What to Wear on Safari in Kenya? Expert Tips and Packing List!

Kenya’s climate varies a lot by region and season, so WHEN and WHERE you travel will influence what you should pack.

There are TWO MAIN SEASONS, the DRY and the WET season.

The dry (and hot) season runs from January to March and from June to October, and these months are the BEST for WILDLIFE (like the great migration in June).

Even outside the rainy months, temperatures shift within the same day, from 7°C (45°F) in the early morning to 35°C (95°F) by the afternoon. More information in our post about the seasons in Kenya and when to go. 

You can be prepared for these fluctuations if you follow the GOLDEN RULES OF KENYA SAFARI CLOTHING.

The golden rules of Kenya safari clothing

There are FOUR RULES to have the right clothing for your Kenya safari: layering, neutral colors, linen, and sun protection.

1) Layering

As mentioned, temperatures swing from 7°C (45°F) in the early morning to 35°C (95°F) by the afternoon.

So dress in layers that you can peel off as it warms up.

Start your 5:30 AM game drive in a fleece and/or hoodie over our safari shirt.

👉 INSIDER TIP: We often take a BLANKET with us as part of our packing list for a Kenya safari. WHY? When the vehicle is driving around 40 km/h, with the roof open or the windows down, and the outside temperature is only 7°C (45°F), it gets extremely CHILLY and WINDY. That’s when we throw a blanket over our fleeces for extra warmth and comfort (and even then, it is still quite cold!).

Around 10 am, the sun comes through, and the heat starts to come. The perfect moment we take our fleeces off. This should already give you a good idea of what clothes to wear on safari in Kenya.

2) Neutral colors

Ever seen a movie where the actors are on safari and you wonder why they are always wearing NEUTRAL, earthy tones, like KHAKI, OLIVE, TAN, BROWN, or GRAY?

These colors BLEND INTO THE BUSH.

Bright colors like RED or YELLOW attract attention (or even aggression) from animals, and BLUE and BLACK lure tsetse flies that bite painfully (we can both testify).

WHITE CLOTHES are also NOT GOOD. WHY NOT?

They’ll turn the color of Kenya’s RED DUST in about two hours of driving on the dusty roads.

The best clothing for a Kenya safari keeps a LOW PROFILE.

3) Cotton and linen

Choose LIGHTWEIGHT and BREATHABLE FABRICS for your Kenya safari clothes, like cotton and linen.

In the EQUATORIAL HEAT, natural fabrics keep you cooler and wick sweat.

Long sleeves and pants made of moisture-wicking or ventilated fabric are perfect, as they protect you from the sun and bugs while staying airy.

👉 AVOID HEAVY MATERIALS like jeans as they get sweaty and dry slowly in Kenya’s heat. Jeans are not appropriate clothes for a kenya safari. 

4) Sun protection

Kenya’s sun is quite intense the whole year (a lot more compared to Europe and the USA).

Kenya lies on the EQUATOR, and at high altitude, the UV index is often “Very High” 8 to 11 (out of 12).

We recommend covering up with a (wide-brimmed) hat, sunglasses, and a high-SPF sunscreen on exposed skin.

A breathable BUFF is handy too; it protects your neck from the sun, and you can pull it over your nose when the safari jeep kicks up dust (which happens a LOT).

👉 INSIDER TIP: Don’t forget your lip balm with SPF50!

What NOT to pack for your Kenya safari

Now, there are also some items YOU SHOULD NOT put on your packing list for Kenya.

AVOID THESE ITEMS:

• CAMOUFLAGE or military print: In Kenya, wearing camouflage is illegal for civilians under the Defence Forces Act, with penalties up to 1 YEAR IN PRISON. No exceptions exist, even for hunting. However, we have seen people and guides wearing it without consequences. But better safe than sorry.

• DRONES: Drones are BANNED IN KENYAN NATIONAL PARKS without special permits, and these permits are quite hard to get as well. Drones are often used by poachers to locate animals; hence, there is a complete ban, and the authorities take it very seriously. To fly legally in Kenya, you must follow the KCAA drone permit application process. 

• HAIRDRYERS: Hairdryers aren’t very useful either, as many safari camps don’t even have power outlets in tents, or the generators can’t handle high-wattage appliances.

