Your safari is booked, and now it’s time to prepare for your adventure. Packing for a Tanzania safari can raise a few questions, from what to wear and how much luggage to bring to the essentials you will need along the way.
This guide covers everything you need to pack for a comfortable and enjoyable safari, along with a practical checklist to help you get ready for your journey.
The Quick Safari Packing Tips
- Pack light and use a soft bag, for light aircraft flights, the luggage limit is usually 15 kg per person, including hand luggage. Use a soft bag without wheels.
- Wear clothes in colors such as khaki, olive green, and sand. Avoid white, dark blue, and black, and leave camouflage clothing at home because it is illegal for civilians to wear it in Tanzania.
- Mornings in open safari vehicles can be cold, while midday temperatures can be hot. A fleece jacket, a windproof jacket, and a wide-brimmed hat will help you stay comfortable.
- Bring insect repellent, sunscreen, malaria prevention tablets if prescribed by your doctor, and clean US dollar notes printed in 2009 or later.
- Do not bring plastic carrier bags. Tanzania banned them in 2019.
What to Pack
1. Luggage
Light aircraft flights usually allow 15 kg per person, including hand luggage. Pack a soft duffel bag without wheels or a rigid frame. Road safaris allow more flexibility. Bring a small daypack, and store extra luggage in Arusha if needed. Plastic carrier bags are banned, but clear zip-lock toiletry bags are allowed if taken home.
2. Clothing
Dress in layers for cold mornings and hot afternoons. Choose khaki, olive, sand, or light brown. Avoid white, dark blue, and black in tsetse fly areas. Camouflage clothing is prohibited for civilian use. Pack long sleeves, trousers, comfortable walking shoes, and sandals. Three to four days of clothing is usually enough for a week-long safari, as laundry is often available.
3. Health and Sun Protection
Bring high-SPF sunscreen, lip balm, a hat, sunglasses, and DEET or picaridin insect repellent. Ask your doctor about malaria prevention and check yellow fever certificate requirements. Pack prescription medicines in their original packaging, with extra supplies. Inform your safari operator about allergies and dietary needs.
4. Cameras and Power
Bring a camera with a zoom lens, spare batteries, memory cards, and binoculars (8×42 or 10×42 recommended). Tanzania uses 230V electricity, mainly type G sockets, with some type D. Pack adapters, a power bank, and a head torch. Drones require permits in national parks.
5. Money and Documents
Carry clean US dollar notes printed in 2009 or later, bank cards, and backups. Keep your passport, visa if required, booking vouchers, travel insurance details, and any required yellow fever certificate accessible. Ensure your insurance covers emergency medical evacuation and keep digital copies of important documents.
Travelling with Children or Older Travelers
Safaris can suit older travelers because much of the day is spent in a vehicle. Tell us about any mobility needs so we can select suitable lodges with fewer steps and rooms near the main facilities. A small cushion can also make long drives more comfortable.
For children, game drives can last several hours, so pack familiar snacks, downloaded entertainment, small binoculars, and a light blanket for cold mornings. Download films and games before departure because internet access in national parks can be unreliable.
Bring enough nappies, wipes, formula, and other essential baby supplies for the entire trip, as these can be difficult to find outside Arusha.
Tanzania Safari Packing Checklist
Use this checklist while preparing for your trip.
Luggage
- Soft duffel bag
- Small daypack
- Luggage locks
- Clear zip-lock bags for toiletries
Clothing
- Wide-brimmed hat
- Three long-sleeved shirts
- Two T-shirts
- Two pairs of trousers
- One pair of shorts
- Fleece or light down jacket
- Windproof, waterproof jacket
- Warm hat and light gloves
- Underwear and socks for four days
- Sleepwear
- Comfortable closed shoes
- Sandals or flip-flops
- Swimwear
- Travel wash
Health and Sun Protection
- Sunscreen, SPF 30 or higher
- Lip balm with SPF
- Sunglasses
- DEET or picaridin insect repellent
- Malaria prevention tablets, if prescribed
- Prescription medication in original packaging
- Small first-aid kit
- Hand sanitizer and tissues
- Toiletries
Gadgets
- Binoculars, ideally 8×42 or 10×42
- Phone and charger
- Power bank
- Type G plug adapter and type D if needed
- Head torch
- Camera with a long zoom lens
- Spare batteries and memory cards
- Downloaded books, films, and maps
Documents and Money
- Valid passport
- Printed e-visa, if required
- Yellow fever certificate, if required
- Travel insurance covering emergency medical evacuation
- US dollars printed in 2009 or later
- Bank card and backup card
- Digital copies of important documents
For Children
- Layered clothing and an extra outfit
- Sun hat and child-friendly sunscreen
- Insect repellent suitable for children
- Small binoculars
- Familiar snacks
- Tablet with downloaded games and headphones
- Small blanket
- Children’s paracetamol and a thermometer
- Enough nappies, wipes, and formula
- Water bottle
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much luggage can I bring on a Tanzania safari?
Light aircraft flights usually allow up to 15 kg per person, including hand luggage, in a soft bag without wheels. Road safaris allow more flexibility. We’ll confirm the exact allowance when booking.
2. What colours should I avoid on safari?
Avoid white because it shows dust, and dark blue or black in tsetse fly areas. Camouflage clothing should be left at home. Khaki, olive green, sand, and light brown are ideal.
3. Do I need warm clothes for a Tanzania safari?
Yes. Early morning game drives and the Ngorongoro Crater rim can be cold, especially from June to August. Pack a fleece or light down jacket, a windproof layer, and a warm hat.
4. Can I bring plastic bags to Tanzania?
Plastic carrier bags are banned. Clear zip-lock bags for toiletries are allowed if you take them home.
Which plug adapter do I need for Tanzania?
Tanzania uses 230 V electricity, mainly with type G sockets and some type D sockets. Bring a type G adapter and a power bank.
5. Is laundry available on safari?
Most lodges and camps offer laundry services, often included in the price. Three to four days’ worth of clothing is usually enough for a week-long safari. Bring travel wash for underwear if needed.
If you are still unsure about any item, send us a message. Our team will be happy to help you prepare your packing list for your Tanzania safari.