Tanzania Safari Packing List — What to Bring & What to Leave

Most safari vehicles and light aircraft have strict weight limits. For road safaris, soft duffel bags are preferred over hard-shell suitcases. For fly-in safaris, luggage is typically limited to 15 kg (33 lbs) per person.

Bring one soft duffel bag (60-80L) and a small daypack for game drives. Leave your hard suitcase at the hotel in Arusha. Many lodges offer laundry service, so you can pack lighter.

The key is neutral, breathable layers. Temperatures swing from 30°C midday to 10°C on early morning drives. Stick to khaki, olive, beige, and brown tones.

Essential clothing:

• 2-3 lightweight long-sleeve shirts (sun protection + bug defense)
• 2-3 t-shirts or safari tops (moisture-wicking, not cotton)
• 2 pairs lightweight safari trousers
• 1 pair shorts (for camp/lodge only)
• 1 fleece or lightweight down jacket for cold mornings
• 1 waterproof windbreaker
• Wide-brim sun hat with chin strap
• Buff or lightweight scarf (dust protection)
• Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots
• Light sandals or flip-flops for camp
• 4-5 pairs of socks (merino wool preferred)
• Swimsuit (many lodges have pools)
• Light pajamas
• Underwear (pack for 5-6 days, wash mid-trip)

Colors to avoid: Black (attracts tsetse flies), white (shows dirt), and bright colors (scare animals and attract insects).

Daypack contents for every game drive:

• Binoculars (8x42 or 10x42 — essential!)
• Sunscreen SPF 50+
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Lip balm with SPF
• Insect repellent (DEET 20-30%)
• Phone + portable charger/power bank
• Small flashlight or headlamp
• Reusable water bottle
• Guidebook or wildlife identification app
• Light snacks (energy bars)

Other useful items:

• Travel adapter (Type D or G plugs in Tanzania)
• Universal sink plug for hand-washing laundry
• Dry bag or ziplock bags (protect electronics from dust)
• Earplugs (for light sleepers in camp)
• Eye mask
• Notebook and pen
• Small daypack or sling bag

You do not need professional gear to enjoy a safari, but a decent zoom lens makes a huge difference. Most wildlife sightings happen at 50-200 meters.

• Camera with 200mm+ zoom lens minimum (300mm+ ideal)
• Spare batteries (cold mornings drain power fast)
• Multiple memory cards (you will take thousands of photos)
• Lens cleaning cloth (dust is everywhere)
• Phone with good camera (as backup)
• GorillaPod or small tripod (for low-light shots)

Many lodges have charging stations in rooms or communal areas, but bring a multi-port USB charger to avoid waiting.

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant
• Shampoo and soap (lodges provide these, but bring travel sizes)
• Moisturizer (air is very dry)
• Hand sanitizer
• Tissues or wet wipes
• Personal medication + basic first aid (plasters, painkillers, anti-diarrheal)
• Antihistamines (for insect bites)
• Malaria prophylaxis (consult your doctor before travel)
• Prescription glasses/contact lenses + spare

Most mid-range and luxury lodges provide toiletries, but budget camps may not. Always bring your own basics.

• Passport (valid 6+ months beyond travel dates)
• Tanzania visa ($50 for most nationalities, e-visa available)
• Travel insurance documents
• Vaccination certificates (Yellow Fever required if arriving from endemic countries)
• Flight confirmations
• Safari booking voucher
• Emergency contact list
• US dollars in small bills (for tips, souvenirs, visa on arrival)
• Credit/debit cards (Visa/Mastercard widely accepted at lodges)

See our Tanzania safari cost guide for tipping guidelines and budget breakdowns.

• Hard-shell suitcases (use soft duffels)
• Valuable jewelry (unnecessary risk)
• Drone (banned in national parks without special permit)
• Hair dryer (most lodges provide; heavy to pack)
• Too many clothes (lodges offer laundry; pack for 5-6 days)
• Black clothing (attracts tsetse flies)
• Immodest clothing for village visits (cover shoulders and knees)