Here’s a categorized "What to Bring to Africa" Packing List.
Minimize changes to what touches your skin to ease the transition — because everything else will be changing.
1. Tech & Electronics
- Power converter (220V to 110V if needed)
- Power adapter (UK Type G)
- Extension cord (long)
- Power banks (regular and/or solar-powered)
- Phone + charger
- Camera + charger
- Extra SD cards
- Portable hard drive or USB sticks (for content storage)
- Solar lantern or headlamp (for areas without power)
2. Wildlife Observation Gear
- Binoculars (lightweight, good for safari and birdwatching)
- Zoom lens (if using DSLR or mirrorless camera)
- Notebook or wildlife journal
- Backup batteries and memory cards
3. Personal Care (Do Not Change These!)
Keep your skin happy by sticking to what it knows
- Lotion (your usual brand)
- Toothpaste + toothbrush (same brand as home)
- Towels (soft ones from home — sun-dried towels can be rough)
- T-shirts (cotton, already worn-in)
- Sunscreen (high SPF, familiar formula)
- Deodorant
- Shampoo + conditioner (same brand as home)
- Soap or body wash
- Lip balm (with SPF)
4. Medication & Health
- Pain relievers (Ibuprofen, Tylenol)
- Allergy meds (e.g. Claritin, Benadryl)
- Cough meds or throat lozenges (dust can irritate)
- Traveler’s diarrhea treatment (e.g. Travellan)
- Activated charcoal tablets (for food reaction)
- Malaria prevention pills (talk to your doctor)
- Antibiotics (doctor-recommended just in case)
- Motion sickness tablets (especially for rough roads)
- Vaccination card (physical copy)
5. Safety & Comfort (For People & Wildlife)
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Twinkle lights or mini solar lights (for tents or dark paths)
- Pepper spray or small taser (check airline & local laws before packing)
- Bug spray (with DEET or natural alternative)
- Sisal harvesting gloves or workman gloves
- Hand sanitizer & wet wipes
6. Clothing (Layer & Protect)
- Light t-shirts (long and short sleeve)
- Long-sleeve shirts (for bugs and sun)
- Sweaters or fleece jackets (mornings/evenings can be cold)
- Rain jacket or windbreaker
- Long pants (lightweight, breathable)
- Boots or sturdy closed-toe shoes (for walking, safaris, harvesting)
- Socks — plenty
- Undergarments (comfort is key)
- Swimsuit (in case of hot springs or resort pools)
- Hat (wide-brimmed) + sunglasses
- Scarf or neck wrap (for dust, sun, or style)
Dress in layers.
Kenya sits on the equator and temperatures can shift fast — chilly mornings, hot midday sun, cool nights.
7. Thoughtful Extras
- Candy (Hershey's Kisses or individually wrapped treats to share with artisans)
- Gifts or postcards from your hometown (for cultural exchange)
- Journal or sketchbook
- Reusable water bottle
- Daypack or small backpack