The Ultimate Safari Gift Guide: 25 Unique Gifts For Someone Going On Safari

By Lara
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Giraffe

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If you are looking for unique safari gifts for someone going on safari soon. Or if you need ideas for someone who has a wild obsession with the untamed beauty of the African savannah, or dreams of encountering majestic creatures in their natural habitat, you came to the right place!

We’ve selected 25 awesome safari gift ideas, from the quirky and whimsical to the practical and luxurious, we’ve scoured the plains and rainforests to bring you 25 hand-picked safari-themed gifts that are sure to leave a lasting impression!

Are you short on time? Check out the editor’s top three gifts for someone going on safari by budget.

Save these safari gift ideas

Don’t forget to save these safari-themed gifts for the next time you need inspiration for safari lovers

25 unique safari gifts for people who love safaris

Safari gifts for large budgets


#1 Personalized safari map

Map with animals
Photo courtesy of Not on the High Street

Alright, I’m just going to warn you straight away.

I had a really hard time picking my favorite gifts for someone going on safari. I just love all gifts on this list. I am a huge safari lover, so it’s almost as if I wrote this article for myself ;).

But this safari map was definitely among my favorites of my favorites!

The reason why I love this gift so much is that you can personalize the map. So you can pick a location the recipient went to on his or her last safari. Or the country they love.

One thing to keep in mind if you are buying this gift is that the manufacturers use 19th-century atlases. So the map may not always look the same as the maps on Google Maps.


#2 Safari-themed photo album

Photo album with animals
Photo courtesy of Not on the High Street

This photo album is one of the best safari-themed gifts for someone going on safari or people who just returned. They can use this album as a vacation album, or as their honeymoon album!

Besides the fact that the album looks super cute, it is also made from eco-friendly material. The paper is actually made from elephant dung for 75% (the other 25% is made from recycled paper). It’s a true safari souvenir!

Oh and no worries, the elephant dung has been processed in such a way that you no longer smell dung ;).


#3 Phone camera zoom lens

A set of lenses for your phone camera
Photo courtesy of Amazon

Going on a safari is not like going to the zoo. You will never know which animals you’ll be able to spot that day. And you also don’t know how close you can get to them.

So having a strong zoom lens is a must if you want good quality pictures.

If you know what camera they use, you can buy a zoom lens for their particular camera on Amazon.

But if you’re not sure, you can also go for the zoom lens for phones. Of course, the quality of a photo is going to be better with an actual camera, but the zoom lens does allow them to take better pictures of animals that are further away.


#4 Binoculars

Binoculars for safari
Photo courtesy of Amazon

Binoculars are probably one of the most practical safari gifts.

During a game drive, you’ll never know where you’ll be able to see wildlife. Sometimes you can only see an animal from far away. And in those moments, binoculars are the best thing.


#5 Portable solar charger

Solar charger
Photo courtesy of Amazon

One of the cool things about multiple-day safaris is that you get to camp in or near the national park.

The only pitfall is that these camps sometimes don’t have electricity. And that’s a shame because you do want your phone, camera, video camera, and whatever electronic device to be fully charged for the safari the next day.

So for that, this foldable solar charger is the perfect gift. The bigblue solar charger came out with the highest score in a test by Gearlab, which is why I recommend buying this one.


#6 Safari-themed bookends

Bookends made from wood in the shape of two elephants
Photo courtesy of NOVICA

These elephant bookends are one of my favorite safari gifts on this list!

In fact, I actually have very similar bookends. Except mine are giraffes instead of elephants, and I love them.

So if you need safari-themed gifts for someone’s home these are perfect.

And what’s even better is that they’re actually handmade in Ghana, and by shopping on NOVICA, you will support the artisan and their family! The only downside about the fact that it’s handmade is that there is a limited amount of stock available. But luckily, you can check out NOVICA for more gorgeous handmade bookends.


