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Travel guide · 2 min read

What to Pack for a Tanzania Safari

A practical packing list for clothing, camera gear, health items and documents, plus weight limits for small planes.

Packing light and smart makes your safari more comfortable. Here is what we recommend.

Clothing

  • Neutral colours such as khaki, olive, beige and brown. Avoid bright colours and dark blue or black, which attract tsetse flies.
  • Lightweight long-sleeved shirts and trousers for sun and insect protection.
  • A warm fleece or jacket. Early morning game drives and the Ngorongoro rim can be cold.
  • A light rain jacket, especially from November to May.
  • Comfortable closed shoes and sandals for camp.
  • A wide-brimmed hat and good sunglasses.

Camera and electronics

  • A camera with a zoom lens of at least 200 mm, or a good phone with a zoom camera.
  • Spare batteries and memory cards. Vehicles have charging points, but bring a power bank.
  • A beanbag or lens cover to protect gear from dust.
  • Binoculars, which make a big difference. We carry spares in the vehicle.
  • Tanzania uses 230 V with types D and G sockets, so bring an adapter.

Health and personal items

  • Sunscreen, lip balm and insect repellent
  • Any prescription medicines, in their original packaging, plus a basic first-aid kit
  • Hand sanitiser and wet wipes
  • Anti-malarial medication if advised by your doctor

Documents

  • Passport valid for at least six months, with blank pages
  • Visa, if required, and printed copies of your itinerary
  • Travel insurance details, including emergency evacuation cover
  • Some US dollars in small, recent notes for tips and small purchases

Luggage tips

  • Use a soft-sided bag instead of a hard suitcase. Light aircraft usually limit luggage to about 15 kg per person in a soft bag.
  • Many camps offer laundry services, so you do not need a different outfit for every day.
  • Leave heavy luggage at your Arusha hotel if you are flying between parks.

Need help deciding what to bring? We send a detailed packing guide to every guest after booking.

Ready to plan your safari?

Tell us your dates and what you want to see and we will reply within one working day.