Going on Safari - Packing tips for Kenya
Though your destination is not yet clear
You can trust the promise of this opening;
Unfurl yourself into the grace of beginning
That is at one with your life’s desire.
The fifth verse from John O’Donohue’s blessing: For a New Beginning.
I’m excited to report I’m off to Kenya this week! This seemed like a great opportunity to outline my packing tips for going on safari. I take 1 wheeled carryon bag, a backpack, and a shoulder bag/purse.
In Kenya we are allowed a maximum of 35 pounds on the small planes flying to safari destinations. The carryon bag goes below in the hold. The backpack (with cameras and computer) goes in an open hold space at the back of the plane behind the seats. I wear my fanny pack style camera bag which lightens the backpack and allows me to have a camera with me for window shots.
PACKING TIPS:
Pack as light as possible. If you can, go carryon only from home.
Most camps have laundry facilities with line drying. Underwear and quick dry clothing can be washed in the sink.
Temperatures range from 13 degrees (56 F) in the mornings to 30 degrees (86 F) in the afternoons. Think about wearing layers.
For Kenya the associated plug type is G, which is the plug that has three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern. Kenya operates on a 240V supply voltage and 50Hz.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS:
Make 2 photocopies of your passport – keep one hidden in your luggage and give the other to a family member for safekeeping. Carry the following items in your hand luggage:
E-ticket and flight itinerary
iPhone with travel app ArriveCAN, Kenya evisa, proof of COVID vaccination, PCR test results
Passport
Yellow Fever Immunization, COVID vaccination, & PCR test results documents
US $50 or $20 bills of newly issued bills for tips, souvenirs, alcoholic drinks, internet access and optional activities. Money exchange is available at the Nairobi airport upon arrival.
Kenya Tourist Visa – must obtain online prior to departure.
Travel insurance, emergency medevac policies & 1-800 #’s
Wallet with credit cards (know your 4 digit pin) and cash
Facemask, antiseptic wipes, and hand sterilizer
Air pods and wired ear buds
Journal with Pen
Reading glasses, sunglasses
Eye drops
CLOTHING LIST: (Suggested items and quantities):
Bring lightweight layers in both long and short lengths, plus socks, sleepwear, and swimwear
Fleece jacket/light puffer down jacket
Rain jacket
A comfortable pair of lightweight running shoes for everyday
Sandals for in camp
Hat
A skirt or sundress is a nice change in camp. Men might like to include a couple of nice shirts for dinner.
Khaki or dark green colors hide the dust better than other colours. Bright colours are not recommended on safari. (note bright fleece in next image – oops)
Looking for a lift –fanny pack camera #1and light backpack holding camera #2 with long lens
MY PACKING LIST:
3 zip packing bags: I love these! They help organize my clothes and keep them packed neatly
1 for nightshirt, underwear, swimsuit, scarf, small stuff etc.
1 for pants and shirts
1 for dresses and fleece
____ 2 pair light capri length pants
____ 1 pair lightweight long pants
____ 1 shirt short sleeve
____ 2 shirts, long sleeve
____ 1 cotton T-shirt
____ 1 cotton turtleneck long sleeves
____ 1 fleece sweater/jacket for early morning (chilly) game drives
____ Beanie hat and gloves for cool morning or evenings
____ Dress for night out in Nairobi
____ Sundress for camp during the heat of the day or dinner at night
____ 1 pair of comfortable lightweight runners
____ 1 pair of sandals or flip-flops
____ 1 pair of shoes for travel/evenings
____ underwear (I wash underwear in sink at night)
____ 2 scarves – all purpose for warmth, dress up
____ 2 - 3 pairs of socks
____ 1 swimsuit
____ 1 hat wide-brimmed hat
____ 1 rain jacket
____ 1 light weight down puffer coat or jacket
____ Headlamp – essential!!
____ Water bottle
____ Extra facemasks and antiseptic wipes
Carryon bag, backpack, (upper right) packing bags (black, blue and green), and clothing
TOILETRIES: These are personal choices. Shampoo & conditioner are available at the lodges.
____ Skin moisturizer/face cream
____ Eye drops
____ Toothbrush and toothpaste - I take my electric toothbrush. It has never run out of juice yet on a trip (tested over 30 days)
____ Deodorant
____ Multi-vitamins, prescription meds, anti-malarial, anti-diarrhea medicine (CIPRO)
____ Aspirin/Ibuprofen, Pepto tablets, cold decongestants, first aid items like band aids
____ Antiseptic cream, anti-itch bug bite cream
____ Makeup (not much)
____ Chapstick
____ Sunscreen
____ Extra reading glasses and sunglasses
____ Insect repellent containing DEET; **I use what is provided in camps
I spread out the weight so the backpack isn’t too heavy. The blue bundles are my big lens and 2nd camera body. All the tech bits go into 2 small zipper bags. My shoes are in shoe bags because Kenya does not allow plastic bags. Well done Kenya!
Everything not in the carry on goes in my backpack. There is enough room to stuff my micro down coat that I wear on the plane in the backpack when I arrive in warm Nairobi.
TAA DAAA! Twende - Let’s go on safari!
Breakfast with a cheetah on the Maasai Mara.
CAMERA & TECHNOLOGY EQUIPMENT
CAMERAS
6 Sony Tough 64GB 300R:MB/s for high speed photography
XF 100-400 F4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR telephoto lens
XF1.4x TC WR teleconverter for 100-400 mm lens
Battery chargers for XT-3 and XT-4
3 batteries for each camera
Lens cleaning brush and cloths
Lens filters for each lens
Card wallet – holds 10 cards, cameras take 2 each – 14 cards in total
Sony Tough 64GB Cards (high speed for action shots)
COMPUTER
MacBook Pro 13” laptop
Charger cable, USB adaptor dongle, card dongle, 2nd card holder gizmo “just in case”
2 electrical adaptors for Kenya.
Samsung External 2TB drive for download and backup of images
iPhone 12 Pro Max plus charger & chord
Air pod Pro wireless ear buds and wired ear buds
BAGS
Camera Bag – ancient and beloved Lowepro fanny pack that holds my camera with shorter lens, card wallet, extra batteries, & iPhone
Lightweight nylon backpack for camera with long lens, jacket, hat, water bottle etc. when out on game drive
Protective blue velcro wraps for packing XT-3 camera and 100-400 lens for travel
Felt zip bag for adaptors and cables
Smaller zip bag for camera chargers, card dongles, camera brush, journal, & pen
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