Prepare for Safari
Bringing the right clothing and personal items on your Tanzania safari not only keeps you safe and comfortable, but also increases your enjoyment of the many adventurous activities available during your travels.
Packaging List
General Packaging List
- In general, pack lightly. Leave room for gifts and souvenirs. Softsided luggage packs more easily into the safari vehicle.
- Always carry passport, airline tickets and money on your person. A fanny pack or moneybag that hangs around the neck works well.
- In case luggage doesn’t arrive the same day you do, put enough clothing and supplies for the first day in your carryon luggage.
- If taking a domestic flight luggage weight restrictions range between 15-20 kgs (33-44 lbs) total per person.
- If climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro or Mt. Meru, additional supplies will be needed. Please refer to the Kilimanjaro Packing List.
Foot Wear
- Sturdy, comfortable shoes, preferably waterproof. They will get dirty.
- Tennis shoes or sandals for lounging in the evening
- Comfortable, breathable socks
Clothing
- Shorts, mid-thigh or longer (not advisable for village visits)
- Lightweight, breathable pants
- Short-sleeved shirts, cool and breathable (neutral colors are best, avoid black, dark blue and bright red)
- Bathing suit if staying at a lodge with a swimming pool or if visiting Zanzibar
- Long-sleeved fleece or sweater for evenings and/or early mornings
- Rain jacket or rain poncho
- Women: pants (capri-length or longer) and shirts that cover the shoulder are advisable for village visits. Lightweight dresses or skirts that cover the knees are optional depending on how rural your village visit is but can also be worn for evening dining at the accommodations.
- Men: short-sleeve shirts with collars (for visiting villages or evening dining at the accommodations).
- Keep valuable jewelry to a minimum
Note
- Camouflage clothing in Tanzania is prohibited for its citizens. As such, we suggest that visitors avoid such style of clothing.
Recommended Packaging list (not all)
Baggage
- Day pack, for you to carry
- Large waterproof duffel bag or backpack
Other
- Sun hat
- Maps, guidebooks
- Scarf (for dust and/or sun)
- Batteries
- Sunglasses
- Binoculars
- At least 2 Pairs of Binoculars (Nikon Monarch 8×36 or Eagle Optics Ranger 8×42)
- Money (small Tanzanian bills and/or small US bills for small purchases and tips. Larger US bills and/or travelers checks for bigger purchases)
- Journal/notebook, pencil and pen
- Pocket knife (for travelers doing basic camping)
- Electricity adapter
- Energy bars and snacks
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Playing cards, games, books, Frisbee
- Camera, memory cards, minitripod
- Mementos for guides and other travelers
- Personal music device
- Video camera
- Travel pillow
Toiletries
- Small hand towel (spare item)
- Roll of toilet paper (for some public restrooms)
- Soap
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Hand-wipes