Bag
Soft luggage, round like a duffle bag, can be tucked away on charter flights. Rectangular bags are hard to stow on small planes or sailboats. Consider weight limits for wing safaris (26 pounds including camera gear) or backpacks for treks.
A duffle bag with wheels. https://amzn.to/3AC5FFq
Or not your first safari https://amzn.to/3OYqAa1
Carry-On big enough for your laptop, with special pockets for passport and pens https://amzn.to/3aPRTEy
Binoculars Essential for identifying birds and white from black rhino. Try this simple lightweight version from Swarovski https://amzn.to/3AFRBe7 Or binoc with tripod https://amzn.to/3BfjKag
Camera Test your gear before you leave home. I arrived in Nairobi to discover B&H failed to include a battery. For recharging, ask your tour operator (which should be Pulse Africa) what kind of power you can expect. Some tented camps turn off generators at night, some rely on solar power. You may want to take along a charger that can work off a vehicle battery. For a small camera, I recommend the Canon Powershot. It captured this leopard several hundred meters away, in the Serengeti kopjes. There are several versions of the Powershot; consider your zoom needs. https://amzn.to/3P6VFrQ
Dress
I always pack (or wear on my international flight) one long black travel dress. On the luxurious trains of South Africa, and in the hotels of Cape Town, travelers dress for dinner. The same dress with a jacket or sweater can be worn on your long haul flight. This black travel dress has sun protection https://amzn.to/3P1KYaj Here’s a classy version https://amzn.to/3Bb2nHE
Must say this: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Eye glasses
Dust is irritating to contact lens wearers, so pack a pair of reading glasses. Many choices on my book page, but a true love story from Daphne Sheldrick. 
Order the book before you go to the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage. https://amzn.to/337lTYX
Flashlight
Tiny slim lights are excellent for finding your way in the dark. Many camp
s turn off power at night, and sometimes toilets can be a stroll away in the bush. These flashlights are also useful in a hotel room, to not wake your roommate by switching on a lamp. Mag Instrument K3A106 Silver Mag-Lite…
Hat with brim
Tilley Hat – Cool Mesh Lightweight Airflo Hat Khaki with Olive Underbrim (KHOL) LTM6 | Pith helmets are hot, and you will do better to choose a hat that folds for packing. |  Packable Felt Hat |
 Scala Wool Felt Crushable Safari Hat, The Wellington |
Insect repellant
The standard is DEET, but more pleasant solutions include Skin so Soft and Oil of Citronella. Wear long sleeves and long pants in the evening, and tuck your slacks into your socks. Use the coil and mosquito nets provided. A dot of ammonia will reduce the itch and inflammation of a bite, even those caused by Tse tse flies. Beware of ticks on a walking safari, even tall grass around your tent can harbor bombs of pepper ticks, similar to red bug chiggers in North America. Bathe, scrub, shave, shampoo. Try Murphy’s eucalyptus oil https://amzn.to/3REkNrV
Malaria pills
Most physicians suggest you take anti-malaria preventive two weeks before departure. To form your own opinion, consult your doctor and http://www.cdc.gov/travel/ . You should not need the pills around Nairobi, which is at 6,000 feet, but may need to take the full course for lower elevations, especially on the Indian Ocean Coast. Avoid Larium, which can have terrible side effects.
Medicine kit
Your personal choices: Aspirin, Lomotil, eye drops, band aids, disinfectant.
Consider dehydration powder that restore electrolytes immediately. https://amzn.to/3IurzMX
Money
ATM’s in major cities and at airports, big hotels. Alert your bank before you go; some security measures do not permit withdrawal. For currency exchange, www.oanda.com
Passport 
Consider this handsome case for your passport and CDC Vaccination Card Slot, Leather Travel Documents Organizer Protector, colors for men and women. https://amzn.to/3zc6ymQ
Check your expiration date when you begin to make plans; renewing a passport can take 6 weeks, and U.S. citizens can no longer add pages, but must buy a new passport. Make a copy of your passport ID page and keep it in a separate place, or snap a photo to store in your phone. How to Apply for a Passport Renewal
Safari Jacket
Men’s Correspondent jacket https://amzn.to/3PrtaVK
Women’s safari jacket with hood https://amzn.to/3z6I5iV
Sunscreen
Never underestimate the power of the sun to zap your energy or burn your skin. Some destinations in Africa, Australia and Indian Ocean Islands demand extra care, as do many outdoor activities: skiing, sailing or snorkeling. It takes a tight weave of cloth to protect your skin; the difference in shirts can range from 5 to 30 SFP. Some shirts and slacks have indications of sun protection, but the simple test is to hold them up to the light. This sunscreen spray is reef friendly. https://amzn.to/3ABMYl9
Toiletries
Even remote tented camps provide shampoo, conditioner, soap, but not always hair dryers. Consider leaving such behind to lighten your load. I pack a simple woolen scarf to use on morning game drives when my hair is wet. https://amzn.to/3AGa6yZ
Ziplock bags
For your camera, your wet swimsuit, but beware that Kenya and Rwanda have banned plastic bags. https://amzn.to/3armFUa
What not to pack:
Blue jeans take forever to dry, are not welcome in many restaurants or clubs, and only look good on a slim tush. Sandals are not smart in areas where there are poisonous snakes, thorns, rough terrain, or when a rain shower can flood unsanitary gutters, especially in developing countries. Taking jewelry is generally not a good idea, and you can buy beautiful local necklaces, bracelets and earrings.
What to Pack Click to print a simple PDF copy of packing list.