Safari Packing List
Packing for your safari to Tanzania can be a challenge,
especially if it is your first African adventure.
Safari Packing List
The country offers a beautiful mix of mountains, plains, jungles, and beaches, with a huge variation of temperatures and topographies. Therefore you need to pack smart and carefully. And light!
Consult the below Safari Packing List for suggestions to be well prepared and travel comfortably during your safari in Tanzania. Note that this is not a complete list but it will give you valuable tips on (safari) items not to forget on your trip.
Lightweight, easily washable (cotton) clothes; subdued safari colors such as khaki, green, beige, and neutral colors are recommended. This will also help to keep the tsetse flies away, which are usually attracted to dark colors.
Long-sleeved shirts for cool evenings but also protection from the sun and mosquitoes
Long trousers for evenings and cooler days (zip pants can be very useful)
Comfortable safari shirts and shorts (but not too short)
A fleece or warm sweater for the early morning or evening game drives; particularly in the Ngorongoro Crater it can be chilly
Lightweight waterproof jacket (especially during the rainy season)
Comfortable hiking shoes
(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 Muslim areas like the Swahili coast and Zanzibar. Read also our clothing tips in the Travel Tips for Tanzania!
Health:
Sunscreen (water resistant and high SPF)
After-sun lotion
Insect repellent
Anti-itching remedy against insect bite
Wet wipes or antibacterial soap
Malaria tablets (please consult your GP in advance)
Personal small first aid kit with painkillers, (blister) patches, bandage, tape, anti-diarrhea tablets, re-hydration packs, and any medication you normally use
Note: your safari guide will carry a comprehensive medical kit as well.
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
Bag to protect your camera from dust and rain
GoPro with memory disks, batteries, and charger
Cell phone with charger
Universal adapter
Guidebook (s) about the area you’re visiting and the flora and fauna
Bird/mammal guidebooks for easy identification of the animals you will be seeing
Small notepad or journal to write down your experiences
Leisure book to read between game viewing or at the beach
Important documents:
Passport (which is still valid for 6 months after your trip and has 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 with 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 and keep a copy in your baggage and/or email it to yourself (or save it in the Cloud).
Keep in mind
Keep in mind that the wheels of suitcases are not very bush-friendly, though the luggage can always be carried. Lightweight, soft (duffel) bags are recommended as they are easy to store and travel with. A daypack as your hand luggage comes in handy when flying to your next destination, driving around in the safari vehicle, or going for a hike.
Also, remember that for most domestic airlines the maximum baggage allowance is limited (often to 15-20 kg all in). If you are planning to climb Kilimanjaro we will send you extra clothing advice attached to your itinerary.