So you’ve finally booked it – that dream African safari you’ve been scrolling past on Instagram for years. You can already picture yourself sipping sundowners whilst elephants lumber past your luxury lodge, or gasping as a leopard emerges from the golden grass at sunset. But here’s the thing: before you start frantically stuffing every khaki and beige item from your wardrobe into a suitcase, take a breath. Packing for an African safari isn’t just about looking the part – it’s about surviving and thriving in one of the world’s most spectacular yet challenging environments.

From the Serengeti’s endless plains where temperatures can swing 40 degrees between sunrise and noon, to Botswana’s Okavango Delta where you might find yourself ankle-deep in marsh one moment and dust-covered the next, this continent demands respect and the right kit. Whether you’re a safari newbie clutching your first pair of binoculars or a seasoned traveller planning luxury African safari tours across the continent, getting your packing strategy right isn’t just sensible, it’s essential. Here’s our essential guide on what to pack for an African Safari…

Safari Clothing & Colour Guidelines

Let’s address the elephant in the room (pun intended): yes, you really do need to dress like you’re auditioning for a remake Out of Africa. While it might seem cliché, those earth-toned clothes actually serve a crucial purpose. Neutral earth tones, creams, and greens are particularly practical for the African climate, as these lighter colours reflect rather than absorb heat, helping to keep you cooler during scorching midday temperatures. They also blend naturally with the savanna environment, making you less conspicuous to wildlife and allow for better viewing opportunities without causing disturbance.

When choosing your safari wardrobe, steer clear of certain colours and patterns that can cause problems. Military-style camouflage should be avoided entirely, as it can be problematic in some African countries where such patterns are restricted to armed forces. Skip bright fluorescent colours that can startle wildlife, as well as dark colours, metallic fabrics, and blue shades – these tend to attract tsetse flies, which are not only annoying but can carry sleeping sickness in certain regions.

Pack lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and trousers that you can layer as needed. Look for fabrics with built-in sun protection (UPF ratings are your friend), and skip cotton if you can as it holds moisture and takes ages to dry. Synthetic blends or merino wool will serve you much better when you’re dealing with everything from morning dew to afternoon thunderstorms.

Top tip: Safari lodges typically offer laundry service, so don’t pack like you’re emigrating permanently. A week’s worth of versatile pieces that mix and match will do you just fine.

Wide-Brimmed Hat & Quality Sunglasses

The African sun is relentless and shade can be scarce on the open savanna. A wide-brimmed hat provides crucial protection for your face, neck, and ears during long game drives. Choose one with a chin strap – there’s nothing worse than watching your hat blow away across the plains while a pride of lions looks on disapprovingly, well actually…

As for sunglasses, invest in quality polarised lenses with 100% UV protection. You’ll be scanning horizons for hours, dealing with glare from vehicles ahead of you, and squinting into the distance trying to spot that leopard everyone’s banging on about. Your eyes will thank you, and you’ll actually be able to see what you came all this way for.

Sturdy Walking Boots & Comfortable Shoes

Here’s something they don’t tell you in the glossy brochures: safari isn’t all about lounging in air-conditioned vehicles. You’ll be walking on uneven terrain, navigating rocky paths to viewpoints, and possibly doing actual bush walks where a twisted ankle could seriously complicate your day.

Bring a pair of proper, broken-in hiking boots that cover your ankles. We’re talking about protection from thorns that seem designed by nature to shred fabric, snakes that don’t appreciate surprise encounters, and insects that see exposed skin as an all-you-can-eat buffet. Your boots should be comfortable enough for long walks but sturdy enough to handle whatever the African bush throws at you.

Pack comfortable closed-toe shoes for evening wear at lodges. Many have dress codes for dinner, and you’ll want something more refined than hiking boots. Give sandals and open-toed shoes a miss entirely for daytime activities. The dust alone will make you regret that choice, never mind the safety issues.

Powerful Insect Repellent

African mosquitoes are not to be trifled with, carrying diseases like malaria, dengue fever, and yellow fever. This isn’t the time to rely on that lavender-scented natural repellent you ordered from Amazon.

