Safari Packing List

Q: What should I wear on a Tanzania safari?

Wear neutral colours such as khaki, beige, olive and brown. Avoid bright whites, blues and blacks because tsetse flies are attracted to dark colours. Bring lightweight layers, a wide-brim hat, sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes. Camouflage clothing is restricted in Tanzania.

Tanzania Safari Packing List — The Complete Guide

Packing for a Tanzania safari is different from packing for a beach holiday. You need neutral colours, sun protection, layers for cool mornings and warm days, camera gear that survives dust, and a soft duffel bag if you're taking any light aircraft flights. Get it right, and your safari is comfortable and stress-free from day one.

This guide covers everything: clothing, footwear, camera equipment, health essentials, documents, and the things most people over-pack. Use it as a printable checklist before you travel.

The Golden Rules of Safari Packing

Neutral colours only: Khaki, beige, olive, brown. Avoid bright whites, blues and blacks (tsetse flies are attracted to dark colours).
Layer, don't bulk: Cool mornings, warm days, cold nights on the crater rim. Bring layers you can add and remove.
Soft duffel bags: Required for light aircraft safari flights — hard suitcases won't fit.
Weight limits: Fly-in safaris usually allow 15 kg per person in a soft bag.
Less is more: You'll wear half of what you pack. Laundry is available at most lodges.
Dust protection: Camera gear, phone and clothing need protection from fine dust.

Clothing

3–4 short-sleeve shirts in neutral colours (cotton or quick-dry)
2 long-sleeve shirts for sun protection and cool evenings
2 pairs of lightweight safari trousers or convertible zip-offs
1 pair of shorts for warmer days and lodge downtime
1 fleece or light jacket for early morning game drives
1 warm layer — nights on the Ngorongoro rim can drop to 5°C
1 waterproof/windproof jacket (especially for green season)
Underwear and socks — 5–7 pairs each
1 swimsuit for lodge pools
1 neutral-coloured hat with a brim for sun protection
1 beanie for cold mornings and evenings
1 scarf or buff for dust protection

Footwear

Comfortable walking shoes or light hiking boots — broken in before travel
Sandals or flip-flops for around camp and lodges
Trainers for general use in towns and hotels

Camera Gear & Electronics

Camera body — DSLR or mirrorless with good low-light performance
Telephoto lens — 100–400mm or 200–500mm for wildlife
Wide-angle lens — 24–70mm for landscapes
Spare batteries — at least 2–3, plus charger
Memory cards — 64GB or larger, bring spare
Binoculars — 8x42 or 10x42 for wildlife viewing
Bean bag or monopod — for stable shots from the vehicle
Lens cleaning kit — dust is everywhere
Power bank — 10,000mAh or larger
Universal adapter — Tanzania uses UK-style type G plugs
Waterproof bag for camera gear in rainy conditions

Health & Personal Essentials

Sunscreen SPF 50+ — the sun is intense year-round
Insect repellent with DEET (30%+)
Malaria tablets — consult your doctor before travel
Painkillers and rehydration salts
Personal medications in original packaging
Motion sickness tablets for long game drives on rough roads
Hand sanitiser and wet wipes
Small first-aid kit — plasters, antiseptic, bandages
Lip balm with SPF
Toiletries — many lodges provide basics, but bring your own preferred items
Tissues or travel toilet paper — for long game drives

Documents & Money

Passport — valid for at least 6 months beyond travel
Tanzania visa — most nationalities need an e-visa
Travel insurance — with medical evacuation cover
Yellow fever certificate — required if arriving from certain countries
Flight tickets and itinerary — printed and digital copies
Credit/debit cards — Visa and Mastercard widely accepted
US dollars in cash — for tips, small purchases, visa on arrival
Emergency contacts — embassy, hotel, safari operator

