Embarking on a safari is a thrilling adventure, promising close encounters with magnificent wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. To ensure you make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime experience, having the right gear is essential.

From savannahs of Africa to the jungles of Asia, each safari presents its unique challenges and rewards. This travel gear list is designed to equip you with everything you need for a safe, comfortable, and unforgettable journey.

Whether you’re a seasoned safari-goer or a first-time explorer, these essentials will help you navigate the wild with confidence and ease.

Luggage and Backpacks

Choosing the right luggage can make all the difference when traveling, whether you’re heading on a weekend getaway or embarking on a long-term adventure. With countless options on the market, selecting a bag that suits your travel style, destination, and personal preferences is essential.

A well-chosen piece of luggage will not only keep your belongings secure and organized but also enhance your overall travel experience by providing convenience and durability throughout your journey.

When it comes to luggage selection, it’s important to strike a balance between size, weight, and functionality. From carry-ons to large suitcases, hard-shell designs to soft-sided bags, the type of luggage you choose should reflect both the nature of your trips and your personal travel habits.

Do you prioritize mobility with rolling suitcases, or do you prefer the versatility of a backpack? 

From navigating busy airports to enduring rugged landscapes, your luggage needs to be durable, secure, and easy to maneuver. With so many options offering unique features like organizational compartments, TSA locks, and water-resistant materials, picking the right luggage involves understanding the key features that matter most for your particular travel style.

When buying a travel bag, there are several important factors to consider to ensure it meets your needs:

Trip Length

Consider how long your trips typically are. For weekend trips, a smaller bag might suffice, but for longer journeys, you’ll need more space.

Carry-On vs. Checked:

If you prefer to avoid checked luggage, ensure the bag complies with airline carry-on size restrictions.

Backpacks vs. Suitcases: For mobility, especially in cities or rural areas, a backpack may be more comfortable. For business or airport travel, a rolling suitcase might be easier.

Wheels: If it’s a rolling bag, make sure it has durable wheels (ideally spinner wheels for easy maneuverability).

Laptop Sleeve: If you travel with a laptop, a padded sleeve is essential for protection.

Easy Access: External pockets for quick access to travel documents, chargers, or snacks can be helpful.

Lockable Zippers: Look for TSA-approved locks or lockable zippers to keep your belongings safe.

Budget: Set a budget that balances your needs for durability and features without overpaying.

Warranty: Consider brands that offer warranties, as travel bags can undergo a lot of wear and tear.

These factors will help ensure you get the right travel bag for your adventures. Remember, keep away from buying an overly large bag, because people have a subconscious tendency to fill it!

For most travelers, Osprey is the cream of the crop so to speak. The Osprey Sojourn 46 Porter might be too small for some travelers, but remember, you only need a weeks worth of clothes, then you can do laundry.

A good travel pillow is a luxury you can’t afford to leave, if you want to sleep well. There are many early mornings on safaris, you should value your sleep.

Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L Travel Backpack

Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow Cinch

Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable with Double Spinner Wheels

Osprey Farpoint 70L Travel Backpack

Osprey Fairview 55L (Women's) Travel Backpack

Osprey Transporter 60L Wheeled Travel Duffel Bag

Travel Essentials

When preparing for a trip, packing the right essentials can make your travel experience much smoother. Packing cubes are a game-changer for keeping your suitcase organized, allowing you to easily separate clothes, toiletries, and other items, making unpacking a breeze.

A LifeStraw water filter is an invaluable tool, especially for adventure travelers or those visiting destinations where clean drinking water isn’t guaranteed, ensuring you can stay hydrated safely. Additionally, a travel adapter is essential for keeping your electronics charged and functioning, no matter where you are in the world. 

I listed two different water bottles here; the Lifestraw is the better quality with a five year filter while the Vapur is the cheaper option with no filter. As with anything, you’ll have to test your budget.

The glow sticks are not a necessity but I like to use them for my tent at night time. If you have 20-25 people on an overland vehicle, it makes it easier to find your tent if you get up in the middle of the night.

You will see two adapters. The first is the traditional US/Europe/Asia adapter, while the second is the adapter you will need for Africa.

Packing Cubes

Lifestraw

Africa Travel Adapter

Glow Sticks

Water Bottle

Travel Adapter

Bag Lock

Passport Holder

Tech Gear

While not everyone will feel they need their laptop, I bring mine everywhere. Typically, you spend many hours on safari vehicles, so headphones are an absolute.

A power bank is another necessity as charging points in safari areas can be sporadic. Always back up your photos and videos to a hard drive each day.

Laptop

Power Bank

Headphones

Hard Drive

Photography Gear

I tried to keep this section simple, but obviously you could debate all day which camera lenses you should bring on a safari. This is a good starting point and these are high quality camera bodies without breaking the bank on the R5II or Sony A9.

Full Frame Mirrorless Camera

Full Frame Mirrorless Camera (Cheaper)

GoPro HERO 11

Canon 600mm F/11

Canon RF 100-500mm F/4.5-7.1

Memory Cards

Camera Strap

Packing Lists

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Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is a crucial aspect of any trip, offering protection against a wide range of unexpected events that can disrupt your travel plans. Whether it’s a medical emergency, flight cancellation, lost baggage, or a natural disaster, travel insurance ensures that you are financially covered when things go wrong. One of the primary benefits of travel insurance is medical coverage, which is essential when traveling abroad, where your domestic health insurance may not apply. Without insurance, medical expenses, especially in foreign countries, can be exorbitant, leaving you with unexpected bills that can overshadow your travel experience.

Beyond medical emergencies, travel insurance also safeguards you from various travel-related mishaps. It provides compensation for delayed or canceled flights, lost or stolen belongings, and even trip interruptions due to unforeseen circumstances. This level of security allows you to travel with peace of mind, knowing that you won’t be left out of pocket if something goes wrong. By investing in travel insurance, you are essentially protecting both your health and your financial well-being, ensuring that even if the unexpected occurs, you can focus on enjoying your trip rather than worrying about the consequences.

SafetyWing is a travel insurance provider designed specifically for digital nomads, remote workers, and frequent travelers. It offers flexible, comprehensive insurance plans that cater to the unique needs of individuals who travel frequently or live abroad for extended periods.

SafetyWing’s most popular plan, “Nomad Insurance,” provides coverage for medical expenses, travel delays, lost luggage, and emergency situations, ensuring travelers are protected no matter where they are in the world. One of its key advantages is its global coverage, which includes most countries (except for a few with travel restrictions), making it a popular choice for those who don’t have a fixed travel itinerary.

One of the top benefits from my perspective, because I have a lot of camera gear, is you can insure against electronics theft for an extra $10.00 every 4 weeks.

Also, there is coverage for meals and accommodations if you are delayed over 12 hours (US$100 per day for 2 days).