A practical, experience-based packing list for Tanzania safaris. Learn what you actually need, what to leave behind, and insider tips for comfortable game drives and bush camps.
What to Pack for Your Tanzania Safari
After guiding thousands of guests through Tanzania's parks, I've seen every packing mistake imaginable—from guests arriving with hard suitcases that don't fit in bush planes to those shivering in shorts during early morning game drives.
This guide covers what you actually need, based on real experience rather than generic travel lists.
The Golden Rule: Less is More
Most safari vehicles have limited luggage space, and light aircraft have strict weight limits (typically 15-20kg including carry-on). Pack light, pack smart.
Recommended: Soft-sided duffel bag (no wheels, no frame)
Avoid: Hard suitcases, rolling luggage, large backpacks with frames
Clothing Essentials
Safari Colors: Why They Matter
Stick to neutral colors: khaki, olive, brown, tan, beige, gray. This isn't just tradition—it's practical:
- Animals are less disturbed by earth tones
- Bright colors attract tsetse flies
- White shows dust immediately
- Black absorbs heat
Avoid: White, bright colors, camouflage (reserved for military in some areas)
The Clothing Checklist
Tops (3-4 total):
- 2-3 lightweight, long-sleeved safari shirts (sun and insect protection)
- 1 fleece or light jacket (early mornings are cold)
- 1 t-shirt for camp relaxation
Bottoms (2-3 total):
- 2 pairs of lightweight safari trousers (zip-off legs are versatile)
- 1 pair of shorts (for camp only—legs should be covered on drives)
Layers:
- Warm fleece or down jacket (essential for Ngorongoro and morning drives)
- Light rain jacket (compact, for green season)
- Buff or scarf (dust protection)
Underwear:
- Quick-dry underwear (3-4 pairs)
- Sports bras for women (bumpy roads!)
- Comfortable socks (5-6 pairs)
Footwear:
- Comfortable walking shoes or light hiking boots
- Sandals for camp (open-toed are fine at most lodges)
Essential Gear
Photography:
- Camera with telephoto lens (200-400mm ideal for wildlife)
- Extra batteries (charging may be limited)
- Memory cards (shoot more than you think!)
- Dust protection (ziplock bags work)
- Beanbag for vehicle window shots
Sun Protection:
- Sunglasses (polarized are best)
- Wide-brimmed hat that won't blow off
- High SPF sunscreen (SPF 50+)
- Lip balm with SPF
Health & Comfort:
- Prescription medications (in original packaging)
- Malaria prophylaxis (consult your doctor)
- Hand sanitizer
- Insect repellent (30%+ DEET or picaridin)
- Basic first aid: bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers
- Rehydration sachets
Practical Items:
- Headlamp or small flashlight (camps are dark at night)
- Binoculars (8x42 is ideal)
- Reusable water bottle
- Day pack for walking safaris
- Ziplock bags (dust-proofing electronics)
- Universal power adapter (UK-style Type G in Tanzania)
- Portable power bank
What Most People Forget
Warm clothing - Early morning drives at 5:30 AM can be 10-15°C. Ngorongoro rim is even colder.
Lip balm - The dry air and wind chap lips quickly.
Closed-toe shoes for bush walks - Sandals aren't allowed on walking safaris.
Cash for tips - USD in good condition (no tears, pre-2013 bills may be refused).
Copies of important documents - Passport photo page, travel insurance, flight confirmations.
What to Leave Behind
- Excessive luggage - You'll wear the same few items repeatedly
- Valuable jewelry - Unnecessary and risky
- Drone - Banned in most national parks without expensive permits
- Plastic bags - Banned in Tanzania
- Too many electronics - Charging opportunities may be limited
- Hair dryer - Most lodges provide them, and power can be unreliable
- Formal clothing - Safari lodges are casual
Packing for Different Accommodation Types
Luxury lodges: Full laundry service usually included. Pack very light.
Tented camps: Basic laundry often available. Pack light.
Budget camping: Laundry less reliable. Pack a few extra items.
Mobile camps: Strict weight limits. Pack essentials only.
Special Considerations
Ngorongoro Crater: Bring warmer layers—the crater rim sits at 2,200m elevation.
Zanzibar extension: Add swimwear, beach coverups, and reef-safe sunscreen.
Kilimanjaro combination: Requires completely separate packing list (technical gear).
Green season (March-May): Add waterproof jacket and quick-dry clothing.
Sample 7-Day Safari Packing List
Clothing:
- 3 long-sleeved safari shirts
- 2 pairs zip-off trousers
- 1 pair shorts
- 1 warm fleece
- 1 light rain jacket
- 1 wide-brimmed hat
- 5 pairs underwear
- 5 pairs socks
- Walking shoes
- Sandals
Gear:
- Binoculars
- Camera + lenses + cards + batteries
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen + lip balm
- Insect repellent
- Headlamp
- Reusable water bottle
- Day pack
Documents:
- Passport
- Travel insurance details
- Flight/booking confirmations
- Cash (USD) for tips
This entire list fits easily in a 35-50L duffel bag, well under any weight limits.
Final Tip
Ask your safari operator for specific packing guidance. Different itineraries have different needs, and they know what's essential for your particular trip.
The best safari guests I've guided are those who pack light and stay flexible. You're here for the wildlife, not the wardrobe.