#7 Safari pants

Safari pants
Photo courtesy of Amazon

These convertible pants by Columbia are perfect safari clothes for her.

It is usually advised to wear earth or bush colors during a safari, so you’ll blend in with the surroundings and increase your chances of spotting wildlife. And the fact that these pants are convertible makes them perfect for any type of weather.

For safari clothes for men, check out #9.


#8 Camera bag

Camera bag
Photo courtesy of Amazon

Safaris can get quite dusty.

So when the recipient is driving on a dirt road in an open truck, they do want to keep their camera gear safe. And for that, this camera bag is perfect.

Actually, it’s also useful to keep their camera gear safe when they’re not on a safari. Making it a super practical gift for a travel lover who also loves photography.


#9 Safari gifts for men: shirt

Men's outdoor shirt
Photo courtesy of Amazon

If you are looking for safari gift ideas for men, this kaki long-sleeve shirt is the perfect gift.

It’s made from a quick-drying fiber that barely wrinkles, which makes it a great shirt to take on a safari vacation.


#10 A safari trip

Giraffe
Giraffe in Murchison Falls National Park

I apologize for stating the obvious, but I couldn’t leave this one off the list.

The absolute best gift for safari lovers is, of course, a safari.

So if you have a large budget for this gift, head over to Viator and check out all the amazing safari options they offer.

My photo of the giraffe was taken in Uganda at the Murchison Falls National Park, which is a place I highly recommend for a safari!


Safari gifts for mid-budgets


#11 Interesting books about safaris

book cover of 'Whatever you do, Don't run: True tales of a Botswana safari guides'
Photo courtesy of Amazon

Whatever you do, Don’t run: True tales of a Botswana safari guides

This book by Peter Allison is a great safari theme gift for anyone who loves safaris. It’s a funny and informative book written by a safari guide.


Book cover of 'Confessions of an African safari guide: Truths, tales and taboos'
Photo courtesy of Amazon

Confessions of an African safari guide: Truths, tales and taboos

This is another book written by a safari guide. It’s a great gift for a safari trip so they can find out more about what life as a safari guide is like behind the scenes.


Book cover of 'Wildlife photography: Proven techniques for capturing stunning digital images'
Photo courtesy of Amazon

Wildlife photography: Proven techniques for capturing stunning digital images

If you are looking for safari gift ideas for someone who loves photography, this is an awesome gift. For more photography gifts for safari lovers check out #20.


#12 Safari-themed travel mugs

Travel mug with rhino
Photo courtesy of Zazzle

If you are looking for safari souvenir ideas for someone who loves coffee, a safari-themed travel mug is a perfect gift!

I really loved the one with the rhino and baby rhino. But there are over a thousand different safari-themed travel mugs available on Zazzle, so you will surely find one for your recipient.


#13 Safari guidebooks

Book cover of 'The complete guide to African safaris"
Photo courtesy of Amazon

The complete guide to African safaris

This guidebook by Fodor includes Africa’s most common safari destinations. It’s one of the best travel gifts for African safari lovers.


Book cover of 'Safari guide to East African animals'
Photo courtesy of Amazon

Safari guide to East African animals

This guidebook only focuses on Eastern African countries and more specifically on the animals that you can encounter during your safari, making it a great gift for someone going on safari in East Africa.


#14 Safari-themed socks

socks with giraffes
Photo courtesy of Zazzle

Socks are great practical safari gift ideas. During a safari, it’s best to wear closed shoes so your feet are protected. And to prevent your shoes from getting smelly, it is very much advised to wear socks.

And what’s cooler than wearing safari socks, while being on a safari?

I really loved the giraffe socks, but you can choose from more than 300 different safari designs on Zazzle.


#15 Safari-themed passport cover

passportcover with Cheetah
Photo courtesy of Zazzle

If you are looking for safari theme gifts for travelers, the safari-themed passport covers on Zazzle are great gift ideas. You can choose from over 300 different designs.

