Kenya safari guide

What to wear on safari: our Kenya packing list

By Scott · Updated October 2026 · From our 3-week Kenya safari

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Quick answerWear neutral colors like khaki, olive and tan, in light layers you can peel off as the day warms up. Skip dark blue and black, which attract tsetse flies. Pack in a soft duffel, since bush planes usually allow only about 15 kg per person.

A traveler in sunglasses in the seat of a safari Land Cruiser — Our photo from Kenya

Colors: what to wear and what to avoid

Neutral earth tones help you blend in and hide the dust. Khaki, olive, sand and soft green are ideal. Avoid dark blue and black, because they attract tsetse flies. Bright white shows every speck of red dust within an hour. Skip camouflage prints as well. They read as military in parts of Africa.

Dress in layers

Morning game drives start before sunrise, and in an open vehicle at the Mara's altitude it can be surprisingly cold. By noon it's hot. Layers handle both:

Breathable long-sleeve shirts (opens in a new tab), which also protect against sun and mosquitoes
A fleece or light down jacket (opens in a new tab) for early mornings and evenings
Lightweight trousers, plus a pair of shorts for camp
A wide-brim hat and a buff or scarf for dust
Comfortable closed shoes, plus sandals for camp

Luggage: the 15 kg rule

If your trip includes small-plane flights between parks, most airlines limit you to about 15 kg (33 lb) per person, including carry-on, and require a soft bag (opens in a new tab) with no wheels or frame. Most camps offer laundry, so you need fewer clothes than you'd think. Five days of outfits is plenty for a two-week trip.

Gear worth bringing

Binoculars (opens in a new tab): the single most important item. 8x42 or 10x42 is ideal, and one pair each saves arguments.
Camera with zoom (opens in a new tab): a 100–400mm lens or a superzoom compact. A phone alone won't reach the leopard in the tree.
Power bank and plug adapter: Kenya uses UK-style Type G plugs. Some camps only have power at certain hours.
Headlamp: for camp paths after dark.
Sunscreen and insect repellent with DEET or picaridin.
Zip pouches instead of plastic bags: single-use plastic bags are banned in Kenya.