Most packing advice for safaris is either too vague to be useful or long enough to be its own itinerary. The honest version is shorter than people expect: neutral-colored, lightweight clothing that layers well, since mornings on an open vehicle are cold and afternoons are not.
A few details matter more than the rest of the list combined. Binoculars are worth bringing your own rather than relying on a shared camp pair, and a dry bag or two protects electronics on dusty roads and the occasional river crossing. Malaria prophylaxis and a basic first-aid kit belong in every bag regardless of season.
What people consistently overpack is formalwear that never leaves the suitcase, and what they underpack is a proper power bank, since charging outlets in remote camps are often limited to communal areas and set hours. We send every Velvet Trails traveler a packing list tailored to their specific route and season rather than a generic one.