What in the world do people pack when they go to Africa? Where do I start? What is essential and what should I leave behind on my Africa packing list?

　　This was my question before I went to Africa for the first time, heading to South Africa with a backpack full of denim shorts and tank tops, kind of clueless about what was and wasnt cool to wear there.

　　It turned out that in most of Southern Africa, people dressed just like where Im from in California its all about fashion, feeling comfortable, and keeping it laid back.

　　In Africa, youll see all kinds of interesting fashion decisions. I have to laugh to myself a little bit each time I travel there and see foreigners like me decked out head to toe in beige and olive green safari gear. Theyve got the vests, the hats, and the pants that zip off at the knee.

　　Honestly, what do they think theyre going to need that for? Youre not even allowed to get out of the safari vehicles when in the wildlife areas, because of, you know, lions, hippos, and buffalo.

　　Safari shorts? Check. Nocs? Check Post-safari near the lodge in the Serengeti While you can most certainly make the safari chic work for you by opting for the more stylish and modern cousins of the original, its also totally fine to go for the same cute clothes youd wear at home, while keeping a few general rules in mind:

　　Dont bring anything that is expensive or that you really love. That tends to be the general rule I employ for traveling anywhere. You might lose some, stain some in that red African dirt, and the tough washboard-and-scrub washing methods are going to age them quickly. Keep modesty in mind, especially in parts of East Africa, like Tanzania and Zanzibar, and in Morocco and the surroundings where its a Muslim majority. Bring some cute and nice-looking clothing, but above all, keep practicality in mind. Quick- drying clothing is your friend, because the rainy season in Africa is for real. My Africa Packing List:

　　4-5 tank tops click here for the chubby unicorns need 3 too tank for 10 2-3 lightweight shirts that cover upper arms and shoulders I love this simple one. More if youre traveling in conservative places. Sandals or flip flops these leather ones are cute and comfy Hiking boots if you plan on hiking or gorillatrekking:

　　Hiking boots are a must for trekking in the jungle photo from Uganda 1 pair of comfortable everyday shoes I brought stylish boots but sneakers could also work Several pairs of socks 1 lightweight dress or long skirt:

　　My long, lightweight skirt At least a weeks worth of undies, or more At least one sports bra and one regular bra 1 lightweight rain jacket or a heavier jacket if youll be spending time in the mountains and trekking

　　Wearing my rain jacket in Tanzania Several pairs of lightweight pants harem pants and trekking pants or yoga pants 2-3 pairs of shorts 1-2 bathing suits

　　Hanging out in the safari shorts and a beandau top on the Tanzanian coast 1 hat to cover your face from the sun I love this embroidered cap I got custom shoes and these adorable shorts for way less than I would have at home.

　　Other Africa packing list essentials: bags, toiletries, camping equipment

　　My trusty Africa backpack Each time I travel to Africa, I tend to bring my PacSafe Venturesafe Exp55 with me. Its lined with Exomesh which makes it slash-proof, the zippers lock, and it has RFID-blocking technology so that theives cant bump into me and scan my credit card and passport info. Some airports like the one in Johannesburg are not as trustworthy with checked luggage, so this bag assures that thieves cant get to any of your valuables.

　　I also bring along a smaller cross-body purse and wallet that has space for multiple currencies. They both have the exomesh, RFID-blockers, and strong zippers as well.

　　With the purse in Tanzania I make myself the least attractive target that way.

　　I also lock up my belongings in my Pacsafe wire mesh bag protector. Unless your room has a safe, use this to lock your things up. Its very common to have money or items stolen in Africa. Sadly, its often pressure from local mobsters on the people working in the hotels, or desperation given how low the wages are in most of Africa.

　　More Africa packing list essentials: There are afew more absolute essentials that you should bring from home that you will struggle to find in Africa, with the exception of South Africa and major cities like Nairobi, Kigali, and Lusaka:

　　Sunscreen Venus razors floss hair products face wash If youre camping, I highly recommend the following:

　　MSR tent meant for heavy wind and rain and has a footprint headlamp light, blow up sleeping mat light sleeping bag Bonus: I was really happy I brought my hammock Insurance, immunizations, and meds: Travel insurance is an important addition to this packing list because it covers you in the worst case scenario, which is being flown to a country where you can get the proper care you need. I use World Nomads since their explorer option also covers adventurous activities like hiking and scuba diving.

　　You might not expect to find that in major cities in Africa, like Dar es Salaam, Johannesburg, Kigali, Kampala, Nairobi, and surely plenty of others, immunizations and anti-malarial pills are way cheaper and often dont require a prescription. I always buy my anti-malarial meds on the ground though its important to take them before you will be exposed, so plan ahead.

　　Wearing lace shorts made from a local designer in Cape Town Keep in mind, Africa is huge, and this list is for those traveling through the southern and eastern countries with some suggestions for the far north as well.

　　If youre just sticking to South Africa, modesty isnt a big concern and staples like hair products and sunscreen are easy to replace, but as you head more north and east, expect things to be a lot more lean and basic. You may be shocked at how difficult it is to find things that are totally common back home. Plan ahead and youll have a blast!

　　Enjoy the beautiful adventure in comfort and style, and not in head-to-toe beige safari gear!

　　Read Next: How to Book an Affordable Serengeti Safari