Packing for a safari is different from packing for a typical holiday. You need comfortable, practical clothing for long days in a vehicle, warm layers for chilly mornings and a few essentials you cannot buy in the bush.
Luggage tips
- Use a soft duffel bag rather than a hard suitcase. It fits better in safari vehicles and is required on light aircraft.
- Light-aircraft flights usually allow about 15 kg per person, including hand luggage.
- Most lodges offer laundry, so you need fewer clothes than you think.
Clothing
- 3–4 T-shirts or lightweight shirts in neutral colours
- 1–2 long-sleeved shirts for sun and mosquito protection
- 2 pairs of comfortable trousers and 1 pair of shorts
- A warm fleece or light down jacket for early mornings
- A light rain jacket (essential in the green season)
- Comfortable walking shoes and sandals
- Wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and a buff or scarf for dust
- Swimwear for lodge pools and Zanzibar
Colours: choose khaki, beige, olive and brown. Avoid dark blue and black, which attract tsetse flies, and camouflage prints, which are not allowed for civilians in Tanzania.
Gear and gadgets
- Binoculars (8x42 or 10x42 are ideal)
- Camera with zoom lens, spare batteries and memory cards
- Power bank and universal adapter (Tanzania uses type D and G plugs)
- Small torch or headlamp
- Reusable water bottle
Health and toiletries
- Insect repellent with DEET or picaridin
- High-factor sunscreen and lip balm
- Personal medication and malaria tablets
- Basic first aid: plasters, painkillers, rehydration salts
- Hand sanitiser and wet wipes
Documents
- Passport valid for at least six months
- Printed eVisa approval
- Travel insurance details
- Yellow fever certificate if required for your route
- Copies of important documents stored separately
Packing for different seasons
- June to October: cold mornings and evenings — pack a warm fleece, hat and gloves for early drives and the Ngorongoro rim.
- November to March: warmer days and some rain — pack a light waterproof and quick-drying clothing.
- April and May: the long rains — a reliable rain jacket and spare shoes are essential.
Packing for photography
- Camera body and a 100–400 mm or similar zoom lens
- A wide-angle lens or phone for landscapes and camp life
- Lens cloth and blower for dust
- Bean bag for stability
- Car charger or power bank
Packing for families
- Child-friendly binoculars
- Wildlife spotting book or checklist
- Favourite snacks
- Travel games for longer drives
- Child-safe insect repellent and sunscreen
Packing checklist summary
- Soft duffel bag and daypack
- Neutral-coloured clothing in layers
- Warm fleece and rain jacket
- Hat, sunglasses and buff
- Binoculars and camera
- Insect repellent and sunscreen
- Medication and first aid kit
- Passport, visa and insurance documents
Frequently asked questions
Can I wear shorts on safari?
Yes, shorts are fine in the vehicle and at lodges. Bring long trousers for evenings to protect against mosquitoes.
Do I need hiking boots for a safari?
No. Comfortable trainers or walking shoes are enough unless you are doing a walking safari or climbing Kilimanjaro.
Is there laundry service at lodges?
Most lodges and camps offer laundry, sometimes for a small fee. Some camps do not wash underwear for cultural reasons, so pack a small travel wash.
What to leave at home
- Single-use plastic bags (banned in Tanzania)
- Bright or camouflage clothing
- Too many shoes and outfits
- Expensive jewellery
Heading to Kilimanjaro too? See our Kilimanjaro packing list.
Utmost Tanzania Tours
Utmost Tanzania Tours is an Arusha-based tour operator specialising in tailor-made wildlife safaris, Mount Kilimanjaro treks, Zanzibar beach holidays and cultural tours.
