“What in the world do people pack when they go to Africa? Where do I start? What is essential and what should I leave behind on my Africa packing list?”
This was my question before I went to Africa for the first time, heading to South Africa with a backpack full of denim shorts and tank tops, kind of clueless about what was and wasn’t cool to wear there.
It turned out that in most of Southern Africa, people dressed just like where I’m from in California – it’s all about fashion, feeling comfortable, and keeping it laid back.
In Africa, you’ll see all kinds of interesting fashion decisions. I have to laugh to myself a little bit each time I travel there and see foreigners like me decked out head to toe in beige and olive green safari gear. They’ve got the vests, the hats, and the pants that zip off at the knee.
Honestly, what do they think they’re going to need that for? You’re not even allowed to get out of the safari vehicles when in the wildlife areas, because of, you know, lions, hippos, and buffalo.
While you can most certainly make the safari chic work for you by opting for the more stylish and modern cousins of the original, it’s also totally fine to go for the same cute clothes you’d wear at home, while keeping a few general rules in mind:
- Don’t bring anything that is expensive or that you really love. That tends to be the general rule I employ for traveling anywhere. You might lose some, stain some in that red African dirt, and the tough washboard-and-scrub washing methods are going to age them quickly.
- Keep modesty in mind, especially in parts of East Africa, like Tanzania and Zanzibar, and in Morocco and the surroundings where it’s a Muslim majority.
- Bring some cute and nice-looking clothing, but above all, keep practicality in mind.
- Quick- drying clothing is your friend, because the rainy season in Africa is for real.
My Africa Packing List:
- 4-5 tank tops (click here for the ‘chubby unicorns need <3 too’ tank for $10)
- 2-3 lightweight shirts that cover upper arms and shoulders (I love this simple one). More if you’re traveling in conservative places.
- Sandals or flip flops (these leather ones are cute and comfy)
- Hiking boots (if you plan on hiking or gorilla trekking):
- 1 pair of comfortable everyday shoes (I brought stylish boots but sneakers could also work)
- Several pairs of socks
- 1 lightweight dress or long skirt:
- At least a week’s worth of undies, or more
- At least one sports bra and one regular bra
- 1 lightweight rain jacket (or a heavier jacket if you’ll be spending time in the mountains and trekking)
- Several pairs of lightweight pants – harem pants and trekking pants or yoga pants
- 2-3 pairs of shorts
- 1-2 bathing suits
- 1 hat to cover your face from the sun (I love this embroidered cap)
Shop my selection of the best clothes to bring to Africa here: