Tanzania Safari Packing List: What to Wear and What to Bring

What to wear on a Tanzania safari

Neutral colors such as khaki, olive and tan work best. They hide dust, and they fit the setting. Avoid dark blue and black in areas with tsetse flies, which are attracted to those colors. White gets dirty fast, and camouflage is best avoided, as it may be restricted in parts of East Africa.

Layers matter because dawn drives can be cold and midday can be hot. A light long-sleeved shirt and pants also help to keep off the sun and mosquitoes.

Tanzania safari clothing checklist

What else to bring on a Tanzania safari

Safari bags and bush flight baggage limits

Use a soft duffel bag rather than a hard suitcase. It is easier to fit in a vehicle, and it is required on many small planes. Domestic bush flights often limit you to about 15 to 20 kg (33 to 44 lb), including hand luggage. If you are flying on to Zanzibar, as on our 8-day safari and Zanzibar trip, weigh your bag before you leave home, and ask us to confirm your limit.

What camera to bring on safari

A phone is fine for landscapes and close sightings, but a camera with a zoom lens of about 100 to 400 mm makes a big difference for animals. Bring spare batteries and memory cards. A small bean bag or a rest for the vehicle's window helps keep the camera steady. Dust is your biggest enemy, so keep your gear covered between sightings.

Health items for your Tanzania safari

See a travel clinic six to eight weeks before you leave. Malaria is a risk in the safari parks, so ask about tablets and bring repellent. Carry your prescriptions in their original packaging, in your hand luggage, with some extra in case of delays. Bring repellent, and wear long sleeves from dusk to dawn. Yellow fever certificates may be required if you travel through certain countries, so check your whole route.

What not to pack for a Tanzania safari

• Too many clothes. Many lodges offer laundry, so check when you book.
• Hard-shell suitcases. They do not fit well in small planes and vehicles.
• Bright colors or camouflage. Neutral is better.
• Drones. They need permits, and they are generally not allowed in the parks.
• Plastic bags. Tanzania has strict rules against them, so avoid bringing them in your luggage.
• Expensive jewelry. You will not need it.

Packing for different safari seasons

June to August

Early drives are cold. Bring a warm jacket, a hat and light gloves.

September to October

It gets warmer and dustier. Bring a buff, and pack lighter layers.

November to May

Pack a good rain jacket, and keep your camera gear in a dry bag. See our best time guide.

What to keep with you in the safari vehicle

Your main bag stays in the back or at camp, so keep what you need within reach: binoculars, camera, sunscreen, a hat, a light jacket, water, snacks, wet wipes and your medicines. A small daypack or a camera bag works well. Roads can be bumpy and dusty, so use padded, closed bags for your electronics.

Packing tips for comfort on long game drives

Roads in the parks can be rough, so a comfortable sports bra helps. Loose, breathable clothes work best in the heat. A scarf can serve as dust protection and a warm layer, and as cover when you visit towns or communities. Bush toilet stops happen on many drives, so tissues and hand sanitizer are worth carrying.

Packing for a safari and Kilimanjaro on the same trip

Many travelers do both. Pack your climbing gear in one bag and your safari clothes in another, and leave whichever you are not using at your Moshi hotel. Your boots and warm layers can double up for cold game drives. See our Kilimanjaro packing list for what the mountain needs.

Packing for a safari and Zanzibar

Add swimwear, sandals, a sarong or light cover-up, and reef-safe sunscreen. Zanzibar is largely Muslim, so bring something that covers your shoulders and knees for Stone Town. If you are flying, remember the baggage limit, and consider leaving unnecessary items in storage.

Laundry on safari: how to pack less

Many camps and lodges offer laundry, although some do not wash underwear for cultural reasons, so bring a little travel soap. Plan for about four days of clothes, and wash along the way. Quick-dry fabrics help a lot, because you can hang them up overnight and wear them the next morning.

Packing for children and older travelers

For children, bring favorite snacks, simple games, sun hats, a small pair of binoculars and any medicine they need, in the correct dose for their age. For older travelers, a small cushion can make bumpy roads more comfortable, and walking poles can help in camp if needed. Carry any regular medication in your hand luggage, with a copy of your prescription. Tell us about any mobility needs, so that we can choose suitable lodges.

Your last-minute safari checklist

1. Passport with at least six months of validity, and your visa.
2. Insurance details and emergency contacts.
3. Prescriptions, malaria tablets and repellent.
4. Binoculars and camera, with spare batteries.
5. A warm layer for early morning drives.
6. US dollars in small, clean bills for tips.
7. A soft bag, weighed if you are taking a small plane.

Common safari packing mistakes

• Packing for heat only. Early morning drives and the crater rim can be cold.
• Too many clothes. Three or four shirts are enough for most trips.
• No binoculars. One of the things people most often regret leaving at home.
• A big suitcase. It may not fit on a small plane, or in the vehicle.
• Not enough batteries or memory cards. You will take many more photos than you expect.

What you can buy in Moshi or Arusha, and what you cannot

Both towns have shops for basics such as toiletries, snacks, sunscreen and repellent. You can also find some outdoor clothing, and even binoculars, but the choice is limited, and they are best bought at home. Bring any medicines you need, as well as camera gear, spare batteries and contact lens supplies. If you forget something, tell your guide before you leave town, so that you can stop on the way.

Tanzania safari packing: your questions answered

The simple rule for safari packing

Pack less than you think, in neutral colors and layers, with good binoculars and a soft bag. If you are also climbing Kilimanjaro, see our Kilimanjaro packing list, and tell us so that we can store your extra gear. Send us your questions at any time.