Are you wondering what to pack for an overland tour in Africa? You will not need a fire-starter on an, nor will you need a compass, an emergency blanket or the loudest whistle in the world for when animals are chasing you. I recommend you carry some luxury items on your Africa overland tour such as your own sleeping pad and maybe even a pillow. When thinking about what to pack for an overland tour in Africa, the same rules apply as anywhere else in the world – take as much as you need but as little as possible.

Let me quickly mention a couple of important things to keep in mind…

What to pack for an Overland Tour in Africa

Backpack v. Suitcase

A suitcase is a bad idea for an Africa overland tour. They are big, bulky and take up a lot of space. This matters on a truck especially when it’s a big group and having a backpack is definitely the best option. It doesn’t need to be expensive but you night want to pick something decent that you will use again in the future. A 55 – 65 liter backpack should be big enough and on this in a moment.

Sleeping Bag

You will want a good sleeping bag. It will be the one item you use every night and it will be the difference between getting a good nights sleep or freezing your ass off. Sometimes a tour operator will offer to give you one of the sleeping bags they have left over from another trip. This is also a terrible idea in my opinion. You get so dirty on an Africa overland tour so just think about how this sleeping bag is going to smell or what it might feel like to be using something so….used!!

I suggest you get a four season sleeping bag – its better to be too warm than too cold. I have listed my specific recommendations below in terms of what to pack for an overland tour in Africa.

Sleeping Pad / Pillow

Sleep is of the highest importance on an Africa overland tour. If the tour operator does not provide a sleeping mattress (Make sure you check), you will need a decent sleeping pad. While I dislike inflating and deflating a sleeping mattress, they beat the hell out of your average foam roll up mattress. I actually suggest you should carry your own regardless and enjoy some extra comfort.

It is also a good idea to bring your own pillow. You can perhaps buy a pillow when you arrive at the starting point of your overland tour in Africa (Nairobi, Jo’Burg etc). I personally own this compressible camping pillow by Thermarest and use a separate pillow case to add another layer of softness!

What Clothing to Take on an Africa Overland Tour

What clothes to bring on an overland tour in Africa? People always take too much with them the first time around. Avoid anything military style and don’t feel like you need to have special safari clothing because you don’t. Lightweight clothing is great, some warmer wear for cool mornings/evenings, a rain-jacket and a pair of zip-off pants is a great item to pack for an overland tour in Africa.

Let’s take a closer look at some tips for your Africa overland packing list…

Dress sense – There is a difference in terms of what to wear in East Africa compared to Southern Africa. My advice is to dress conservatively because of local customs in countries like Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Malwai, Zambia and Zimbabwe. That is to say, due to religous and cultural beliefs, it is better to avoid skin-tight clothing. There are also some parts in which you are recommended to cover the knees, chest and shoulders. I only say all this to help you decide what to pack for an overland tour in Africa.

Quality – Expensive clothing is likely to be worn out and maybe ruined on an Africa overland tour. Bring casual clothing that you won’t mind getting dirty. You can also pick up tshits and other casual clothing during the trip if anything needs to be replaced.

Color – Did you know that tsetse flies are attracted to black, dark blue and dar colors? Neutral colors are sometimes better because life on an Africa overland tour is a very dusty affair and this clothing will look less dirty. Beige, brown, khaki etc are good but don’t stress about too much about this one – take some of your favorite clothing too.

Material – I don’t think the material matters all that much on an overland tour in Africa. However, you will be doing laundry on trip and so quick-drying material is great.

What Shoes to Wear on Africa Overland Tour

Take crocs or flip-flops as well as a pair of shoes for every-day use. Normal trainers will do just fine but you will want something more suitable for trekking if you are visiting the mountain gorillas or climbing Kilimanjaro. I know a lot of people like to walk barefoot in campsites etc on an Africa overland tour but it is likely that you will step on thorns or stub your toe at some point. Although many locals do this, it is not very hygienic to walk around villages or towns in Africa with no shoes.

