What to Pack for Chitwan: A Practical Safari Packing List

Clothes

• Neutral colours: green, khaki, brown or beige. Bright colours and white stand out in the forest, and on a walk you want to blend in.
• Long, light trousers and a long-sleeved shirt. They protect you from the sun, scratchy grass and insects better than shorts do.
• A warm layer from December to February. Mornings can be around 8–10 °C and foggy, and an open jeep at dawn feels colder still.
• Light, breathable clothes from March to May, when afternoons can reach 38–40 °C.
• A light rain jacket from June to September. Monsoon rain usually comes in short, heavy bursts.
• Swimwear, if you'd like to use the pool between safaris.
• Something modest for temples: if you're visiting Lumbini or Devghat, cover your shoulders and knees.

Shoes

• Closed shoes for every safari. Comfortable trainers are fine for jeeps and canoes.
• For jungle walks, choose shoes you can walk in for three or four hours on uneven and sometimes muddy trails.
• Sandals for evenings at the lodge.

Sun and insects

• A hat and plenty of sunscreen, all year round.
• Sunglasses.
• Insect repellent, especially for evenings by the river.

For wildlife watching

• Binoculars. They make a real difference, from rhinos across the river to birds in the canopy. If you own a pair, bring it.
• A camera with spare batteries and memory cards, and something to keep the dust off it in the jeep. Drones aren't allowed in the park without special permission.
• A small daypack for water, sunscreen and an extra layer.

Useful extras

• A refillable water bottle. It's kinder to Chitwan than buying plastic; our responsible travel page has more simple ways to help.
• A small torch for paths after dark, and for a night in the jungle tower, where the lighting is solar.
• Any medicines you need, packed in your hand luggage.

What you don't need to bring

Park permits are arranged with your activity, and drinking water is included on jeep safaris and jungle walks. Mats are provided for yoga. In the dorm you'll find lockers, mosquito nets and fresh linen, and the jungle tower has beds with mosquito nets. Forgotten something? Just ask our team.