Tanzania Safari Packing List
Heading out on safari in Tanzania? Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, being well prepared makes all the difference. This list isn’t about overpacking, it’s about bringing just what you need to stay comfortable and ready for anything.
And if you forget a few things, don’t worry, you can easily find most essentials in town before you set off.
Travel Documents.
Before you zip up your bag, double-check you’ve got the paperwork sorted:
- A valid passport (make sure it’s not about to expire)
- Yellow Fever certificate if you’re arriving from a risk country
- Tanzania visa – available on arrival:
- USD $100 (cash only) for U.S. citizens
- USD $50 (cash only) for UK/EU and most other nationalities
- A copy of your flight details
- Travel insurance and/or medical evacuation cover
- Medical or dental insurance cards
- A credit card (Visa or MasterCard work best)
- Some U.S. cash (issued after 2004 only)
Clothing – Keep It Simple and Comfortable.
On safari, it’s all about comfort. You don’t need to dress up — just pack smart and think layers. Early mornings can be cool, afternoons warm, and evenings breezy.
Stick to neutral colors like khaki, beige, and olive. Avoid dark blues and blacks — they attract tsetse flies.
Here’s what to pack.
- Light T-shirts or polos (2–5)
- Long-sleeve shirts for sun protection
- Shorts and light trousers
- A sweater or fleece for cool mornings and evenings
- Comfortable walking shoes or sandals
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Socks, underwear, and sleepwear
- Rain jacket or poncho (Mar–May & Oct–Dec)
- Warm layers (hat, gloves, thermals) if traveling between May–Sept
- Warm clothes for early-morning balloon rides
Essentials You’ll Be Glad You Brought.
- Camera and extra memory cards
- Binoculars – they make all the difference
- Sunscreen and insect repellent (Mosi-guard works great)
- Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
- Basic first aid kit and your personal meds
- Malaria tablets
- Toiletries (soap, toothbrush, shampoo, eye drops, etc.) though is provide in your accommodations.
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Chargers, power bank, and extra batteries
- UK-style power adapter
- Anti-itch cream or antihistamine for bites
Packing Tips from the Field.
- Soft bags pack better – duffel or sports bags fit more easily into safari vehicles.
- Bring a small backpack for your important items: passport, money, meds, camera, phone, and a change of clothes. Keep it with you at all times.
- Travel light – most lodges offer laundry service, so you don’t need much.
- Leave fancy stuff behind – hair dryers, heavy make-up, and jewelry are best kept at home.
- Divide your cash in different places — wallet, carry-on, and money belt.
Save space for souvenirs — you’ll definitely find a few treasures to take home
Final Word.
Packing for safari isn’t about perfection — it’s about being ready to enjoy the wild. Tanzania has a way of slowing you down and showing you what really matters: open skies, endless plains, and the rhythm of nature.
Keep it simple, travel light, and soak it all in.
Other useful Links
Planning A Safari In Tanzania?
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