Best Bags For Safari

If you are here you are most likely planning your African Safari trip! I’m a travel advisor who specializes in East and Southern Africa so I have been on a few safaris myself and help clients plan their best trip.

When on your trip you may be flying in a small bush plane. For your trip, the maximum luggage weight per person is (15 kgs) 33 lbs total, including one soft-sided duffel bag and one carry-on bag. I take full advantage of the weight allowance on my Safari trips and here are a few of my favorite bags to do so! These bags are perfect for Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda or Uganda.

1- North Face Basecamp Voyager 42L

I did a lot of research between my first safari and my second. I took my learning and found the perfect type and size of bags. I like bag styles that can be both a duffle and a backpack. It gives you and the people who will be helping you on our trip their choice of how to carry the bag. My favorite features about this bag are the laptop sleeve, the pocket that is perfect for shoes, and the adjustable divider that can be moved to fit your packing needs

2- REI Big Haul 40L Duffel

This is the bag my husband ended up picking for his first Safari to Kenya. He loved the backpack straps and the inside pockets. It felt like a normal roller suitcase with a large opening and pockets for organization.

3- Baboon to the Moon Go Bag 40L

The color selection of this bag is so fun this is the perfect bag for families because everyone can get their own color and you won’t mix up the bags. This bag is TSA carry on approved and has a lifetime guarantee. I also find this duffle bag perfect for weekend trips.

4- Patagonia Black Hole Duffle 40L

This bag might have come up the most in my search. And there is a reason for that. It’s a trusted brand and a bag that has been a favorite of adventure travelers forever! The padded, removable shoulder straps let you carry the bag like a backpack and can be detached when not in use. This bag is very versatile and can make for a great gym bag when you are back from your Safari.

5- CALPAK Terra Large 50L Duffel Backpack

If you know you need a little more room to bring local souvenirs back from your trip to Kenya or Tanzania then I recommend the Terra Large 50L Duffel Backpack. For your flight from Nairobi to the bush the bag will have to remain unexpended. You can expand the additional 2 inches once you are back and can shop in the city. This bag is also one of the only water-resistant bags so this is PERFECT for rainy season or trekking in Uganda or Rwanda. The water bottle pocket is my last favorite feature of this bag! It’s something I find myself missing on the others.