Safari PlanningPacking for a safari is easier than most people expect. You spend your days in a vehicle, most lodges offer laundry, and nobody dresses up for dinner. The aim is to pack light, stay comfortable from a cold dawn to a hot midday, and bring a few items that make game drives more rewarding.
This list is based on what our guides see guests use, and what they wish they had brought.
Choose the right bag
Use a soft-sided duffel bag rather than a hard suitcase. If your trip includes a light-aircraft flight, for example from the Serengeti to Zanzibar, airlines usually limit luggage to around 15 kg per person including hand luggage, and soft bags are often required. Even on a road safari, soft bags are easier to fit in the vehicle. Keep a small daypack for things you want during game drives.
Clothing
Think in layers. Early morning drives can be cold, especially on the Ngorongoro Crater rim, and by midday you will be in a T-shirt.
- Neutral colours: khaki, beige, olive and light brown. They hide dust and do not stand out to wildlife.
- Avoid dark blue and black: these colours attract tsetse flies, which are found in some woodland areas, including parts of Tarangire and the Serengeti.
- Avoid bright white: it will not stay white for long on dusty roads.
- Do not pack camouflage: wearing camouflage clothing is not allowed for civilians in Tanzania.
- A warm fleece and a light jacket: essential for early starts and evenings.
- Long-sleeved shirts and long trousers: for sun protection and for evenings, when mosquitoes are most active.
- Comfortable closed shoes for walking, plus sandals for the lodge.
- A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and a light scarf or buff against sun and dust.
- Swimwear, as many lodges have pools.
- A light rain jacket from November to May.
Health and comfort
- High-factor sunscreen and lip balm with SPF.
- Insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin.
- Malaria tablets, if your doctor recommends them. Ask a travel clinic about vaccinations well before you travel.
- Any prescription medicine, kept in your hand luggage with a copy of the prescription.
- A small first-aid kit: plasters, pain relief, rehydration salts and something for an upset stomach.
- Hand sanitiser and wet wipes.
- Eye drops, if you wear contact lenses. It can be dusty.
Camera and gear
- Binoculars: ideally one pair per person. An 8×42 or 10×42 pair works well.
- A zoom lens: something reaching 300 to 400 mm is ideal. A good bridge camera or a modern phone with optical zoom also works for most sightings.
- Spare batteries and memory cards. You will take more photos than you expect.
- A power bank to charge your phone and camera between lodges.
- A travel adapter: Tanzania uses 230 volts, with mostly UK-style Type G sockets and some Type D.
- A small bean bag or soft pouch to rest your camera on the vehicle window.
- A head torch for walking to your tent after dark.
Documents and money
- A passport valid for at least six months after your arrival, with blank pages.
- Your Tanzania visa. Most nationalities can apply online through the official e-visa service of the Tanzania Immigration Department before travel.
- Proof of the mandatory inbound travel insurance for foreign visitors. See our FAQ on travel insurance for details.
- Your own comprehensive travel insurance, which the government policy does not replace.
- A yellow fever certificate if you are arriving from, or have transited through, a country with a risk of yellow fever.
- Clean, recent US dollar notes for tips and small purchases. Older or torn notes are often refused.
- A credit card for lodge bills. Keep some cash, as card machines do not always work in remote areas.
What to leave at home
- Plastic carrier bags: Tanzania banned them in 2019 and they can be taken from you at the airport. Use zip-lock or fabric bags instead.
- Camouflage clothing.
- A drone: drones need special permits and are generally not allowed in national parks.
- Too many shoes and outfits: laundry is available at most lodges.
- Expensive jewellery you would not want to lose.
Quick checklist
Soft duffel bag, daypack, neutral clothes in layers, fleece, light jacket, hat, sunglasses, scarf, walking shoes, sandals, swimwear, sunscreen, insect repellent, medicines, binoculars, camera with zoom, spare batteries, power bank, Type G adapter, head torch, passport, visa, insurance documents, US dollars and a credit card.
Ready to go?
If you are still choosing dates, our guide to the best time to visit Tanzania explains what each season is like. When you are ready, browse our safari itineraries or contact our team in Arusha with any questions about what to bring.