You need the serious stuff: DEET-based repellent with a 20-30% concentration. Apply it religiously, especially during dawn and dusk game drives, which happen to coincide perfectly with both prime wildlife viewing and peak mosquito activity. It’s one of those cruel ironies of safari life.

Don’t skip the antimalarial medication consultation with your GP. Some areas require it, and some medications need to be started weeks before travel. Consider packing permethrin-treated clothing or treating your safari gear yourself for an extra layer of protection that lasts through multiple washes.

Read: 9 of the key places to plan your safari in Tanzania around

High SPF Sunscreen

The combination of altitude, reflection off pale-coloured ground, and proximity to the equator makes the African sun a formidable opponent. We’re talking SPF 50 minimum, broad-spectrum protection, applied generously and frequently.

Don’t forget the spots everyone misses: ears, back of the neck, hands, and that little patch where your hair parts. Many people focus on the obvious areas and end up with painful burns in unexpected places. Water-resistant formulas work best since you’ll be sweating in the heat and potentially caught in sudden rain showers.

And here’s something crucial that often gets overlooked: pack a high-SPF lip balm. Your lips are particularly vulnerable in the dry African air and intense sun, and the constant dust and wind can make chapped lips absolutely miserable. Look for SPF 30 or higher and reapply throughout the day.

Binoculars

A good pair of binoculars transforms your safari experience from merely seeing wildlife to truly observing it. You’ll spot details impossible to see with the naked eye – the intricate patterns on a leopard’s coat, the expressive eyes of a distant elephant, or birds perched high in acacia trees.

Look for 8×32 or 10×42 binoculars for the best balance of magnification and stability. Anything more powerful becomes nearly impossible to hold steady in a bouncing safari vehicle. Many lodges provide binoculars, but having your own means they’re always available and properly adjusted for your eyesight.

Camera Equipment & Extra Batteries

Safari photography is its own challenge entirely. You’re dealing with subjects that won’t pose on command, constantly changing light conditions, enormous distances, and enough dust to coat everything you own in a fine layer of grit.

If photography is important to you, consider a camera with a telephoto lens in the 200-400mm range. For everyone else, modern smartphone cameras can capture stunning images, especially with additional lens attachments. The key is being prepared for the technical challenges: pack extra batteries (loads of them), memory cards, and portable power banks since charging opportunities can be limited at remote camps.

Don’t forget lens cleaning supplies as dust is the enemy of camera equipment. Pack lens cloths, a blower brush, and lens cleaning solution, and use them regularly.

A Reliable Day Bag

A sturdy day bag is your constant companion on safari, carrying all the essentials you’ll need during long game drives and bush walks. It needs to be large enough for your camera, binoculars, water bottle, snacks, and personal items, but not so large that it becomes a nuisance in cramped safari vehicles.

Look for multiple compartments to keep things organised. Indeed, there’s nothing more frustrating than frantically digging for your camera whilst a cheetah saunters past. Padded dividers are essential if you’re carrying expensive camera gear, protecting it from the constant vibration of rough roads.

Water-resistant materials and dust-proof zippers are non-negotiable. African dust is legendary for finding its way into everything, and sudden tropical downpours can appear without warning. A crossbody design or secure chest strap keeps your bag stable and your hands free for binoculars and cameras. And yes, stick with neutral colours as even your bag should blend into the environment.

Warm Layering Essentials

Here’s something that surprises every first-time safari-goer: Africa can be absolutely freezing. Those romantic dawn game drives often start in near-freezing temperatures, and evenings can be surprisingly chilly once that blazing sun disappears.

Pack a warm fleece or down jacket for those pre-dawn starts when you’re sitting in an open vehicle watching the sun paint the savanna gold. A lightweight fleece is particularly clever as it provides excellent insulation whilst packing down small and travelling light.