• HARD-SIDED LUGGAGE: Safari vehicles and small bush planes have very limited luggage space. We prefer to use a soft duffel bag that can squeeze into a Land Cruiser trunk rather than a big Samsonite case. FYI: Many local flights (like from Nairobi to Diani) within Kenya only have a 33 lb (15 kg) baggage limit in soft bags.

• PERFUMES: Skip perfume or cologne on safari. Sweet or strong scents LITERALLY ATTRACT BUGS. Just use some deodorant.

• SINGLE-USE PLASTICS: Kenya has one of the STRICTEST PLASTIC BAG BANS IN THE WORLD since 2020 (source)! All single-use plastic bags are ILLEGAL to bring in. The flight attendants will announce that passengers should leave any plastic bags on the plane.PLEASE NOTE: The zip-lock bags for carrying your liquids through security are classified as durable plastic bags and are allowed, as these bags are part of the security process. We recommend using REUSABLE PACKING CUBES.

• Also note that since 2020, disposable plastic water bottles have been BANNED IN NATIONAL PARKS. Bring a refillable water bottle (and refill at lodges) to stay hydrated sustainably. HOWEVER, we still receive plastic bottles in our safari 4x4s, so we’re not sure whether the government is actually enforcing this.

Now that you know what NOT TO BRING, let’s look at what to take on safari in Kenya for a comfortable trip.

Travel duffle bag

Our number one item on our packing list for Kenya is a duffle bag, this is the BEST TYPE OF BAG TO BRING.

A duffle bag is much EASIER TO HANDLE than a hard-sided Samsonite luggage, which is not made for uneven African terrain.

We recommend the Element Equipment Waterproof Duffel Bag: This waterproof bag has a RUGGED EXTERIOR and a large main compartment, perfect for clothes, shoes, and gear for weekend trips or longer adventures.

The SHOULDER STRAP is comfortable and adjustable, and the WATERPROOF BUILD protects your stuff if you hit rain or wet conditions.

Safari tops

For tops, layering is SUPER IMPORTANT. We recommend mixing long-sleeved and short-sleeved shirts.

Long sleeves keep you warm, while short sleeves are great when it’s hot.

Long-sleeved shirts

• MEN: Mixtiq Men’s UPF 50+ Safari Shirt. It’s a quick-dry long-sleeve with ventilation zippers and sun protection. This breathable shirt keeps you cool and covered on game drives.

• WOMEN: Jessie Kidden Women’s UV Safari Shirt, a moisture-wicking long-sleeve shirt with roll-up sleeves. It’s light, neutral-colored, and protects your arms from the sun without making you overheat.

We love both, and they also have hundreds of amazing reviews on Amazon.

👉 INSIDER TIP: Many people wear long-sleeved shirts, even when it’s hot, as they help against sunburn and mosquito bites.

Short-sleeved shirts

For afternoons and travel days, pack a couple of short-sleeved shirts.

We recommend neutral t-shirts made of quick-dry fabric or even thin merino wool, as they will keep you cool during the hot afternoons.

• MEN: Columbia PFG Tamiami II Short-Sleeve. It’s a classic safari shirt that’s lightweight and dries fast. It even has mesh vent panels.

• WOMEN: Columbia PFG Bahama Short-Sleeve. It’s a breathable and UV-protective shirt designed for outdoor adventures. It looks cute and keeps you cool.

Both Columbia short sleeves are great choices for Kenya safari clothing!

Pants to wear on safari in Kenya

For safaris, we recommend lightweight cargo trousers or hiking pants in khaki or olive colors.

You want them loose enough to sit comfortably for hours.

Examples we love:

• MEN: Columbia Silver Ridge Convertible Pants. Lightweight zip-off hiking pants in quick-dry fabric. You can unzip to shorts if needed.

• WOMEN: These comfortable stretch hiking pants.

👉 INSIDER TIP: AVOID JEANS on your packing list for Kenya as they’re heavy and uncomfortable in the heat.

Fleece and jackets

• LIGHT FLEECE JACKET: During the chilly mornings, a fleece will keep you warm. For example, bring a lightweight Columbia FLEECE (Link for men) (Link for women), so you can stay warm without overpacking. They are affordable and warm choices. A fleece was our most-used item on safari.

