What to pack for Tsavo National Park Safari

What to pack for Tsavo National Park Safari : Packing for a safari to Tsavo national park might be not the easiest thing to do most especially for first time travelers, even to experienced travelers it can be hard. While parking for  a Kenya safari to Tsavo East and Tsavo West national park you need to put several factors into consideration such as weather, comfort, local culture among others.

What to pack

This article is a general guide on what to take with you on a Kenya safari  to Tsavo East and Tsavo West national park , while packing please ensure that you pack minimally and use layers as there are typical luggage restrictions of 15 kilograms (including carryon bags) allowance per person by local airlines flying to Tsavo national parks.

Note: Soft Sided bags or folding duffel bags are recommended

The article lists and describes everything you are ought to include in your packing list including the following essentials, shoes, Hat, sun protection, insect repellant, vital medication and camera or photography equipment’s among others.

Do not forget Travel Documents, Passport, Health Cards (Vaccination Cards as required), Airline tickets, Credit cards and Insurance papers. Make sure that all the documents are in order and are up to date. Your passport must have at least 2 blank pages and 6 months of validity from the proposed date of exit from Kenya.

Note: Kenya as a country aims at eliminating plastic bag usage for the environmental purposes, plastic bags have been banned and their use is illegal.

Clothes

While packing for Tsavo safari, the ideal clothes to park for your safari are casual, loose fitting and lightweight clothes so as to keep you cool and dry during the safari. Your clothes have to be of neutral pastel shades of color over brighter colors, Khaki and Forest green colors are the most recommended and favorite colors for the safari.

Note: camouflaged military – pattern clothes may be considered unlawful in East Africa as they are worn by the local forces, so it is best to avoid them.

Also, make sure to pack a fleece, cardigan or light jacket for the cool early mornings most especially on good drives.

When packing, keep in mind that most safari lodges and camps in Tsavo East National Park and Tsavo West national park provide laundry services.

Here is the basic packing list of the essential clothing to bring for Tsavo East and Tsavo West safari

• 01 short sleeve casual shirt
• 02 khaki long sleeve shirts
• 01 Wind cheater or light jacket or Fleece jacket
• 01 Safari Multi Pocket Safari Vest (useful for Photographers)
• 02 pairs khaki smart casual trousers or Chinos
• 02 pairs safari shorts
  03 pairs sport socks
• 02 T-shirts
• 01 pair Nightwear
• 01 pair Swimwea
• Sports bra.

Note: if you are staying at a 5 star lodge or camp, carry along a single set of smart but basic attire for dinner.

Shoes

Safaris in Tsavo East and West national park do not involve trekking, so fully closed lightweight and comfortable walking shoes such as sneakers will be fine. If you are going to spend a day or a evening at the swimming pool of the lodge, flip flops or sandals are very useful.

Hats and Sun Protection

Sun screen lotion with a high enough SPF is recommended for sun protection as well as a wide brim safari as it will also help keep the sun off your face and neck.

A pair of sunglasses and for those who wear contact lenses, you need prescription glasses as it can be rather dusty to wear them comfortably.

Insect Repellant

Though some lodges and camps in Tsavo East National Park and Tsavo West national park provide insect repellents, travelers are encouraged to pack their own preferred brand. Insect repellants more effective against most insects and bugs should contain Deet, all natural citronella repellant are also good for travelers that are concerned about Deet effect. Note: Always consult with your Doctor or Pharmacist.

Medication

Tsavo East and Tsavo West national park are wilderness destination so you will be in the bush and the nearest town or city is hours away, be sure to pack most of your essential  and personal medications especially brands or medicines that may not be available locally in Kenya.

Pharmacies and clinics in Nairobi stock a wide variety of medicines for basic requirements such as pain relief, anti- malaria pills or antacids and others which one can purchase.

Note: carry along any prescriptions when you bring along medication into Kenya as you are required to show it at the airport.

Cameras, Binoculars, Travel Adaptors & Laptop

For visitors interested in wildlife and nature photography, cameras and photography equipment must not miss in your packing list. Tsavo East and Tsavo West national park offer amazing photo opportunities which is why you should carry a decent camera to capture breathtaking sceneries and views.

Binoculars are also very useful, though they are offered by some safari operators in their vehicles, it is advised you carry a set you might prefer.

For serious photographers, you must carry a laptop which is so useful for downloading,  processing the images taken after a full day of safari and also helps you make most of your camera storage cards as you keep moving the images to your laptop or hard disk at the end of each day of the safari in Tsavo East and Tsavo West national park.

Also carry spare AA and AAA batteries that are available for sale at certain lodges in Tsavo East and Tsavo West national park, standard and rechargeable batteries.

In regards to electrical sockets, carry a couple of Travel socket adaptors , in Kenya  electrical sockets used are associated plug type G,  which is the plug that has 3 rectangular pattern.

Kenya operates on a 240 V supply voltage and 50 Hz.

Other Stuff to carry on your safari to Tsavo East and Tsavo West national park

Other essential items to include in your packing list include

• Personal toiletries (such as travel size shampoo, conditioner, soap, deodorant, moisturizer, hair brush, toothpaste and toothbrush)
• Sanitary products for ladies
• Wet wipes and hand sanitizers
• Small sewing kit
• Small scissors and pocket knife (not in carry – on bag)
• Alarm clock,
• Money pouch or money belt
• Reading materials
• Pen and a notebook.