How to Pack for Safari

Words by Bridie Newman, Maya Avram, Sophia Miller and Tony Wilkes  

Over-packers, look away. When it comes to safari, less really is more – not for aesthetics, but because light-aircraft transfers often come with strict luggage limits– typically around 15kg – packing smart is essential.

From menswear and womenswear choices to skincare and beauty essentials worth making room for, these are the must-haves for your once-in-a-lifetime adventure. 

Safari style often conjures clichéd images of utility jackets, bucket hats and head-to-toe khaki – but, while the dress code isn’t always that strict, neutral tones are advised with good reason. Bright colours, bold patterns and black and white should be avoided, as they can attract unwanted attention from animals. Instead, shades of beige, brown and khaki help you blend in – and camouflage the inevitable dust of the day.

Layering is key: early morning and evenings can be chilly, so pack knitwear and lightweight jackets. Even in the midday heat, long-sleeved shirts and trousers offer protection from the sun and suit more modest local customs. Comfortable trainers are ideal for exploring, while slip-on shoes are perfect for time spent at the lodge. Lastly, if your accommodation has a pool, don’t forget your swimsuit!

Ernest Hemingway, Yves Saint Laurent, Jack Nicholson – some of the world’s most stylish men have known the appeal of a safari jacket. A prime example, Belstaff’s CS60 style, is based on a 1966 military smock from the brand's own archives and cut from vintage heavy-duty cotton sateen in an aptly named ‘stone beige.’

As for the rest of your outfit, practicality remains key. Opt for neutral cargo shorts or trousers, robust sneakers or lace-up boots, and a matching watch like IWC Schaffhausen’s brown Top Gun Pilot’s watch in highly durable ceramic. And for exploring the plains in the heat of the day, be sure to pack protection from the sun in the form of a hat and sunglasses.

Packing light is the name of the game on safari, and the same principle goes for your beauty routine. As the dry climate, harsh sun and strong winds can take a toll on your skin, keeping it hydrated and UV-protected is absolutely essential. Lightweight formulas like La Prairie's Skin Caviar The Mist and Augustinus Bader's The Sunscreen SPF 50 will nourish your skin barrier while keeping harmful rays at bay, while Clé de Peau Beauté's UV Protective Lip Treatment SPF 30 will have your lips feeling plump and supple after a full day of exploration.

When it comes to make-up, we recommend light coverage products infused with skin-loving ingredients like The Cell Rejuvenating Illuminator from Victoria Beckham Beauty, while Oribe's Imperméable Anti-Humidity Spray promises to tame flyaways. Finally, while you're not advised to wear fragrance out on excursions so as not to deter the wildlife, a spritz of The Merchant of Venice's new exclusive scent for Harrods, Eternal Sunrise, sets the right tone for delectable evenings at the resort.

Leave the hard-shell suitcase at home. Safari flights typically require soft-sided bags like duffel bags, weekend bags or backpacks, which are lightweight, easier to manoeuvre and better suited to the compact luggage compartments of smaller planes.