What To Pack For A Tanzanian Safari
Is this your first time in Tanzania? I’m sure your thinking what you should carry what you should leave behind. Of course you will need the basics that you always take when travelling, but on safari there are some specific items that you should have with you as well. Do your best to pack as lightly as possible. Smaller duffle bags fit much better into safari jeeps. Also if you have a domestic flight in your itinerary you can only take 15kg checked luggage per person.
Travel Documents
- Valid passport
- Plane Ticket
- Yellow Fever vaccination records
- Tanzania Visa, available at airport upon arrival, USD 100 payable in cash only for US citizens or USD50 for residents of UK/European Union and most other countries
- Covid -19 documentation
- Copy of travel and/ or medical evacuation insurance
- Personal medical/dental insurance cards
- Credit card (Visa and MasterCard are most widely accepted)
- Cash in US Dollars (bills MUST have been issued in 2006 or later)
The clothing you’ll need will depend on the time of the year you’re visiting Tanzania.
- April and May; the season of the long rains when you can expect showers almost daily
- June to September; The dry and hot with cooler evenings
- October to December; Season can range from hot and dry to cool and overcast. Short rains happen at this time. So you can expect a mix of hot, dry conditions and sudden rain showers.
We recommend these Clothing
- Safari over shirts mid sleeve or long sleeve
- Leggings or linen pants
- Lightweight, water resistant safari pants
- Fleece jacket
- Lightweight rain jacket or poncho
- Light pullover jersey
- Swimsuit
- Sleepwear
- Casual outfit for dinner time
- Breathable moisture wicking underwear
- Most people during safari wear khakis and muted earthy colours. These colours are most suitable to wear during safari because they don’t attract insects. Brighter colours tend to do.
- Pack lightweight synthetic hiking shoes
- Pair of sandals or flip flops
Toiletries to pack
- Deodorant
- Moisturizing cream
- Lip balm
- Toothbrush, toothpaste and floss
- Antibacterial hand gel
- Hairbrush or comb
- Wet wipes
- Feminine hygiene products
Safari Sun Essentials
- SPF 50 sunscreen
- Soothing after sun lotion
- Sunglasses with polarised lenses
- A wide brimmed safari hat
Electronics you should pack
- A compact headlamp/ Flashlight
- AC plug point converter to 3 prong square
- Your camera
- Lightweight binoculars
- Correct charges and cables
- Batteries or a solar charger
Don’t forget
- any prescription medication
- All copies of your travel documents
- An inconspicuous money belt so you can keep your cash with you
- A small lightweight backpack to carry during game drives or walks
- Power bank / spare charger: Some camps have limited or no charging outlets in rooms.
What to Leave Behind
Over packing is the enemy. Avoid unnecessary valuables safari camps are safe, but why risk it?
- Hairdryers and fancy outfits are out of place in the bush (unless you’re glamping in a high end lodge).
- Plastic bags are banned in Tanzania, so stash toiletries in reusable pouches.
- Drones
- Strong smelling perfumes or sprays
- Expensive or delicate jewellery
- Bright colours (like red and white), camouflage (illegal for civilians in some areas), and dark blues or blacks (attract tsetse flies).
If you’re heading to Zanzibar after your safari, toss in a swimsuit, reef-safe sunscreen, and a sarong but keep your bush gear separate. Nothing ruins beach vibes like dust covered boots!
Safaris are casual. You’ll wear the same clothes more than once, and most camps offer laundry services. Focus on practical, comfortable, and respectful attire and bring an open spirit for adventure.
