Tanzania safari packing list

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Three golden rules

1. 01

   Soft bags only

   Hard suitcases don't fit on bush planes. The limit is 15kg.

2. 02

   Layers over bulk

   Mornings are 10°C, afternoons 30°C. Layers win.

3. 03

   Neutral colours

   Khaki, olive, brown. No white, black or bright colours.

10 items

Clothing

• 3–4 neutral shirts in quick-dry fabric
• 2–3 pairs of light trousers (zip-off legs are ideal)
• 1 warm fleece or jacket. Mornings are cold, especially on the crater rim
• 1 light, packable rain jacket
• Comfortable walking shoes or boots
• Sandals or flip-flops for the lodge
• Wide-brimmed hat or cap
• 3–4 pairs of underwear and socks
• Swimwear, since many lodges have pools
• Buff or bandana for dust on game drives

Tip: Layers matter most. Mornings start at 10°C and afternoons reach 30°C. Quick-dry synthetics beat cotton for comfort and washing.

8 items

Photography and optics

• Camera with a 200–400mm zoom for wildlife
• Wide-angle lens for landscapes and vehicle shots
• Binoculars (8x42 or 10x42)
• Extra memory cards. You will shoot more than you think
• Spare batteries and a charger
• Beanbag or window mount, steadier than handheld
• Dust-proof camera bag
• Lens cleaning kit

Tip: Dust is the biggest enemy. Keep cameras in sealed bags between shots. Golden hour (6 to 8 am, 4 to 6 pm) gives the best wildlife light.

6 items

Sun and insect protection

• SPF 50+ sunscreen (reef-safe for Zanzibar)
• Lip balm with SPF
• Polarised sunglasses
• DEET insect repellent (30–50%)
• After-bite cream
• Long-sleeved shirt for evenings, against mosquitoes

Tip: The African sun is strong even when it doesn't feel hot. Reapply sunscreen every 2 to 3 hours. Tinted moisturiser with SPF works too.

8 items

Health and toiletries

• Prescription medicines in their original packaging
• Malaria tablets (ask your doctor)
• Basic first aid: plasters, antiseptic, painkillers
• Hand sanitiser
• Wet wipes for dusty drives
• Rehydration sachets
• Motion sickness tablets for rough roads
• Travel-size toiletries (lodges provide the basics)

Tip: Lodges provide shampoo, soap and towels, so pack medicines and personal items only. Bring a small daypack for game drives.

10 items

Documents and essentials

• Passport valid 6+ months beyond your travel date
• Visa or e-Visa confirmation
• Travel insurance documents
• Yellow fever certificate, if required
• Flight and booking confirmations, printed and digital
• Emergency contact details
• Small USD bills ($1, $5, $10) for tips
• Credit card (Visa is widely accepted at lodges)
• Power adapter (Type D/G plugs, 230V)
• Headlamp or small torch

Tip: Copy every document and keep one set apart from the originals. Most lodges have a safe in the room.

Don't pack

Leave these at home

• Hard-sided suitcases (they don't fit on bush planes)
• Bright white or neon clothing
• Camouflage patterns (can be illegal)
• Expensive jewellery
• A drone (needs an expensive permit in Tanzania)
• Too many outfits (lodges do laundry)
• Heavy books (take an e-reader)
• Perfume or cologne (attracts insects)

Packing questions