Safari Packing List Tanzania: What to Pack (And What Not To)

Planning a trip to the Serengeti or Ngorongoro Crater? This safari packing list for Tanzania covers the gear, clothing, and essentials you actually need, plus what to leave behind since we do provide a number if things during the trip. Whether you’re heading out on game drives, bush walks, or flying between remote camps, packing smart will make your safari smoother, safer, and more comfortable.

First and Foremost Choose the Right Safari Bag

Your safari begins with your bag. It needs to work for bush planes, 4x4s, and dusty trails. The Best Bag for a Safari in Tanzania would have to be either:

1. Soft-sided duffle bag (40–60L): Easy to fit in small cargo holds and squish into safari vehicles. Go for heavy-duty zippers and water-resistant fabric.
2. Foldable daypack or backpack: Perfect for carrying your camera, water, jacket, and guidebook on game drives or village visits.

Avoid hard suitcases. They’re too rigid and impractical for the realities of safari travel. Wheeled luggage doesn’t fare any better; wheels are useless on sand, dirt, and uneven paths common in camps. This matters because most internal flights in Tanzania have strict 15–20 kg weight limits and require soft-sided bags that can fit into small bush plane cargo holds. Plus, many safari camps have unpaved walkways, making bulky or wheeled luggage a hassle to manage.

Best Time to Pack for – and Visit – Tanzania

Your safari gear may vary slightly depending on the time of year you’re visiting Tanzania, as the weather conditions and terrain shift with the seasons. During the dry season (June to October), early mornings and evenings can be quite chilly, especially on open game drives, while midday temperatures rise quickly. Layering becomes essential, with a light fleece or jacket to start the day and breathable, lightweight clothing for the afternoon heat. In contrast, the wet or green season (November to May) brings higher humidity and periodic rain showers, so waterproof or quick-drying clothing is crucial. You’ll want to pack a compact rain jacket, moisture-wicking layers, and protective gear for your electronics. Regardless of the season, sturdy footwear, sun protection, and insect repellent are non-negotiable. Tailoring your packing list to the seasonal conditions helps you stay comfortable and focused on the adventure, not the weather. As a rule of thumb:

Dry season (June–October): Best wildlife viewing. Cold mornings, warm days. Bring layers.

Green season (November–May): Lush, fewer tourists, but afternoon rain is common. Pack waterproof layers.

Peak months: June–October and December–February. Book early and expect higher occupancy at camps.

Essential Safari Packing List for Tanzania (with downloadable PDF checklist)

Stick to neutral tones like khaki, olive, brown, and beige. These colors help you blend into the environment and avoid attracting unwanted attention. Avoid wearing black, blue, white, red, or camouflage. Bright colors like red or white can startle wildlife or make you more visible during game drives, which defeats the purpose of staying low-profile. Dark colors, especially black and blue, are known to attract tsetse flies, which bite and can carry sleeping disease. Camouflage may seem like a practical choice, but it’s usually restricted or illegal for civilians in several African countries, including parts of Tanzania. Avoid white colored clothing as it won’t stay clean for long in dusty or muddy terrain. Neutral, breathable, and functional clothing is key to staying safe and comfortable on safari. Pack:

• 4–5 long-sleeve safari shirts (lightweight, breathable)
• 2–3 pairs of quick-dry safari pants (some zip-off into shorts)
• Light jacket or fleece (for early game drives)
• Swimsuit (many lodges have pools)
• Wide-brimmed hat (sun protection)
• Sunglasses (polarized, for glare and dust)
• Neck pillow for the long rides
• Sports bra (women) – necessary for bumpy drives
• Comfortable hiking shoes or trail runners
• Camp sandals or flip-flops (for evenings)
• Quick-dry underwear and sleepwear

Don’t pack:

-Jeans – too heavy, slow to dry

-Bright colors – attract bugs or scare wildlife

-Strong perfumes – draw insects

-Camouflage – restricted in most areas

Gear & Accessories for Safari

• Power bank. Charging options in camps can be limited.
• Universal plug adapter (Type G) Tanzania uses UK-style plugs.
• Reusable water bottle Stay hydrated on long drives. African Super Adventures provides a supply of disposable water bottles during your stay.
• Headlamp or flashlight Many eco-camps have dim or no lighting at night.
• Dry bags / ziplocks Keep electronics safe from dust and sudden downpours.

Health, Safety & Hygiene Essentials

• Malaria prophylaxis (talk to your doctor in advance)
• DEET-based insect repellent
• Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
• Lip balm with SPF
• Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
• Mini first-aid kit: plasters, antiseptic, ibuprofen, motion sickness tablets
• Travel insurance (covering evacuation if remote)

Pro tip: Most camps offer towels, basic toiletries, and mosquito nets—but not first-aid kits or strong bug spray.

Safari Packing Lists & Downloadable PDF’s: By Traveler

Safari Packing List for Women

Clothing:

4–5 neutral tops (mix of long and short sleeves)

2–3 convertible pants

1 light jacket or fleece

1–2 breathable dresses (for dinners or relaxing)

1 sports bra

Quick-dry underwear and socks

Wide-brimmed hat + scarf/buff

Swimsuit

Sleepwear

Footwear:

Hiking boots or sturdy sneakers

Lightweight sandals

Accessories:

Sunglasses

Daypack

Toiletries

Download PDF here.

Safari Packing List Tanzania for Men

Clothing:

4–5 safari shirts

2–3 zip-off pants

1 fleece or hoodie

1 bandana or buff

Swimsuit

Sleepwear

Wide-brimmed hat

Quick-dry underwear and socks

Footwear:

Hiking shoes or boots

Flip-flops or slides

Accessories:

Sunglasses

Daypack

Travel toiletries

Download PDF here.

 FAQ: Safari Packing List Tanzania