The Essential Packing Guide for Your Tanzania Safari

As you prepare for your Tanzanian adventure, you might find yourself staring at your open suitcase, unsure where to begin. If this is your first journey to Tanzania, deciphering what to pack can feel like solving a puzzle. Packing thoughtfully ensures you are ready for every climate and activity. Here, we’ll lay out some general considerations so you know you are as prepared as possible.. Temperatures can shift dramatically with altitude and time of day: mornings may start crisp and chilly, while midday can bring intense heat in those very same areas. In higher-altitude areas like Ngorongoro, layers are essential to keep warm against the cooler air, while the coastal and southern regions demand light, breathable clothing for the tropical heat.

Luggage and Essentials:

Safari logistics often involve domestic flights on light aircraft, where luggage restrictions are strict – 15 kg (33 lbs) per person, including hand luggage. Soft-sided duffel bags are perfect for these flights and easy to handle on game drives. Complement your main bag with a small rucksack for daily essentials like binoculars, sunscreen, and a hat. A well-packed carry-on like this ensures you’re ready for longer game drives out of camp as well.

Photographers, take note: bulky camera gear may require additional allowances or seating, so inform us ahead of time to make arrangements.

Clothing:

Safari clothing is about blending into the environment and ensuring comfort across varied climates, all the while adhering to cultural norms. It might go without saying, but remember to consider the duration of your stay. For example, shorter trips might just require two or three t-shirts, whilst longer trips may call for four or five. Here are bases to cover for clothing items…

Daytime Essentials: Neutral-coloured, breathable clothing is ideal. Long-sleeved shirts, t-shirts, and convertible trousers provide comfort and sun protection during the day. Earthy tones such as khaki, olive green, and beige are ideal as they help you blend into the environment while minimising attention from insects or animals.
Nighttime Essentials: Usually, dinner is served when it has gotten chillier. Make sure to include a pair of casual-smart trousers for dinner and drinks in the evening, and a light long-sleeve shirt to pair.
Chilly Mornings, Warm Afternoons: Layering is crucial. Pack a fleece jacket or sweater for early morning drives, particularly in cooler regions. As the day heats up, shed the layers for a t-shirt and shorts.
Footwear: Lightweight sneakers or comfortable sandals are perfect for relaxing at the lodge. Heavy hiking boots are not needed unless you plan on climbing. Otherwise, a pair of sturdy, reliable, walking shoes suffice for walking safaris and uneven terrain.
Specialised Gear: Climbers tackling Mount Kilimanjaro or divers exploring Zanzibar’s coral reefs should include activity-specific clothing.
Important Cultural Considerations: In Muslim-majority areas like Zanzibar, modest clothing is a must. Cover shoulders and knees, especially when visiting villages or towns, to respect local customs. It’s worth noting that while tolerance levels may vary across regions on the mainland, clothing such as crop tops, very short shorts, and similar attire may attract attention and cause discomfort among locals. Dressing modestly not only shows respect for cultural norms but also ensures a more comfortable and enjoyable experience for travelers.
Prohibited Clothing: Avoid wearing camouflage or military-style clothing. It is prohibited in most African countries, including Tanzania, as it is associated with military personnel.

Personal Care and Laundry:

Laundry Services: Most lodges offer laundry services, but all items are hand-washed and ironed with coal irons. Delicate or designer items are best left at home, so choose comfortable cotton or linen. Traditionally, staff do not handle undergarments, as it’s considered taboo. Pack a small tube of travel detergent to wash these items yourself. Also note that depending on the weather, your clothes might take more than a day to return to your room, so it’s good to pack with this in mind.
Travel Health Kit: Include some handy essentials like paracetamol, antihistamines, band-aids, Imodium, moist-wipes, and insect repellent (as malaria zones exist in Tanzania – most lodges will have insect repellent). These are useful to have on-hand so you ensure a minor inconvenience, such as a pesky headache or itchy spot, doesn’t interrupt your day.

Weather Protection:

A wide-brimmed hat or cap for sun protection.
Polarized sunglasses with UV filters to guard against glare.
High-SPF, waterproof sunscreen and lip balm with SPF.
A lightweight, waterproof jacket for sudden downpours.
A bandana or buff to shield against dust on game drives and protect your neck from sunburn.

Smart Safari Extras:

Binoculars: Spotting wildlife from a distance is a core part of the safari experience. Binoculars ensure that you can scan wide open plains or look up at the top of the tallest tree.
Camera Gear: Whether you’re using a DSLR or a smartphone, be sure to pack extra memory cards and batteries to capture the countless photo opportunities. Protect your electronics with a drybag or sturdy case to shield them from rain and dust. For smartphone users, a power bank is a handy addition, ensuring you never miss capturing a moment during longer game drives.
Flashlight or Head Torch: A flashlight comes in handy for short walks around camp in between tents at night, as well as night time-animal-spotting from your veranda.
Glasses/Lenses: If you wear contact lenses, it is smart to pack a backup set of glasses for out on safari in case the lenses run out or get lost.
Swimwear: Packing a swimsuit and a light cover-up comes in handy when the heat of the day creeps in and a refreshing dip calls your name.

Packing for a Tanzanian safari is about preparation and respect. For the land, its people, and its wildlife. With this guide, you will be ready to enjoy all that Tanzania offers knowing you have what is needed to be comfortable. Travel smart, respect the culture, and embrace the adventure. Your safari awaits!