Packing for a Serengeti Safari

Color choice counts for more on safari than first-timers usually expect. Neutral shades like khaki, olive, and tan are much better than bright colors, and you should skip all-black and dark blue, which draw tsetse flies in some parts of the Serengeti. It is a minor point, yet it noticeably improves comfort out in the field. Plan, too, for big swings in temperature. Early game drives can feel almost freezing, and by afternoon it is often above 30°C. Layers beat any one "right" jacket, because you will probably be putting layers on and taking them off in the course of a single day. If you must pick gear priorities, put a good pair of binoculars ahead of a long camera lens for most first-time guests. Binoculars get constant use for scanning faraway sightings, but a serious telephoto lens is mainly worth it when photography is your top goal. If photography is a larger priority, see our photographer-specific packing list, or contact us with specific packing questions.