The short answer
- Bag
- Soft, about 15 kg for light aircraft
- Colours
- Khaki, green, brown, beige
- Mornings
- Cold: bring a fleece and jacket
- Don't bring
- Plastic carrier bags
Safari days start before dawn, when it can be cold in an open vehicle, and get hot by midday. Most camps offer laundry, so a few versatile layers go a long way.
Printable checklist
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Tips
- Colours: Neutral colours blend in. Dark blue and black can attract tsetse flies in some areas.
- Bags: Light aircraft usually limit you to about 15 kg in a soft bag; hard suitcases may not fit.
- Plastic: Kenya bans plastic carrier bags; pack in reusable bags.
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Frequently asked questions
What should I wear on a Kenya safari?
Neutral coloured layers: a warm fleece for early mornings, light long sleeves for sun and insects, a hat and comfortable shoes.
Can I bring a suitcase on safari?
On road safaris, usually yes. On light aircraft, bags are typically limited to about 15 kg in soft bags.
Kenya month by month
More Kenya guides
Best time to visit Kenya: safari seasons, rains and the migration
June to October and January to February are the best months for a Kenya safari, with dry weather and animals gathered near water. July to October adds the Great Migration in the Masai Mara, at peak prices.
Updated 16 October 2026The Great Migration in Kenya: when and where to see it
Around 1.5 million wildebeest, with zebras and gazelles, circle between Tanzania's Serengeti and Kenya's Masai Mara. They are usually in the Mara from July to October, with river crossings peaking in August and September.
Updated 16 October 2026How much does a Kenya safari cost? Prices, park fees and a calculator
Expect about US$150 to 250 per person per day on a budget safari, US$300 to 500 mid range and US$700 or more for luxury, including park fees. Park fees alone can be US$200 to 600 per person on a short Masai Mara trip.
Updated 16 October 2026Masai Mara safari guide: reserve or conservancy, how long and how to get there
The Masai Mara is Kenya's most famous safari, with big cats all year and the Great Migration from July to October. Choose between the busy national reserve and quieter private conservancies, and allow at least two or three nights.
Updated 16 October 2026