• RAIN JACKETS: If you’re visiting during a rainy season (March–May or Nov), a thin waterproof jacket is a must-have. We recommend these from Columbia for MEN and these for WOMEN.

• With their WATERPROOF NYLON SHELL, they are durable enough to withstand a drizzle and downpour. Many lodges provide CHEAP PONCHOS, but they get soaked rapidly, and the quality is very low.

Safari shoes for Kenya

When it comes to safari shoes in Kenya, you must prioritize comfort, support, and closed toes.

You’ll be standing up in the vehicle, maybe doing short bush walks, or even hiking Mount Kenya.

Walking shoes: We recommend mid-weight hiking shoes that are well broken-in.

We love these choices, the link for men, and the link for women. Both have a lightweight, durable midsole for comfort, nice cushioning, and an advanced traction rubber sole for slip-free movement on rough ground.

Why not wear sandals on safari in Kenya?

You cannot wear sandals on safari in Kenya as it’s NOT SAFE. Tsetse flies LOVE FEET IN OPEN SANDALS, and you don’t want mosquito bites around your ankles.

Also, if you step out into the bush, closed shoes protect against SCRATCHES.

Save the flip-flops for the hotel or BEACH after your safari.

HOWEVER, we always wear sandals after our safari in the EVENING when we go for dinner or when we chill at a swimming pool in the lodge. They are a nice change from the shoes.

Underwear & sleepwear

• UNDERWEAR: Bring enough for your Kenya safari, especially if you stay for two weeks in Kenya. You can always have them washed by the laundry service, but it’s quite expensive.

• BRA: The roads are BUMPY, so if your girls are bigger than a size C, you will need a sports bra. You can use any sports bra, but if you are in the market for super cute and high-quality ones, we recommend the CRZ YOGA Butterluxe Back Sports Bra. It’s super comfortable yet still looks very fashionable.

• SLEEPWEAR: It gets chilly at night, so we always wear a pair of lightweight long pajama pants and a T-shirt.

Many camps provide HOT WATER BOTTLES in bed during the cold season!

Headwear & eye protection

We love the African sun, but it’s super harsh.

The sun, combined with your open-top Land Cruiser, means you need to take sunglasses and a hat on safari in Kenya.

• WIDE-BRIMMED HAT: A wide-brimmed hat with a chin strap is perfect. The strap is important so it doesn’t fly off when the jeep speeds up, or the wind blows (happens more than you think). We like the style of the ZOORON UPF 50+ safari sun hat, which works for men or women.

• SUNGLASSES: The sun glare is strong during a Kenya safari. Polarized sunglasses cut the sunlight and let you spot animals without squinting. Bring a pair you wouldn’t be heartbroken to scratch, as the dust can be rough on lenses.

Insect protection

Kenya’s wildlife is amazing, except for all the tiny tsetse flies and mosquitoes that are a real nuisance, as some of them might give you MALARIA, especially in regions where there are many mosquitoes, like Naivasha and Nakuru.

We ALWAYS take MOSQUITO REPELLENT with us on safari in Kenya. We pack a reliable repellent with at least 30% DEET, like this Insect repellent DEET 100 from Amazon.

👉 INSIDER TIP: Make sure to apply it everywhere, as mosquitoes can still bite you on a surface (the size of a dime) where you did not apply the repellent.

After bite & anti-itch: Throw in a small tube of after-bite cream or hydrocortisone. If you do get a few bites, you’ll be glad to have relief from the itch.

Daypack

Every time you go on a Kenyan game drive, you should bring a small backpack with you.

This stays with you in the vehicle and contains your daily essentials:

What to pack in your backpack

Camera, spare battery or power bank, binoculars, sunscreen, bug spray, water bottle, snacks, a rain jacket, tissues/toilet paper (for bush toilet stops!), hand sanitizer, and personal medicine.

We recommend a backpack of 20 to 25 liters, which is big enough for all that, but not too bulky.

We use the 24L Vaude backpack, which is tough, comfortable, and fits camera gear well. We have used it for over 3 years, and it is still working very well!

