African Safari Guide: Packing, Visas & Best Time to Visit

What to Pack for an African Safari

Packing correctly makes a huge difference. If you are taking small bush flights between parks, airlines have a strict weight limit of 15kg (33 lbs) per person. You must use soft duffel bags, as hard suitcases will not fit in the small planes.

Colors & Clothing

Wear natural, neutral colors like khaki, brown, and olive green. Avoid bright colors, pure white (it gets dirty fast), and dark blue/black (which attracts bugs). Pack layers, as mornings are chilly but afternoons get hot.

Shoes

Unless you are doing a specific gorilla trekking packing list, you do not need heavy hiking boots. Comfortable sneakers or walking shoes are perfect for game drives. Bring sandals to wear while relaxing at the camp.

Cameras & Gear

Bring good binoculars to see animals clearly. If you love taking photos, bring a camera with a zoom lens. Don't forget universal power adapters (UK-style plugs are common here) and extra camera batteries.

Sun Protection

The African sun is very strong. Pack a hat with a wide brim, good sunglasses, strong sunscreen, and lip balm to protect your skin.

Safari Travel Requirements & Visas

To travel smoothly, make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after your trip ends, with at least two blank pages. Here is a simple Kenya and Tanzania visa guide:

Kenya Travel: Kenya no longer uses traditional visas. However, every traveler must apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before flying. It costs about $30 USD.
Tanzania Visas: Most travelers (including US citizens) need a visa to enter Tanzania. It costs $50-$100 USD. We suggest applying online for an e-Visa before your trip to save time at the airport.
East Africa Tourist Visa: If you plan to visit Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda on the same trip, you can buy one combined visa for $100 USD. (Note: This does not include Tanzania).
Travel Insurance: You must have medical travel insurance. Hospitals in the wild are very basic, so your insurance needs to cover emergency flights to a city hospital just in case.

Health and Safety

Talk to your doctor a few weeks before you travel. Here are the two most common health questions we get:

Yellow Fever

You must have a Yellow Fever vaccination shot if you are traveling between certain African countries (like going from Kenya to Tanzania). You will need to show your physical "yellow card" at the border.

Malaria Pills

Most safari parks have mosquitoes. Your doctor will likely give you malaria prevention pills to take during your trip. Your beds will have mosquito nets, and our cars carry bug spray.

No Plastic Bags Allowed:
Countries like Kenya and Rwanda are very strict about protecting nature. It is illegal to bring single-use plastic bags into the country. Do not pack your shoes or liquids in plastic grocery bags. We will provide safe drinking water bottles for you.

Best Time to Visit Africa for Safari

You can see amazing wildlife all year round, but the weather changes what the animals do. Here is a quick look at the seasons:

Jul - Oct

The Peak Season (Dry & Cool)

This is the most popular time to go. The grass is dry and short, making it easy to spot animals gathering near rivers. This is also the Great Wildebeest Migration season, where you can watch millions of animals cross the rivers in the Masai Mara and Serengeti.

Jan - Mar

The High Season (Warm & Dry)

This is a wonderful time to visit. It is warmer, and in places like the Serengeti, it is "calving season." Thousands of baby animals are born, which means you will also see a lot of lions and cheetahs nearby.

Apr - Jun

The Green Season (Rainy)

It rains often, turning the parks beautiful and green. There are fewer tourists, the prices are lower, and the clouds make for incredible photographs. It’s also a great time to see baby animals.

Our Luxury Safari Vehicles

When you travel with Clayton Safaris, you ride in our own customized 4x4 Toyota Land Cruisers. These cars are built to handle bumpy dirt roads while keeping you safe and comfortable.

The cars are large, but we only put up to 6 people in each vehicle. This means everyone gets their own window seat to take pictures.

Pop-up roofs so you can stand and look around.
Outlets to charge your phone and cameras.
A small fridge to keep your drinks cold.

Tipping Guide & Money

Your safari package includes almost everything you need. You will only need extra cash to buy souvenirs, special drinks, or to tip the staff.

Using US Dollars

US Dollars are accepted almost everywhere. However, African banks will not take old money. Make sure your US bills were printed after 2013 and are clean, with no tears or marks.

Tipping Guide

Tipping is a nice way to say thank you. We suggest giving your driver-guide about $15 - $20 per person, per day at the very end of your trip. For the people who clean and cook at the camps, you can put $10 - $15 a day in the tip box at the front desk.

Safari Park Conservation Fees

To enter the national parks, everyone must pay daily conservation fees. This money protects the animals from hunters and keeps the parks clean. When you book with Clayton Safaris, we include these fees in your final price, so you don't have to worry about paying at the gate.

Here is an idea of what the parks charge per day:

Famous Park / Reserve	Cost Per Day (USD)
Masai Mara (Kenya)	$100 - $200
Serengeti National Park (Tanzania)	$83
Ngorongoro Crater (Tanzania)	$71 (plus a car fee)
Volcanoes Gorilla Trek (Rwanda)	$1,500 (one-time permit)

Your African Safari Guide: How to Prepare