How to Pack for Safari & Gorilla Trekking

Written By Michelle Plante

It’s finally here! My two-week trip to East Africa - Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, alongside the most amazing travel agency ever, Videre Travel. Packing for a trip like this, including everything from city tours to safari adventures and gorilla trekking, was an adventure.

I first got to know Sarah Fazendin, the founder of Videre Travel, over 8 years ago when I was planning a solo trip to Belize and Guatemala. I stumbled across her info on a blog and reached out for help crossing the border from Guatemala to Belize (not something I wanted to tackle solo). Fast forward several years,I was giving someone her contact info and noticed she had a “join my team” option on her site. Wait, this is a job? Yes, please.


Something I adore about Videre Travel is their commitment to annual team retreats (and sometimes more frequently) where we all gather in inspiring places. Last year, it was Vail. This year? Safari and gorilla trekking—the ultimate travel dream.

My Packing Philosophy

Packing doesn’t stress me out but I genuinely believe that in 2024 there should be a better way to do it, right? For the record, I’m not into packing cubes and definitely not using a vacuum sealer every time I travel. No judgment if you do, but it’s just not my thing. I started my physical packing pile about two months out, mentally preparing six months ahead.

My Top 5 Favorite Things I Packed

Here are my absolute must-haves for the trip-aside from essentials like passports, visas, and adapters:

Here are my favorite 5 things that I packed for 2 weeks in Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda. Besides the passport, visas, adapters, etc

  1. Patagonia Black Hole Duffel: I initially planned on using a Cotopaxi Alpha 50L Duffel that I bought from Scheel’s, but last-minute I downed to the 40L from REI, and it was perfect

  2. Athleta Attitude Mid Rise joggers in Albalone and Moss. These joggers are comfortable and super cute.

  3. Rompers from FashionPass - Good American & Pistola brands: They took up a fair amount of space, but they’re too cute to leave behind

  4. Forme Bra  (Taylor Swift's go-to for rehearsals:) With a hefty price tag, it was as comfortable as I’d hoped…

  5. Printed Isla Scarf from 8 Other Reasons: rented FashionPass: The real MVP accessory that worked with everything. HOW CUTE IS IT?

Everything I Packed for Two Weeks in East Africa:

Bags:

Shoes:

  • Asics

  • On Clouds (these are the same shoes I work out in)

  • Rainbow flip flops

  • Columbia Hiking boots - I ended up wearing these on the plane 

Pants:

  • Athleta joggers x 2

  • Prana joggers

  • My fav Ruby & Wren pants from Nordstrom Rack in orange & cream

  • LuluLemon pants that I got from a thrift store in Denver

Tops:

Rompers:

  • 2 from FashionPass (shown below)

  • 1 from Quince that I love

Others:

  • 1 swimsuit

  • 7 pairs of undergarments

  • 3 tall socks

  • 3 short socks

  • 1 real bra

  • My new Forme sports bra

  • Beyond Yoga: Focus Cropped Tank

I also packed garden gloves for the gorilla trekking. I did not use them.

Final Thoughts

Packing for two weeks across Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda meant strategizing the essentials and bringing in a few personal touches. 

I hope this guide gives you a head start on your adventure and I hope you found your next travel favorite.

Happy Packing :)

Ready to plan your adventure to Africa?

Book a Life-Changing Getaway with Me: Interested in an immersive, nature-focused travel experience? Fill out this form and I’ll be in touch to schedule a consultation.

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Reach Out: Have questions about visiting Africa or want to chat about planning your own epic trip? Send me a message at hello@michelleplante.com. I’d love to help you create an unforgettable experience!

Michelle Plante https://michelleplante.com
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