What to Pack for Kenya 2026
Packing for Kenya requires planning for different climates and activities - cool highland mornings on safari, hot coastal days on the beach, and everything in between. This guide covers exactly what to bring (and what to leave behind).
Luggage Tip
If flying to safari camps on light aircraft, luggage is limited to 15 kg in a soft-sided bag (no hard suitcases). Check with your operator. Laundry service is available at most lodges.
Safari Packing List
Clothing
- Neutral-coloured shirts/tops (khaki, olive, brown, beige) - 3-4
- Long trousers - 2 pairs (zip-off trousers are practical)
- Shorts - 1-2 pairs for downtime at camp
- Warm fleece or jacket (mornings are cold, 5-10°C)
- Waterproof/windproof outer layer
- Long-sleeve shirt for evenings (mosquito protection)
- Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes
- Sandals/flip-flops for camp
- Sun hat with brim
- Warm hat and gloves (for Mount Kenya or early morning drives)
Gear & Essentials
- Binoculars (essential for birdwatching and distant animals)
- Camera with zoom lens (200-400mm for wildlife)
- Extra camera batteries and memory cards
- Headlamp/torch
- Sunscreen SPF 30+ and lip balm with SPF
- Insect repellent (DEET 30-50%)
- Sunglasses (polarised ideal for glare)
- Reusable water bottle
- Small daypack for excursions
- Power bank for charging phones
Beach Packing List
- Swimwear - 2-3 sets
- Cover-ups/sarongs (essential for walking to/from beach in Muslim areas)
- Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50
- Water shoes/reef shoes (for coral shores)
- Snorkel and mask (or rent locally)
- Lightweight cotton/linen clothing
- Rash guard for snorkelling
- After-sun lotion
- Waterproof phone case
- Beach towel (most hotels provide)
- Modest clothing for town visits (cover shoulders/knees at the coast)
- Insect repellent (mosquitoes active at dusk)
Health & Toiletries
- Prescription medications (bring more than you need, in original packaging)
- Anti-malarial tablets (consult your doctor - see our health guide)
- Basic first aid: plasters, antiseptic cream, painkillers, anti-diarrhoea tablets
- Hand sanitiser
- Wet wipes (invaluable on dusty game drives)
- Motion sickness tablets (for bumpy roads)
- Earplugs and eye mask (for light sleepers in tented camps)
Documents & Tech
- Passport (valid for 6+ months beyond travel date)
- Kenya eTA confirmation (printed and digital)
- Travel insurance documents
- Vaccination certificate (yellow fever if required)
- Photocopies of all documents (separate from originals)
- UK/US/EU to Kenya power adapter (Type G - UK 3-pin plug)
- Universal adapter recommended
- Local SIM card or eSIM (buy at the airport for data and M-Pesa)
What NOT to Pack
- White clothing - gets dirty immediately on safari, glares in sunlight
- Black or dark blue clothing - attracts tsetse flies
- Bright colours or patterns - can startle wildlife
- Excessive luggage - bush flights limit you to 15 kg soft bags
- Hard suitcases - will not fit in light aircraft or safari vehicles
- Expensive jewellery - leave at home for safety
- Plastic bags - banned in Kenya since 2017 (fines up to USD 40,000)
- Camouflage clothing - illegal to wear in Kenya (reserved for military)
- Drone - require special permits in national parks and are often prohibited
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Most safari lodges and tented camps offer same-day or next-day laundry service, usually included in the price or for a small fee. This means you can pack light and rewear items. Clothes dry quickly in the African sun.
Yes, since 2017 Kenya has one of the world's strictest plastic bag bans. Do not bring single-use plastic bags - they can be confiscated at customs. Pack items in reusable bags. Duty-free plastic bags from the airport are also technically banned, though enforcement varies. Markets and shops provide paper or fabric bags.