What to Pack for Your Safari in Zambia: Expert Tips from the Ground

Tyrone McKeith
12 minutes ago
3 min read

Packing for safari can feel overwhelming — especially when every safari destination has its own quirks and climate. At Classic Zambia, we’re often asked “What should I pack for my trip?” and the truth is, a safari in Zambia is a little different from one in Kenya or South Africa. With our camps across this vast country, we’ve seen guests arrive perfectly prepared… and some who wish they’d packed an extra fleece or left their bright colours at home.

So, here’s our expert guide — straight from the bush — on what to bring, and how to adapt your packing depending on the season.

The no.1 Thing to Pack: Binoculars

Before we even get into clothing or shoes, let’s be clear: binoculars are your most important piece of kit. A good pair transforms your safari, letting you pick out the detail of a leopard draped across a branch, or the flick of an ear in the long Kafue grass. Don’t rely on sharing with your guide — you’ll want your own pair. (We even wrote a full blog just on binoculars — that’s how serious we are about it!)

The best pair of binos are the ones you have with you!

Clothing: Think Neutral, Think Layers

In Zambia, colours matter. Stick to khakis, greens, browns, and other neutrals — they blend with the bush and won’t attract insects. Avoid black (it attracts tsetse flies) and bright whites or reds that can startle wildlife.

Dry Season (May – October)

Cool mornings, warm days: Layers are key. Start in a fleece, scarf, or even gloves, and peel down to a t-shirt as the sun rises.
Kafue mornings in June & July can drop to 5°C — a woolly hat (beanie), gloves, and a warm jacket will make those dawn drives much more comfortable.
Lower Zambezi mornings are a touch milder, but still chilly enough to need a fleece and scarf.

Hot Season (September – November)

Expect heat — up to 40°C in the Lower Zambezi and 35°C in Kafue. Breathable shirts, loose trousers or shorts, and plenty of lightweight fabrics are essential.
A wide-brimmed hat and good sunglasses will become your best friends.
Pack light colours (but still natural tones) to stay cool.

Shoulder Season (October – November)

The first rains can arrive, so bring a light rain jacket. The bush bursts into life during these storms, and you’ll be glad for a layer that dries quickly.

Footwear: Practical Over Polished

Walking shoes: Comfortable trainers/sneakears or lightweight hiking boots are ideal for bush walks (no need for heavy-set walking boots)
Sandals or flip-flops: Perfect around camp.

Safari Essentials

Binoculars (worth repeating!)
Camera & accessories — extra batteries and memory cards are a must.
A small daypack — handy for carrying water, sunscreen, and your kit on activities.
Power bank & travel adaptor — you’ll find charging points in all rooms now, so these aren’t essential, but handy if you like extra backup.
A good book or e-reader — afternoons are for siestas or a quiet read.

Toiletries & Health

Our camps provide shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, insect spray, and laundry service. What you do need to bring:

Sunscreen and lip balm
Any prescribed medication (plus malaria prophylaxis, as advised by your doctor)
Antihistamines and basic first aid items
Spare glasses or lenses

Travel Documents & Money

Don’t forget:

Passport & visa (if required)
Travel insurance
Flight tickets
Kwacha or US dollars (ensure USD notes are unmarked and newer than 2013!)
Credit card (accepted at all camps except Kutandala)

A Note on Luggage

Domestic flights (non ProFlight) in Zambia have strict limits: 15kg in soft bags (no hard-shell suitcases) plus 5kg hand luggage. Pack smart, and remember laundry is available daily at camp.

Final Thoughts

Packing for safari in Zambia is all about layers, neutrals, and practicality. The bush can surprise you — a frosty morning in Busanga, a scorching afternoon in the Zambezi, or a sudden downpour in November. With the right kit, you’ll be comfortable, prepared, and ready to focus on the real magic: the wildlife.

And if you forget something? Don’t worry — we’ll always do our best to help. Just don’t forget those binoculars.