Essential Packing List
What should I pack for my safari?
Packing for a Tanzania safari requires careful planning to ensure you are prepared for different weather conditions, long game drives, and unique wilderness experiences. Below is a comprehensive, category-wise packing list to help you pack efficiently for your Tanzania safari.
Luggage & Bags
- Soft-sided duffel bag (for small domestic flights. Please check with airline for luggage restrictions)
- Daypack or small backpack (for daily game drives and hikes)
- Waterproof dry bag (for electronics, cameras, and valuables)
- Money belt or hidden pouch (to store passport and cash securely)
Clothing (Neutral & Lightweight)
Pack lightweight, breathable, neutral-colored clothing to blend into the environment and stay cool.
Safari Essentials
- Lightweight long-sleeve shirts (for sun & mosquito protection)
- Short-sleeve shirts or T-shirts
- Safari trousers or zip-off convertible pants
- Shorts (for hot afternoons at the lodge)
- Lightweight jacket or fleece (for chilly mornings and evenings)
- Waterproof rain jacket or poncho (for unexpected showers)
- Evening casual clothes (for lodges & dining areas)
- Wide-brim safari hat or cap (for sun protection)
- Swimsuit (for lodges with pools or Zanzibar extensions)
Tip: Avoid bright colors (which attract insects) and dark blue/black (which attract tsetse flies). Stick to khaki, beige, green, and brown.
Footwear
- Lightweight, breathable hiking or safari boots (for walking safaris)
- Comfortable sneakers or closed-toe shoes (for game drives)
- Sandals or flip-flops (for lodge and camp relaxation)
Tip: Break in your shoes before the trip to avoid blisters.
Accessories & Essentials
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
- Lip balm with SPF
- Bug spray/insect repellent with DEET or Picaridin
- Small flashlight or headlamp (for camps without electricity at night)
- Binoculars (if not provided through us)
- Reusable water bottle (many lodges provide refill stations)
- Notebook & pen (for journaling wildlife sightings)
Photography & Electronics
- Camera with extra memory cards & batteries
- Telephoto lens (200mm-400mm for wildlife shots)
- Lens cleaning kit & dust-proof bag
- Smartphone & charger
- Power bank (for charging on the go)
- AirTags or luggage tracking device (in case luggage is delayed/missing)
- Travel adapter (Tanzania uses Type G & D plugs, 230V)
- E-reader or tablet (for entertainment during travel breaks)
Vaccinations & Travel Health
Recommended Vaccinations (Consult Your Travel Doctor Before Your Trip):
- Yellow Fever Vaccination (Mandatory if arriving from a Yellow Fever-endemic country)
- Hepatitis A & B (for protection against food and waterborne illnesses)
- Typhoid (recommended for food safety)
- Tetanus & Diphtheria (booster if needed)
- Rabies (for those visiting remote areas or interacting with animals)
- COVID-19 Vaccination (recommended for travel safety)
Tip: Carry an official Yellow Fever Vaccination Card (if required) for entry into Tanzania.
Medical & Health Essentials
- Prescription medications (pack extra in case of delays)
- Anti-malarial medication (as advised by your doctor)
- Small first aid kit
- Pain relievers (Ibuprofen/Paracetamol)
- Antihistamines (for allergies or insect bites)
- Band-aids/plasters
- Antiseptic cream
- Rehydration salts/electrolyte powder
- Motion sickness tablets (for bumpy roads)
- Anti-diarrhea medication (Imodium)
- Cold & flu medicine
- Hand sanitizer & wet wipes
- Travel tissues/toilet paper (some remote locations may not have them)
- Eye drops (for dust irritation)
Travel Documents & Money
- Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
- Tanzanian Visa (eVisa or visa-on-arrival confirmation)
- Copies of passport & travel insurance documents
- Emergency contact list
- Itinerary & confirmation emails
- Credit/debit cards (Visa & MasterCard widely accepted)
- Small amount of US Dollars (post-2009 bills, for park fees & tipping guide)
- Tanzanian Shillings (for local purchases & tipping)
Tip: Keep a digital copy of your passport & important documents on your phone/cloud storage.
Optional Extras for Comfort
- Lightweight travel blanket or shawl (for cold flights & early game drives)
- Travel pillow (for long car rides)
- Earplugs & sleep mask (for light sleepers)
- Deck of cards or small games (for downtime at lodges)
- Energy bars/snacks (for long safari drives)
Donation & Gift Suggestions
If you wish to bring gifts or donations for guides, staff, or local communities, consider:
- School supplies (notebooks, pens, backpacks)
- Reusable water bottles
- Soccer balls (deflated with a pump)
- Basic medical supplies (bandages, antiseptics)
What NOT to Pack
- Plastic bags (Tanzania has a strict plastic bag ban)
- Bright-colored clothing (attracts insects and disturbs wildlife)
- Camouflage-printed clothing (restricted only for military personnel)
- Heavy books (opt for an e-reader)
- Perfume or heavily scented lotions (can attract insects)
- Drones (prohibited in national parks without a special permit. Even bringing a drone into the country is tightly regulated)
Final Packing Tips
- Layer your clothing – Mornings and evenings are cool, while midday is hot.
- Pack light but efficiently – You’ll re-wear outfits, so prioritize essentials.
- Check airline baggage policies – Domestic flights have strict weight limits.
- Leave room for souvenirs – Consider extra space for Maasai crafts or Tanzanite jewelry.
