Tanzania Safari Packing List | Explore Tanzania Tours

Tanzania Safari Packing List

Tanzania Safari is a great way to discover the rich flora and fauna and you cannot miss packing any single thing to regret. Hence, the Tanzania Safari Packing List depends on the circumstances of the safari. If this is your first time in Tanzania or your first time on Safari, this packing list can help you to be well prepared and comfortable during your adventure.

To start off with your travel packing plan for your Tanzania safari, first consider travel requirements including weight restrictions on the airlines while you fly to Tanzania. So, it’s advisable to pack accordingly. A typical weight restriction is 15 kilograms or 33Ibs total per person, including camera equipment and carry-ons. There is what you need to prepare for your flight to Tanzania;

Essential Documents to fly to Tanzania

Traveling to Tanzania should be a memorable trip of a lifetime. So you have to pack your bag with the essential travel documents. Because you miss any and your whole safari will ruin. That is why we have made a detailed list of your required documents for Tanzania Safari –

Passport – You need a passport that should be valid for 6 months from the date of your arrival in Tanzania.
Yellow fever certificate – Tanzania has a risk of Yellow Fever, so you need a vaccination certificate while traveling. Check National Travel Health Network and Centre’s travel health website to know more.
Tanzania Visa – Tanzania has introduced an e-visa facility that will be available through an online application. For British passport holders, a tourist or business visa is needed to enter Tanzania. For more information about Tanzania visas, visit the Tanzania immigration website.
Medical insurance – Before traveling, obtain valid travel insurance which will cover your medical emergencies if any misfortunate happens. It must include medical evacuation and the whole medical costs.
Vaccination records – Travelers to Tanzania will be required a valid vaccination certificate for covid-19. So, before traveling, make sure you are completely vaccinated. Passengers should present their valid certificates with a QR code upon arrival in Tanzania. To know more about vaccinations, follow the ministry of health of Tanzania and the WHO.
Airline tickets – remember to keep your Airline tickets in the safe pocket of your luggage bag. Without it, your safari can’t be started.
Credit/Debit and ATM cards – Instead of carrying a lot of money, you should bring your credit or debit card for any transactions in Tanzania, Visa and MasterCard are most widely accepted. Also, carry your ATM card because it is safe while Traveling In Tanzania.
Other valid items include; copy of flight itinerary, Copy of travel and/or medical evacuation insurance.
Personal medical/dental insurance cards, Cash in U.S. Dollars (bills MUST have been issued in 2010 or later)

Note: It is important to make copies of passport, Tanzanian e-visa, airline tickets/schedule, and itinerary. Leave a copy with someone at home and put a copy with you in your luggage.

Packing for your flight to Tanzania

While packing for Tanzania Safari, do not skip things you may need on the flight. These are some essential things and you may miss them. So, we are here to help you with backpacking. Remember to pack; U-shaped neck pillow (blow-up), Books/magazines, Toiletries, Snacks, Water, Walkman and music, Eye shades, earplugs, Melatonin or other sleep aid, Critical items (in case baggage is delayed)

We would recommend the Proper Packing List for all your safari tour or trekking in Tanzania. It will provide you with a clearer picture of what you actually need on safaris to Tanzania. No matter how daunting this packing for Tanzania may be, you will get a clear idea through this list of essential travel items-

Clothes to pack

What clothing you will pack depends on the time of the year and your itinerary. You will experience different weather conditions in Tanzania and should pack your clothes according to this. During the daytime, you may feel dry and hot weather but remember the evening and the mornings usually feels cold. So backpack in every possible way. Some of the clothing needed to pack include:

Safari shirt
Hooded safari jacket
Fleece zip-up jacket
3 short sleeve shirts – Pack a light warm jacket or lightweight cotton clothes for cooler weather.
2 long-sleeve shirts (styles with tabbed, rollable sleeves are most versatile)
3 cotton t-shirts
Lightweight, water-resistant safari pants
Linen drawstring pants
High-rise athletic leggings
High-rise moisture-wicking leggings
Sunglasses with polarized lenses
Buff wrap to protect your face from dirt or to keep your hair out of your face
Scarf to wrap yourself on cold morning and evening game drives.
Swimsuit and goggles
Safari pants – preferably – neutral beige and khaki colors instead of bright color clothes.
Bring long sleeve shirts and trousers to prevent mosquito bites.
Sunscreen, sunhat, and swimsuit also need to pack for both safaris and beach holidays.
Pack casual shoes and hiking boots while planning for Tanzania.
Some important Tanzania safari clothing tips are;
Dress casually – a Tanzania Safari needs casual clothing unless specified.
Be comfortable – While on a Tanzania safari always prefer to wear cotton clothes instead of synthetic material.
Dress in layers – In Tanzania, the mornings and the evenings are usually cold. So keep a jacket and scarf along on game drives as temperatures drop suddenly.
Cover at night – Full sleeve shirts and pants can help you avoid mosquitos after the dark.
Sun hat – Light – neutral, unisex hat and dark-neutral, unisex hat
Remember to pack as light as you can as you are going on a Safari in Tanzania.
Tanzania Safari Packing List

Do colors Matter?

In general, the typical safari look is known to be the beige zip-off trousers and khaki t-shirts along with the safari hat and a pair of binoculars. But the question is why only beige or khaki color? Why not the favorite red one?