Don’t underestimate the value of a lightweight scarf. It’s perfect for protecting your neck from cold morning winds during open-vehicle drives and can be quickly stowed as temperatures rise. It’s also brilliant for draping over your shoulders during those romantic alfresco dinners at safari lodges, providing a barrier against evening insects and cool breezes.

A lightweight rain jacket serves double duty, protecting against both unexpected showers and early morning chill.

Leg Gaiters

This is one of those items that seasoned safari-goers swear by and newcomers often overlook entirely. Leg gaiters wrap around your lower legs and boot tops, creating a protective barrier against the surprisingly aggressive African vegetation. Wait-a-bit thorns seem specifically designed to snag clothing and skin, whilst grass seeds have an annoying ability to work their way into socks and boots. Quality gaiters prevent these irritations and keep you comfortable during bush walks or when exploring around camp. Choose lightweight, breathable gaiters that extend from ankle to just below the knee, with sturdy zippers or Velcro closures and reinforced bottoms that can handle contact with rough terrain.

First Aid Essentials

When you’re hours away from the nearest medical facility, a well-stocked first aid kit isn’t just sensible, it’s essential. Include the basics: plasters, antiseptic wipes, painkillers, and anti-diarrhoeal medication, along with any prescription medications you regularly take.

If you’re visiting high-altitude areas like Kenya’s Maasai Mara, pack altitude sickness medication. Rehydration salts are crucial for dealing with heat exhaustion or stomach upsets. Don’t forget personal medications like EpiPens or inhalers, and bring extra supplies in case of delays or lost luggage.

Head Torch & Flashlight

Safari camps deliberately keep lighting minimal to avoid disturbing wildlife and maintain that authentic bush atmosphere. A reliable head torch becomes invaluable for navigating to your tent after dinner, reading in the evening, or those inevitable middle-of-the-night loo trips.

Pack a small handheld torch as backup. Top tip: red-filtered light is preferred around camps because it’s less disruptive to nocturnal animals and helps preserve your night vision for stargazing.

Dust-Proof Storage

African dust is legendary – it infiltrates everything with an almost supernatural persistence. Pack your clothes in ziplock bags or packing cubes to keep them organised and relatively dust-free. Bring extra plastic bags for dirty laundry and dusty shoes.

A waterproof case for electronics and important documents is essential. Even without rain, dust and humidity can damage sensitive equipment, and replacing a passport in rural Africa is nobody’s idea of a good time.

Cultural Respect & Safari Etiquette

Beyond the physical kit, pack an understanding of local customs and wildlife etiquette. Research the cultural norms of the regions you’re visiting – modest dress is often important when visiting local communities, and understanding basic customs shows respect for the people whose homeland you’re exploring.

The Bottom Line

Packing for an African safari isn’t just about stuffing a suitcase with khaki clothes and hoping for the best. It’s about preparing thoughtfully for one of the world’s most incredible yet demanding environments. Get it right, and you’ll be free to focus on what really matters: those heart-stopping moments when a lioness locks eyes with you across the savanna, or when a herd of elephants surrounds your vehicle with the casual confidence of creatures who know they own this place.

The memories you’ll make, watching the sun rise over the Serengeti whilst lions stretch and yawn, listening to hyenas whoop in the darkness, witnessing the ancient dance of predator and prey, will last a lifetime. Just make sure you’re comfortable, protected, and prepared enough to truly enjoy every magnificent, dusty, unforgettable moment.

Sprawling across a valley dominated by the imposing Volcán de San Salvador, Central America’s most misunderstood capital defies expectations at every turn.

San Salvador, home to over two million souls, pulses with an energy that’s distinctly Salvadoran – a fascinating blend of pre-Columbian heritage, Spanish influences, and ultra-modern ambitions. While international headlines have long overshadowed its charms, those who venture here discover a city in the midst of a cultural renaissance, where world-class museums share streets with pupuserías, and coffee culture reaches heights that would make any barista weak at the knees.

