Spot the Big Five in comfort with the right clothing, optics, and health protection. Covers game drive attire, photography gear, and tropical health precautions for East and Southern Africa.
Bright colors and dark black or navy attract tsetse flies and can startle wildlife. Stick to earth tones in lightweight cotton or nylon that blend with the bush.
Long pants in light breathable fabric (3-4 pairs)
Long pants protect against thorny brush on walking safaris and insect bites at dawn and dusk. Zip-off pants in safari-weight cotton (150-170gsm) offer versatility between hot midday and cool mornings.
Warm fleece or jacket for early morning game drives
Open-vehicle game drives start at 5:30-6:00 AM when temperatures are 8-15C even in tropical latitudes. Layer a 200-weight fleece under a windbreaker for the first 2 hours until the sun warms up.
Wide-brim hat with chin strap
Closed-toe walking shoes and camp sandals
Ankle-height boots protect against thorns and uneven ground on bush walks. Lightweight sandals are perfect for the lodge between drives, but open-toed shoes are not allowed on walking safaris.
Bandana or buff for dust protection
Camera & Optics
Camera with 200mm+ zoom lens
A 100-400mm zoom covers 90% of safari photography from vehicle distance. Sensor-stabilized mirrorless bodies weigh 500-700g less than equivalent DSLRs and handle the vibration of moving vehicles better.
Binoculars (8x42 or 10x42)
8x42 binoculars offer a wider field of view for tracking moving animals, while 10x42 pulls distant birds closer. Roof prism designs are more compact and dust-resistant than porro prism models.
Extra memory cards and batteries
A full day of safari shooting produces 500-1,500 photos (20-60GB in RAW). Bring at least 128GB of total card capacity and 2-3 spare batteries, since charging opportunities between drives are limited.
Bean bag or window mount for vehicle photography
A bean bag draped over the vehicle door frame steadies your lens better than handheld shooting. Fill it with rice or dried beans at your lodge; pack it empty to save 1-2kg in your luggage.
Dust-proof camera bag with rain cover
Health & Protection
Malaria prophylaxis (prescribed by travel doctor)
Start medication 1-2 days (doxycycline or atovaquone) or 1-2 weeks (mefloquine) before entering a malaria zone. Continue for 1-4 weeks after leaving the area depending on which drug you take.
DEET insect repellent (30-50%) and permethrin-treated clothing
Spray permethrin on pants, socks, and shirts 24 hours before packing and it remains effective through 6 washes. Layer DEET repellent on exposed skin at dusk when mosquito activity peaks.
Sunscreen SPF 50+ and UV-blocking sunglasses
Equatorial sun at safari latitudes (1-5 degrees from equator) hits UV index 11-12 by 10 AM. Polarized lenses cut glare off vehicle hoods and water surfaces for clearer wildlife spotting.
Rehydration salts and stomach medication
Yellow fever vaccination certificate (required for some countries)
Camp & Lodge Essentials
Headlamp or small flashlight (red-light mode preferred)
Red-light mode preserves your night vision and does not disturb wildlife around the camp. A 100-lumen headlamp on low is enough to walk between your tent and the main lodge after dark.
Dry bag or ziplock bags for dust and water protection
Unpaved safari roads generate constant fine dust that penetrates regular bags. Store electronics, documents, and clean clothing in sealed dry bags or gallon-size ziplock bags.
Lightweight daypack for walking safaris
Reusable water bottle (1-1.5 liters)
Most safari lodges refill bottles with filtered water. Bring an insulated bottle to keep water cool during 4-6 hour game drives in 30-35C afternoon heat.
Power adapter (Type G for East Africa, Type M for Southern Africa)
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear on an African safari?
Neutral colors (khaki, tan, olive, brown) blend with the bush and do not attract tsetse flies the way dark blue and black do. Long sleeves and pants protect against sun, thorns, and insect bites during game drives. Bright colors and white clothing scare away wildlife and are prohibited on walking safaris at most lodges.
Do I need malaria prophylaxis for a safari?
East and Southern Africa safari destinations (Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Botswana) carry malaria risk year-round in most areas. Malarone (atovaquone/proguanil) has the fewest side effects with once-daily dosing starting 1-2 days before arrival. Apply DEET-based repellent (25-30% concentration) at dusk and sleep under a treated mosquito net even at luxury lodges.
How much does an African safari cost?
Budget safaris in Kenya and Tanzania start at $200-350 per person per day for shared vehicle game drives and mid-range lodges. Luxury tented camps in Botswana and Tanzania's Serengeti run $800-2,000 per person per night all-inclusive. South Africa's Kruger National Park offers self-drive safaris for $50-100/day plus park fees, the most affordable option on the continent.
What camera gear do I need for safari photography?
A telephoto zoom lens in the 100-400mm range covers 90% of safari photography needs. Animals are typically 20-100 meters from the vehicle, and wide-angle shots rarely capture wildlife well. A beanbag ($15-20) draped over the vehicle window frame provides more stable support than a tripod, which is impractical in moving safari vehicles.
When is the best time to go on safari in East Africa?
June through October (dry season) is peak safari season with thinner vegetation and animals concentrating around water sources. The Great Migration crosses the Mara River in Kenya from July to October. January through March is calving season in the Serengeti with fewer tourists and lower lodge rates at 20-40% off peak pricing.