Planning a safari in Tanzania? Whether you’re heading to the Serengeti, Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, or Selous, knowing what to pack can make a big difference in your comfort and overall experience.

Tanzania offers an unforgettable mix of wildlife, landscapes, and culture—but to enjoy it fully, you’ll need to be prepared for the weather, terrain, and travel logistics.

This comprehensive Tanzania safari packing list ensures you’re fully equipped for your journey into the wild.

🧥 Clothing Essentials

Safari fashion is all about being comfortable, practical, and weather-appropriate. Here’s what you’ll need:

✅ Tops

• Lightweight long-sleeve shirts (neutral colors like khaki, olive, beige)

• Short-sleeve t-shirts

• Fleece or sweater (early mornings and evenings can be cold)

• Light waterproof jacket (for unexpected showers)

✅ Bottoms

• Convertible pants (zip-off into shorts)

• Lightweight safari trousers

• Comfortable shorts

🎨 Avoid bright colors and dark blue/black, which attract tsetse flies.

✅ Footwear

• Closed-toe walking shoes or trainers

• Flip-flops or sandals (for camp/lodge wear)

• Light hiking boots (if doing walking safaris)

👒 Accessories

• Wide-brim hat or cap (sun protection)

• UV-protection sunglasses

• Buff or scarf (to protect from dust)

• Belt pouch or small daypack

🧴 Toiletries & Personal Items

• Biodegradable soap & shampoo

• Toothbrush & toothpaste

• Sunscreen (SPF 30+)

• Lip balm with SPF

• Wet wipes & hand sanitizer

• Mosquito repellent with DEET or Picaridin

• Personal medications + basic first aid kit

📸 Gadgets & Gear

• Camera + extra batteries/memory cards

• Binoculars (essential for spotting distant animals)

• Flashlight or headlamp

• Universal travel adapter

• Power bank/portable charger

🔌 Tanzania uses Type D & G plugs with 230V voltage.

📑 Important Documents

• Passport (with valid visa if required)

• Travel insurance

• Vaccination records (e.g., Yellow Fever if coming from a risk area)

• Safari itinerary and lodge bookings

• Cash (USD accepted in many places), credit/debit card

🧳 Luggage Tips

• Soft-sided duffel bag or backpack (easier for safari vehicles and charter flights)

• Daypack for daily excursions

• Weight limit for domestic flights is usually 15–20kg, including carry-on

🎒 Leave hard suitcases at home—they’re bulky and not safari-friendly.

🐾 Optional but Useful Items

• Travel pillow

• Travel laundry detergent

• Ziplock bags (for dust protection)

• Journal or notebook

• Swimsuit (some lodges have pools)

• Small snacks or energy bars

• Guidebook or wildlife checklist

🦟 Health & Safety Items

• Malaria medication (consult your doctor)

• Electrolyte tablets

• Rehydration salts

• Anti-diarrhea tablets

• Plasters and band-aids

🌦️ Weather Considerations

Tanzania has two main seasons that affect packing:

☀️ Dry Season (June–October)

• Cooler mornings & evenings

• Dusty, so scarves and sunglasses are helpful

🌧️ Wet Season (March–May)

• Lightweight rain gear

• Waterproof bags or covers for electronics

📝 Final Safari Packing Tips

• Pack light but smart—safaris are casual, and laundry service is often available

• Layer up—temperatures vary dramatically from morning to evening

• Go neutral—stick to earth-tone colors to blend in with the environment

• Stay organized—use packing cubes or pouches to separate gear

🧭 A well-packed bag means more time enjoying the wildlife and less time worrying about what you forgot!

🌍 Ready for the Wild?

Tanzania’s game parks deliver once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounters—from lions stalking the savannah to elephants bathing in muddy rivers. With this safari packing list, you’ll be well-equipped, comfortable, and ready to focus on the magic of Africa.

📌 Whether it’s your first safari or your fifth, preparation is key to enjoying every moment.