You will be going on a Tanzania safari and there will be too much dust. Though the amount will depend on the place and season, still, you will be ready for it. This is a reason you should prefer to wear neutral colors like beige or khaki. Because other bright colors will look dirty while on the game drive but the neutral colors look cleaner.
There will be animals and they strongly react to bright colors. So, it’s advisable to wear neutral colors on your safari to be safer when you encounter big animals.
Bright colors especially red and blue are attracted tsetse flies. They can cause sleeping diseases which can lead to death. So, these bright colors should be avoided.

Foot Wears

When you pack for your Tanzania safari, give some special attention to choosing your safari shoes. Because it’s as important as packing the right clothes.
If you want to Hike Mount Kilimanjaro, you will need hiking boots with good ankle support.
If you only planning for game drives, you can bring casual shoes, flip-flops, and sandals. Here is the list-
One pair of closed shoes for when it gets cold.
One pair of flip-flops for the showers in case of a camping safari.
One pair of easy comfortable shoes for the day.
Comfortable, breathable socks.

Medications

Never miss your First Aid kit while traveling to Tanzania. Because you will be going to explore the African bush and there you may find Zig-zag roads. Carry some regular medications while you will pack for your Tanzania safari.

Pack your normal cold medicine in case you do catch a bug, you may need cold medicine like aspirin.
Pack pain killers – You should keep painkillers in your First Aid box, it may be needed.
Malaria Pills – while visiting Tanzania, don’t forget to bring malaria pills with you to avoid the risk of malaria.
Insect repellent – As you are going to visit the Tanzanian bush, you should use insect repellent while on safari. So, don’t forget to keep it.
Diarrhea Medicine – keep some antidiarrheal medicine with you while packing for Tanzania Safari

Electronics and gadgets

It’s important to bring your electronic devices while you are traveling to some other places. It will help you stay connected with your family and friends. Generally, safari vehicles, lodges, and camps have power outlets but it’s but you should bring a power bank with your charger.

In addition, there are other gadgets you should add to your Tanzania Safari Packing List.

Adapter and chargers – Carry a travel adapter that should be suitable for the country you are traveling to. So, the universal travel adapter is worth visiting.

A good camera – Traveling amidst the wildlife is so exciting that you just want to capture the breathtaking moments. So, you need a good camera. Though many travelers use their smartphones, nothing can match the quality of a good camera.
Binoculars – Carrying a good binocular is advisable to make your safari experience more interesting. It helps you to explore small animals with a clearer vision.
Power bank– while packing your safari gear, consider packing a heavy-duty power bank. It is needed in your safari if you will plan to use your phone to take photos and videos during the game viewing.

Toiletries and items of personal hygiene

This is another essential packing list while on your Tanzania safari. Your Tanzania packing list is not complete till you have not included your toiletries. Though your safari lodge or camp will provide toiletries, you might need your favorite personal hygiene. So, do not forget about this, and keep some essential toiletries while packing for your Tanzania safari.

These may include; Shampoo, conditioner, hair gel, Hairbrush, comb, mirror, hair ties, Toothbrush and toothpaste, Deodorant, Sunscreen, Facial tissue, Handy wipes, Hand sanitizer, Lip balm with sunscreen, Small towel and washcloth, Toilet paper, Shaving supplies, Nail clippers and nail brush, Insect repellent, Sewing kit, Feminine products, Cosmetics etc.

Packing list for Camping gears for Tanzania safari

Going to Tanzania on a safari will not be completed without a camping safari in the African bush. So, you should consider your Packing List For Tanzania according to the camping trek as well.

For a camping safari in Tanzani national parks or your trekking to Kilimanjaro, you will need camping gear. These include;

A sleeping bag is needed when trekking Kilimanjaro because the temperature on the mountain is around 10°C -15°C in minus.
Bring microfiber towels. It will be used when you wash your face or hands in warm water on the mountain.
Trekking shoes are also needed.
Headlamps with extra batteries are also important to bring with you.

Types of Baggage need for a Tanzania Safari

Choosing the right bag for an African safari is quite considerable. It is important to pack your luggage in the right bag. For a Tanzania safari, there are two types of baggage needed. These include;

Duffel Bag – when you are packing for a Tanzania safari, always choose soft baggage. It is better to travel with a soft duffel bag than a hard suitcase. A duffel bag with exceeds an 80-liter capacity is best to choose. Just make sure it has a strong zipper system. You should lock it to secure your baggage.
Safari Daypack – apart from your duffel bag, you will need to carry a daypack on your safari. You can use it to keep your small but daily essential products like money, sunscreen, sunglasses, snacks, water, passport, etc.

When packing for a Tanzania safari, weather can make a difference! Your Tanzania safari packing list can also depend on the weather condition of Tanzania and the time of the year you visit. This is how;

If you embark on a safari between November and December, prepare for afternoon rains by taking a light rain jacket. April and May are the long rainy months that are best to avoid altogether. It feels chilled at night, especially in July and August. So pack a jumper.

Ensure you to download the Weather+ app! It gives an accurate 6-day forecast for day and night. It can be really helpful when you planning for your safari. To know more about Tanzanian weather in detail, check the world weather website for the United Republic of Tanzania.