Safari Basic Packing List

Tanzania Safari Packing List: Essentials for Your Adventure

You may have realized that there are a series of considerations when it comes to clothing, but don’t panic if you end up with information overload from Google. Try not to over-think safari gear – there is no need to blow thousands of dollars on traditional khaki gear.

Having said that, it is better to blend in than stand out, so neutral toned clothing is best – think beige, brown, muted greens, and anything on this spectrum.

We’ve put together a one-stop guide on packing for your safari, with information on material, weather considerations, colors and some useful packing tips.

Basic Packing List: Men, Women & Kids

You want to pack light on safari (if for no other reason than youll want space for souvenirs!), which means you should pack staple clothing items: think convertible zip-off pants, lightweight layers for changing temperatures, or a simple skirt or pair of slacks that can be worn night after night in camp.

Bear in mind that most camps will have laundry service, but that dryers arent common in the bush. Thats why clothing made from quick-dry fabrics will allow you to stay clean and comfortable throughout your safari vacation!

Category Men Women Kids
Bottoms
  • 2-3 lightweight pants (khaki or neutral)
  • 1-2 shorts
  • 1 pair of safari pants (for cooler evenings)
  • 2-3 lightweight pants (khaki or neutral)
  • 1-2 shorts
  • 1 pair of safari pants or leggings
  • 2-3 lightweight pants/shorts
  • 1-2 shorts
  • 1 pair of safari pants
Tops
  • 3-4 breathable shirts (long-sleeve)
  • 3-4 T-shirts (neutral colors)
  • 1 lightweight fleece or jacket
  • 3-4 breathable shirts (long-sleeve)
  • 3-4 T-shirts (neutral colors)
  • 1 lightweight fleece or jacket
  • 3-4 long-sleeve shirts
  • 3-4 T-shirts
  • 1 lightweight jacket
Undergarments
  • Enough underwear for the trip
  • 3-4 pairs of socks
  • Enough underwear for the trip
  • 3-4 pairs of socks
  • Enough underwear for the trip
  • 3-4 pairs of socks
Shoes
  • 1 pair of sturdy walking boots
  • 1 pair of comfortable sandals
  • 1 pair of casual evening shoes (optional)
  • 1 pair of sturdy walking boots
  • 1 pair of comfortable sandals
  • 1 pair of casual evening shoes (optional)
  • 1 pair of sturdy walking boots
  • 1 pair of comfortable sandals
  • 1 pair of casual evening shoes (optional)
Accessories
  • Wide-brimmed hat
  • Sunglasses (polarized)
  • Lightweight scarf for dust protection
  • Watch
  • Belt
  • Wide-brimmed hat
  • Sunglasses (polarized)
  • Lightweight scarf for dust protection
  • Watch
  • Belt
  • Wide-brimmed hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Lightweight scarf
  • Watch
  • Belt (if needed)
Gadgets
  • Camera and spare batteries
  • Binoculars
  • Power bank
  • Smartphone/tablet
  • Universal travel adapter
  • Camera and spare batteries
  • Binoculars
  • Power bank
  • Smartphone/tablet
  • Universal travel adapter
  • Camera (optional for kids)
  • Kid-friendly binoculars
  • Power bank
  • Tablet or handheld game (optional)
  • Universal travel adapter (shared)

Tanzania safari packing by the season

Season Running Months Average Temperature Packing List

Spring (Long rainy season)

March, April, and May

24°C to 29°C (75°F and 85°F)
  • Lightweight and breathable clothes.
  • Also, bring a light rain jacket
  • Bring a light warm jacket
  • an umbrella
  • Shoes that dry fast and can be cleaned easily

Summer (Long dry season)

June, July, and August

21°C to 27°C (70°F to 80°F)
  • Light cotton t-shirts and shorts
  • a pair of trousers
  • A light warm jacket

Fall (Short rainy season)

September, October, and November

27°C to 32°C (80°F and 90°F)
  • Two pairs of tops, and two pairs of pants, made with lightweight fabrics.
  • A rain jacket and an umbrella to avoid the small rain.