I really liked the passport cover with the cheetah, which gives you the option to personalize it. Because personalized gifts always add that extra sweet touch to a gift.


#16 Safari animal gifts: wall art

Wooden animal wall art
Photo courtesy of Amazon

If you are looking for more wall art gift ideas, these wooden geometric animals are perfect.


#17 Safari gifts for her: elephant necklace

Elephant necklace
Photo courtesy of Amazon

This super cute elephant necklace is one of the best safari souvenir ideas for her.

Don’t worry if she prefers other animals, you can find cute necklaces for pretty much any animal on Amazon.

And for cheaper options for her, check out #22.


#18 Safari-themed gifts: water bottle

water bottle with safari print
Photo courtesy of Zazzle

Staying hydrated is very important during a safari. Temperatures are usually quite high so you need to drink a lot of water. And what’s cooler than drinking from a safari water bottle while you’re on a safari?

But no need to panic if you prefer different safari-themed gifts, you can find nearly 900 different safari water bottles on Zazzle. So I am sure you can find one you and the recipient will love.


Safari gifts for small budgets


#19 Safari hat

Safari hat
Photo courtesy of Amazon

They may not be the most exciting or unique gifts, but safari hats are still great small and practical safari gift ideas.


#20 Wildlife photography course

Girl taking photo from car
Me taking a photo during our self-drive safari

This is one of the best gifts for safari lovers who also love photography. You can find online courses on Udemy that teach students how to take better photos of wildlife.

It’s something that I definitely could have used for my safaris because pictures usually don’t really turn out very well.


#21 African safari gifts: journal

African safari journal
Photo courtesy of Amazon

This travel journal is one of the best gifts for someone going on safari soon. The journal includes things to help them prepare for a safari such as a wildlife guide, a checklist, a trip organizer, a phrasebook, and a map. Of course, it also includes blank pages, so they can keep track of everything they’ve experienced on their safari.

If you would prefer to give a general travel journal, check out these 25 options.


#22 More safari gifts for her: earrings

Rhino earring studs
Photo courtesy of Amazon

These rhino earrings are another example of great safari animal gifts for her!

I really love the subtly of stud earrings and I love rhinos, but just as with the necklace, you can find earrings in all shapes and for all sorts of animals on Amazon.


#23 More safari-themed gifts: luggage tag

luggage tag of giraffe and elephant
Photo courtesy of Zazzle

If you are looking for small and practical safari-themed gifts, luggage tags are the perfect gift. If you buy safari-themed luggage tags, of course. But luckily, you can find nearly 1500 different safari designs on Zazzle.


#24 Safari-themed tote bags

Tote bag with giraffe
Photo courtesy of Zazzle

Tote bags are great small and practical gifts for safari lovers. They can take the bag on their safari, but they can also use it at home.

And come on.

Don’t you just get a big smile on your face every time you see that cute giraffe wearing sunglasses?

Well if you don’t.

No worries, because you can find over 3000 different safari-themed tote bags on Zazzle, so I am sure you will find one that will bring a smile to your (and the recipient’s) face.


#25 Flashlight

Flashlight
Photo courtesy of Amazon

Remember what I said about camping in safari parks during a multi-day safari?

Well, besides being able to charge their electronics with the solar charger, being able to see something is also quite useful.

And that is exactly why flashlights are great practical safari gift ideas!


Save these safari gift ideas


Did you save these safari-themed gifts to Pinterest yet?

the 25 best safari gifts

Final note on safari gifts


Thank you for reading all the way to the end of the post. I’m guessing you’ve still not made up your mind. So let me help you by giving you my favorite gifts in each price range.

AUTHOR

Hi, I’m Lara, a 29-year-old travel-lover (but who’s not these days?). I love reading, puzzling, world-heritage sites, researching, and making lists, which comes in quite handy when you’re making lists of travel gift ideas!

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