Preparing for a Tanzania safari requires careful packing to ensure comfort and enjoyment, whether you’re a seasoned traveller or a first-time adventurer. While essentials like a good camera, binoculars, and a tropical hat are crucial, there’s more to consider when exploring the African bush.
Some items may not be included in Tanzania safari packages, but they can often be rented locally through services like Great Image Expedition. This approach helps ensure you have all the necessary gear without exceeding weight limits or overpacking. By planning and packing smartly, you can make the most of your safari adventure in Tanzania.
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Your Tanzania Safari Packing List also depends on the weather conditions of Tanzania and the time of the year you visit. Let’s have a look-
Check the world weather website for the United Republic of Tanzania to learn more about Tanzanian weather in detail.
To learn more about Tanzanian weather, visit the World Weather website for the United Republic of Tanzania.
For detailed information on Tanzanian weather, visit the World Weather website for the United Republic of Tanzania.
The clothing you pack will depend on both the time of year and your itinerary. Since you will experience varying weather conditions in Tanzania, it is important to pack your clothes accordingly. During the daytime, the weather may feel dry and hot; however, evenings and mornings are usually cold. Therefore, it is essential to prepare by packing for all possible conditions.
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Here are some clothing recommendations for a safari in Tanzania:
The typical safari attire includes beige zip-off trousers, khaki T-shirts, a safari hat, and a pair of binoculars—perfect for your dream Tanzania Safari Tours. But why stick to beige or khaki? Why not wear your favourite red outfit?
Here are a few reasons:
When preparing your safari packing list, it’s essential not to overlook the importance of selecting the right safari shoes, as they are just as crucial as choosing the correct attire. In fact, it is highly recommended that you purchase your safari boots before your trip, preferably at home, since prices for them in Tanzania are often higher than usual.
If you plan to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, you should bring hiking boots with excellent ankle support. However, if your itinerary only includes game drives, casual shoes, flip-flops, and sandals will suffice. Ultimately, having the right footwear ensures both comfort and practicality for your specific activities. To help you pack, here’s a list of recommended footwear:
Preparing for a trip to Tanzania should ensure a memorable experience of a lifetime. Essential travel documents are crucial; missing any could disrupt your entire safari. To help you pack effectively, we’ve compiled a detailed list of the required documents for your Tanzania Safari:
Never forget your First Aid kit when traveling to Tanzania. As you will be exploring the African bush, you may encounter zig-zag roads and unpredictable conditions. Therefore, it is important to carry some regular medications while packing for your safari to Tanzania.
Pro Tips: Include only medications personally recommended by your doctor in your medical kit.
Bringing electronic devices during your travels is essential because it helps you stay connected with family and friends. Although safari vehicles, lodges, and camps often provide power outlets, it is still wise to carry a power bank along with your charger for added convenience. Furthermore, you should consider including other useful gadgets on your Tanzania Safari Packing List to enhance your travel experience.
Another essential component of your safari packing list for Tanzania is your toiletries. Although your safari lodge or camp will likely provide basic toiletries, you may still want to include your favorite personal hygiene products for added comfort. Therefore, your Tanzania Safari Packing List would be incomplete without them.
As a result, don’t forget to pack these items, and make sure to bring some essential toiletries for your Tanzania Safari.
| Some Essential Toiletries | |
| Soap | Shampoo, conditioner, hair gel |
| Hairbrush, comb, mirror, hair ties | Toothbrush and toothpaste |
| Deodorant | Sunscreen |
| Facial tissue | Handy wipes |
| Hand sanitizer | Lip balm with sunscreen |
| Small towel and washcloth | Toilet paper |
| Shaving supplies | Nail clippers and nail brush |
| Insect repellent | Sewing kit |
| Feminine products | Cosmetics |
You will feel very positive vibes when you gift your guides and the locals in Tanzania. A gift can bring a smile to their faces, so it’s really admirable if you give any gifts while on your Safaris To Tanzania.
