Tanzania Safari Packing List
Posted on January 24, 2024
When planning to visit Tanzania for a safari, there are essential items that must not be left out on the packing list.
Comfort and convenience certainly play a critical role in the ultimate satisfaction levels of the safari guest.
Other than having the necessary documents, a prospective safari guest must pack the right kind of clothes and footwear, gadgets, and other essential things like first aid items and some toiletries.
Individuals intending to undertake a Tanzania safari for the first time may find the following packing list quite helpful.
Right Kind of Documents
- A valid passport, which should have a validity of not less than six months from the day of landing in Tanzania.
- A Tanzania Visa which may be obtained upon arrival at the Tanzanian entry points (airports, ports, or borders), at respectively, USD 100 and USD 50 for US citizens and residents of the EU, UK, and many other countries.
- A copy of the flight/safari itinerary.
- A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate, for guests coming from or having a connection of 12 or more hours in Yellow Fever prevalent zones.
- Any other required vaccination, of which details can be obtained from the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) or a personal medical doctor.
- Some evidence of medical and travel insurance.
- A Credit Card which is internationally accepted, such as MasterCard or Visa
- Some cash in US dollars. The notes must not have been issued prior to 2004 and there should be smaller denominations to cater for small purchases and tips.
- A guidebook/map or address book could be useful
Right Kind of Clothes
It is recommended to pack lightly and the colors of the clothes should not be so bright. Khaki or neutral shades are advised.
Seasons and prevailing weather conditions at the time, may also be a guide on what kind of attire to pack, and so do cultural norms of the place to be visited. For example, the cold season would require packing enough warm clothes and a visit to a very traditional African destination would mean no revealing outfits. In some parks such as Tarangire, Mikumi, and Serengeti, it is discouraged to put on black- and blue-colored clothes because they attract tsetse flies which can be a nuisance during game drives.
Affordable or free laundry services are available at most lodging facilities, so there is no cause to worry about running out of clean clothes.
- A fleece jumper, pullover, or sweater.
- A few long-sleeved, lightweight shirts.
- A couple of T-shirts and polo shirts.
- A few pairs of comfortable lightweight pants.
- A pair or two, of at least mid-thigh length shorts.
- A swimming attire, for the swimming lover.
- Some underwear, sleepwear, and a travel towel
- Thermal underwear, warm hat. And gloves and a warm hat if visiting between May and September when it is cold.
- A raincoat or poncho and waterproof pants if traveling between March and May or October and December.
- Sunglasses, a sunhat and scarf
- For women, dresses, and skirts covering the knees, capri-length or longer pants, and tops that cover the shoulders are appropriate for village visits.
Right Kind of Footwear
The kind of footwear packed for a safari can make an experience either pleasant or uncomfortable. Weather conditions and the state of the terrain can be a guide as to what kind of footwear to bring along.
However, the following are recommended;
- A pair of strong comfortable boots or sandals.
- A pair of strong comfortable shoes, ideally waterproof.
- A pair of sneakers or some comfortable sandals.
- A few pairs of comfortable socks for the weather type.
Right Kind of Toiletries
Almost every lodging facility would supply the basic toiletries for their guests, but it is prudent to pack the most essential.
Perfumes, lotions, and soaps packed for a safari should not be the strongly scented type, as these have a likelihood of attracting insects like bees.
- A toothbrush, toothpaste and soap
- Some lotion and shampoo
- A small hand or face towel
- Some hand wipes and sanitizer
- A roll of toilet paper
- Some odourless deodorant/ perfume
- A comb/ hairbrush and a small mirror
The Right Kind of Gadgets/ Equipment
The right kind of gadget carried along can enhance a safari experience, create and store memories, and offer some entertainment or relaxation.
The following should be packed for a safari;
- A good camera and accessories.
- A charger and extra battery cells for the camera, mobile phone, and any other gadgets/ devices.
- A pair of binoculars. Some safari specialists recommend the Nikon Monarch 8×36 or the Eagle Optics Ranger 8×42.
- A flashlight or headlamp.
- An adapter compatible with the UK-type power sockets.
- Sunglasses, a sunhat, and scarf.
- A notebook or journal, and a pen or pencil.
- A travel pillow or cushion.
- Entertainment things such as games, books/magazines, playing cards, or music-playing devices.
- A pocket knife may be required for basic campers.
- A few souvenirs for gifting guides/drivers or other safari guests.
The Right Kind of First Aid and other Items
When planning to undertake a safari, it is necessary to consider packing some essential first aid items as well as other things that may be useful in case of some unforeseen circumstances.
- Basic first aid kit
- Some insect repellent
- Anti-malaria medicine
- Diarrhoea medicine
- Some antiseptic cream
- Antihistamines
- Some antibiotics and painkillers
- Sunscreen (SPF 15+) and some lip balm
- Any prescription medication as per doctor’s advice.
- A few energy bars and/ or snacks
Further Tips on Packing
- Most domestic flights have restrictions on the weight of the luggage per person, usually 15-20 kgs or 33-44 lbs, therefore it is advisable to pack as lightly as possible, leaving room for gifts and souvenirs that are likely to be obtained during the safari.
- A soft holder such as a duffel bag, is good for packing in the majority of stuff and might not be necessarily used during the itinerary, as it can fit relatively easily in a safari vehicle, unlike suitcases which are considerably hard.
- Important items like traveling documents, cash, and handy gadgets like a camera and phone, should ideally be packed in a backpack, which must never be left unattended at any time. A small pouch or moneybag, that dangles around the neck is advisable for travel documents and money.
- A backpack or sports bag, can be used to hold enough clothing and supplies in case the main luggage takes a few days to arrive.
- Cash should be divided and held in separate places of the hand luggage, pouch/ wallet, or just in case something happens to any of them.
- If possible, valuable and luxury stuff such as jewelry, cosmetics, and others must be packed to the possible minimum or left out altogether.
- Do what you have to.
- As Tanzania Offroad Trips, we have your back
- When you want to pack.
- And we know every mark,
- Of this stunning country; be it mountain or park.
- So let us go!
Should you need further details on planning your Tanzania safari, feel free to contact TANZANIA OFFROAD TRIPS.