This is a capital that refuses to be defined by its past. In neighbourhoods like San Benito and Escalón, sleek galleries and farm-to-table restaurants have transformed once-quiet residential streets into Central America’s most exciting culinary scene. Meanwhile, the historic centre, long avoided by locals and tourists alike, is experiencing a dramatic revival with restored art deco buildings housing everything from craft breweries to contemporary art spaces.

The city’s relationship with its volcanic setting adds another layer of drama – the looming peaks serve as a constant reminder of nature’s power while providing easily accessible escapes into cloud forests and coffee plantations.

While El Salvador’s Pacific beaches and heritage towns deserve their acclaim, San Salvador rewards urban explorers with authentic experiences largely untouched by mass tourism. Here, you’ll find yourself the only foreigner at a neighbourhood mercado, discover street art that rivals any global capital, and taste coffee that will ruin you for anything else.

Two days provides enough time to scratch beneath the surface of this complex, compelling city – just be prepared to have your preconceptions thoroughly shattered. The dramatic security improvements of recent years (the country now holds the safest travel rating from the U.S. State Department) mean visitors can focus on what matters: exceptional food, culture, and hospitality.

Neighbourhood Know-How: Where To Stay In San Salvador

Firstly, let’s deal with your anchor for your weekend break here, your launchpad, your roof…

When traveling to San Salvador, choosing the right neighbourhood makes all the difference between an enjoyable stay and a stressful one. The city’s sprawling nature and varying safety levels mean location matters more here than in many Latin American capitals.

San Benito emerges as the clear winner for most visitors. This affluent district combines safety, walkability, and proximity to the best restaurants and nightlife. Hotel Mirador Plaza in the heart of San Benito offers modern rooms and a rooftop pool with volcano views. Despite its business hotel appearance, the weekend rates prove reasonable, and the location allows evening strolls to restaurants and bars without constant taxi dependence.

For boutique charm, Las Magnolias Boutique Hotel in the adjoining Colonia San Benito provides an intimate alternative. This converted Art Deco mansion features just eight rooms arranged around a tropical garden where breakfast is served beneath mango trees. The personal service extends to arranging reliable drivers and restaurant reservations – invaluable in a city where local knowledge matters.

Escalón, slightly northwest of San Benito, offers a more residential feel with equally good dining options. Hotel Villa Florencia Zona Rosa sits on a quiet street but within walking distance of cafés and restaurants. The Spanish-style building might feel slightly dated, but the spacious rooms and genuinely helpful staff compensate. The neighbourhood’s tree-lined streets and local feel provide insight into upper-middle-class Salvadoran life. For those planning to explore El Salvador homes with a view to relocating, staying in this residential area offers valuable perspective on daily life.

Budget travellers might consider the hostels around Universidad de El Salvador, where a young, international crowd creates a lively atmosphere. Hostal Cumbres del Volcán offers both dorms and private rooms in a secure compound with one of the city’s best communal kitchens. The location requires more taxi use, but the savings allow for splurging on experiences.

The historic centre, despite its daytime attractions, isn’t recommended for accommodation. While ongoing revitalisation efforts show promise, the area empties after dark and lacks the restaurants and services that make other neighbourhoods more comfortable for visitors.

For those seeking apartment rentals, the residential areas of Escalón and San Benito offer modern flats with security and parking. Many Salvadorans who’ve emigrated rent their properties to visitors, providing well-equipped bases for longer stays.

Day 1: Culture, Coffee & Culinary Discoveries

Morning: Historic Heart

Start your San Salvador sojourn at Café La Casona, a branch of the S&P Coffee brand tucked into a beautifully restored building on Avenida La Capilla in San Benito. This local institution opens at 8am, serving exceptional Salvadoran coffee from the Apaneca-Ilamatepec mountain range alongside traditional desayuno típico – scrambled eggs with refried beans, fried plantain, fresh cheese, and cream. The café’s commitment to premium local beans provides the perfect introduction to El Salvador’s coffee excellence.

