What to pack for a Tanzania safari
Neutral colours, soft bags and a good pair of binoculars. A simple packing list so you travel light and enjoy every game drive.
Packing for a safari is easier than most people think. You will spend your days in a comfortable vehicle, your lodges and camps will often offer laundry, and you rarely need anything smart. The secret is to pack light, think in layers and choose the right colours.
Clothes
Choose clothes in neutral colours such as khaki, beige, olive and soft brown. They show less dust and blend in with the bush. Avoid dark blue and black, which can attract tsetse flies, and leave bright white at home, as it rarely stays white for long.
Mornings and evenings can be cool, especially in the highlands around Ngorongoro, while the middle of the day is warm. Pack a few light shirts, a fleece or warm jacket, comfortable trousers, a sun hat and a light rain jacket. Long sleeves in the evening help keep mosquitoes away.
Long days on the plains: a hat and sunglasses are essential.
Bags
A soft bag is better than a hard suitcase. It fits more easily into safari vehicles, and if your trip includes a flight in a small aircraft, there is usually a strict weight limit for luggage. Keep a small daypack with you in the vehicle for the things you need during the day.
Useful extras
Binoculars make the biggest difference to a safari; bring one pair per person if you can. A camera with a zoom lens is wonderful but not essential. Add sunscreen, insect repellent, a refillable water bottle, a power bank for charging on the road, and any personal medicines you need.
The best thing to pack is curiosity. Your guide will take care of the rest.
Before you travel
Check your passport, visa and vaccination requirements well before you leave, and talk to your doctor about malaria tablets. Travel insurance that covers medical evacuation is strongly recommended. If you have any questions about your trip, our team is always happy to help.