A general guide to help you prepare for the bush. Pack light — most light aircraft enforce a 15 kg total weight allowance per person (carry-on included) in soft-sided bags. Lightweight, breathable layers in earthy tones will carry you from dawn drives to fireside dinners.
Clothing
Neutral, earthy tones (khaki, olive, tan, soft brown). Avoid bright white, dark blue, and black — blue and black attract tsetse flies.
Long-sleeve shirts and trousers for evenings and insect protection
Short-sleeve shirts and shorts for warmer days
A waterproof, lightweight jacket for wet or windy moments
A fleece or warm layer for cool early morning game drives
A wide-brimmed hat and polarised sunglasses for sun protection
Swimsuit (most lodges have pools)
Comfortable underwear and quick-dry socks
Sleepwear and a light scarf or buff for dust
Footwear & Bags
Bush flights have a 15 kg total weight limit (including carry-on) and require soft-sided bags only.
Comfortable, lightweight walking shoes or safari boots
Sandals or slip-ons for around camp
Sturdy waterproof boots if gorilla or chimp trekking
Soft-sided duffel bag (no hard shells for light aircraft)
A daypack for game drives and treks
Dry bag or zip-lock pouches for electronics
Gear & Electronics
Camera with zoom lens, extra batteries and memory cards
Binoculars (8x42 recommended)
Phone charger, power bank and universal adapter (Type G, UK-style plugs)
Head torch or small flashlight with spare batteries
Reusable water bottle (most camps refill filtered water)
Travel pillow for long drives and flights
Health & Toiletries
Sunscreen (SPF 30+) and lip balm with SPF
Insect repellent (DEET-based) and after-bite cream
Antimalarial tablets (consult your doctor)
Personal first aid kit: plasters, antiseptic, painkillers, antihistamines
Hand sanitiser and wet wipes
Prescription medication in original packaging
Tissues, toothbrush and small toiletries (lodges provide basics)
Yellow fever vaccination certificate (required for some routes)
Travel insurance details including emergency evacuation
Flight tickets and Kuzuri itinerary printout
Credit card and small US dollar notes (post-2009, undamaged) for tips
Little Luxuries
A good book or e-reader for downtime
Field guide to East African birds and mammals
Notebook and pen for journaling sightings
Small gifts or supplies if visiting community projects
Need Tailored Advice?
Every journey packs a little differently.
Gorilla trekking, climbing Kilimanjaro, and Maasai Mara game drives each ask for slightly different kit. Speak with our concierge for a list tuned to your itinerary.