Camera & electronics

Of course, when you go on an African safari, you’re likely to bring some electronics along.

Let’s look at some of the items that WE ALWAYS BRING on our Kenyan safaris.

Camera

If you have a good camera (like the Sony ZVE10 II), definitely bring it with a telephoto lens.

A 200-400mm lens is perfect (like the Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3)!

Also pack extra memory cards and an extra battery, just in case!

👉 INSIDER TIP: If you rely on your smartphone for photos, it’s worth investing in a small camera or telephoto attachment. Phone cameras struggle to capture animals far away.

Power bank

You will spend a lot of time in jeeps, whether it is a 5-hour drive to the Maasai Mara or an 8-hour safari day, and you will take plenty of photos, so make sure you bring a power bank to keep your devices charged. We used it at least once a day.

We have gone through about a dozen of them, but the best one remains the Anker 25,000mAh Portable Charger.

It has three 100W USB-C ports for charging several devices at the same time (even your laptop).

With thousands of good reviews, Anker is the way to go!

Keep it charged at the lodge each night (some lodges turn off generators late at night, so charge during available hours).

Binoculars

You’ll definitely need binoculars. In many national parks, you are not allowed to go off the roads, meaning that animals sometimes are 50 meters (150 feet) away.

Without binoculars, you’ll not spot them, and it’s not customary for the guide to have one for you.

A compact pair like these 10×42 Binoculars is NOT EXPENSIVE yet EFFECTIVE.

Headlamp

Many smaller safari camps don’t have proper lighting at night.

A small LED headlamp is useful for finding your way around camp or a tent after dark.

International adapter

Kenya’s plugs are Type G (the same as UK/Ireland).

Voltage is 240V, which most modern chargers handle automatically.

Bring at least one UNIVERSAL PLUG ADAPTER so you can use Kenyan outlets.

Many safari lodges sometimes even have only ONE OUTLET IN THE ROOM.

👉 BE AWARE: Some lodges cut generator power during parts of the day (usually midnight to early morning).

We often plugged in our gear DURING DINNER in the main lodge, where the generator ran.

Medical essentials

Around 30-50% of all travelers who go to Kenya have Traveler’s diarrhea, according to PubMed.

KEEP IN MIND: The wilderness has almost no medical facilities and medications, so carry what you might need for minor ailments.

Here are our MEDICAL ITEMS that we ALWAYS pack for Kenya:

• Imodium
• Electrolyte tablets
• Malaria prophylaxis pills (Malarone (atovaquone-proguanil), doxycycline, or mefloquine)
• Regular prescription medications (plus extra supply)
• First aid kit
• Compression socks
• Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage

Now, let’s look at them in detail!

Traveler’s diarrhea kit

New foods and bacteria can upset anyone’s stomach.

Pack Imodium (loperamide) to stop diarrhea if you get it.

Also, bring some electrolyte tablets. If you do get sick, they’ll help you recover faster.

OUR RECOMMENDATION: Stick to BOTTLED WATER (no tap water, even for brushing teeth), and avoid raw salads or unpeeled fruits.

Malaria prophylaxis pills

Much of Kenya (including safari areas like the Masai Mara, Amboseli, etc.) is a malaria zone, according to the US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention.

See your doctor 4 to 6 weeks before your trip to get a prescription for antimalarial medication (common ones are Malarone (atovaquone-proguanil), doxycycline, or mefloquine).

Prescription medications

Bring all your regular meds (enough for the entire trip, plus a few extra days in case of delays).

First aid kit

Accidents can happen in seconds, for example, brushing past a branch with a sharp edge.

A compact first aid kit with band-aids, antiseptic wipes, gauze, tweezers, etc., is great for treating minor cuts or blisters.

Compression socks

If you have a long international flight, wearing compression socks prevents swollen ankles or deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Travel insurance

Make sure you have travel insurance that covers medical evacuation, just in case.

Safaris are generally safe, but you can still contract harmful bacteria from contaminated food or be involved in a car accident. Without travel insurance, medical bills in Kenyan hospitals add up quickly, hence we NEVER TRAVEL WITHOUT TRAVEL INSURANCE.

Quick checklist: What to wear on safari in Kenya?

FAQs about Kenya