Safari Packing List & Luggage Calculator
Check your safari packing list against bush plane weight limits (15-20 kg) and airline baggage allowances. Select your destination and travel month, then check off the items you plan to bring.
Trip Details
Weight Check
Weight estimates are approximate and for planning purposes only. Always check your airline and charter operator's exact baggage allowances before travelling. SafariPlnr accepts no responsibility for excess baggage fees or items left behind.
Bush Plane Luggage Limits
Most bush planes in East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda) enforce a strict 15 kg luggage limit per person. Southern African operators (Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe) typically allow 20 kg. These limits include all bags - there is no separate carry-on allowance.
Luggage must be in soft-sided bags. Hard-shell suitcases are not accepted on light aircraft as they cannot be compressed to fit in the small cargo holds. A duffel bag or soft backpack is ideal.
How to Pack Light for Safari
- Wear your heaviest items - boots, jacket, and jeans on the plane to save bag weight
- Choose multi-purpose clothing - items that work for game drives, walks, and dinner
- Leave the tripod - beanbag camera supports are lighter and work better in vehicles
- Share heavy items - binoculars, first aid kit, and guidebooks can be shared between travellers
- Use camp laundry - most safari lodges offer same-day laundry, so pack 3-4 days of clothing for any trip length
- Decant toiletries - use travel-size containers and leave full bottles at home
What Happens If You're Over the Limit?
Bush plane operators weigh all luggage at check-in. If you're over the limit, you'll need to leave items behind (usually stored at the airstrip for collection later) or pay for excess baggage, which can be expensive - often $2-5 per extra kilogram. Some operators will refuse excess luggage entirely if the aircraft is at capacity.