The Best Luggage for A Safari (and Why)- 4 Options
If you’re headed on a safari and your tour operator or flight has a luggage restriction, I’ve got you covered. I’ve been on four safaris in three different countries. It’s not unusual to have a weight restriction on your luggage or to be required to bring soft-sided luggage for a small plane.
Finding the best luggage for a safari can be tough!
I’ve been asked about the bag I use because I’m also a carry-on packer. I love to travel using my backpack and have tried many options. I’ve lost count at this point.
But I’ve dialed my favorites, and I’ll give you all of the pros and cons so you can make your best pick.
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Why Are There Restrictions? Do I Need To Worry About It?
Many safari parks and lodges are in remote areas of the bush. So, they’re most often accessed by flights on small planes. Some of them are only accessible by plane.
These little planes can’t take the same weight as a commercial jet, and the luggage compartment on the plane is much smaller. So, the soft-sided back is necessary to ensure everyone’s luggage can fit.
Yes, I’d listen to the luggage guidance.
Have some people successfully taken hard-sided luggage to a safari lodge? I don’t know anyone, but I’m sure there are some.
But there are real reasons for these restrictions. Plus, they told you about it, and it would be stressful to get to the airport and realize they won’t take your bag. It’s a scramble that can be prevented.
The Quick Breakdown
- My Favorite – Cotopaxi Allpa 45L
- Easy to Check – Black Hole Duffel
- I am never going to use it again – any athletic duffel like this one
- A cheaper travel backpack option.
- Compression packing cubes
- A day pack
Option 1- Carry-On Option- Cotopaxi Allpa 45L
This Cotopaxi bag is my new go-to travel bag.
I’ve used it for several trips, including safaris. It’s perfect! Let me tell you why.
I love the backpack straps because they make it much easier to carry around airports or when I’m traveling. But the hip strap is what sets this back apart. The hip strap keeps my shoulders from getting tired and sore. It’s a game-changer.
The Allpa has building compartmentalization. I love that it has space for my laptop, an easy-to-access compartment for clothes, and another excellent compartment for my extra shoes.
It’s easy to check if needed. The shoulder straps disconnect and can be put in the bag. I often use this feature on flights with smaller planes and luggage allowances in other countries.
Plus, if you get the Del Dia version of the bag, no one else will have a bag like yours, so it’s easy to pick it out in the luggage carousel.
Option 2- Great to Check- Patagonia Black Hole Duffel
If you plan to check your bag and don’t worry about carrying it around with you, the Patagonia Black Hole Duffel is a great choice.
I used this bag for years before I found the Cotopaxi one. I loved it, but I needed a hip strap since I usually walk around with my bag on my bag for long periods.
This bag is a black hole. When packing it, it will feel like it can take whatever you want to stuff in it.
My family called mine the magic bag because they couldn’t believe how much I pulled out of it on a three-week Europe trip.
This bag has no compartments, so packing cubes makes it easier to find things. I prefer compression-packing cubes.
If you plan to check and unpack it when you get to your safari lodge, you probably don’t need to worry about it.
This bag is tough. I checked mine lots of times and even took it rock climbing. It held up to everything with barely a scuff.
One thing to remember with this bag is that it can take so much that you’ll want to check the weight before you leave.
Option 3- You’re Never Going to Use This Bag Again – Any Duffel
If you already have luggage you love and you know you won’t be using this bag ever again, I wouldn’t spend too much time or money overthinking the bag you bring.
Any soft-sided athletic duffle bag or weekender bag that fits what you want will work.
Carry-on-approved backpacks are becoming more popular, too.
It may not last long if you have to check it, but that’s okay if you won’t use it for more than this trip.
Personal Item and Day Pack Options
You can take a small personal item with you in addition to your main bag. Take one that can be repurposed as your daypack for your game drive days.
This bag should be one that you feel comfortable holding on your lap. Don’t expect space under a seat in front of you like on commercial flights.
I pack my camera case inside my Kanken bag. It also has room for my headphones, battery pack, and other small things. You can see my bright yellow one in the photo above!
I’ve seen other people carrying a standard backpack or hiking day pack.
You’ll want a bag on your game drives: something small to stash extra layers since temperatures change throughout the day.
Find the Best Safari Luggage For You and Then Enjoy Your Trip
After you figure out what bag you want to take, this list will help you figure out what to put in it.
The safaris I’ve been on are my favorite trips. Get ready to enjoy an incredible vacation.
