There’s something thrilling about preparing for a trip to Kenya — it’s not your average holiday, after all. You’re not just packing for golf days on world-class courses, but also for wildlife encounters in the legendary Masai Mara. From teeing off to tracking lions, your suitcase needs to work just as hard as you will!

To help, I’ve pulled together my personal packing tips and preparation advice, based on what’s really useful when you’re heading off on a golf and safari tour. Consider this your friendly pre-trip pep talk!

Dressing for Safari Adventures

Switching from golf mode to safari mode means swapping out the polos for practical layers. The days start cool and crisp, especially if you’re heading out for sunrise game drives, but they warm up quickly once the sun rises.

What works best on safari:

• Neutral colours — think khaki, beige, olive. Bright colours can actually spook wildlife, and darker colours (like black and navy) attract tsetse flies. Not the kind of attention you want.
• Comfortable closed shoes — even though you’ll mostly be in vehicles, you might want to explore a village or lodge surroundings.
• A light scarf or bandana — handy for dust protection, warmth, or just adding a bit of flair.
• A warm jacket or fleece for the chilly mornings.
• Binoculars — they’ll make you the most popular person in the safari vehicle.
• Sunscreen & insect repellent — ideally with DEET for the mozzies.
• A small backpack — for your camera, water bottle, and anything else you want to keep handy.

PRO TIP: Less is more. Safari lodges offer laundry services, so you don’t need a whole new outfit every day. Plus, internal flights from Nairobi to Maasai Mara have a strict 15kg luggage limit per person, so packing light is essential. Soft-sided bags are recommended as they fit more easily into small aircraft storage compartments. However, golf kits are excluded from this 15kg limit, so you won’t need to squeeze everything into your main baggage allowance.

Packing for Golf Days in Kenya

Picture this: you’re standing on the tee box with the sun rising over lush fairways, maybe a giraffe casually munching on a tree in the distance. It’s magical — but also hot, sunny, and (depending on the course) a little unpredictable underfoot.

What you’ll want in your golf bag:

• Breathable, light shirts and shorts — technical fabrics are your friend here.
• A proper wide-brim hat (trust me, the African sun isn’t messing around).
• Soft spike golf shoes — some courses are a touch rustic, so comfy shoes are key.
• A refillable water bottle — hydration is crucial, and cutting back on single-use plastic is a bonus.
• Electrolytes — especially for those longer, hotter rounds.
• A rain jacket — it’s rare, but Kenya’s weather likes to surprise you sometimes.

Weather in Kenya – What to Expect in September

September is one of the best months to visit Kenya. It’s dry season, with comfortable daytime temperatures and cooler nights — perfect for both golf and safari. Kenya’s position straddling the equator means mild, consistent weather year-round, but each location on your itinerary offers its own twist.

Health First – Essential Vaccinations

Okay, let’s talk about the less exciting (but super important) stuff: vaccinations and health forms. Visiting a proper travel doctor (not just your regular GP) is a must because Kenya has specific health requirements — including:

• Yellow Fever vaccination (you’ll need proof to enter Kenya)

Before you go, there are also a few forms to complete for Golf Journeys — think of these as your backstage pass to the trip:

• Medical Form — Just a quick overview of any relevant health details.
• Doctor’s Sign-Off — A quick tick from your GP to say you’re ready for the adventure.
• Waiver Form — A standard form confirming you understand the nature of the trip.

Cash is King (and Queen)

This part often catches people off guard — cash, especially USD, is essential in Kenya. ATMs can be unreliable, and in more remote safari lodges, credit cards aren’t always accepted. Plus, tipping is a big part of showing appreciation for the amazing service you’ll receive.

What to bring:

• USD notes printed after 2009 — older ones may be refused.
• Large denominations (USD$50 or $100) for exchanging.
• Smaller notes for tipping and quick purchases.

Tipping isn’t just polite — it’s expected, and a great way to show gratitude. As a rough guide:

• For your golf caddie, USD$10-20 per round is standard.
• Safari guides work incredibly hard, so USD$30-50 per day (pooled by the group) is fair.
• Lodge staff usually share tips, with about USD$5-10 per night being the norm.
• In restaurants, about 10% is typical.

Your Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

No visa needed — but Australians must apply for an ETA before departure.

👉 Apply here: https://www.etakenya.go.ke

Apply at least 2 weeks before departure and have these ready:

• Passport with 6 months validity
• Passport photo
• Flight itinerary
• Accommodation details (we’ll provide these)

Expect Bumpy Roads

Some of the best safari lodges are tucked deep into the wilderness, meaning you’ll travel on unpaved roads. It’s part of the charm — but if you’re prone to motion sickness, pack medication just in case.

Learn Some Swahili – Locals Love It

Even though English is widely spoken, dropping a “Jambo!” or “Asante sana” (thank you very much) always brings a smile. It’s a small gesture that goes a long way.

Here’s a quick cheat sheet to get you started:

Travel Insurance – Don’t Risk It

This isn’t just any trip — it’s golf, safari, and international flights rolled into one. Travel insurance is non-negotiable.

Golf Journeys is now partnered with Cover-More to make finding the right cover easy.

Tip: Buy insurance as soon as you book — that way you’re covered if plans change unexpectedly.

Kenya is breathtaking, unpredictable, and unforgettable. No matter how much you prepare, there’ll be moments that surprise you — a sudden elephant roadblock, a lion sighting when you least expect it, or a spontaneous dance with Maasai villagers.

That’s the real beauty of this tour. It’s not just about ticking off lists; it’s about embracing the unexpected magic Africa loves to serve up.

So pack smart, stay flexible, and get ready to write your own once-in-a-lifetime story in Kenya.