First Aid Kit

It’s a good idea to carry your own first aid kit. This is what you might include:

Malaria medication

Anti-histamine cream and antiseptic cream

Painkillers

Band aids

Diarrhea medication

Sterile dressings

Special Mention for the Head Torch

This is one item you will use every morning and every night. In fact, you will use this during the day too as you try to find items in your backpack or inside the tent. Specifically, a head torch is what you want for so many reasons. They are small and fit perfectly in your hand but they are also ideal when putting up or taking down the tent when it’s dark. This happens and you will need your hands-free. Picking up a cheap head torch in Wallmart is cool but a high-quality torch will save you headaches.

You Must Have Personal Travel Insurance

Now: Here’s the rest of my recommended packing list for an overland tour in Africa…

My Recommended Packing List for Africa Overland Tour

The Big Three

• Backpack: I always use the Osprey Exos 58 but anything else of this size is good.
• Sleeping Bag: My favorite sleeping bag is the Nemo Disco 15 degree bag.
• Sleep Pad: The Nemo Tensor is amazing and I like this Thermarest camping pillow.

Clothing

• Lightweight T-Shirts x 3: Quick-dry materials are great.
• Long-Sleeve Shirt: For sun protection and cooler evenings.
• Lightweight Jacket/Fleece: It can get chilly in the mornings and evenings.
• Zip Off Pants (Long pants + shorts in one): Save space with pants that zip off into shorts.
• Comfortable Shorts x 1: For those hot days on the road.
• Swimwear: Something for dips in lakes, rivers, or hotel pools.
• Sun Hat & Sunglasses: Essential for sun protection.
• Underwear & Socks: Pack enough for about a week and plan to do laundry.
• Sleepwear: Maybe use a comfortable t-shirt and underwear.

Footwear

• Hiking shoes or trail runners: Something for treks. I actually use Altra trail runners.
• Crocs/Flip Flops: For relaxing at the campsite or wearing in the shower.
• Trainers: For everyday activities.

Gear & Accessories

• Small Daypack: For daily excursions and hikes.
• Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is key!
• Torch/Headlamp: For those early morning starts and nighttime camp use.
• Sleeping Bag & Liner: A 3-season sleeping bag is usually sufficient.
• Travel Towel: Quick-dry and compact. Some of my guests used a sarong!
• Insect Repellent: Especially for malaria-prone areas.
• Sunscreen: High SPF sunscreen and SPF lip balm.
• Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap, shampoo, and any personal items.
• First Aid Kit: Include basic medicines, bandages, and any personal medication.
• Travel Adapter: Ensure it’s compatible with African outlets.
• Laundry Bag: Something specifically for dirty laundry.
• Notebook & Pen: For journaling or keeping track of your adventure.

Electronics

• Camera & Charger: You’ll want to capture all those amazing moments.
• Power Bank: To keep your devices charged when you’re off the grid.
• Smartphone & Charger: Useful for communication and capturing quick photos.

Documents

• Passport & Copies: Photocopies are handy.
• Travel Insurance: I always use this page by World Nomads to get a quote.
• Vaccination Certificate: Especially for yellow fever, depending on the country.
• Visas: Depending on the countries you’re visiting, make sure your visas are in order.
• Cash & Cards: Bring a mix of local currency, USD, and credit/debit cards.

Miscellaneous

• Malaria medication: Whatever your doctor has prescribed.
• Moisturiser: Very useful in dry conditions.
• Books/Kindle: For those long drives or down-time at camp.
• Binoculars: Great for wildlife spotting.
• Ziplock Bags: Useful for keeping things waterproof or organized.
• Bandana/Scarf: Multi-purpose and great for dust or sun protection.
• Earplugs & Eye Mask: For sleeping in the truck or camp.

Check out the following blogpost if you would like to read more about my favorite items to take on an overland tour – Packing for African Overland Safari: 7 Items to Carry