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Jan 20, 2024

What to pack for an African safari

The things you absolutely need and what you can leave at home Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from

The things you absolutely need and what you can leave at home

Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page.

You’re going on an African safari for the first time, or you’re seriously considering one. If you’ve never been, coming up with a solid packing list can be tricky.

Having recently returned from the Kenyan Highlights tour with Contiki, a tour company built for 18-35-year-olds with over 60 years of travel expertise under its belt, I’ve learned a few things about packing for safari.

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First, consider the time of year that you’re travelling. The dry season runs from July to November, with mild temperatures and animals forced to find water — making them easier to spot. This is a great time to view the great migration in the Masai Mara and Serengeti. Summer in Africa runs from December to March, another excellent time to travel. Daytime ranges from 23-31 C on average, and goes down to around 12-15 C in the evenings. The rainy season is April to June, so be sure to pack your waterproofs.

See below for a detailed breakdown of what to pack and what to leave at home for your African safari. Check out Contiki’s offerings if you’re still considering your trip and read the full review of our experience here.

If you’re still considering a safari, check out Contiki’s African offerings or book the Kenyan Highlights tour here. Keep in mind these trips are for 18-35 year olds. If that’s not you, try Trafalgar Tours which also offers some exciting itineraries.

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