Packing for Children on Safari

What to pack for safari is a question our Travel Experts get asked often. With family safaris being a popular travel trend, we thought it would be useful to put together a general guide to packing for children on safari. The following list is meant to give parents/guardians some ideas of what to pack for their children before heading off on their adventure, but your list will vary depending on the length of your trip, the season youre travelling in and personal needs.

The most common trend we see when it comes to packing for safari is the temptation to overpack. Remember- most lodges and resorts will offer laundry services (the majority are free or inexpensive) and we recommend using these as it is invaluable to be able to move around different stops with fresh, clean clothes.

Safari clothes for children

• Two pairs safari trousers (ones that can ‘zip-off into shorts are best).
• Jeans (option for colder nights)
• Two long-sleeve shirts (that dry fast)
• Two short-sleeve shirts (again, that dry fast)
• Closed-toe, thick sole sandals
• One ‘dress outfit (optional)
• Walking shoes (optional)
• Five pairs of underwear
• Three pairs socks (if youre bringing walking shoes)
• Sun hat
• If your lodge or any follow-up resorts have a swimming pool remember a swimsuit and goggles (if your children use goggles)

Other children safari essentials

• Toothbrushes/toothpaste
• British plug converter (generally 220/240v)
• Any books or electronics your children use during down time and long car rides
• Headphones for electronics
• Chargers for all electronics
• Sunscreen (Factor 50 is recommended for children)
• Children friendly bug spray
• Hair brush
• Hair accessories for tying back long hair
• Baby wipes (useful while on the move)
• Hand sanitiser
• Small LED torch
• Binoculars (optional, but fun for children)
• Sharpie (great for labelling water bottles)
• Visas or eVisas for each country ( if visas arent available upon arrival)
• Passports
• Children's full birth certificates (if required for destination countries)
• Recommended medication and medical evidence for the country youre visiting (e.g Yellow Fever vaccination cards, Malaria medication, Children friendly anti-diarrhea and pain medication etc.)
• Plasters/ band-aids and antiseptic cream