What to Pack for a Tanzania Safari: The Ultimate Packing List

A Tanzania safari is an adventure of a lifetime, offering breathtaking wildlife encounters in Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and beyond. But knowing what to pack can make a big difference in your comfort and overall experience. From the right clothing to essential gear, here’s a complete packing guide to help you prepare for your Tanzania safari trip.

Essential Safari Clothing: What to Wear on a Tanzania Safari

When packing for a safari, your clothing should be lightweight, breathable, and neutral-colored to blend with the environment and keep you comfortable in different temperatures.

✔ Must-Have Safari Clothing:

• Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts (for sun protection and insect bites)
• T-shirts or short-sleeved shirts (for warm days)
• Convertible pants or lightweight trousers (easily switch from long to short)
• Comfortable shorts (for hot afternoons at the lodge)
• A warm jacket or fleece (mornings and evenings can be cold)
• Sunglasses (preferably polarized for glare reduction)
• Wide-brimmed hat (for sun protection)
• Comfortable closed-toe shoes or hiking boots (for walking safaris)
• Sandals or slip-on shoes (for relaxing at the lodge/camp)

🚫 What NOT to Wear:

• Bright colors (red, blue, yellow) – Can attract insects and scare animals
• Dark blue or black – Tsetse flies are attracted to these colors
• White clothing – Dust and dirt show up easily.
• Camouflage clothing – Illegal in some African countries.

Safari Gear & Equipment: Must-Have Essentials

To make the most of your safari, bring the right gear for wildlife viewing and photography.

✔ Safari Gear Checklist:

• Binoculars (8×42 or 10×42 recommended) – A must-have for spotting distant animals
• Camera with zoom lens (at least 300mm) – For capturing wildlife from a distance
• Extra memory cards & batteries – No electricity in the wild!
• Power bank & portable charger – For keeping your devices charged.
• Flashlight or headlamp – Useful for walking around camps at night
• Dry bag – Protects electronics from dust and rain.
• Daypack (small backpack) – To carry essentials on game drives.

Travel Documents & Money: What You Need

✔ Important Documents:

• Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
• Tanzania Visa (can be obtained online or on arrival)
• Yellow Fever Certificate (if traveling from a risk area)
• Travel insurance details (covering medical emergencies and trip cancellations)
• Copies of important documents (keep digital & printed copies)

✔ Money & Payments:

• Cash (USD, preferably in small bills from 2009 or newer) – Some lodges, parks, and local markets only accept cash.
• Credit/debit cards – Some luxury lodges accept them, but always carry backup cash.
• Tipping money – Safari guides, drivers, and lodge staff appreciate tips ($10–$20 per day per person).

Health & First Aid Kit: Stay Safe on Safari

Tanzania is a tropical country, so it’s important to pack health essentials to stay comfortable and protected.

• Malaria medication – Consult your doctor before traveling
• Insect repellent (DEET-based) – Protects against mosquitoes and tsetse flies
• Sunscreen (SPF 30+) – The African sun is strong!
• Lip balm with SPF – Helps prevent dry, sunburned lips.
• Basic first aid kit – Includes painkillers, plasters, antiseptic wipes, and motion sickness tablets
• Rehydration salts/electrolyte powder – Prevent dehydration in hot weather
• Hand sanitizer & wet wipes – Useful for quick cleaning.

Packing for Different Seasons: What to Expect

✔ Dry Season (June – October):

• Lightweight, breathable clothing.
• A warm jacket for cool mornings & evenings.
• Sunglasses & sunscreen for strong sun exposure.

✔ Wet Season (November – May):

• Waterproof jacket or poncho.
• Quick-dry clothing.
• Extra ziplock bags to protect electronics from rain.

Extra Safari Items: Things You Might Forget

• ✔ Travel pillow – For long game drives and flights.
• ✔ Earplugs & sleep mask – Camps can have nighttime wildlife noises.
• ✔ Notebook & pen – To jot down wildlife sightings.
• ✔ Snacks (energy bars, nuts, dried fruit) – Game drives can be long.
• ✔ Reusable water bottle – Many lodges provide refilling stations.
• ✔ Swimsuit – Some lodges have pools.

Luggage Restrictions: What You Should Know

If you’re flying on a small safari aircraft (like from Arusha to Serengeti), luggage weight limits are usually 15kg (33lbs) per person, including hand luggage.

• ✔ Use soft-sided bags (duffel bags or backpacks) – Hard suitcases are often not allowed on small planes.
• ✔ Pack light & layer your clothing – Laundry services are available at most lodges.