Packing list
What to Pack for a Kenya Safari
A tested list from a Nairobi operator, including the four things almost every guest wishes they had brought.
Key takeaways
- Bush flights cap luggage at 15kg in a soft bag, no hard suitcases.
- Kenya uses UK style Type G three pin plugs at 240V.
- Binoculars and a dust proof camera bag matter more than extra clothes.
- Bring antimalarials, a basic first aid kit and any prescriptions in original packaging.
Luggage rules
If any part of your trip uses a light aircraft to an airstrip such as Ol Kiombo, Samburu or Amboseli, you are limited to about 15kg total in a soft sided bag that can be squeezed into the hold. Hard shell suitcases are refused. Road only trips have no practical limit, but a soft duffel is still easier in a 4x4.
The essentials
- Binoculars, 8x42 is the sweet spot. One pair per person, not per couple.
- Camera with a 200mm or longer lens, spare batteries, and twice the memory cards you think you need.
- Dust protection for gear: a dry bag or large ziplocks.
- Sunscreen SPF 30+, lip balm, and insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin.
- Head torch for camps that switch off generators overnight.
- Refillable water bottle, most camps have filtered refill stations.
- Universal adapter for Type G sockets, and a power bank.
Health and documents
Carry a yellow fever certificate if you are arriving from a country where it is endemic. Discuss antimalarials with your doctor, most of the safari circuit is malarial, the coast especially. Bring a small kit with rehydration salts, antihistamine, plasters and any regular prescriptions in their original boxes.
Take a photo of your passport, visa approval and insurance policy and keep it offline on your phone.
Things people forget
Cash in small US dollar notes for tips, a spare pair of glasses if you wear them, a buff for dust on the drive to the Mara, and a book, evenings in camp are long and gloriously offline.
FAQ
Frequently asked
- What is the luggage limit on Kenyan bush flights?
- Usually 15kg per person including hand luggage, in a soft bag. Excess can sometimes be bought as a seat, but plan around the limit.
- What plug type does Kenya use?
- Type G, the UK three pin, at 240V. Bring an adapter.
- Do I need binoculars if I have a camera?
- Yes. A long lens shows you one animal; binoculars let you scan the treeline and find the leopard in the first place.
- Should I bring cash or cards?
- Both. Cards work in Nairobi and larger lodges; small US dollar notes are best for tips, and M Pesa dominates local payments.
- Is malaria prophylaxis necessary?
- For most of Kenya's parks and the coast, yes, speak to a travel clinic. Nairobi itself is high enough to be low risk.
Ready when you are
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