Light, layered and camera-ready — exactly what to bring, and what to leave at home.
The golden rules
Travel light — many light aircraft flights limit baggage to 15 kg in soft bags. Layers beat heavy items: mornings are cold, middays hot.
Clothing
- 2–3 neutral-coloured shirts (long and short sleeve)
- A warm fleece or jacket for dawn drives
- Long trousers and one pair of shorts
- Comfortable closed shoes; sandals for camp
- A hat with a brim, and swimwear for pools and beaches
Avoid dark blue and black (tsetse flies in some woodland areas) and camouflage prints (illegal in some countries).
Safari kit
- Binoculars — the single most under-packed item; one pair per two people minimum
- Camera with a zoom lens and spare batteries
- Headtorch or small torch for camp at night
- Daypack for game drives
Health & documents
- Passport with 6+ months validity and required visas/eTAs
- Travel insurance including medical evacuation
- Malaria prophylaxis as advised by your travel clinic, plus repellent
- Sunscreen and basic personal medication
Gorilla trekking extras
- Sturdy waterproof boots, gardening gloves, rain jacket and gaiters. Pack these, not your best trainers.
What to leave behind
Hairdryers, drones (permits are restrictive), and more than one 'nice outfit' — camps are relaxed.