Safari Luggage: How to Pack Your Bag within the Restrictions?
Packing for a safari requires careful planning. As a luxury travel expert with two years of experience as a travel designer—and having travelled extensively, relocated multiple times, and experienced safaris in Kenya and Zambia—I understand the challenges of packing efficiently.
You may be struggling with strict safari luggage restrictions, limited space, and the need to pack versatile gear that can handle rugged terrain and unpredictable weather. In this article, I will provide practical advice on choosing the right safari bag to suit your needs.
The best type of bag to bring is a soft-sided duffle bag. But if you are combining your safari with other destinations, you will likely have a hard-sided suitcase with wheels. This suitcase can be left in storage at the airport as it will not fit on the light aircraft.
Before discussing packing strategies, here is my expert advice on specific luggage restrictions that apply to safari travel.
Understanding Safari Luggage Restrictions
Safari travel has strict luggage guidelines due to the limited storage space on the small safari planes. Many airlines allow only around 15 kg per person and require checked and hand luggage to fit within specific dimensions. Because of these restrictions, it is important to pack your safari luggage intentionally.
Soft-sided bags are the most suitable option, as they can be compressed to meet the required safari bag size. In contrast, hard-sided suitcases, although durable, are often too bulky and inflexible to fit into the narrow compartments of safari light aircraft.
Many African safaris involve flying into a major international airport before transferring to a smaller aircraft that requires the use of flexible safari duffle bags. Once at the safari camp, luggage must also be placed in the vehicles which have limited space.
For example, in Kenya, the two main domestic airlines—Safarilink and Air Kenya—fly to safari airstrips, each with its own baggage allowances:
- Safarilink: Allows 15 kg per person, including checked, hand luggage and cameras. All bags must be soft-sided, with a maximum dimension of 60 cm x 45 cm x 30 cm.
- Air Kenya: Also allows 15 kg per person with soft-sided bags. Checked baggage must not exceed 60 cm x 45 cm x 33 cm. Hand luggage is included in the 15 kg allowance and cannot exceed 5kg on its own.
It is possible to pay the airline if you need to bring extra luggage, but most are able to fit in in the recommended baggage size.
At Nairobi Wilson Airport, the staff weighed our family’s duffle bags collectively, which allowed us to compensate if one bag was heavier than another. The organisers of my safari recommended keeping baggage within 62 cm x 30 cm x 20 cm – a guideline more restrictive than some airline limits.
Review your airline’s specific guidelines before travelling to avoid any stress or complications at the airport.
How to Pack Your Luggage for African Safari
Packing efficiently for a safari requires careful planning to meet airline restrictions while ensuring you have all the necessary items.
A common way of travelling to Africa is with a duffle bag packed with items for the safari element and a wheeled hard-shell suitcase with the remainder of your belongings (the latter going in storage while on the safari).
Remember to bring a lightweight day bag to carry daily items such as cameras, binoculars, sunscreen, and insect repellent during game drives.
Camera equipment should fit into your hand baggage and not exceed the baggage weight limit along with the rest of your belongings.
Here are some other tips for packing your safari luggage.
1. Use a Soft-Sided Bag
Most safari airlines require soft-sided luggage due to limited storage space on small aircraft. Choose a durable, lightweight duffle bag that fits within the airline’s size and weight limits.
Suitable options for soft-sided baggage include a duffle bag, a gym bag, or camping backpacks. Ideally, there should be no wheels on the bag.
- Recommended Luggage: Osprey Daylite Duffel 45 L
2. Stay Organised with Packing Cubes
Packing cubes keep your clothing neatly separated, making it easier to find items when moving between safari lodges. They are especially useful when you get dressed quickly for early morning game drives or when lodges provide limited storage space.
Use the packing cubes like drawers by grouping clothing into categories, such as t-shirts, shorts, and trousers.
3. Attach Luggage Tags for Easy Identification
Luggage tags help identify your bag on airport carousels and ensure safari lodge staff place your bags in the correct room. If you store a suitcase at the airport, a luggage tag will help you verify ownership when collecting it later.
- Recommended Luggage Tags: Amazon
4. Weigh and Check Your Luggage
Weigh your bag before departure to ensure it meets airline restrictions. Distribute weight evenly and be prepared to adjust if necessary.
If you need help with what items to bring, check out my safari packing list for equipment and my safari clothing packing list.
Best Luggage for Safari in Africa
The following luggage options would be suitable for those travelling on Safarilink or Air Kenya planes. Be sure to check if you are travelling on another airline in Africa.
These duffle bags are all either within the dimensions of 60 cm x 45 cm x 30 cm, or they would work if the bag is not filled.
I spent a long time researching the best duffle for Safarilink flights; the airline I was travelling on for my Samburu and Masai Mara safari portion of the trip.
Here are my recommendations for the best safari duffle bags.
Osprey Daylite Duffle 45L
Dimensions: 53cm x 36cm x 24cm
Based on the dimensions given by my safari company, I ordered the Osprey Daylite Duffle 45L, and it was the perfect safari bag.
The dimensions were a fraction too large according to the dimensions I was provided; however, I knew if I did not fill the bag too full, it would be able to squash down and fit the appropriate measurements.
I loved the different compartments on the bag. Plus, I liked that you could carry the bag as a holdall or wear it like a backpack using the shoulder straps.
