13 Best Luggage for Safari
Venturing out on safari and spotting lions and elephants in their natural habitats is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. But because these sorts of trips are few and far between, preparation(making sure you have everything you need) can be a real challenge.
Generally speaking, you want to be sure and pack light. This goes for both the amount of clothing you bring AND the type of luggage you select for your trip. Since most safari lodges are found in remote locations, it is best to opt for soft-sided luggage like backpacks and duffel bags that can easily be transported to your accommodation.
Lucky for you, we’ve rounded up the best safari luggage to cover all your bases and ensure you have the most incredible time out there in the wild.
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13 best luggage for safari in 2024
1. Best duffel bag: Away
The F.A.R. duffel bag from Away boasts an impressive 40L capacity that’ll fit enough clothes and gear for a 4-night safari excursion. Aside from superior carrying capacity, this bag is made from a lightweight, yet high-strength polyester — and it includes a shoulder strap “that allows you to conveniently transport the duffel crossbody for longer distances.” And don’t forget the trolley sleeve on the back that lets you attach this bag to your larger checked luggage.
Price: starting at $150
2. Best backpack duffel: Calpak
Calpak’s Terra Backpack Duffel is an awesome choice for a safari adventure, thanks to its adjustable padded shoulder straps (to maximize your comfort), as well as its clever interior compression strap (to help you pack more using less space). But maybe the most interesting feature of this duffel backpack is that it’s made from 27 recycled plastic bottles — giving it a sustainable edge while remaining totally on trend (so you’re sure to make a style statement on your trip).
5 STAR REVIEW: “This backpack is perfect; the color, the quality, the pockets, etc. I love that the measurements qualify it to be a personal item that fits under the seat in front of you on a plane. It has so many pockets to stay organized and opens multiple ways, which makes it super functional. I also love that it was made using 27 recycled water bottles!”
Price: starting at $175
3. Best wheeled duffel: Eagle Creek
Depending on where you’re going (and the accommodations once you get there), you might consider bringing a soft duffel with wheels. In that case, we’d suggest this wheeled duffel from Eagle Creek. This bag features extra durable, water-resistant fabric plus reinforcements at all stress points. It’s also lockable, self-repairing, and comes with a storm flap for first-rate water protection. In short, this roller is ready for anything that might come your way during safari.
5 STAR REVIEW: “I purchased this especially for a 15-day safari in Kenya and Tanzania. It held up through being tossed in jeeps, bumped around on rough roads, and handled by many people. I would highly recommend this duffel. It was lightweight and helped keep the weight down for a safari.”
Price: starting at $125
4. Best packable tote: BAGGU
Maybe you’ve heard it said that appearances can be deceiving. Well, that sentiment can definitely be applied to this fun and funky Travel Cloud Bag from BAGGU. Even though this tote is oversized (to store all your safari must-haves), it actually packs down into a detachable interior pouch. In other words, this bag takes up barely any space when not in use — but when unfolded, it’ll hold everything from a change of clothes to an extra pair of shoes, as needed.
Price: starting at $78
Read our full review of the Travel Cloud Bag from BAGGU here.
5. Best standard backpack: Peak Design
The Everyday Backpack from Peak Design is an award-winning bag that makes the perfect daypack for safari. Not only does this pack offer exceptional construction and high-quality materials, but it also provides accessibility and organization that far surpasses similar styles. For example, you’ll find stretchy internal side pockets for cards and cords, internal slip pockets for wallet and passport, as well as dual external side pockets that’ll fit your water bottle with ease.
5 STAR REVIEW: “Overly impressed with this bag. I did my research on competitive products, and while the bag is higher priced than most, I received a high-quality product. I'd buy it again without a second thought — one of the best-designed and made products I've purchased in a long while.”
Price: starting at $280
6. Best versatile bag: Cotopaxi
The Chumpi Duffel from Cotopaxi is an innovative, versatile design that’ll come in handy for the unpredictable nature of safari. Made with tough, repurposed 600D nylon, this duffel has a 35L capacity (that still clears airline carry-on requirements) — while its zippered opening provides easy access to all of your clothing and gear. Best part? The storable backpack straps and removable shoulder sling provide multiple carrying options based on your needs/comfort.
5 STAR REVIEW: “This bag is the perfect size for my laptop, camera, and a few other things as a carry-on when I travel. I love the hidden backpack straps and the option to switch between a crossbody strap or a backpack.”
Price: starting at $110
7. Best recycled duffel: North Face
Looking for sustainable luggage to take with you on safari? Check out this Base Camp Duffel from The North Face. Made with 100% recycled body and boot materials — including recycled polyester and recycled ballistic nylon — this bag is an eco-conscious traveler’s dream. Other highlights of this design are the detachable and adjustable alpine-cut shoulder straps (for the perfect ergonomic fit), plus the 71L carrying capacity (for any extended wildlife expeditions).
