What to actually pack for a safari

Safari packing lists online tend to over-complicate things. Here's what actually matters.

Colours: stick to khaki, olive and neutral tones. Avoid bright colours and pure white (dust) and dark blue or black (attracts tsetse flies in some regions).

Layers matter more than you'd think — early morning game drives are cold, midday is hot, and evenings cool down fast. A packable fleece and a light rain jacket cover most conditions.

The one thing almost everyone forgets: a dry bag or two for camera gear and electronics, since open-sided vehicles mean dust and the occasional splash on a river crossing.

Binoculars are worth bringing your own pair rather than relying on shared camp ones — you'll use them constantly.