A ten-minute taxi ride brings you to the magnificent Teatro Nacional, El Salvador’s crown jewel of architecture. Arrive by 9am to join the first guided tour of the day (offered in Spanish and English). This French Renaissance-style theatre, inaugurated in 1917, miraculously survived earthquakes that levelled much of the historic centre. The interior dazzles with its restored 1970s cupola fresco by Carlos Cañas depicting the country’s cultural heritage, alongside Italian marble and intricate architectural details.

Continue to the nearby Catedral Metropolitana, a ten-minute stroll through the gradually awakening Plaza Libertad. This modernist cathedral, completed in 1999, replaced earlier churches destroyed by earthquakes. While the exterior’s stark concrete might disappoint those expecting baroque flourishes, the interior surprises with its soaring spaces and vibrant stained glass by renowned artist Fernando Llort. The tomb of Óscar Romero, the martyred archbishop and now saint, located in the crypt below the nave, draws pilgrims from across Latin America.

Midday: Market Life & Pupusas

Navigate the bustling streets for 15 minutes to reach Mercado Central, housed in a striking yellow art deco building that’s survived since 1950. This isn’t a sanitised tourist market but a working commercial hub where Salvadorans shop for everything from fresh produce to pirated DVDs. The comedores (food stalls) on the second floor serve some of the city’s best traditional fare at rock-bottom prices. Look for any of the busy stalls where local workers queue – a sure sign of quality. Order the pupusas revueltas (mixed pork, beans, and cheese) and watch as the cook pats the corn dough, stuffs it, and grills it to perfection on the comal.

After lunch, walk ten minutes to the Museo de Arte de El Salvador (MARTE), the country’s premier art institution. The permanent collection traces Salvadoran art from pre-Columbian times to the present, but the contemporary galleries prove most compelling. Here, young artists grapple with themes of migration, memory, and identity in ways that illuminate modern El Salvador far better than any guidebook. The air-conditioned galleries also provide blessed relief from the midday heat.

Afternoon: Bohemian Vibes

Take a taxi or Uber (about 10 minutes, $3-4) to Barrio La Zona Rosa in San Benito, San Salvador’s most cosmopolitan district. This neighbourhood has transformed from a quiet residential area into the city’s creative hub, with tree-lined streets hosting everything from vegan cafés to mezcal bars.

Start at Café Fulanos, a third-wave coffee shop where baristas treat Salvadoran beans with the respect they deserve. Their pour-over selection features single-origin coffees from specific fincas, each with tasting notes that would make wine enthusiasts jealous.

Spend the late afternoon gallery-hopping along Boulevard del Hipódromo. Galería 123, established in the 1970s, showcases contemporary Central American artists and has featured exhibitions by international names including Salvador Dalí. The neighbourhood’s street art deserves attention too – entire walls bloom with murals addressing everything from indigenous rights to environmental issues.

Evening: Modern Salvadoran Cuisine

As darkness falls, make your way to Restaurante Hacienda Real in Escalón, about 10 minutes by taxi from Zona Rosa. While the name might suggest tourist-trap traditionalism, chef Eduardo Palacios has revolutionised Salvadoran cuisine here, applying modern techniques to ancestral recipes. The yuca gnocchi with loroco (an indigenous flower) cream sauce exemplifies his approach, while the coffee-rubbed beef tenderloin pays homage to the country’s most famous export. Book ahead and request a table on the garden terrace.

End your evening at Cadejo Brewing Company, El Salvador’s craft beer pioneer, located in Zona Rosa. Their core range includes clever twists on classic styles using local ingredients – try the honey wheat beer made with Salvadoran orange blossom honey. The industrial-chic space attracts a young, international crowd, and the kitchen serves excellent beer-friendly snacks until midnight.

Day 2: Volcanoes, Villages & Views

Morning: Volcano Views

Rise early for breakfast at one of the San Martín bakery locations in the city, where French-trained bakers produce Central America’s finest croissants. Their weekend brunch menu (served from 8am) features both continental classics and Salvadoran twists – the eggs Benedict with pupusa base instead of English muffin shouldn’t work but absolutely does.