While packing for your Tanzania safari, it is important not to overlook the items you may need during your flight. Since these are essential, forgetting them could cause inconvenience. Therefore, we are here to guide you with your backpacking needs. Remember to include the following:
Going on a safari to Tanzania is not complete without a camping safari in the African bush. So, you should consider your Safari Packing List for Tanzania according to the camping trek as well.
For a camping safari in Tanzania National Parks, you will need camping gear. Those are-
Pro Tips: Include only medications personally recommended by your doctor in your medical kit.
Choosing the right bag for a Tanzania safari is quite considerable. It’s essential to pack your luggage in the right bag. For a Safari In Tanzania, there are two types of baggage needed. These are-
When packing for a safari in Tanzania, always choose soft baggage. Travelling with a soft duffel bag is better than a hard suitcase.
It is best to choose a duffel bag with a capacity exceeding 80 litres. Just make sure it has a robust zipper system. It would be best if you locked it to secure your baggage.
Apart from your duffel bag, carrying a daypack on your Safari To Tanzania would be best. You can have small but daily essentials like sunscreen, sunglasses, snacks, water, a passport, etc.
Pro Tips: Consider investing in packing cubes—a fantastic space-saving trick.
As we all know, the weather varies throughout Tanzania. The country’s climate is generally divided into two dry seasons and two wet seasons. Therefore, it is important to pack your bag according to the season. In this way, you can be better prepared for the weather conditions you may encounter.
| Season | Running Months | Average Temperature | Packing List |
| Spring (Long rainy season) | March, April, and May | 24°C to 29°C (75°F and 85°F) |
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| Summer (Long dry season) | June, July, and August | 21°C to 27°C (70°F to 80°F) |
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| Fall (Short rainy season) | September, October, and November | 27°C to 32°C (80°F and 90°F) |
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| Winter (Short dry season) | December, January, and February | 29°C to 35°C (85°F and 95°F) |
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Planning a Tanzania safari requires packing the right gear to ensure comfort and enjoyment. Remember that prices can vary significantly based on brand, quality, and where you purchase. To help you plan and budget effectively, here’s a comprehensive Tanzania Safari Packing List with estimated prices.
| Items | Estimated Price Range (USD) |
| Lightweight, breathable, long-sleeved shirts | 10 – 40 |
| T-shirts | 5 – 20 |
| Lightweight, breathable pants (preferably convertible) | 15 – 50 |
| Shorts | 10 – 30 |
| Hat with a wide brim to protect from the sun | 10 – 30 |
| Sunglasses | 10 – 50 |
| Bandana or scarf for dust protection | 5 – 20 |
| Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots | 30 – 100 |
| Sandals or flip-flops for around the campsite | 10 – 30 |
| Warm jacket or fleece for early morning and evening game drives | 30 – 100 |
| Swimsuit (if your accommodation has a pool) | 10 – 40 |
| Binoculars | 50 – 200 |
| Camera with extra batteries and memory cards | 100 – 500 |
| Lightweight backpack or daypack | 20 – 100 |
| Water bottle with a built-in filter or purification tablets | 10 – 40 |
| Flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries | 10 – 30 |
| Insect repellent with DEET | 5 – 20 |
| Sunscreen with a high SPF | 10 – 30 |
| Personal toiletries and medication | 20 – 50 |
| Small first-aid kit with blister pads and any prescription medication | 10 – 30 |
| Multi-purpose tool or knife | 10 – 50 |
| Electrical adapter (if necessary) | 10 – 30 |
| Portable charger for electronic devices | 20 – 100 |
| Books or magazines | 10 – 30 |
| Field guides | 10 – 30 |
| Travel pillow | 10 – 30 |
| Binocular harness or strap | 10 – 30 |
| Spare set of prescription glasses or contact lenses | 50 – 200 |
| Snacks or energy bars | 5 – 20 |
| Portable fan or misting fan | 20 – 50 |
| Small, lightweight tripod for photography | 20 – 100 |
| Collapsible walking stick | 10 – 30 |
NOTE: The prices provided are estimates and may vary based on the brand, quality, and place of purchase.
