Tanzania Safari Packing List

Quick Tips

• Bag type: Soft duffel, not hard suitcase
• Weight: 15kg max for vehicle roof
• Colours: Neutral — khaki, olive, tan, brown

How to Pack

1. 1

   Choose neutral-coloured layers

   Pack lightweight clothing in khaki, olive, tan, and brown. Avoid bright colours (startle wildlife) and dark blue/black (attract tsetse flies). Layer for cold mornings (5°C on crater rim) and hot afternoons (30°C+).

2. 2

   Pack essential safari gear

   Binoculars, sun hat, SPF 50 sunscreen, DEET insect repellent, head torch, and a reusable water bottle are non-negotiable. For camping: a sleeping bag liner adds comfort.

3. 3

   Prepare electronics and documents

   Camera or phone with zoom, power bank (20,000mAh+), universal adapter, passport, e-visa confirmation, travel insurance docs, and vaccination certificate (Yellow Fever if required).

4. 4

   Add camping-specific items

   If camping: quick-dry towel, biodegradable wet wipes, toilet paper (just in case), earplugs for camp sounds, and a small daypack for personal items during drives.

Clothing

Layer for temperature swings: 5°C at dawn on the crater rim, 30°C+ by midday in the Serengeti. Neutral colours blend with the bush.

• Lightweight long-sleeve shirts (x3) — Neutral colours. Sun and insect protection. Quick-dry fabric.
• T-shirts (x3) — Layering base. Cotton or moisture-wicking.
• Convertible trousers/zip-offs (x2) — Shorts in heat, long for cold mornings and thorny bush.
• Warm fleece or softshell jacket — Essential. Mornings on Ngorongoro rim hit 5°C. Vehicle is open-top.
• Lightweight rain jacket — Packable. Green season essential, useful year-round for wind.
• Comfortable closed-toe shoes — Walking shoes or light hiking boots. Not sandals — thorns and dust.
• Flip-flops/sandals — For camp and lodge. Your feet need a break from shoes.
• Sun hat with brim — Wide brim or legionnaire style. Sun is intense at equatorial altitude.
• Warm beanie/buff — Early morning game drives are cold. Buff doubles as dust mask.
• Underwear and socks (x5) — Quick-dry. One extra pair. Laundry service at lodges.

Gear & Toiletries

• Binoculars — Even budget ones (8x42) transform the experience. Borrow or buy cheap ($30-50).
• Sunscreen SPF 50+ — Equatorial sun is intense even when cloudy. Reapply every 2 hours.
• Insect repellent (DEET 30%+) — Apply at dusk. Mosquitoes carry malaria. Non-negotiable.
• Head torch / flashlight — Camps have limited lighting. Essential for toilet trips at night.
• Reusable water bottle (1L) — Refilled daily from supply. Reduces plastic waste.
• Daypack / small backpack — For personal items during drives: camera, water, snacks, layers.
• Sleeping bag liner — Camping only. Adds warmth and hygiene to provided sleeping bags.
• Quick-dry travel towel — Camping safaris. Lodges provide towels.
• Wet wipes / hand sanitiser — Bush toilets and dusty conditions. Biodegradable preferred.
• Earplugs — Camping: hyenas, lions, and other campers. Light sleepers will thank these.

Electronics

• Camera or smartphone with zoom — Phone cameras are surprisingly good. Budget DSLR with 70-300mm lens ideal.
• Power bank (20,000mAh+) — 2-3 full phone charges. Essential for camping with no power sockets.
• Universal power adapter — Tanzania uses UK-style 3-pin (Type G). Bring adapter for your devices.
• Memory cards / phone storage — You’ll take 500+ photos per day. Bring spare cards or clear phone storage.
• Car charger (USB) — Some vehicles have 12V sockets. Ask your guide — a USB car charger is gold.

Documents & Money

• Passport (6+ months validity) — Must be valid for at least 6 months after arrival date.
• Tanzania e-Visa confirmation — Print the approval letter. Apply at visa.immigration.go.tz
• Travel insurance documents — Print policy number + emergency contact. Keep digital copy too.
• Vaccination certificate — Yellow Fever required if arriving from endemic country. COVID no longer required.
• Copies of all documents — Email yourself scans. Keep printed copies separate from originals.
• USD cash (crisp, post-2006) — For visa on arrival, tips, and personal purchases.

What NOT to Bring

• Bright/white clothing (scares animals, shows dirt)
• Dark blue or black clothing (attracts tsetse flies)
• Expensive jewellery (unnecessary and a theft risk)
• Large/hard suitcases (soft duffels fit better in vehicles)
• Strong perfume or cologne (attracts insects, disturbs animals)
• Plastic bags (banned in Tanzania — $30+ fine)
• Drone (illegal in national parks without expensive permit)
• Camouflage/military-style clothing (restricted in East Africa)