Pack Light, Pack Right

Colours and Fabrics

Stick to neutral tones — khaki, olive, tan, grey, and brown. Bright colours startle wildlife and attract tsetse flies. Lightweight, breathable fabrics work best. Avoid denim — it is heavy, slow to dry, and cold when wet.

The Temperature Swing

Early morning game drives in the Mara start cold — temperatures can drop to 10°C before sunrise. By 10am it may be 28°C. You will add and remove layers several times during a single drive. A fleece mid-layer and a light down jacket cover both ends.

Key Clothing Items

3 to 4 lightweight shirts (long-sleeved for sun protection), 2 pairs of convertible trousers, 1 warm fleece or light down jacket, 1 waterproof shell jacket, swimwear, and comfortable walking shoes in addition to your main boots.

Bush Flying Rules

Light aircraft transfers between camps enforce a strict 15kg total luggage allowance including hand luggage, weighed on a scale at the airstrip. Hard suitcases are not accepted. Use a soft-sided duffel bag. This is not flexible — excess luggage is left behind.

Packing Strategy

Pack your main duffel at 13kg and use 2kg for a small camera daypack. Most camps offer laundry services — you do not need a fresh outfit every day. Plan for 5 to 6 days of clothing and wash mid-trip on longer itineraries.

Camera and Lenses

A telephoto lens of at least 300mm is essential for wildlife photography — 400mm to 500mm is better. A zoom lens (70-200mm) covers in-camp and portrait shots. Bring a dust-proof bag or wrap lenses in clean cloths — the Mara generates serious dust on dry-season drives.

Power and Charging

Kenya and Tanzania use the British three-pin socket (Type G). Most camps charge devices at mealtimes. A small universal travel adaptor and a 20,000mAh power bank cover bush camps where power access is limited.