What to Pack for Your African Adventure

Over the years, I’ve packed (and unpacked) more bags than I can count for adventures across this beautiful continent I call “home”. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that packing isn’t a one-size-fits-all when it comes to an African adventure. What you’ll need for a Cape Town or Nairobi city break is very different from a golf trip along the Garden Route or a gorilla trek in Uganda. So, let me share my personal packing notes with you, drawn from experience, a few mistakes, and plenty of “I wish I had brought that” moments.

Cape Town City Tours

Cape Town is a city where you can have brunch at a chic café, hike up Table Mountain, sip wine in Constantia, and then watch the sunset from Camps Bay - all in a single day. Yes, really! 

Layers: The Cape Doctor (our famous South Easter wind) has a sense of humor. Bring a light jacket even in summer.

Comfortable shoes: City walks, wine farms, and mountain trails all call for comfy footwear and plenty of drinking water. 

Smart-casual outfit: Capetonians are stylish but laid-back. A nice dress or button-up shirt will take you from the V&A Waterfront to dinner in town. No heels needed or anything too formal. 

Swimwear & sunscreen: You’ll want a dip in the ocean, or at least a photo at Clifton or Muizenberg. The sun here is a lot stronger than perhaps what you’re used to back home so wear it all the time - even in our winter months (June - August).

What to Pack for a Safari (By Season & Region)

Safaris are pure magic, but the bush changes not only with the seasons - it also changes depending on where you go. What you’ll need for a summer trip to Botswana might be slightly different from a winter adventure in South Africa or the green season in Zambia. Here’s how I pack, region by region.

Summer (Nov–March)

This is the hot, often rainy (think thunderstorm afternoon showers to cool the day), season across much of Southern and East Africa.

Kenya & Tanzania: It’s warm and lush after the short rains. Light, breathable clothing in neutral tones is a must. Pack a light rain jacket - afternoon showers are short but could be heavy.  Don’t forget a bathing costume.

Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana: Expect dramatic thunderstorms. Waterproof bags for cameras/binoculars are lifesavers. Lightweight long sleeves also help with mosquitoes. Don’t forget a bathing costume

South Africa (Kruger, Madikwe, Eastern Cape): Humid with thunderstorms. A wide-brim hat, sunscreen, and breathable shirts are essential.  Don’t forget a bathing costume.

Mozambique & Malawi: Very hot and humid. Stick to cottons and linens. Don’t forget a bathing costume
 

Winter (May–Aug)

This is the dry season in most regions, and game viewing is at its best - but don’t underestimate the cold as this is our winter season!

South Africa: Mornings and evenings in open vehicles are dry and icy. Pack gloves, a beanie, and a fleece you can shed as the day warms up.

Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe: Nights are freezing in the desert and bush - layers are your best friend. By mid-morning it’s t-shirt weather, so bring options.

East Africa (Kenya & Tanzania): Days are cooler but pleasant. A light jacket is enough, but I still pack a scarf for chilly early starts - layers are your best friend.

Year-round Must-haves:

- Binoculars: Don’t rely on the guide’s pair, bring your own.

- Sturdy closed shoes: Especially for bush walks.

- Torch or headlamp: If you’re staying in tented camps.

- Neutral colours: Khakis, olives, tans - avoid whites (they get dirty quickly with the dust) and brights (they stand out in the bush and animals do not like them).

- Soft bag no rigid frames: Many bush flights have strict luggage limits, and hard suitcases don’t fit well in small planes.

Gorilla Trekking (Uganda & Rwanda)

One of my most life-changing experiences, but definitely not a walk in the park.

Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots: The terrain is muddy and some areas steep.

Gaiters or long socks: These keep biting ants and mud out of your shoes.

Gardening gloves: Odd, I know, but lifesavers when grabbing onto vines or branches.

Rain jacket & quick-dry clothes: Even if it’s sunny at the start, the rainforest has other plans.

Small backpack & reusable water bottle: The trek can be long.

Indian Ocean Islands / Beach Vacations

Whether it’s Zanzibar, Seychelles, Mauritius or the coastline off Mozambique, island life calls for simplicity.

Light cotton clothes & sarongs: Easy, breezy, and perfect for the heat.

Flip flops and one pair of sandals: You won’t need much more.

Snorkel mask if you have your own: Though rentals are easy, having your own is always better.

A good book (or three): Beach hammocks + novels = bliss

A light sweater or wrap: Evenings can be cooler than you’d expect with the sea breeze.

Modest clothing depending on the region: In places like Kenya’s Diani or Zanzibar’s Stonetown you’re staying alongside rich cultures that need to be respected. 

Morocco & Egypt

Think desert heat, spice markets, and layers of history - but also freezing cold nights if you’re visiting during the winter months.

Loose, modest clothing: You’ll feel more comfortable and respectful exploring souks and sites.

A scarf or shawl: Useful for sun protection and when visiting religious sites.

Sunglasses & sunscreen: The desert sun is unforgiving.

Comfortable walking shoes: You’ll clock up steps in medinas and ancient temples.

A small crossbody bag: Keeps your valuables safe in bustling markets.

Jacket for winter evenings 

Ethiopia

A country that is as spiritual as it is rugged.

Modest clothing: Particularly for visits to rock-hewn churches in Lalibela.

Layers: The highlands can be surprisingly chilly, especially at night.

Walking shoes: Even in cities, you’ll find uneven terrain.

A journal: There’s something about Ethiopia that makes you want to reflect and write.

Reusable water bottle: Distances can be long between stops.

Namibia

Vast, wild, and one of my favorite countries to road trip through or add to a South Africa or Botswana adventure.

Neutral clothing: Desert dust shows up on whites instantly.

A warm jacket: Desert nights are icy, even after blistering days.

Wide-brim hat & scarf: Sand and sun protection are key.

Good camera or phone storage: The landscapes are surreal - you’ll take more photos than you think.

Snacks for long drives: Distances are big, and you’ll be grateful for a stash of nuts or dried fruit.

Final Thoughts

No matter where you go in Africa, the golden rule is pack light, pack smart. Most lodges offer laundry services, and you’ll appreciate having space for treasures you pick up along the way. More importantly, remember that it’s not about having the “perfect” outfit - it’s about being comfortable enough to soak in the magic of the place you’re in.

After all, Africa isn’t just a destination, it’s an experience that stays with you forever.

- Kirsty