The below safari essentials list is supplied as a general guide on what to pack for Masai Mara Safari. Please ensure where possible that you keep your luggage to a minimum due to the weight / space restrictions of 15kg total weight allowance per person (including carry-on bags) on light aircraft and local airlines flying to and from Masai Mara.
Thats not to say that you can’t travel with luggage more than 15kg when you are headed to Masai Mara, its only a strict requirement when using an aircraft to get there.
Also depending on your travel arrangements most of your luggage can be left at you Nairobi hotel before heading to the mara.
Packing Checklist
This packing check list is a general guide on what to take on your masai mara safari.
Clear Toiletry Bag
One very important thing to have is a TSA approved clear toiletry bag, and this is essential for your Masai Mara and even a Kenya or Tanzania Safari packing list. Some African countries like Kenya and Tanzania have banned single-use plastic bags, inclusive of the ones provided by the airport because of enviromental concerns.
Sports Bra
The roads to Masasi Mara are likely to be bumpy and you will thank me for adding a sports bra to your safari packing list essentials. They come in different colors, sizes, and shapes and needed for any occasion whether you’re running the Boston Marathon or a Masai Mara Safari.
Personal Toiletries
Other important items that you must include in your packing list includes personal toiletries (such as travel size shampoo, conditioner,soap, deodorant, moisturizer, hair brush, tooothpaste and toothbrush), sanitary products for ladies, wet wipes and hand sanitizers, small sewing kit, small scissors and pocket knife (not in carry on bag) money pouch or money belt.
Camera
Be sure to carry a camera possibly with a zoom lens for the dramatic photo opportunities you’ll find on your Masai Mara Safari adventure. You may want to prepare a water-proof bag for the camera and extra flash cards to ensure it won’t get wet.
For your electronics including your phone and other rechargeable electronics, it is suggested that you confirm that your a/c adapter or battery charger works with 220 volts, and also bring a 3-pin square (UK) electrical adapter plug.
Neutral Coloured Cloths
So as not to be a target of the Tsetse fly, avoid very bright red colours or dark blue. For the evening clothes, if you stay inside of your camp or resort, focus on the light-coloured fabrics to not to attract mosquitoes.
Some light Clothing
Kenya is hot and at times a bit humid and you will need comfortable clothes that are not too warm especially during the day or too tight such that you can’t wear them for long. A normal day can range around in the 75° F / 24°C so dress appropriately for this kind of weather.
Warm Clothing
At dawn and in the late afternoon is when game drives are generally conducted. These periods can be cold, especially around July. The temperature often warms up during the day, so it is best to dress in layers.
Insect Repellent
Even though most of the lodges and camps in mara provide insect repellent we still encourage you to pack your own. One containing deet is the best since deet is said to be more effective against most insects and bugs on a Kenya Safari.
Some Medicine
This is just a fancy way of saying ‘meds’ – stuff you need, just in case the worst happens: diarrhea, headaches, heartburn, insect repellent, hand sanitizer, bites (antihistamine), indigestion, sore throat (lozenges), eye drops, and most important – anti-malarial tablets.
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