Winter (Short dry season)

December, January, and February

29°C to 35°C (85°F and 95°F)
  • clothes with lightweight fabrics
  • a warm jacket for
  • a rain jacket

Essential Documents to Bring

Welcome to your dream journey to Tanzania! To ensure your safari is as seamless and enjoyable as possible, we've prepared a comprehensive guide on the essential documents you'll need:

  • Passport: Your passport must have at least six months of validity from the date of entry. Additionally, Tanzania requires that there should be a minimum of one blank page in your passport for a visa stamp upon arrival.
  • Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate: Travelers aged 1 year and older arriving from countries at risk for yellow fever virus transmission must provide proof of yellow fever vaccination. This requirement also applies to layovers exceeding 12 hours in countries with a risk of yellow fever virus transmission. If you’re considering a layover in Addis Ababa or another place with yellow fever risk, keep this in mind. For more details, please visit the National Travel Health Network and Centre’s Travel Health Pro website.
  • Visa for Tanzania: Most travelers visiting Tanzania require a visa for entry. You can determine your eligibility and apply for an e-visa by visiting the official website. The standard cost for a visa is $50-$100 USD and processing time is around 2 weeks. For more information, check the Tanzania Immigration Services website.
  • Travel & Medical Insurance: Secure comprehensive travel insurance that includes coverage for medical emergencies and evacuations before you depart. Insurance is not a requirement to enter Tanzania, but in our opinion, travel insurance is a must especially when climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and going on safari. It provides peace of mind, covering unforeseen circumstances such as health emergencies, accidents, and loss of belongings.
  • Vaccination Records: A valid COVID-19 vaccination certificate, complete with a QR code, is required upon arrival. Refer to the Tanzanian Ministry of Health and WHO guidelines for up-to-date vaccination advice.
  • Airline Tickets: Safely store your tickets in a secure compartment of your luggage; they are your key to beginning your adventure.
  • Credit and Debit Cards/ATMs: Carry your credit or debit cards for transactions rather than large sums of cash. An ATM card is also advisable for safety and convenience during your travels in Tanzania.
  • Document Copies: Store your important paperwork securely in a waterproof and sealable bag to protect them from humidity and unexpected downpours. It’s also a good idea to make scanned copies of essential documents and store them in a separate location from the originals. This ensures a backup in case of loss or theft.

The best colour.

The basic rule of suitable colours for safari clothes is to go neutral. When trying to spot wildlife youll have the best chance if you blend in as much as possible with your surroundings, and bright colours will make you conspicuous to animals, particularly if youre on a walking safari.

Ideal colours for safari wear are natural, such as:

  • Greens
  • Light Browns
  • Olives
  • Tan
  • Khakis

While any other neutral colours are fine too, there are a number of colours you should definitely make sure you dont wear on your East African safari:

  • Camouflage clothingis a big no-no, and in some African countries its actually illegal, so leave the camouflage safari clothing at home!
  • White and very palecoloured clothes show up the dust, so are best kept for evening wear.
  • Dark blue and blackcolours attract insects and mosquitos, which can carry malaria, yellow fever and dengue fever some of the most serious health risks you might encounter on safari.

Things to avoid while packing your luggage

Jeans are not ideal they can be too warm during the day, and take long to dry if you are doing laundry camps will not have drying machines.

Dont pack high heeled or wedged shoes, you wont be needing them and theyre highly unpractical in a bush situation. When it comes to shoe packing, comfort and durability is what you want.

Leave expensive jewelry and watches at home. Theyre out of place in the bush, and if left unattended in rooms or tents, they can fall prey to monkeys, who are partial to stealing shiny objects.

Even at expensive camps, safari lodges are mostly very casual. Theres no need to bringevening wear, although you certainly can wear nicer clothing than you would on safari. Keep everything comfortable and stick to the policy of avoiding bright colours. Remember to layer!

And one last dont do tip for packing your safari wear:

  • Packing it all in one large suitcase. Limit the risk of all of your luggage going missing or being stolen on the flight by packing some essentials and one safari outfit in your hand luggage.

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