What to Pack for Your Tanzania Safari
Packing for a Tanzania safari requires balancing comfort, practicality, and luggage weight limits. Most domestic safari flights have a strict 15kg luggage limit in a soft-sided bag, so packing efficiently is essential. Here is our comprehensive guide to help you pack smart.
Clothing
- Colors: Wear neutral, earth-toned colors (khaki, olive, beige, brown). Avoid bright colors and white, which can startle wildlife and attract tsetse flies. Blue is also best avoided as it attracts tsetse flies.
- Shirts: 3-4 lightweight, long-sleeved shirts in breathable fabric. Long sleeves protect against sun and insects.
- Trousers: 2-3 pairs of lightweight trousers. Zip-off convertible trousers are popular. Avoid shorts in the bush as they offer no protection against thorns and insects.
- Warm layer: A fleece or softshell jacket for early morning and evening game drives when temperatures can drop to 10-15 degrees Celsius.
- Rain jacket: A lightweight, packable waterproof jacket, essential year-round.
- Underwear and socks: Quick-dry moisture-wicking fabrics are ideal. Bring enough for the trip plus one extra set.
- Sleepwear: Comfortable lightweight sleepwear.
- Swimwear: Many lodges have swimming pools, and essential if visiting Zanzibar.
Footwear
- Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes or lightweight hiking boots (broken in)
- Sandals or flip-flops for around the lodge
- Thick socks (2-3 pairs)
Accessories & Sun Protection
- Wide-brimmed hat or safari cap
- Quality polarized sunglasses
- Sunscreen SPF 50+ (reef-safe if visiting Zanzibar)
- Lip balm with SPF
- Buff or bandana (useful as dust protection)
Camera & Electronics
- Camera with a zoom lens (200mm minimum recommended for wildlife)
- Extra memory cards and batteries
- Binoculars (8x42 or 10x42 are ideal for safari)
- Power bank for charging on the go
- Universal power adapter (Tanzania uses UK-style Type G plugs)
- Headlamp or small flashlight
Health & Personal Items
- Prescription medications in original packaging
- Anti-malaria medication
- Insect repellent with DEET (20-30%)
- Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
- Basic first aid supplies (plasters, pain relief, anti-diarrhea medication)
- Rehydration sachets
- Personal toiletries in travel-sized containers
Luggage Tips
Use a soft-sided duffel bag rather than a hard suitcase for safari flights, as they fit more easily into small aircraft. Keep a small daypack for game drives to carry your camera, binoculars, water, sunscreen, and snacks. Pack a change of clothes and essential items in your carry-on in case checked luggage is delayed.