You can purchase the Osprey Daylite Duffle from various shops online; however, I bought mine on Amazon because the shipping was quicker and there was more availability of colours.
Aside from safari travel, I use my Osprey Daylite Duffle frequently for weekend trips.
North Face Base Camp Duffle in Small
Dimensions: 33cm x 53cm x 33cm
I already own the North Face base camp duffle in sizes medium and large. These bags were extremely helpful when I moved from Ontario, Canada to England. However, sadly the sizes I own were too big to bring as safari travel bags.
The small version of the duffle bag from The North Face is a great size for those travellers flying on Air Kenya or other safari airlines.
Not only is The North Face duffle bag a resistant material that will handle all terrains and weather. It is also easy to carry as a backpack and can fit plenty in without popping the zip. I am talking from experience as we have stuffed it full and the zip is very sturdy.
• Check price on The North Face
• Check price on Amazon
Patagonia Black Hole Duffle 55 L
Dimensions: 57.9 x 33.8 x 24.1 cm
I saw many people with the Patagonia duffle bag while travelling around Kenya and Zambia.
The 40 L and the 55 L versions would work as a safari bag.
It has a similar sturdy material to the North Face version, which means is easily cleaned and will keep your belongings safe.
It can also be carried like a backpack and has plenty of zip pockets.
Lifeventure Packable Duffle 70L
Dimensions: 18 x 22 x 50 cm
The Lifeventure Duffle is a much cheaper alternative and easily packed into another suitcase when empty. Therefore, it could be an option for those needing a low-cost solution that is great at being manipulated into small spaces.
However, be aware that is a very flimsy bag because the material is quite light and thin. The material is also not as water-resistant as the above-recommended options.
My dad bought this one and said it was good enough for our safari but not a premium option.
There is a newer version of this bag, called the Expedition Cargo Duffle Bag 50L which looks like a more structured material. It is also priced lower than the packable duffle, so I would recommend the Expedition one instead.
Luggage Storage During a Safari
If your safari involves flying to and from a domestic airport, you may wish to use their luggage storage. Customers flying with SafariLink or Air Kenya from Nairobi Wilson Airport are offered complimentary luggage storage.
Your safari may involve several safari locations, such as Masai Mara in Kenya or Serengeti in Tanzania. In addition, you could have planned a post-safari relaxation at a beach destination in East Africa or some wine tasting in South Africa. As a result, you may need to bring more items than will fit in the safari travel bag alone.
Thus, you can pack some heavier and unnecessary items for the safari in a separate suitcase without worrying about the safari restrictions.
If you use the airport luggage storage, ensure your suitcases have visible name tags.
You may also feel better locking your suitcase and sticking an Air Tag inside it. I use an Air Tag every time I travel, and it helped tremendously when my luggage got lost in Toronto Airport at Christmas.
Here are some locks to purchase on Amazon if your safari suitcase does not already have a lock built in.
Alternatively, if you are looking for a hard-shell suitcase for the rest of your travel to Africa, consider purchasing a Herschel trolley bag. This suitcase from Herschel has TSA locks on the zip so it is not necessary to buy an additional lock.
I own several Herschel suitcases and they make a great set.
Requirements of Safari Travel Bags
If you already own a durable, soft-sided duffle bag that meets these criteria, it may be suitable for your safari without needing to make a new purchase.
A safari bag must meet specific requirements to comply with airline restrictions and ensure ease of travel.
The bag should be made from lightweight materials to help stay within the strict weight limits set by domestic safari flights.
The bag must also be easy to carry, ideally featuring shoulder straps or backpack-style options for convenience when moving through airports or between lodges.
The bags will get dusty from being on the dirt, in the base of an aircraft, and inside a safari vehicle. So, make sure the bag is sturdy and not too precious. You will probably want to wipe your bag down when you get home.
Most importantly, it must be soft-sided to allow for easy storage in small aircraft luggage compartments, where rigid suitcases cannot be accommodated.
Conclusion – What is the Best Safari Travel Bag?
The best duffle for safari travel should be lightweight, durable, and spacious enough to accommodate your essentials. It should be made of sturdy materials that can withstand the rough conditions of a safari while offering convenience for transport.
My top two choices are:
- The North Face Base Camp Duffle in Small – Known for its waterproof material, ample storage space, and multiple compartments for easy organisation. Its padded shoulder straps make it comfortable to carry, whether you are navigating airports or transferring between safari lodges.
- Osprey Daylite Duffle 45L – A great lightweight option with multiple carrying styles, including backpack straps for added versatility. Its durable construction and well-designed compartments make it an excellent choice for safari travel.
If you are looking for more articles on safaris, check out these resources:
- Where to Stay in Nairobi, Kenya?
- What to Wear in Kenya on Safari?
- What You Need on Your Packing List for a Safari in Kenya?
- What to Expect When Visiting the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage Kenya?
- Is a Nairobi National Park Tour Worth it?
- What Happens on a Typical Day on Safari in Kenya?
- How To Make the Most of One Day in Nairobi, Kenya?
- What Is It Really Like Staying at Giraffe Manor?
- Nairobi Airport Services: Meet and Assist – Is it Worth it?
- Can You Visit Giraffe Manor Without Staying There?
