Safari packing 101: Expert lists 6 things that will wreck your trip
Planning for an African safari adventure often leads to overpacking or bringing items that could ruin your wildlife experience. While most travellers focus on what to bring, knowing what to leave behind is equally important.
“First-time safari-goers often make packing mistakes that can compromise their safety or diminish their wildlife viewing opportunities,” explains Doug O’Connor from DeerFencing.com, a company specialising in wildlife management solutions.
With substantial experience working with wild animals and understanding their behaviours, O’Connor shares his insights on six items you should never pack for your safari.
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Strong Fragrances and Scented Products
Leave perfume, cologne, and heavily scented lotions at home. These strong scents can attract insects and potentially alert animals to your presence from far away.
“Animals have incredibly sensitive noses – much more powerful than ours,” explains O’Connor. “Wearing perfume or cologne is like announcing your arrival to every creature within a mile radius. Not only does this reduce your chances of seeing wildlife, but it can also attract unwanted insects that make your experience miserable.”
Instead, pack unscented sunscreen and mosquito repellent designed for safaris. These products protect you without interfering with wildlife viewing.
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Drones
While capturing aerial footage of wildlife might seem tempting, drones are prohibited in most safari parks and reserves.
“Drones disturb animals and disrupt their natural behaviour,” says O’Connor. “They cause unnecessary stress to wildlife and can interfere with hunting, mating, or caring for young. Plus, the noise pollution ruins the safari experience for everyone else trying to enjoy the natural sounds of the bush.”
Many countries have strict regulations against drone usage in wildlife areas. You could face hefty fines or confiscation if you bring one.
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Bright or White Clothing
White linen outfits and neon hiking gear might look great, but are problematic on safari.
“Bright colours stand out in the natural environment and can spook animals before you even see them,” O’Connor points out. “White clothing gets dirty almost immediately and can reflect light, making you more visible to wildlife.”
Stick to neutral earth tones like khaki, olive, brown, and tan. These colours blend with the environment and won’t attract tsetse flies, which are drawn to blue and black colours.
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Noisy Accessories or Electronics
Any items that make unexpected sounds – from jingling jewellery to devices with loud notifications – should stay home.
“Sound travels surprisingly far in the quiet of the savanna,” says O’Connor. “A sudden phone ringtone or alarm can startle nearby animals and ruin a sighting that your guide spent hours tracking. Always keep your phone on silent mode and minimise any unnecessary noise.”
Remember that safaris are about disconnecting from technology and connecting with nature. A lot of camps have limited charging facilities anyway.
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Plastic Bags and Single-Use Plastics
Some African countries including Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda have banned single-use plastics, including plastic bags.
“You might have your bags confiscated at customs, potentially including any items packed inside them,” warns O’Connor. “Beyond regulations, plastic waste is particularly problematic in wildlife areas where animals might ingest it or become entangled.”
Pack reusable bags, bottles, and containers instead. Many safari lodges now provide filtered water stations for refills.
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Valuable Jewellery and Accessories
Expensive watches, jewellery, and designer items have no place on safari.
“Fine jewellery not only attracts unwanted attention but can get damaged or lost in the bush,” O’Connor explains. “Safaris involve dusty roads, bumpy rides, and sometimes sudden movements when exciting wildlife appears. The last thing you want is to lose a family heirloom while leaning out for that perfect elephant photo.”
Leave valuables in your hotel safe before heading to remote safari locations or, better yet, at home.
Doug O’Connor from DeerFencing.com commented: “Packing smart for a safari isn’t just about what you bring – it’s also about what you leave behind. The wilderness demands respect, and that starts with understanding how your presence impacts wildlife. By avoiding these common packing mistakes, you’re setting yourself up for incredible wildlife encounters while keeping yourself and the animals safe.
“Remember that you’re entering their home, not the other way around. The best safari experiences come when you minimise your footprint – wearing natural colours, staying quiet, and being patient. I’ve spent decades observing wild animal behaviour, and I can tell you that the less disruptive your presence, the more authentic your wildlife experience will be.”