling my clothes). So maybe buy the 50L backpack if you plan on going away for more than 2 weeks. Also, bring along a day backpack. It comes in handy for your camera equipment, a bottle of water, and other stuff.
- Safari: a soft duffel bag is highly recommended for fitting into smaller bush planes and safari jeep lockers. A small daypack for personal items during drives.

Packing hack: Is a carry-on enough for long trips? It’s possible (I did it in Florida, Thailand, Cambodia, and Malaysia), but you must be prepared to wear the same outfits for multiple days and do washes in the sink or at the laundry shop.

Packing cubes: Bring packing cubes! They are so easy to use, and I can put in 14 pieces of clothing per bag!

Packing hack: Roll your clothes to fit more in your luggage!

Medicine and toiletries

Okay, so this one is actually the most important thing on my packing list now since I had Salmonella.

Mosquito Repellent and Sunscreen: This is a must. Your mosquito repellent should also have DEET in it.
Malaria pills: Not needed in every country in Africa, but some do like Senegal and Kenya.
First aid kit: Bandages will most definitely come in handy!
Diarrhea tablets: Just in case
Hand Sanitizer: I use this every time I use a public bathroom or right before dinner, which comes in handy.
Quick-drying towel: Invention of the year! Put your wet towel on a chair, and it’s dry in an hour. It’s also not as thick as a normal towel, so it’s easy to pack.
Wet wipes: I always bring my wet wipes on my holidays. If you’re in a dirty public toilet or where there is no toilet paper, wet wipes are a blessing.
Small bottles: I always pack small, reusable bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. You save space and weight!
Lip balm: During the flight, my lips become very dry. I always pack my Buttercream lip balm, and my lips are soft in no time!

Packing hack: Avoid overpacking by using a packing list & adapting it over time. I updated my packing list over the years. I did not bring a neck pillow on my travels until I was 26, for instance.

Clothes

I don’t think anyone would forget to put these items on their packing list.

Clothes: You’ll be sweating, so try to pack linen clothing.
- Safari: pack lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying clothing in muted, earthy tones (khaki, olive, tan, green, brown) to blend in with the environment and stay cool.
Sweater: Sometimes I find myself shivering on the airplane from the cold, that’s why I always pack my sweater. You can also use it as a pillow.
- Safari: Early morning and evening game drives are cold, even in the dry season. Bring a fleece jacket, light puffer, or sweater.
Travel pillow: I have a neck pillow that comes in handy for those long flights.
Washing powder: Washing time! If you pack light, then you must also wash your clothes from time to time. You can do it in a shop or do it yourself in the hotel room.
- Tip: You can also wash your clothes with shampoo.
Rain jacket (foldable): This is so handy! You can hang it on your purse and have the purse filled with an umbrella and a wallet.
Snorkel set: for seeing all the fish and coral in the sea
Hat or cap: for sun protection
- Safari: Buff or scarf to protect you from dust
Footwear: comfortable walking or hiking shoes are necessary
- Safari: Hiking boots are better for walking safaris. Bring sandals for in-camp relaxation.

Electronics

Camera and GoPro: Pack your camera and GoPro for having HD photos and videos.
Adapters or converters: depending on your home country, you might need to use adapters or converters to charge your electronics.
Chargers: Check if you need a plug adapter!
Local SIM card: You can buy a SIM card at the airport for having wifi during the day in some countries.
Powerbank: Bring along a power bank! Just check your airline’s guidelines, as some can’t come onto the plane.
Hard disk: Backup your photos while traveling!
Waterproof bag: I used a waterproof bag to put my power bank, smartphone, and its chargers in. Everything is in one little bag, easy to find and protected from water, sunscreen, …
A pair of binoculars: to see all wildilfe upclose.

What to avoid packing for a Safari

Wearing military-pattern clothing is prohibited and can cause issues with local authorities
Avoid bright white or vibrant colours on safari, as they can spook animals.