Tanzania Safari Packing List

For game drives, comfortable closed-toe walking shoes or trainers are ideal, as you spend most of the day sitting in the vehicle and only step out at lodges, picnic sites and viewpoints. Choose breathable, lightweight shoes that are easy to clean, as dust gets everywhere on safari. There is no need for heavy boots on a standard game drive safari.

If your itinerary includes a walking safari, crater hike or Mount Meru trek, bring lightweight hiking boots with good grip and ankle support, already worn in before your trip. Gaiters help keep out dust, grass seeds and small stones. For a Kilimanjaro climb, you will need proper waterproof trekking boots, as explained in our Kilimanjaro gear list.

A wide-brimmed hat with a chin strap protects your face and neck from the strong equatorial sun and stays on in a moving vehicle with the roof open. Good sunglasses with UV protection reduce glare and dust, and a spare pair is useful. For cool mornings, a warm beanie makes early game drives much more comfortable.

A scarf or buff is one of the most useful safari accessories, protecting your face and neck from dust, wind and sun and keeping you warm on cool mornings. Pack sandals or slip-on shoes for relaxing at your lodge or camp, by the pool and on a Zanzibar beach extension at the end of your safari.

A good pair of binoculars is essential on safari, helping you spot distant lions, leopards in trees and colourful birds that are hard to see with the naked eye. An 8x42 or 10x42 model offers a good balance of magnification and brightness. Ideally, bring one pair per person so nobody misses a special or rare sighting.

A camera with a zoom lens of around 200 to 400mm is ideal for wildlife photography, as off-road driving is not allowed in many parks and animals can be distant. Modern smartphones are great for landscapes and close sightings. A beanbag helps steady your camera on the vehicle window or roof during longer game drives.

Bring at least two spare camera batteries and plenty of memory cards, as you may take thousands of photos on safari. Charging opportunities can be limited at some camps, so keep batteries topped up whenever you can. Back up your photos regularly to a laptop, tablet or portable drive to avoid losing precious safari memories forever.

Many safari vehicles have charging points, but a power bank keeps your phone and camera charged on long days. Tanzania mainly uses British-style three-pin plugs, so bring a universal travel adapter. Some camps run on solar power with limited electricity for hairdryers or high-wattage devices, so pack only the electronics you really need for your trip.

A small headlamp or torch is very useful at tented camps, where paths between your tent and the main area can be dark at night. Many camps provide torches, but having your own is convenient for reading, packing and moving around your room. Always follow staff instructions about walking at night in unfenced camps and lodges.

Safari roads are dusty, especially in the dry season, so protect your camera and electronics with a dust-resistant bag, lens cloths and a blower. Try to avoid changing lenses in the vehicle when it is windy or dusty. Zip-lock or reusable dry bags are useful for keeping phones, cables and small electronics clean, dry and well organised.

Speak to a travel health professional several weeks before your safari about recommended vaccinations and malaria prevention for your itinerary. Pack enough prescription medication for the whole trip, plus extra in case of delays, and keep it in your hand luggage with copies of prescriptions. Remote parks can be far from pharmacies, so plan ahead.

A small personal first aid kit should include pain relievers, anti-diarrhoea tablets, oral rehydration salts, antihistamines, antiseptic wipes, plasters, blister pads and tweezers. Most safari vehicles carry a basic kit, and guides are trained in first aid, but having your own essentials allows you to treat minor problems quickly and comfortably during your whole safari trip.

The sun in Tanzania is strong year-round, even on cool or cloudy days, so pack high-SPF sunscreen, SPF lip balm, sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat. Reapply sunscreen regularly during game drives, especially when the vehicle roof is open. Light long-sleeved shirts protect your arms and help prevent sunburn and fatigue on long, hot days in the parks.

Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, so pack an effective insect repellent and cover up with long sleeves and trousers in the evenings. Follow medical advice about malaria prevention. Many lodges provide mosquito nets, and a small bite-relief cream is useful. Avoid dark blue and black clothing in areas where tsetse flies are present.

Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates and have blank pages for entry stamps. Most visitors need a Tanzania visa, and many nationalities can apply online before travel. Check the current requirements for your nationality well in advance, and carry printed copies of your visa approval in your hand luggage.

