The Ultimate Safari Survival Guide: What You Actually Need for a Kenya Safari 2026

The Ultimate Safari Survival Guide : What You Actually Need for a Kenyan Safari.

This safari survival guide covers - 

• What to pack for a Kenyan safari (budget, mid-range or luxury)

• Safari luggage limits and packing light

• Safari clothing mistakes first timers make

• Health, safety and vaccinations for Kenya

• Safari photography basics

• Responsible and ethical safari travel in Kenya

I have been on 10 Safaris across Africa from budget, to mid-range to down right luxurious. This survival guide is me, sharing my knowledge with you! Many of these reasons are also why I created my own sustainable safari itinerary in Kenya. There are so many things that you can get wrong and waste money on. 

Decide on your package, budget - mid-range or luxury. 

• Safari duration often depends on accommodation level

• Vehicle space matters more than people expect on Safari

In budget accommodation there are no laundry services. So, it's best to pack enough underwear and socks everyday. In hot weather you can dry your clothes, but budget companies also do not give you a lot of luggage space in the safari jeep. This means that you usually go for a much shorter period. In general they offer 2 nights Maasai Mara or something like that so it's a taster Safari that you can survive on a budget. 

• Budget safaris often mean limited luggage space and no laundry

Mid-Range stays for a week, usually have some laundry options. Otherwise, handwashing is your best friend. Being on a Safari is about packing light as you will be in and out of vehicles moving to destinations and you want the freedom of space in your vehicle. 

• Mid- range might have laundry but will have hand washing options

If you are staying for a longer trip like our 10 night Safari then every place you stay has affordable laundry options. Believe me, in the heat they are a God send. I managed to travel to Kenya for 15 days and bring only one carry-on bag because I packed, knowing laundry services were in place!

• Luxury safaris typically include full laundry services

What to Pack for a Safari in Kenya

So before you decide what to pack. Understand your Safari type and read the rules carefully. For example, if you fly, you might only be allowed to take a 15kg bag on some Safaris. Taking heed of these rules will save you a lot of time and effort. 

But here is a list of what is essential 

Shorts, skirts or dresses for the day. 

Long trousers for the evening. 

Colours? Many people on Safari go neutral. Not me, I wore red, black, white, blue. Nothing too vivid when in the jeep. But I wore what I enjoy to wear. 

Do you avoid black and blue? I read this everywhere online as many mosquitos are attracted to these colours. So, on my first few safaris I was only in green or khaki. Now, I wear everything. Why? Well because I know the location, I know when the mosquitos come out and I know that I have nets, window nets and everything I need to avoid being bitten in my accommodation. The only precaution I really take now is long trousers and long shirts at night time. 

• Light weight daytime clothing

• Long trousers and sleeves for evening

• Comfy shoes

• Neutral colours are common but not a must

• Long trousers reduce bites more effectively than repellents

Beauty

Lip balm a good quality sunscreen lipbalm

Depending on the safari type you choose, (budget - take everything), (mid-range shampoo or showergel is included) or luxury (you will have everything you need there.) What I loved about my Soroi collection experience is that before I went on Safari I googled what herbs bugs do not like. I was so happy when I got to the camp and there was lemon body wash, thyme hand soap, special high end creams that had not getting bitten in mind. I loved that detail! 

How I pack for my Safari

Well, there is a flight in my Safari. So usually, I will take one travel bag and one travel bag. When I leave Europe I have my large bag with everything that I need. But I split my clothes into destinations. So, when I travel to Samburu - I have enough clothes for Samburu. Then when I fly to Maasai Mara. Then I leave the suitcase at the hotel (very common in Kenya) and pack what I need. 

• Internal flights often limit luggage to 15kg

• Soft travel bags are ideal

• Luggage can be stored in hotels between destinations

• Packing by destination reduces unnecessary weight

What First Time Safari Goers Get Wrong

On the first safari I packed every type of insect repellent that there was and went crazy worried about being bitten. This last Safari, I didn’t even take repellent with me. I knew just to dress better in the evening and I would not get bitten. 

Also recycle your clothes so you do not have to look like Lara Croft when you are on Safari! 

• Packing too much

• Over packing on insect repellent

• Taking party outfits, not long trousers for the evening

Safari Clothing What Matters the most

I would say comfort. You really need a good pair of shoes or hiking shoes. This is a must if you want to go on a bush walk or explore the grounds, watering holes or go into photography hides. 

Health, Safety & Vaccinations for Kenya

For my first safari, I took every vaccination under the sun and spent a fortune on malaria tablets. On my ninth safari, I even stopped taking malaria. The fact is, that I wasn’t bitten a lot. When I did get bitten on my ankles, I knew that I would not be in trouble as my body was full of vitamin b12. 

This is my big secret. I take 500mg of B12 two weeks before I travel on Safari. There is something in the vitamin that stops you getting allergic reactions to the bites. So, you don’t flare up or get swollen. They are just little spots. This trick has changed my life! I highly recommend that you do the same. 

However, just because I stopped taking malaria tablets, I am not suggesting that you do. Only letting you know that clothes are your best line of defence. 

• Malaria risk varies by region and season in Kenya

• Vaccination advice should be personalised by a medical professional

• Clothing is an important line of defence against bites

• Mosquito bites are more common at dusk and night

Safari Photography Tips

I have to say, I am not the best photographer. But I am enjoying it. You should too. On my ventures, I travel with a guide who is a photographer and often I give him an SD card so he takes amazing shots for the group. 

• Safari photography needs experienced guides

• Shared photographs can enhance group trips

• Enjoyment matters more than technical perfection

Conservation, Communities and Responsible Travel

This is a big deal for me. I do not want to take, destroy or leave a negative global footprint in Kenya. I want to travel during the off-peak season. I want to visit communities and travel responsibly. To do this there are a lot of charities and local villages in Kenya, where you can help in the community. Just ask me!

• Community tourism supports local livelihoods

• Off-peak travel reduces pressure on ecosystems

• Ethical safaris prioritise conservation and education

• Local charities and villages benefit from responsible tourism

Choosing the right experience for you

I love comfort. I have made an ethical safari that suits all my needs. You must decide and find out what investments you want to make on Safari and your time in Africa. Is this a once-in-a-lifetime trip? 

I would make a list of what you want from your safari adventure. 

• Safari experiences should match personal comfort choices

• Ethical considerations are part of safari planning

• Not all safaris are the same - be mindful

Masai Mara

Ethical Travel

This is our Safari Team Picture taken at Sunworld HQ in Nairobi