The complete safari packing list for your Tanzania holiday
Safari packing list
Preparing for a safari is part of the excitement. We advise you to pack smartly, as it ensures you can enjoy every moment comfortably.Â
Tanzania’s landscapes and climates vary greatly, from the cool mornings in the Ngorongoro Crater to the warm, sunny plains of the Serengeti and the breezy shores of Zanzibar. With the proper clothing, gear, and documents, you’ll be ready for early game drives, cultural encounters, changing weather conditions, and long days filled with adventure.
Safari clothing
- Lightweight, easily washable (cotton) clothes. Subdued safari colors such as khaki, green, beige, and neutral colors are recommended. This will also help keep the tsetse flies away, which are usually attracted to dark colors.
- Long-sleeved shirts for cool evenings, but also for protection from the sun and mosquitoes
- Long trousers for evenings and cooler days (zip pants can be handy)
- Comfortable safari shirts and shorts (but not too short)
- A fleece or warm sweater for the early morning or evening game drives; it can be particularly chilly in the Ngorongoro Crater
- Lightweight waterproof jacket (especially during the rainy season)
- Comfortable hiking shoes or sneakers
- (Hiking) socks, long enough to tuck your trousers in (and keep the tsetse flies out)
- Sandals or flip-flops
- Swim and beachwear
- Reef shoes to protect you from sharp rocks and coral
- Sun hat or cap
Note: Please respect the (unwritten) dress code in public places and in Muslim areas, such as the Swahili coast and Zanzibar. Women must be covered (at least partially). So do not wear swimwear or very short shorts in the streets.
HEALTH
- Sunscreen (water-resistant and high SPF)
- After-sun lotion
- Insect repellent
- Anti-itching remedy against insect bites
- Wet wipes or antibacterial soap
- Malaria tablets (please consult your GP in advance)
- Personal small first aid kit with painkillers, (blister) patches, band-aids, bandage, tape, anti-diarrhea tablets, rehydration packs, and any medication you normally use
Note: your safari guide will also carry a comprehensive medical kit.
Safari equipment
- Sunglasses
- Headlamp or flashlight (with extra batteries)
- Pocket knife (Swiss or Leatherman type)
- Binoculars
- Video and/or photo camera with lenses, memory disks, batteries, and charger/power cord
- Lens cleaning cloth
- A bag to protect your camera from dust and rain
- GoPro with memory disks, batteries, and a charger
- Cell phone with charger
- Universal adapter
- Guidebook(s) about the area you’re visiting and the flora and fauna
- Bird/mammal guide books for easy identification of the animals you will be seeing
- A small notepad or journal to write down your experiences
- Leisure book or puzzle book to keep you occupied between game viewing or at the beach
Important documents
- Passport (valid for at least 6 months after travel and containing at least two blank pages)
- Tourist visa (obtainable online or at the immigration service at the airport)
- Airline (e-)tickets (make sure that your name on the ticket matches your passport)
- Copy of your travel itinerary
- Emergency phone numbers
- Medical insurance card
- Vaccinations certificate
- Doctor’s statement (if any medication is used)
- Bank and credit/debit card
Tip: make copies of your passport, visa, flight tickets, itinerary, travel insurance, and emergency phone numbers in case of an emergency. Leave a copy at someone’s home, keep a copy in your baggage, and/or email it to yourself (or save it in the Cloud).
Get in touch with our experts
Contact us for questions about your dream safari
Besides this African safari packing list, we have other travelers’ tips for Tanzania on our page filled with practical information. Think of information about currency, insurance, and time zones.
Are you dreaming of packing for an unforgettable safari, but haven’t booked your trip to spot the Big Five yet? Feel free to schedule a (video) call with one of our safari consultants. We’d love to meet you, learn about your wishes, and start shaping your dream holiday in Tanzania, fully tailored to you.