Comprehensive travel insurance is absolutely essential for a Tanzania safari and should cover medical treatment, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation and lost, stolen or delayed baggage. Carry your policy number and emergency contact details with you, both printed and on your phone, and share a copy with a family member at home before you leave for Tanzania.

A yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required if you are arriving from, or have transited through, a country with a risk of yellow fever. Requirements change, so check current official guidance and speak to a travel health clinic. Keep any required certificates with your passport so they are easy to show at the airport.

Bring a credit or debit card and some US dollars in clean, recent notes for tips, souvenirs and incidentals, as older notes may not be accepted. Keep copies of your passport, visa, insurance and bookings separately from the originals, plus digital backups stored securely online, so you can replace documents quickly if needed during your trip.

A soft-sided duffel bag is the best luggage for a Tanzania safari, as it fits easily into safari vehicles and the small luggage holds of light aircraft. Hard-shell suitcases and bags with wheels and rigid frames can be difficult to pack. Choose a durable, water-resistant duffel that protects your belongings from dust and rain on the road.

If your safari includes flights between parks or to Zanzibar on light aircraft, luggage allowances are usually strict, often around 15 kilograms per person including hand luggage, in soft bags only. Check the exact limit with your operator before you pack. Excess luggage can often be stored safely in Arusha until you return from your safari.

A small daypack keeps your essentials within easy reach during game drives. Pack a reusable water bottle, sunscreen, sunglasses, binoculars, camera, spare batteries, a light jacket, snacks, hand sanitiser and any personal medication. A dust-resistant or waterproof daypack protects your gear from the dusty roads and occasional showers. Keep it on the seat beside you for quick access.

Packing cubes and small pouches help organise clothing, electronics and toiletries, so you can find what you need quickly when moving between lodges. Keep frequently used items at the top of your bag and fragile items well padded. Most lodges offer laundry, so you can pack fewer clothes and travel lighter throughout your private safari journey.

From June to October, days are sunny and dry, but early mornings and evenings can be cold, especially in the highlands. Pack warm layers, a fleece and a beanie, plus a scarf or buff for the dust that rises on busy park roads. Sunscreen, lip balm and moisturiser help protect your skin in the dry air.

From November to May, expect lush landscapes and showers, usually in the afternoon. Pack a lightweight waterproof jacket, quick-dry clothing and shoes that can handle mud. A dry bag protects your camera and electronics. Insect repellent is especially important in the wetter months, when mosquitoes are more active. Our team will advise you based on your travel month.

If you are combining your safari with a Kilimanjaro or Mount Meru climb, you will need additional trekking gear, including waterproof boots, thermal layers, a down jacket, gloves and a warm sleeping bag. Many heavier items can be rented locally in Moshi or Arusha. Follow our detailed mountain packing lists to prepare properly for the climb and summit night.

For a Zanzibar beach extension, add swimwear, sandals, light beachwear, a cover-up and reef-safe sunscreen. Zanzibar is a mainly Muslim island, so dress modestly when visiting Stone Town and villages, covering shoulders and knees. Snorkelling gear is usually available locally, so there is no need to pack your own. Light, loose clothing is most comfortable in the coastal heat.

Large hard-shell suitcases and heavy bags with wheels are difficult to fit into safari vehicles and are not allowed on many light aircraft. They also add unnecessary weight. Pack everything in a soft-sided duffel bag instead, and leave bulky items at home or in storage in Arusha during your safari. Your safari crew will help load your bags.

Tanzania banned single-use plastic carrier bags in 2019, and travellers should avoid packing them, as they may be confiscated on arrival. Use reusable packing cubes, cloth bags or dry bags instead. This simple change protects Tanzania's wildlife and landscapes and avoids any problems at the airport when you land. Reusable bags are also lighter and more durable.

Camouflage clothing should be left at home, as it is associated with the military in Tanzania. Bright colours can disturb wildlife, and dark blue and black can attract tsetse flies in some areas. Stick to neutral khaki, beige, olive and stone colours for the most comfortable and respectful safari experience. Neutral clothing also shows less of the dust.

Leave expensive jewellery, formal wear, high heels, hairdryers, irons and unnecessary gadgets at home, as they add weight and are rarely needed on safari. Most lodges provide hairdryers or have limited electricity for them. Pack only practical, versatile items, and use laundry services to travel lighter throughout your trip. A few versatile outfits are all you need.