Kenya Packing List 2026
Safari essentials, beach gear and city clothing for Kenya
Climate & Seasons
| Season | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hot & Dry | January - February | Best safari viewing; hot in lowlands |
| Long Rains | March - May | Heavy rain; roads can be impassable; green season |
| Cool & Dry | June - October | Best time for safari; Great Migration July-Oct; cool mornings |
| Short Rains | November - December | Brief showers; good bird watching; quieter parks |
Nairobi sits at 1,700m altitude and is cooler than expected (15-25C). The coast (Mombasa, Diani) is hot and humid year-round (25-32C).
Essential Documents
| Item | Notes | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport (6+ months validity) | With e-Visa / eTA | |
| Yellow fever certificate | Required for entry | |
| Travel insurance (with evacuation) | Must cover safari and air evacuation | |
| AMREF Flying Doctors card | $25 evacuation cover - buy online before travel | |
| Safari booking confirmations | Operator details and itinerary | |
| Photocopies of all documents | Keep separate from originals |
Safari Clothing
| Item | Notes | |
|---|---|---|
| Neutral-coloured shirts (3-5) | Khaki, olive, beige, brown - avoid bright colours | |
| Long safari trousers (2-3) | Zip-off trousers are versatile | |
| Warm fleece jacket | Mornings can be 5-10C on game drives | |
| Windbreaker / rain jacket | Open vehicles get cold and dusty | |
| Closed-toe walking shoes/boots | Required for bush walks and walking safaris | |
| Wide-brimmed hat | Essential sun protection | |
| Buff / bandana | Dust protection on dirt roads | |
| Warm beanie / gloves | For cold June-August early starts | |
| Long-sleeved evening shirt | Mosquito protection at dusk |
Coast & Beach Clothing
| Item | Notes | |
|---|---|---|
| Swimwear | For resort pools and beach | |
| Modest cover-ups | Coast is Muslim - cover up away from resorts | |
| Reef shoes / water shoes | Coral and sea urchins on some beaches | |
| Rash vest | Sun protection for snorkelling | |
| Light cotton clothing | Hot and humid - breathable fabrics only |
Health Kit
| Item | Notes | |
|---|---|---|
| Antimalarial medication | Essential for safari and coast | |
| DEET insect repellent (30-50%) | Apply liberally at dusk | |
| Sunscreen SPF50 | Altitude makes sun stronger | |
| First aid kit | Plasters, antiseptic, painkillers, tweezers | |
| Oral rehydration salts | Dehydration risk on safari | |
| Altitude sickness tablets | If climbing Mt Kenya or high altitude areas | |
| Prescription medications | Original packaging with doctor letter |
Safari Photography Gear
| Item | Notes | |
|---|---|---|
| Camera with zoom lens (200-400mm) | Essential for wildlife photography | |
| Spare batteries (3+) | Charging may be limited at camps | |
| Spare memory cards | 64GB+ recommended; you'll take thousands of photos | |
| Beanbag / window mount | Stabilise lens on vehicle door/window | |
| Dust-proof camera bag | Safari roads are extremely dusty | |
| Binoculars | 8x42 or 10x42 ideal for game viewing |
Electronics
| Item | Notes | |
|---|---|---|
| Type G power adapter (UK) | 240V/50Hz | |
| Power bank (20,000mAh+) | Safari camps may have limited charging | |
| Multi-port USB charger | Charge multiple devices from one outlet | |
| Headlamp / torch | Essential for safari camps at night | |
| Phone with Uber/Bolt and M-Pesa | Essential apps for Kenya |
Don't Forget
- Yellow fever certificate
- Warm fleece for safari mornings
- Binoculars
- AMREF evacuation card
- Antimalarials