Your Complete Tanzania Safari Packing List for 2025
The adventure of Tanzania awaits. Are you ready? And, more importantly, are your suitcases ready? What have you packed? Or, are you, too, like most of us, still confused? Because, of course, there’s a limit to what you can carry.
Worry not. We’ve put together a detailed Tanzania safari packing list to make sure you take along everything (all in those few kgs) that helps make the most of your adventure. Hop in!
What to Pack for a Tanzania Safari
Generally, Tanzania is a warm country, so pack light summer clothes to wear during the afternoons. However, it gets cold during the mornings and evenings, which means you will also need some warm clothes to keep yourself comfortable throughout the day. It’s a good idea to pack options that can be layered easily (without compromising on style) so you can adapt as the sun shines brighter.
Suntan lotion, sunglasses, a shady hat, lip balm, binoculars, and insect repellent are essential. It can be helpful to shove in a torch too. Don’t forget your swimsuit for the occasional dip in the pool.
For any travelers planning to do a walking safari, their answer for what to pack for Tanzania safari will be a bit different. Sturdy shoes are a must, and clothing colors also need some attention. Brown, green, dark beige, and khaki safari clothes, for example, are ideal. White, and even pale beige or cream, are not suitable for safety reasons (as they attract animal attention). Blue and black shades are known to attract tsetse flies, so also better to avoid.
You see, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all safari packing list Tanzania. The details about what to pack for safari in Tanzania will vary depending on your plans. Still, there’s a basic checklist that covers all the essentials, no matter your itinerary or travel style 😉
Here’s everything you need to pack for a smooth, stylish, and stress-free Tanzania safari.
Safari Clothes
✔️ Lightweight long-sleeve shirts (2 to 3). Protect against the sun and mosquitoes.
✔️ Short-sleeve shirts (2 to 3). Safari clothes for warm afternoons.
✔️ Comfortable shorts (1 to 2 pairs). For lodge stays.
✔️ Convertible safari pants (2 to 3 pairs). Zip-off style for flexibility.
✔️ Undergarments and socks, as needed.
✔️ Bathing suit. If staying at a lodge with a pool.
✔️ Rain jacket (1, if traveling in the rainy months). April to May & November.
✔️ Lightweight jacket (1 to 2). Remember, mornings and evenings get cold.
✔️ Wide-brim cap or hat. Vital for sun protection.
✔️ Sunglasses (polarized).To reduce glare during game drives.
✔️ Light buff or scarf. Protects against dust on open vehicles.
✔️ Comfortable hiking boots or walking shoes, especially for walking safaris.
✔️ Slip-ons or sandals. To wear around lodges.
Toiletries (+ Health and Hygiene Essentials)
✔️ Sunscreen (sweat-resistant and 30+ SPF)
✔️ Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
✔️ Lip balm (better if it has SPF)
✔️ Travel-sized toiletries (try looking for biodegradable options)
✔️ Comb and mirror
✔️ Unscented Deodorant (use perfume sparingly, if at all, as it might attract bees)
✔️ Insect repellent (DEET 30%)
✔️ Malaria pills (as recommended by the doctor)
✔️ Personal medications
✔️ First-aid kit (pain-killers, antiseptic cream, band-aids, motion sickness pills, diarrhea meds)
Electronics
✔️ Camera with a zoom lens (200-400mm recommended) for close-up shots.
✔️ Binoculars (10×42 or 8×42). A must to spot distant wildlife.
✔️ Power bank and travel adapter (type G and D for Tanzania).
✔️ Flashlight or headlamp because some camps have limited electricity at night.
✔️ Daypack or backpack. To carry essentials on game drives.
✔️ Portable Wi-Fi or local SIM card. For connectivity.
Important Documents and Cash
✔️ Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
✔️ Tanzania visa (if required)
✔️ Travel insurance
✔️ Yellow Fever certificate (if applicable)
✔️ Emergency contact list
✔️ Cash (USD bills in small bills). For tips and local purchases.
✔️ Debit/credit card
Others (Optional)
✔️ Notebook and pen. For journaling.
✔️ Pocket knife. For travelers doing basic camping.
✔️ Sunglasses (with UV protection).
✔️ Reusable water bottle (many lodges offer refills).
✔️ Travel guidebook or offline maps. You won’t find the internet everywhere.
✔️ Soft travel pillow. For long drives.
What Not to Bring on Safari
Now that we have listed all the things to take to Africa, it’s time to shift our focus to the things NOT to add to your Tanzania safari packing list.
Just as we have a checklist of what to bring on safari in Tanzania, there is also a checklist of things that are not appropriate and sometimes completely banned in the country. So, to save you from any trouble at airport security (or awkward moments at the lodge), here’s a quick rundown of what should be avoided when packing for Africa.
✔️ Bright-colored safari clothes, especially red, white, and blue. Red attracts animals. White gets dirty too fast. Blue attracts tsetse flies.
✔️ Heavy boots, unless you’re trekking on Kilimanjaro, regular walking shoes will be enough.
✔️ Camo prints. Illegal in some African countries.
✔️ Drones. Not permitted in national parks.
✔️ Hairdryers and other high-powered appliances because most lodges run on solar power.
✔️ Plastic bags. Many countries in Africa have strictly banned them, and yes, that also applies to small ziplock bags used for toiletries.
✔️ Heavy makeup, strong-scented perfumes, and expensive jewelry.
✔️ Hard-shell or oversized suitcases. Safari vehicles have strict space limits. Soft-sided duffel bags are preferred (and sometimes required). Rigid luggage might be charged extra.
✔️ Too much cash. Most safari lodges accept cards, so a mix of cash and travel cards works.
✔️ Tripod or Monopod (without permission). Many parks have rules about using large camera gear. A compact zoom lens is usually fine, but if you plan to bring a tripod or professional setup, check regulations or get a permit.
Where to Buy Safari Clothes
Finding the perfect safari clothes isn’t just about looking the part, but about feeling ready for the wild. You want clothes that breathe when it’s hot, layer easily when it’s cold, and don’t scream “tourist” to every creature in the bush.
But here’s the thing: not every store carries safari-friendly pieces that actually work out in the African sun. So instead of scrolling aimlessly through page after page of random khaki pants, check out this curated list of the best places to buy safari clothes in the U.S. It cuts through the noise and tells you exactly where to find clothing that’s functional, neutral-toned, and perfect for game drives, walking safaris, or just lounging by the lodge pool.
As a good rule of thumb, shop at REI for technical gear, Columbia for budget-friendly options, and Backcountry or Patagonia for high-performance safari clothing.
Final Words
Packing for a safari is part of the adventure. Think of it as your first step into the wild. With the right gear, you’ll be ready to soak up the sun, chase sunsets across the savannah, and say hi to a few giraffes along the way (from a safe distance, of course).
Need help planning the actual safari part? You’re in luck. Good Earth Tours offers incredible, tailor-made Tanzania safaris that match your travel style perfectly.
