Packing for an African safari is somewhat different to most other trips you’ll take. Navigating rural roads in an open-top jeep means that you’ll get covered in dust, so you’ll need clothes that hide dirt well. Because temperatures can change dramatically throughout the day, layers are essential (after all, pre-dawn game drives are often chilly even in the height of summer).

If your itinerary includes flights in a bush plane between different parks or camps, you’ll need to pack extra light to comply with charter flight baggage restrictions. In this article, we provide a comprehensive packing list that should cover most 7-10 day safaris (while still leaving room in your suitcase for a few curios).