Optional But Useful

Small backpack or daypack for daily game drives
Foldable tote for markets and shopping
Reusable water bottle — many lodges offer filtered water
Snacks — nuts, energy bars, dried fruit for long drives
Headlamp or torch for camps and power cuts
Books or e-reader for downtime between drives
Travel pillow for long flights and road transfers
Notebook and pen for wildlife journals

What to Leave at Home

Bright white and dark blue clothing — attracts tsetse flies and shows dirt
Camouflage clothing — restricted or illegal in Tanzania
Excessive shoes — you'll mostly wear one or two pairs
Heavy luggage — hard suitcases don't work for fly-in safaris
Drone — requires a permit and is banned in most parks
Plastic bags — banned in Tanzania; bring reusable bags
Expensive jewellery — unnecessary and risky
Too many clothes — laundry is widely available
Hair dryer, curling iron, iron — most lodges have limited power

Packing by Season

Dry season (Jun–Oct): Warm days, cold mornings and evenings. Bring warm layers and a beanie.
Green season (Nov–May): Lush, green, occasional rain. Bring a waterproof jacket and quick-dry clothing.
Long rains (Mar–May): Heavy afternoon showers. Waterproof bag for camera, waterproof shoes, extra layers.

Luggage Tips for Fly-In Safaris

Use a soft duffel bag — 15 kg limit on most light aircraft.
Leave hard suitcases at your hotel in Arusha or Moshi.
Wear your heaviest items on the flight.
Pack a small daypack for the cabin — camera, documents, medication.

Every safari is different, but the fundamentals stay the same: neutral colours, layers, solid footwear, dust protection for gear, and everything you need for health and comfort. If you'd like a personalised packing checklist matched to your itinerary and season, talk to our safari specialists.

Safari Packing List — FAQs

What should I wear on a Tanzania safari?

Wear neutral colours — khaki, beige, olive, brown. Avoid bright whites, blues and blacks because tsetse flies are attracted to dark colours. Bring lightweight layers, a wide-brim hat, sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes. Camouflage clothing is restricted in Tanzania.

Is camouflage clothing allowed in Tanzania?

No. Camouflage clothing is restricted or illegal for civilians in Tanzania. Avoid it entirely and stick to neutral safari colours.

What camera gear should I bring on safari?

Bring a camera with good low-light performance, a telephoto lens of 100–400mm or 200–500mm for wildlife, a wide-angle lens for landscapes, spare batteries, several memory cards, binoculars, a bean bag or monopod, and a cleaning kit for dust.

Do I need a soft duffel bag for a Tanzania safari?

Yes, if your safari includes any light aircraft flights. Soft duffel bags are required because they fit easily into small plane compartments. Fly-in safaris typically allow 15 kg per person in a soft bag.

Can I bring a drone on safari in Tanzania?

Not without a permit. Drones require government permission and are banned in most national parks. We recommend leaving drones at home.

What health items should I pack for a safari?

Bring sunscreen SPF 50+, insect repellent with DEET, malaria tablets (consult your doctor), painkillers, rehydration salts, motion sickness tablets, hand sanitiser, wet wipes, a small first-aid kit and any personal medications in their original packaging.

How much luggage can I bring on safari?

For road safaris, a standard suitcase is fine. For fly-in safaris, the limit is usually 15 kg per person in a soft duffel bag. You can leave extra luggage at your hotel in Arusha or Moshi for safekeeping.

What should I leave at home for a safari?

Leave behind bright white or dark blue clothing, camouflage, excessive shoes, hard suitcases, drones, plastic bags, expensive jewellery, and hair dryers or irons. You'll wear far less than you think.

Do lodges provide laundry service?

Yes, most mid-range and luxury lodges offer laundry service, sometimes free of charge. This means you can pack fewer clothes and travel lighter. It is usually returned within a day.

What plug adapter do I need for Tanzania?

Tanzania uses UK-style Type G plugs with 230V. Bring a universal adapter and consider a power bank for charging devices during long game drives or when lodge power is limited.