The Travana packing list for an East Africa safari

The shorter answer: less than you think. Most safari camps offer same-day laundry. Bush flights have strict luggage limits — usually 15 kg in a soft duffel.

Clothing

• 3-4 short-sleeve shirts in earth tones (avoid bright white and bright blue — tsetse flies)
• 2 long-sleeve shirts (sun and insects)
• 2 trousers + 1 pair of zip-off shorts
• 1 fleece or warm layer (early game drives are cold)
• 1 light, packable rain shell
• A wide-brim hat
• Comfortable trainers or light hiking boots — broken in
• Swimwear

For gorilla / chimp tracking (Uganda only)

• Sturdy waterproof boots
• Long trousers tucked into thick socks
• Gardening gloves
• A pack cover

Gear

• Binoculars (8x42 is the sweet spot)
• Camera + zoom lens; lots of SD cards
• Universal adapter (Type G in Kenya / Tanzania / Uganda)
• Headlamp (essential at camp at night)
• Refillable water bottle

Health & toiletries

• Yellow fever certificate (required for Uganda; check transit)
• Antimalarials (consult your travel doctor)
• High-SPF sunscreen
• Insect repellent with DEET
• Personal first-aid kit

What to leave behind

Plastic bags (banned in Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda). Hairdryers (most camps provide). Camo clothing (illegal to wear in Uganda, Zimbabwe and a few other countries).