TRAVEL LIST

Safari Packing List
Pack smart, pack light. Most lodges offer laundry services, so you need far less than you think. A good rule: lay out everything you plan to pack, then put half of it back.
Clothing
Item Quantity Notes
Lightweight long-sleeve shirts 3–4 Neutral earth tones only: khaki, beige, olive, tan, stone. Avoid white (dust), black (heat), blue (attracts tsetse flies), and bright colours
Long safari trousers / convertibles 2–3 Quick-dry fabric; zip-off legs are highly versatile. Neutral colours.
Lightweight shorts 1–2 For lodge downtime; not recommended during game drives (sun exposure)
Fleece jacket or light down gilet 1 Essential — mornings and evenings on game drives can be surprisingly cold (8–14°C / 46–57°F)
Waterproof outer shell / windbreaker 1 Doubles as wind protection in open-top vehicles
T-shirts / base layers 3–4 Moisture-wicking synthetic or merino wool preferred
Comfortable walking shoes / trail runners 1 pair Closed-toe essential; ankle support useful on uneven ground
Sandals / flip-flops 1 pair For lodge use only
Wide-brim hat 1 Critical sun protection; must stay on in moving vehicle (use chin strap)
Lightweight buff / scarf 1 Protects from dust and cold wind on open game drives
Swimwear 1–2 Most lodges have pools
Smart-casual evening outfit 1 Luxury lodges expect neat, presentable attire at dinner — no formal dress code, but no activewear either
Gear & Accessories
Item Notes
Binoculars (8×42 or 10×42 recommended) Non-negotiable for game viewing. The difference between “a brown smudge” and “a leopard in a tree” is a quality pair of binoculars. Mid-range options: Nikon Monarch 5, Vortex Viper HD.
Camera with telephoto lens A zoom lens of 100–400mm or 200–600mm is ideal. Even a modern smartphone with optical zoom delivers impressive results for general shots.
Extra memory cards & camera batteries Power may be intermittent at some camps. Bring at least 2 spare batteries per camera and charge nightly.
Power bank (20,000 mAh) Essential for charging devices during long game drives when vehicle power outlets may not be available.
Universal travel adapter Kenya uses UK-style Type G (3-pin) plugs. Voltage: 240V.
Headlamp / torch Essential for navigating unlit camp pathways at night. Many lodges escort guests after dark due to resident wildlife.
Small daypack / camera bag For carrying gear, snacks, and water on game drives.
Dust-proof bag or dry bag To protect camera and electronics on dusty tracks.
Sunglasses (UV400 rated) Wrap-around style preferred for wind and dust protection.
Reusable water bottle Lodges refill from filtered sources; helps reduce plastic waste in ecosystems.
Health & Safety – Consult your travel Doctor
Item / Consideration Guidance
Malaria prophylaxis Kenya is a malaria-risk destination year-round, especially Masai Mara. Consult a travel medicine physician at least 6 weeks before departure. Common options: Atovaquone/Proguanil (Malarone), Doxycycline, or Mefloquine — your doctor will advise based on your health profile.
Vaccinations Recommended: Yellow Fever (required if arriving from certain countries; check current regulations), Typhoid, Hepatitis A & B, Rabies (if planning bush walks). Ensure routine vaccinations (Tetanus, MMR, Flu) are current.
Insect repellent DEET-based (30%+) or Picaridin formulations. Apply at dawn and dusk especially. Also treat clothing with Permethrin spray before travel.
High-SPF sunscreen SPF 50+ essential. Kenya straddles the equator — UV radiation is extreme at altitude and in open vehicles. Reapply every 2 hours.
Lip balm with SPF Dry air and wind cause rapid lip dehydration on game drives.
Personal prescription medications Bring 50% more than your calculated need in case of delays. Carry originals in hand luggage, copies in checked bags.
Basic first aid kit Blister plasters, antiseptic wipes, antidiarrheal medication (Imodium), rehydration salts, antihistamines, motion sickness tablets (for long drives on rough roads), tweezers (for thorns).
Travel health insurance Must include emergency medical evacuation coverage. Flying Doctors Society of Africa (AMREF) provides excellent regional air evacuation coverage — many safari operators require it or strongly recommend it.

Documents & Money
* Passport — valid for at least 6 months beyond arrival date; minimum 2 blank pages for stamps
* Kenya eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) — apply online at etakenya.go.ke at least 10–14 days before travel; cost approximately USD $34 for US citizens; cannot be obtained on arrival
* Printed and digital copies of all bookings — flights, lodges, transfers, eTA approval
* Travel insurance policy documents — including emergency contact numbers
* US Dollars in small bills — USD $1, $5, $10, and $20 notes are widely accepted for tips, market purchases, and incidentals. Kenyan Shillings (KES) are useful in towns; lodges typically prefer USD
* Credit cards — Visa and Mastercard accepted at most lodges and larger establishments; American Express less reliable
* Yellow Fever vaccination certificate — may be required depending on countries visited before Kenya; carry the original card
* Emergency contact list — local guide, tour operator, US Embassy in Nairobi (+254 20 363 6000)
Miscellaneous Tips
* Luggage size: If flying between parks by light aircraft (recommended for some itineraries), bags must be soft-sided and weigh no more than 15 kg / 33 lbs total including hand luggage. Plan accordingly.
* Neutral-coloured luggage: Bright red suitcases are impractical in bush settings. A duffel-style soft bag in earth tones is the safari standard.
* Dry bags / ziplock bags: Protect electronics and documents from dust — Kenyan bush roads are notoriously dusty in dry season.
* Safari field guide: A copy of “Birds of Kenya & Northern Tanzania” (Zimmerman et al.) or “A Field Guide to the Larger Mammals of Africa” (Stuart & Stuart) will deepen every game drive immeasurably.
* Patience is the greatest safari skill: Wildlife does not follow schedules. A willingness to sit still and watch patiently rewards more than frantic movement.

