Packing for a safari can be quite the adventure in itself, especially for women who want to be prepared for anything while still feeling comfortable and stylish (yes, the trusty zip-off khaki trousers aren't everyone's cup of tea).

So, we've gathered insights from seasoned safari women and experts in the field — Lauren Arthur, Mindy Roberts, Vanessa Beldam, Olivia Pheasant — to bring you the ultimate guide to what to pack (and what to leave behind) for your next bush adventure.

What to Pack

You've booked your dream safari and now it's time to pack. To make things a whole lot easier for you as a woman, we've gathered everything you need to know from experienced ladies in the safari world. From their essential things to bring on safari (and what NOT to bring), to their top tips for packing smart.

Here’s what they recommend that you bring along to make your safari unforgettable:

Wardrobe Must-Haves for Women:

• Lightweight, breathable tops: Short and long-sleeved tops made from natural fabric, like cotton or linen, to keep you cool and covered from the African sun.

• Lightweight bottoms: Comfortable shorts and trousers. (A skirt or some loose linen dungarees are also nice to have for some variety)

• Fleece or puffer jacket: For cooler morning and evening game drives.

• Swimsuit: To enjoy the pool at your lodge.

• Kikois/shukas, or cotton sarongs: Super useful for all sorts of things; acting as an extra towel, dust cover for a camera, seat cover if it's super hot, and also excellent for the scorching hot days to soak them in cold water and use as a scarf or cover for sleeping. - Top tip from Vanessa

• A beanie & gloves: Great for extra warmth on those cooler drives.

• ⁠Sandals/ flip flops / Birkenstocks: For game drives and wearing around camp. Great for walking to the pool and feeling more relaxed than in closed shoes.

• Comfortable walking shoes: Especially if you're planning on a walking safari.

• Socks: Good quality socks, preferably moisture-wicking and cushioned to prevent blisters.

• A colourful light-weight cotton or silk scarf: For chilly nights and to look more stylish. 

• Sports bra: Those African roads are bumpy.

• Wide-brim hat: The bigger, the better. For those safari chic photos while you’re out on a game drive or on activities, and also to protect you from the sun. - Lauren

• Light Dresses: Not essential, but nice to wear around camp or to dinner.

Skin, Beauty & First Aid

• Your favourite body and face moisturiser: The air can get dry in the bush!

• Suncream: Essential to protect your skin from the African sun.

• Lip balm: One with SPF in it.

• Travel-sized toiletries: There's no need to bring massive bottles of face wash, body wash, cream, shampoo, or conditioner on your trip (rather save your luggage weight!)

• A face/body spritzer:  Keeps you fresh and glowy. - Lauren recommends Avène Thermal Spring Water Spray

• Insect repellent: To avoid being bitten by the inevitable mosquitoes and bugs you'll come across in the bush.

• Tissues: Handy for many uses.

• Aloe vera gel: Hydrate and soothe bites or cuts.

• Sparkly eye shadow: If it's your thing, (as you’ll be wearing a lot of safari-coloured clothing - khakis, beiges) to give you a little zing at night when you go to dinner. - Mindy 

• Freshly painted toenails: Scrubbing around in flip flops/sandals in the dust can make your feet look a bit sad. - Top tip from Vanessa

• Haemorrhoid cream: For mosquito or tsetse fly bites (trust me, it's a secret weapon for the itch and swelling) - Top tip from Mindy

• Personal medication: Things like prescription meds, anti-histamines and supplements - which you're highly unlikely to get hold of in the bush. 

Electronics and Gadgets:

• Binoculars: An essential for wildlife viewing.

• Your camera: Don't forget extra memory cards and batteries!

• Portable charger/power bank: To keep your electronics charged while you're doing activities.

• Travel adapters: Plug types vary per country, so it's important to check.

• Head torch/ small high-quality torch: You won’t regret it when you hear a random noise at night, shine your torch out there and have crystal clear views of a hippo or other nocturnal animal (just be careful not to blind them!).

• An animal identifier app (download before you go): whether it’s a mammal identifier, bird book, or a regional wildlife app. They usually include a checklist, how each animal looks and sounds, and more. This is really useful, especially for identifying the smaller lesser-known animals. And It’s more eco-friendly than printing things out! - Mindy 

Essential Extras:

Besides your passport, visa, and travel documents (please don't forget those!), here are some useful extras that you'll thank us for later:

• Sunglasses: Glamorous and protective. - Lauren

• Sunglasses strap: To avoid your sunglasses ending up on the floor or being stretched on your head when constantly taking them off to look through binos or your camera. - Vanessa

• A thermos/mug: So you can take a nice hot cup of tea or coffee onto early morning game drives! Many lodges will give you a water bottle for cold water but not anything to keep a hot drink warm. Nothing better than enjoying your cuppa in the cold morning air as you set out. - Top tip from Olivia

• Buff or bandana: Very useful for keeping the dust at bay, or adding another layer of warmth.  

• Something to wear that isn’t safari clothing: For evenings around the fire, it's nice to have something colourful for a change. 

What to Leave Behind

• Perfume/fragrances: Keep your gorgeous-smelling moisturisers and creams for when you get home. Not only will it attract insects but it can be overpowering and means you cannot smell the wonderful smells of the bush. 

• Hair dryers, straighteners, and curling irons: Most camps have limited power sources, and your natural look is more practical. 

• High heels: Comfort is key on safari. Opt for your favourite pair of walking shoes and sandals.

• Heavy makeup: The natural environment and climate can make heavy makeup uncomfortable, and you'll feel so much better embracing more of a natural look.

• Stress - Once you're out in nature on your safari it definitely won't be hard to forget all of your worries - but in case you need the reminder - leave your worries at home and make the most of every moment!

5 Top Tips

1. Pack light 

Depending on where you are heading, luggage weight is normally between 15-20kg in soft-sided bags, so keep this in mind when packing! 

We recommend:

• Packing in pre-planned outfits - to avoid bringing unnecessary items.

• Practical over fashionable when it comes to safari.

• Use packing cubes to help separate everything so you’re not rummaging through your bag in the morning before sunrise trying to find where you put something. 

2. Wear neutral tones

Stick to neutral colours like khaki, brown, and green to best blend in with the natural surroundings. 

Why? Bright colours can attract unwanted attention from wildlife and insects, while neutral tones help you stay inconspicuous. 

We also recommend you avoid wearing black, as it tends to attract mosquitoes.

Opt for all-natural fibre materials for extra comfort. 

3. Layer up

African weather can be unpredictable, sometimes with chilly mornings and hot afternoons. Packing lightweight, breathable layers allows you to easily adjust to changing temperatures throughout the day, making sure you're prepared for any adventure. 

4. Invest in a quality daypack

A good daypack is a game changer for carrying your camera, binoculars, water bottle, and other essentials during game drives and bush walks. We recommend one that is waterproof and zips closed so nothing can fall out, like the Bonamy Swish Tote.

5. Plan properly

Proper planning can make or break your safari experience. Ensure you have all your essentials, from power banks to sunscreen, and know the specifics of your destination. Whether it’s understanding the best times to visit certain parks or the type of accommodation that suits your needs best, a well-planned trip enhances your adventure.

At Bonamy, we help you to plan the perfect safari that is completely personalised to your needs and preferences, ensuring that every detail is taken care of, so you can just focus on enjoying your journey. 

Ready to start planning your adventure? Get in touch.

Check out Lauren's wildlife film course which is launching in August in the Timbavati Game Reserve (@too_wildproductions and www.toowild.co).