Packing, Flights, and What Safari Life Is Really Like in Africa

What it’s really like to travel to Africa for a safari — from flights and packing to daily life in the field.

If you’ve been thinking about Africa but keep getting stuck on the practical side of things—flights, packing, what your days will actually look like—you’re not alone.

This is usually where people pause.

Not because they don’t want to go… but because it starts to feel complicated.

So let me walk you through what this actually looks like, based on how I travel and how I guide my clients through it.

The Flights (What It Really Feels Like)

Most of my clients fly a similar route that I do:

Delta or KLM through Amsterdam, then on to Kilimanjaro International Airport.

If you go straight through, you’re looking at about 24 hours total travel time, usually broken into two long-haul flights—one to Amsterdam and one from Amsterdam into Tanzania.

There are two ways to approach it:

You can do it straight through and just get there.

Or, if you have the time, I often suggest spending a couple of days in Amsterdam on the way over. It’s a great city, and it gives your body a chance to adjust before you head into safari mode.

Long Flight Reality

As far as the flights themselves, yes—they’re long.

But they’re not nearly as difficult as people imagine.

These are large international aircraft. You’re fed regularly, there’s plenty of entertainment, and you have power at your seat. It’s not like a domestic flight where you’re counting the minutes.

I’ve flown this route in coach and I’ve flown it in first class.

If you can upgrade using points, great—I do that when I can.

But I’ve also flown coach many times, and I would never let that be the reason not to take this trip.

The Weight Limit (The Part Everyone Worries About)

For our trip, the limit is 35 pounds for your checked bag.

That does sound tight at first.

But here’s what most people don’t realize:

This ends up being one of the easiest trips you’ll ever pack for.

Laundry is available for the majority of the trip, and it’s included.

You really only need to pack a couple days’ worth of clothing and have it washed as you go.

Once people understand that, the stress around packing disappears pretty quickly.

What to Pack (The Simple Version)

You don’t need much.

Mornings are cool—typically in the mid-60s—so I bring a light puffy jacket that I can layer over my safari clothes. Within a couple of hours, you’ll usually be peeling that off as the day warms up into the 70s.

It’s comfortable, not extreme.

This is not a fashion trip, and you don’t need a different outfit for every day. Simple, comfortable, neutral clothing works best.

What a Typical Day Looks Like

Most days start early. We head out before daybreak so we’re in position for sunrise—that’s when the best light and wildlife activity happens.

From there, the day unfolds naturally.

Breakfast and lunch are usually in the field. The lodges prepare fresh meals for us each day, and we bring them along in the vehicles.

Evenings are another game drive, followed by a relaxed dinner back at camp.

And yes—there are sundowners.

What Surprises People the Most

People expect Africa to be incredible.

What they don’t expect is how comfortable and seamless it feels once they’re there.

They’re surprised by how closely it matches what they’ve always imagined—those wide open landscapes, the wildlife, the light.

And just as importantly, they’re relieved.

Relieved that it wasn’t as complicated as they thought.
Relieved that they felt taken care of the entire time.
Relieved that they didn’t let the unknown stop them.

Ready to Take a Closer Look?

My Africa Wildlife Photography Safari for February 2027 is currently booking, and there are just a few spots remaining.

If you’ve been on the fence, this is usually the point where things start to feel real—and doable.

Request full details and availability here:

Or reach out directly. I’m always happy to walk through the details with you and help you decide if it’s the right fit.

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Packing, Flights, and What Safari Life Is Really Like in Africa

What it’s really like to travel to Africa for a safari — from flights and packing to daily life in the field.

The Flights (What It Really Feels Like)

Long Flight Reality

The Weight Limit (The Part Everyone Worries About)

What to Pack (The Simple Version)

What a Typical Day Looks Like

What Surprises People the Most

Ready to Take a Closer Look?

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