Kenya Safari Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
Kenya’s wildlife is remarkable year-round, but certain seasons optimise specific experiences:
Season Months Conditions Best For
Peak Dry Season July – October Dry, warm; vegetation sparse; Mara River crossings peak Aug–Sep Great Migration, overall wildlife density, photography
Short Dry Season January – February Hot, dry, excellent visibility; calving season in Serengeti Predator action, lower crowds than peak season
Long Rains March – May Lush green landscapes; some roads can be difficult; fewer tourists Birdwatching, photography of green landscapes, value pricing
Short Rains November – December Occasional afternoon showers; roads generally good; landscape turns green Shoulder season value, good all-round wildlife viewing

Kenya Safari Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
Kenya’s wildlife is remarkable year-round, but certain seasons optimise specific experiences:
Season Months Conditions Best For
Peak Dry Season July – October Dry, warm; vegetation sparse; Mara River crossings peak Aug–Sep Great Migration, overall wildlife density, photography
Short Dry Season January – February Hot, dry, excellent visibility; calving season in Serengeti Predator action, lower crowds than peak season
Long Rains March – May Lush green landscapes; some roads can be difficult; fewer tourists Birdwatching, photography of green landscapes, value pricing
Short Rains November – December Occasional afternoon showers; roads generally good; landscape turns green Shoulder season value, good all-round wildlife viewing

Currency
Kenya’s official currency is the Kenyan Shilling (KES). As of 2025–2026, the exchange rate is approximately KES 128–135 per USD 1 (rates fluctuate — confirm before travel). US Dollars are universally accepted at safari lodges and tourist facilities. Carry small USD denominations for tips and purchases. ATMs are widely available in Nairobi and larger towns; availability in park areas is extremely limited — withdraw sufficient cash before leaving the city.
Tipping Culture
Tipping is an important and expected practice in Kenyan safari culture, forming a meaningful part of guide and camp staff income:
* Safari guide: USD $10–$20 per person per day, or USD $50–$75 per person per day for a private guide
* Lodge staff (collective tip box): USD $10–$15 per person per night, deposited in the staff tip box at checkout
* Trackers / spotters: USD $5–$10 per day
* Restaurant service (in towns): 10–15% if not included on bill; KES 50–100 at casual eateries
* Porters / hotel bellstaff: USD $1–$2 per bag
* Tip in USD cash where possible, as it is more useful to staff than local currency for larger amounts.
Visa Requirements for US Citizens
As of January 2024, Kenya replaced its traditional visa system with a mandatory Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Key facts for US citizens:
* No visa on arrival is available — the eTA must be obtained before travel
* Apply exclusively through the official government portal: etakenya.go.ke
* Standard fee: approximately USD $34.09
* Processing time: typically 3 business days; apply 10–14 days in advance
* Every traveller including infants needs their own eTA
* Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date with a minimum of 2 blank pages
* Keep a printed copy of your eTA approval to present at immigration
Photography Etiquette
* Always ask explicit permission before photographing Maasai or any local people — many expect a small fee (KES 200–500 is typical and fair)
* Never use flash photography near wildlife — it can startle and distress animals
* Maintain silence during predator sightings; noise disrupts natural behaviour
* Do not lean out of or stand in the vehicle beyond what your guide permits
* Drone use requires prior authorisation from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority and is prohibited in all national parks without a permit
Safety Rules in the Bush
* Never exit your vehicle in the park unless explicitly instructed to by your guide at a designated safe area
* Keep arms and heads inside the vehicle in the presence of wildlife
* Speak quietly — loud voices and sudden movements can provoke animals
* Do not eat, drink, or smoke visibly outside lodges in areas where wildlife is present
* After dark, always accept the lodge escort service to your tent or room — lion, elephant, and buffalo may be present in camp
* Keep tent and room zipped and locked — vervet monkeys and baboons are expert opportunistic thieves
* Follow all guide instructions without question — their reading of animal behaviour could be life-saving
Wildlife Viewing Etiquette
* The seven-vehicle rule: If more than seven vehicles are at a sighting, ask your guide to move on and return later. Overcrowding stresses wildlife and degrades the experience for everyone.
* Do not pressure guides to off-road or breach park rules for a closer sighting — responsible tourism protects the ecosystems you have come to see
* Never feed any wildlife, however habituated or seemingly harmless
* Maintain respectful distances — your guide knows the safe thresholds for each species
* Remove litter from vehicles; do not discard anything in the park