Are you planning your trip to Tanzania and looking for what you should prepare to pack for your vacation? You are in the right place. We have prepared this guide to help you track everything you need to make your Safari very smooth.
Tanzania is one of the best Safari destinations around the world, offering beautiful landscapes and incredible wildlife. Whether you’re visiting Serengeti, Ngorongoro, or Tarangire National Park, being well-prepared is key to enjoying your adventure. Here is what to pack for your Tanzania safari.
Check out The Best Tanzania Safari Packages You Can Book Toady!
Lightweight, Neutral-Colored Clothes
The best time to visit Tanzania for safari is during the dry season where the animals are so easy to spot compared to rainy seasons. Therefore it is most likely for you to visit Tanzania during the dry season as most travelers do. In this period, Tanzania’s climate can be hot during the day and chilly in the mornings and evenings.
Opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton or moisture wicking materials to keep cool. Neutral colors such as beige, khaki, and olive green help you blend into the natural surroundings and avoid attracting insects, actually there are so many insects in the parks. Avoid dark colors like black and blue, as they tend to attract tsetse flies while in safari.
Check out our guide on the best time to travel to Tanzania!
Lightweight, Neutral-Colored Clothes
Here is our list of recommendations when it comes to clothes.
- Long-sleeved shirts and pants for sun and insect protection
- T-shirts and shorts for warm daytime hot weather
- A warm fleece or jacket for cool evenings especially if you will visit Ngorongoro Crater
- A wide-brimmed hat to shield from the sun
- A lightweight rain jacket if traveling in the wet season (March-May, November). There are some travelers who love to visit this time because they want to get cheap prices.
Comfortable Safari Footwear (Shoes)
Comfortable footwear is a must, as you may be walking on uneven terrain during game drives or cultural excursions. If your package includes walking safari or hiking, you need to make sure you wear comfortable shoes to be able to walk in the wild.
A pair of sturdy, well-broken-in hiking boots or safari shoes is ideal. You can also pack Sandals or lightweight slip-ons because they are great for relaxing at the lodge. Also, in case you will combine your safari with Tanzania these are the great options for beach holiday.
Recommended Footwear:
- Comfortable hiking shoes or trail runners, mostly for those who will be doing Walking safari of hiking the mountains
- Sandals or flip-flops for camp/lodge use and for Zanzibar time
- Socks made of moisture-wicking fabric to prevent blisters
High-Quality Camera & Binoculars
One of the best parts of a safari is spotting wildlife up close. Just imagine you are in Serengeti National Park, the best safari destination in the African continent, what is more important than your camera? We say high quality cameras because most travelers start to regret not having the best quality camera to take a variety of events happening in the wild.
A good pair of binoculars enhances your experience by helping you see animals that may be far away. Similarly, a quality camera with a good zoom lens ensures you capture stunning safari moments. There are sometimes shy animals like rhinos; they tend to be far from Safari vehicles.
Recommended Gear:
- Binoculars (8×42 or 10×42 magnification for optimal wildlife viewing)
- A DSLR or mirrorless camera with a zoom lens (200mm-400mm) is ideal for Safari. If you are not technical, you can ask just our safari expert or friend who has been on safari before.
- Extra memory cards and batteries to make sure you record as many moments as possible while in safari.
Sun Protection Essentials
The African sun can be intense, especially in open safari or while on the tropical beaches of Zanzibar. Protect yourself by packing adequate sun protection items to stay comfortable and avoid sunburn. While in Zanzibar, you may participate in many adventurous activities like sandbank trips, visiting Stone Town, Spice farm, Parasailing and so on. All of these activities tend to happen during sunny times.
Learn more from our travel guide on What to pack for a Zanzibar trip?
What to pack For Sun Protection
- High SPF sunscreen (SPF 30+)
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- A wide-brimmed hat or cap
Insect Repellent
Insects, especially mosquitoes, are common in Tanzania, particularly in the evenings. Protect yourself from bites by using a strong insect repellent. Lodges and Hotels always provide all measures when it comes to insects. But you can pack your own too, and for those who will go camping safari, then this is not just an option, but is necessary to bring your own insect repellent.
What to pack?
Here are just recommendations, you don’t need to pack all of these items in your bag. It will depend on your situations and your doctor consultations.
- Insect repellent with DEET or Picaridin
- Anti-malarial medication (consult your doctor before traveling)
- Antiseptic wipes and hand sanitizer
- Motion sickness tablets if you’re prone to nausea on bumpy roads
Travel Documents & Cash
Having the right travel documents ensures a smooth trip to Tanzania. Make sure you pack all documents required to travel before you take your flight to Tanzania to avoid problems in your vacation. When it comes to money, many tourist places in Tanzania accept card payments, but carrying some local currency (Tanzanian Shillings) and US dollars can be helpful for tipping and small purchases while on your trip.
Learn from our travel guide: How much cash should you carry in your Tanzania Safari?
Important Documents to pack
- Passport (valid for at least six months)
- A Tanzania visa can be obtained upon arrival at the airport. The fee is $100 USD for U.S. citizens and $50 USD for travelers from the UK, EU, and most other countries, payable in cash only.
- Travel insurance details. Also, if you visit Zanzibar, you will need mandatory insurance which can be applied online or on arrival at the Airport. It costs around $25 – $44.
- Copies of your itinerary. Make sure your tour operator provides you the professional document of your itinerary.
- Credit/debit cards and carry some cash for small purchases or tipping
- Proof of Yellow Fever vaccination is required if you are arriving in Tanzania from a country with a risk of Yellow Fever transmission.