By 9am, meet your driver for the 30-minute journey to Parque Nacional El Boquerón, located at the summit of San Salvador volcano (note: closed Mondays). The crater, over a mile wide and 1,800 feet deep, offers spectacular views when morning clouds clear. The main viewpoint requires just a five-minute walk from the car park, but the more adventurous can descend into the crater itself via a well-maintained trail (allow 90 minutes round trip). On clear days, the view encompasses the entire capital, the Pacific Ocean, and neighbouring volcanoes.

Midday: Artistic Escape

Descend the volcano’s northern slopes to reach Panchimalco, a historic town that’s managed to preserve its indigenous Pipil heritage. The 20-minute drive from El Boquerón winds through coffee plantations and small farms. This isn’t a prettified tourist village but a working community where many residents still speak Nahuatl alongside Spanish.

The whitewashed Santa Cruz church, dating from 1725, anchors the main square. Its baroque facade hides an interior where Catholic and indigenous beliefs blend seamlessly – look for the pre-Columbian symbols incorporated into supposedly Christian imagery. The Sunday market (if your timing aligns) brings indigenous vendors from surrounding villages selling everything from medicinal herbs to handwoven textiles.

For lunch, seek out one of the small family restaurants around the main square serving traditional dishes. Here, sopa de gallina india (free-range chicken soup) arrives in earthenware bowls with a side of fresh tortillas and proves exactly what you need after a morning of volcano hiking. Outdoor tables might offer panoramic views across to the San Vicente volcano.

Afternoon: Cultural Immersion

Return to San Salvador (30 minutes) for an afternoon at the Museo Nacional de Antropología David J. Guzmán (MUNA), the country’s premier archaeological museum (closed Mondays, open Tuesday-Sunday 9am-5pm). 

The modern building in the Zona Cultural houses an impressive collection spanning from prehistoric times to the present. The Sala de la Religión proves particularly fascinating, explaining how contemporary Salvadoran spirituality blends Catholic, indigenous, and even pre-Columbian beliefs. The museum shop stocks high-quality replicas and crafts from community cooperatives – far superior to typical tourist tat.

If energy permits, the nearby Monumento al Divino Salvador del Mundo offers insight into Salvadoran national identity. This monument to Christ the Saviour, perched atop a globe, serves as the country’s most recognisable symbol. The surrounding Plaza Salvador del Mundo fills with families on weekend afternoons, offering excellent people-watching opportunities.

Evening: Farewell Fiesta

For your final evening, head to Restaurante La Pampa Argentina in Escalón. While it might seem odd to recommend an Argentine restaurant in El Salvador, this institution has been part of San Salvador’s dining scene for over 40 years and offers some of the best steaks in Central America. The Salvadoran-Argentine fusion dishes prove most interesting – try the churrasco topped with loroco chimichurri. The extensive South American wine list provides the perfect accompaniment.

Cap off your 48 hours at one of the city’s rooftop bars offering 360-degree views. As you sip a craft cocktail made with Cihuatán rum (El Salvador’s premium spirit), the twinkling lights below and volcanic silhouettes beyond provide a fitting farewell to this surprising capital.

The Bottom Line

Forty-eight hours in San Salvador reveals a capital that defies every stereotype about Central American cities. From its world-class coffee culture to its thriving arts scene, from volcanic adventures to culinary innovations, the city offers experiences that linger long after departure. While challenges remain – navigation can be complex, and despite dramatic improvements, security awareness is still advisable – the rewards for curious travellers prove substantial.

Those inspired to explore further should consider pairing their capital visit with trips to the heritage town of Suchitoto (one hour north) or the Pacific beaches of El Tunco (45 minutes west). The Ruta de las Flores, a scenic coffee country route through charming mountain towns, makes for an excellent three-day addition to any Salvadoran itinerary.

As El Salvador continues its tourism renaissance, San Salvador stands ready to surprise visitors willing to look beyond the headlines. Just don’t blame us when you find yourself planning a return visit before you’ve even left.

Speaking of that glorious Argentine beef, we’re heading to Buenos Aires next, to try the city’s very best steakhouses. Care to join us?