5 STAR REVIEW: “The bag is very durable and has lots of space for a week's worth of clothing if you are vacationing. The backpack straps are very comfortable when carrying everything. I recommend this if you like traveling because it fits on the overhead bins on airplanes.”
Price: starting at $149
8. Best durable duffel: Patagonia
The Black Hole® Duffel from Patagonia is a big winner in our book (which is why we continue to recommend it on other ‘best of’ lists). What makes this bag so special is its incredible durability. Patagonia’s unique polyester ripstop material can withstand whatever kind of wear and tear you throw its way — making it a slam dunk for bringing on safari. Better still, this bag has a large U-shaped zipper that makes it easy to pack and easy to access any items you might need.
5 STAR REVIEW: “I honestly could not have dreamed up a better bag, and I work in a design job. This is phenomenal — perfect size, somehow easy to carry with straps, holds an absolute ton but never seems big. Rugged, waterproof, holds all my stuff, and easy to search for items.”
Price: starting at $169
9. Best canvas duffel: S-ZONE
Canvas duffels are a nice alternative to nylon and polyester designs because this material is durable, yet soft enough to make a good safari companion. In other words, canvas lacks the structure and framework of hard-side luggage (which is difficult to take on safari outings). Our favorite canvas duffel comes from S-ZONE, with its multiple zippers and slip pockets, reinforced pull tabs, and expandable main compartment to maximize your overall carrying capacity.
5 STAR REVIEW: “When I'm traveling, this bag is clutch. Has plenty of smaller interior pockets, and can store everything I need for a weekend trip. Fits on top of my carry-on suitcase, as well. 10/10.”
Price: starting at $50
10. Best lightweight duffel: Herschel Supply Co.
We can’t say enough good things about the Novel Duffel from Herschel Supply Co. Weighing in at just 2 lbs, this lightweight luggage is super manageable to take with you anywhere (including a far-off safari destination). This style features a functional, side-access shoe compartment to keep your shoes separate (and easily accessible) — and there’s even a removable, padded shoulder strap so you can carry this bag whichever way is most comfortable for you.
5 STAR REVIEW: “This is the best bag for travel. Always get compliments when I travel with this bag. I love it since it has a small compartment for shoes. Herschel all the way!”
Price: starting at $70
11. Best wide-mouth duffel: Thule
Thule is a leader in “creating solutions to make your adventures more accessible and more enjoyable.” Case in point: their impressive Chasm duffel bag design. This technical bag is built for rugged terrain with its heavy-duty (and weather-resistant) materials — and features a wide-mouth opening that makes it easier than ever to (un)load your clothes, toiletries, and more. As an added bonus, there’s an exterior stash pocket that’ll protect your small safari essentials.
Price: starting at $120
12. Best minimalist duffel: Bellroy
For anyone who takes a no-frills approach to packing, we’d point you towards the Classic Weekender from Bellroy. Why? Because this is a clean, minimalist bag that passes on unnecessary bells and whistles. Even still, this pick definitely gets the job done with the help of its external quick-access pocket, internal slip pockets, raised mesh zip pocket, and clever storm flap that’ll protect your belongings from unexpected showers while out on safari.
Price: starting at $189
13. Best hip pack: Patagonia
Considering you’ve (likely) traveled thousands of miles to observe wildlife up close, you want to make sure you can grab your camera at any given moment to capture your safari memories. One of the best ways to stay hands-free is with the help of a hip pack — like this one from the team at Patagonia. This little bag can hold all your small travel essentials (phone, cash, power bank, etc), while still allowing you to move freely around the camp and during your safari expeditions.
5 STAR REVIEW: “Fits everything nicely and I like the little key hook inside. Doesn't slip or slide too much, and I alternate between wearing it around my waist or over one shoulder depending on how I'm traveling. Also, I love the colors!”
Price: starting at $35
Best luggage for safari - common FAQs
What is the best luggage to take on safari?
Duffel bags are some of the best luggage to take on safari, since these bags are lightweight, versatile, and have a significant carrying capacity. Brands like Away, Calpak, and Eagle Creek make terrific duffels that’ll stand up to the elements while you’re hanging out with all the wildlife.
What size luggage is allowed on safari?
Your safari luggage allowance will largely depend on the tour company you book with. That said, typical (maximum) dimensions are 27.5 inches (70cm) x 12 inches (30cm) x 13 inches (33cm) — with a weight allowance of 44 lbs (20 kg) per person.
What material should luggage for safari be?
Ideally, your safari luggage should be made out of soft, lightweight, and flexible materials that have no frame. Nylon (and recycled nylon) tend to check these boxes, which is why they’re often seen in the construction of duffel bags, backpacks, and more.