We get asked a lot about packing for Africa. Many of our clients stress about the baggage weight restrictions but this need not be the case.  Packing for safari is easy.  Here’s what is in my suitcase (actually a 22-inch Swiss Gear rolling duffel – check our Safari Shop for resources where you can find this bag) on my current trip to Kenya and what I could have left at home.

2 pairs lightweight pants
2 pairs lightweight walking shorts
1 pair running shorts/swim suit
6 tee shirts
3 short sleeve collared shirts
1 fleece
1 hoodie
1 rain jacket
7 pairs underwear
8 pairs socks
1 pair Sketchers sneakers which can pass as casual shoes
1 pair flip flops
Toiletries including toothpaste, shampoo, medications, etc.
Snacks like beef jerky, tootsie rolls and granola bars (too many of these)
Plastic bags for dirty clothes
Washcloth
Photocopy of passport and immunization card

All this weighs about 25 pounds

I have another 8 pounds of stuff in my backpack including the following:
SLR digital camera
Video camera
Binoculars (8 x 20)
Nook
Book
6 magazines (should have left these back home)
iPhone
iPod
Sunglasses
Reading glasses
Cap/sun hat
Exercise band
Small gifts/caps
Flashlight
Spare batteries
Adapter
Extra zip lock bags
Passport
Immunization card
Printouts of itinerary, emergency contacts and flights

Counting the clothes I wore (jeans, belt, long sleeve shirt) I could have cut one pair of pants also.  Every place I am staying on this trip does laundry – either free of charge or for a small fee – so I actually could have even done with less.