Kenya: Safari & Conservation‎ > ‎

Packing List

Kenya has a pleasant, tropical climate due to its location.  During the dry season from June to October, the average high is 75°F with a low of 68°F. Early mornings and nights can dip down to 50 degrees. Then from November to May during the wet season, the average high 82°F then cools down into the high 70°F.  

IMPORTANT: In 2017, Kenya passed a law banning single-use plastic bags to avoid plastic pollution, so please do not bring those. Plastic bags of any kind are not allowed. This includes shopping/grocery bags and garbage bags. Ziploc bags can be fine, but if it's not necessary to carry those, it might be safer not to. Instead of plastic bags, use dry bags, reusable bags, and a rain cover (day pack).  

Suggested Packing List: 

IMPORTANT: 

• Passport (MUST be valid 6 months after trip) 

• Personal medication. Note: It is best to be packed in your carry-on luggage, not in your checked luggage. Also, this medication should be in its original container. If this is not feasible, a copy of the prescription should be carried along with the medication.   

• Mosquito repellent (recommended with DEET)  

• One refillable water bottle 

• Small backpack or day bag for daily excursions

Clothes:  

• For the summer months (June- Sept) bring layers for the morning and night game drives that you can shed. Bring a warm jacket. 

• Short-sleeved shirts (we recommend thin, breathable shirts as it is can be hot and humid during the afternoons)

• A warm sweatshirt/fleece / light jacket (it can get cool at night)

• Rain jacket (lightweight, water-resistant for sudden, unexpected tropical showers especially during the rainy season)

• sportswear (for hiking / outdoor activities)

• Bathing suits (for pools)

• Shorts

• Several light pairs of long pants (we recommend wearing light pants, especially in the evenings and early morning to prevent mosquito bites)

• Hat

• One pair of tennis shoes / closed-toe sandals (these are for hiking and may get dirty)

• Cotton fabric is best for Kenyan safaris. Please ensure that each person has at least one warm jacket/fleece and a pair of long pants as it can get quite cold, especially in the mornings. 

***There is laundry available at the lodges at Sweewaters and Encounter Mara but we recommend bringing enough lightweight clothes to last you through the trip. Clothes will be hand-washed; however for hygienic reasons, undergarments are unable to be washed, so pack accordingly. 

Bath/ Personal: 

• Glasses/contacts/contact solution 

• Personal toiletries (shampoo, deodorant etc.) 

• Sunscreen 

• Bug spray (with DEET)

• First aid kit 

Other: 

• Pro Tip! For families traveling with kids, pack flashcards or trivia games to play during the long drives. 

• If you are sensitive to motion sickness, think about bringing Dramamine for car sickness. 

• Light day bag or pack 

• Binoculars (highly recommended for wildlife viewing)  

• Sunglasses 

• Earplugs

• Portable charger (phone or camera) 

• Camera 

• Personal snacks 

• Books and/or magazines 

• Watch or small alarm 

*Electrical outlets in Kenya are 240 volts and 50 Hz. Therefore, an adapter is needed if you coming from the U.S. We recommend purchasing a universal adaptor.