Here’s a comprehensive Safari Packing List for Tanzania with estimated rental prices to help you plan and budget accordingly:
Items | Estimated Rental Price Range (USD) |
Clothing | |
Lightweight, breathable, long-sleeved shirts | 3 – 5 per day |
T-shirts | 2 – 4 per day |
Lightweight, breathable pants (preferably convertible) | 4 – 6 per day |
Shorts | 3 – 5 per day |
Hat with a wide brim to protect from the sun | 1 – 3 per day |
Sunglasses | 2 – 4 per day |
Bandana or scarf for dust protection | 1 – 3 per day |
Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots | 7 – 15 per day |
Sandals or flip-flops for around the campsite | 3 – 5 per day |
Warm jacket or fleece for early morning and evening game drives | 5 – 10 per day |
Swimsuit (if your accommodation has a pool) | 3 – 5 per day |
Accessories and Equipment | |
Binoculars | 10 – 20 per day |
Camera with extra batteries and memory cards | 15 – 25 per day |
Lightweight backpack or daypack | 5 – 10 per day |
Water bottle with a built-in filter or purification tablets | 2 – 4 per day |
Flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries | 2 – 4 per day |
Insect repellent with DEET | 2 – 4 per day |
Sunscreen with a high SPF | 2 – 4 per day |
Personal toiletries and medication | 5 – 10 per day |
Small first-aid kit with blister pads and any prescription medication | 5 – 10 per day |
Multi-purpose tool or knife | 3 – 5 per day |
Electrical adapter (if necessary) | 2 – 4 per day |
Portable charger for electronic devices | 5 – 10 per day |
Books or magazines | 2 – 4 per day |
Field guides | 2 – 4 per day |
Travel pillow | 3 – 5 per day |
Binocular harness or strap | 1 – 3 per day |
Portable fan or misting fan | 5 – 10 per day |
Small, lightweight tripod for photography | 5 – 10 per day |
Collapsible walking stick | 3 – 5 per day |
Now that you know what essentials to bring from the detailed packing list for your safari in Tanzania, let’s focus on what unnecessary items to avoid packing. After all, traveling light is crucial for ensuring a smooth and enjoyable safari experience.
When preparing for your Tanzania safari, it’s important to pack light and limit the number of clothes you bring. Focus on packing a few lightweight garments, as most of your time will be spent in national parks engaged in safari activities.
It’s best not to bring excessive electronics on your safari to Tanzania. Although Tanzania is generally safe, petty theft on the streets is risky.
To minimize this risk, avoid bringing unnecessary electronic items.
It is highly advisable not to carry too much cash when visiting Tanzania, as it can be stressful.
ATM systems are available throughout the country, except in some rural areas, ensuring easy access to cash once you arrive. Bring your ATM and debit cards instead of carrying a lot of money.
Travelling to a new place for a vacation can pose risks if you bring expensive jewellery. You could face potential theft or lose them during your journey.
To avoid such incidents, we recommend leaving valuable ornaments at home.
Traveling to your dream safari destination often involves long flights, which can be quite tiring. In addition, these flights usually have strict weight limits and maximum dimensions for luggage. As a result, the general weight allowance is typically 15 kg (33 lbs) per person.
Pro Tips: Soft bags (such as duffel bags) are strongly recommended. Excess baggage will only be carried if the aircraft’s payload and space allow. If permitted, it will be charged at the prevailing freight rate.
