What Should You Pack for a Safari and Beach Trip?

Planning South Africa plus an Indian Ocean beach (e.g., Mauritius or Mozambique)? Your bag needs to handle two very different environments without overpacking. Here’s a clear, no-nonsense packing guide you can copy, tweak, and use.

Safari: Practical, neutral, layered

Wear/pack

Neutral clothes (khaki, beige, olive). Avoid white (dust) and dark navy/black (can attract biting flies).
Layers for cold dawns and warm afternoons: breathable shirts, light fleece/jacket.
Comfortable trousers/shorts; skip stiff jeans.
Closed-toe trainers/light walkers.
Wide-brim hat and sunglasses.
Light scarf/buff for sun and dust.
Swimwear (many lodges have pools).

Bags & weight

If using small charter flights to private reserves: soft-sided luggage only, ~15kg total including hand luggage. If not on light aircraft, a standard case is fine—still pack light and use lodge laundry.

Don’t pack

Camouflage prints (restricted in some countries).
Bright colours for game drives.
Formal eveningwear (even luxury lodges are relaxed).

Beach: Light, easy, sun-safe

Wear/pack

2+ swimsuits (so one can dry).
Linen/cotton cover-ups and light evening outfits (smart-casual is fine).
Sandals/flip-flops; water shoes for rocky/coral shores.
Reef-safe sunscreen, after-sun, insect repellent, sun hat.

Crossover items (work in both)

Lightweight rain jacket (tropical showers happen).
Small daypack for camera, water, sunscreen.
Reusable water bottle (most lodges have refill points).
Binoculars (great on safari and for whale/dolphin spotting).
Kindle/book.
Health kit: prescriptions in original boxes, small first-aid kit; malaria prophylaxis if advised.
Currency/cards; small notes for tips.

How to pack smart

Check luggage rules early (charter weight/soft-bag limits if applicable).
Build a capsule: mix-and-match safari neutrals + beach whites/pastels.
Use laundry at lodges—cuts volume fast.

Quick checklist

Safari

Neutral tops/trousers/shorts
Light fleece/jacket
Closed-toe trainers
Hat, sunglasses, scarf/buff
Swimwear

Beach

Swimsuits (2+)
Cover-ups, light evening outfits
Sandals/flip-flops, water shoes
Reef-safe sunscreen, after-sun
Insect repellent

Both

Lightweight rain jacket
Daypack, reusable bottle
Binoculars, book/Kindle
Prescriptions/first-aid, malaria meds (if needed)
Passport, documents, cards/cash (small notes)
Soft-sided bag if on charter flights (≈15kg total)

Bottom line

Pack for versatility, not volume. Neutral layers for the bush, breezy pieces for the coast, and a few smart crossovers. Get the bag rules right, lean on laundry, and you’ll travel lighter, and enjoy the trip more.

What Every UK Traveller Should Know Before Planning South Africa

Your insider guide to travelling safely, meaningfully, and well.

Created by Sandra Dowling, who called South Africa home for 36 years.