| Air Lines | Weight Allowance(per person) | Weight Includes | Maximum Dimensions | Excess Baggage Cost |
| Air Excel | 20 kg / 44Ibs |
Handbag and must be in soft duffel bags |
60cm x 30cm x 25cm (24” x 12” x 10”) |
$ 03 per additional kilogram |
| Safari Air Link | 15kg / 33lbs | Handbag and must be in soft duffel bags | 90cm x 65cm x 35cm (35” x 25” x 13”) | $50 for 0-10 kgs, $80 for 11-20 kgs, $145 for 21-30 kgs. |
| Auric Air | 20kg / 44lbs | Handbag and must be in soft duffel bags & camera | 60cm x inches 45cm x inches 33cm (24” x 18” x 13”) | $60.00 & $30.00 per slab |
| Coastal Aviation | 15kg / 33lbs | Handbag and must be in soft duffel bags | 76cm x 48cm x 29cm (30” x 19” x 11”) | $85-$95 per bag |
Pro Tips: Soft bags (such as duffel bags) are strongly recommended. Excess baggage will only be transported if the aircraft’s payload and space allow and will be charged at the current freight rates.
What to Pack for a Safari in Tanzania? In addition to the previously discussed guidelines, here are some general recommendations for preparing your packing list for a Tanzania safari.
We hope our Tanzania Safari Packing List helps you prepare and ensures you’re fully equipped for a fantastic safari experience. To make sure you’re ready, double-check that you have all the items mentioned in this list. Once you’ve packed, get ready to explore the splendor of Tanzania on your own. Furthermore, let us know about your Tanzania Safari Packages, and we will make sure you have the safari of a lifetime!
It is not recommended to wear shorts on a Tanzania safari as they do not offer much protection from the sun, bugs, and thorny bushes. etc.
Yes, it is advisable to pack some snacks such as energy bars or nuts to keep you energized during the game drives.
Yes, it is highly recommended to bring a reusable water bottle to reduce plastic waste.
Yes, binoculars are highly recommended to spot wildlife from a distance.
Yes, a camera is highly recommended to capture the stunning wildlife and landscapes in Tanzania. handy. Also, you should exchange your cash for Tanzanian Shillings at the bureau de exchange.
Yes, insect repellent is highly recommended to protect from mosquito bites and other insect bites.
It is advisable to pack a lightweight jacket or a fleece as the temperatures can drop significantly during early morning and late evening game drives.
Yes, a wide-brimmed hat or a cap is essential to protect your face and neck from the sun.
Tanzania has a generally comfortable climate year-round, although there are some regional variations. For example, the tropical coast remains quite hot with heavy rainfall, whereas the central plateau is cooler and more arid. There are two rainy seasons in Tanzania: the long rainy season, which runs from mid-March to May, and the shorter rains, which fall between November and January. In contrast, the dry season, characterized by cooler temperatures, lasts from May to October. The average daytime temperature typically ranges from 70° to 90°F, while nighttime temperatures generally drop to 50° to 60°F.
Visitors who wish to come for holiday are advised to apply for an ordinary visa. An ordinary visa costs $50 per person. US passport holders who come to visit Tanzania for tourism purposes need multiple entry visas. Applicants who are not Americans, but wish to apply for multiple visas are strictly advised to know clearly about the requirements for multiple visas.
As we know, Tanzania is a malaria-risk country, you just need to bring a mosquito net and repellent with you. Though, all the lodges and camps whether it is luxury or tented camps will provide you with mosquito nets. So, it’s advisable to at least bring mosquito repellent with you while on your Safari In Tanzania. It helps you stay safe from malaria
Consider comfortable and lightweight clothing that is suitable for safari vehicles and other game-viewing activities. Prefer neutral beige and khaki colors instead of bright color clothes. Pack a light warm jacket or lightweight cotton clothes for cooler weather. Bring long sleeve shirts and trousers to prevent mosquito bites. Sunscreen, sunhat, and swimsuit also need to pack for both safaris and beach holidays. Pack casual shoes and hiking boots while planning for Tanzania.
We hope our Safari Packing List for Tanzania helps you prepare and fully equips you for a fantastic safari experience. To ensure you’re fully ready, double-check that you have all the items mentioned in this post on your list. Once you’re all set, get ready to explore the wonders of Tanzania.
Additionally, simply share your itinerary with us, and we’ll assist in ensuring you have the safari of a lifetime!
Here are the testimonials from our delighted clients who experienced the trip of a lifetime during their visit to Tanzania:
