What You Need to Know: For a safari in Tanzania, pack neutral-colored layers (long sleeves for sun and insects), a warm fleece for early mornings and the crater rim at about 7,500 ft (2,300 m), a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, a camera with spare batteries and a power bank, and binoculars if you have them, all in a soft bag. On fly-in safaris luggage is limited to about 15 kg per person.
What Clothes to Pack for a Tanzania Safari
Neutral colors, khaki, beige, olive and grey, blend in and show the dust less. Avoid bright colors, which disturb wildlife, and dark blue or black, which attract tsetse flies in some areas such as Tarangire.
| Item | How many | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Long-sleeved shirts | 3–4 | Sun and insect protection |
| T-shirts | 2–3 | Hot middays |
| Light pants | 2 | Comfortable in the vehicle |
| Shorts | 1–2 | Lodge afternoons |
| Warm fleece or jacket | 1 | Early game drives and the crater rim |
| Light rain jacket | 1 | November and March to May |
| Swimsuit | 1 | Lodge pools |
| Smarter casual outfit | 1 | Dinner at luxury lodges |
Laundry is available at many lodges, so pack for about half your trip.
Which Shoes to Bring on Safari
You spend most of the day in the vehicle, so comfortable closed shoes or light walking shoes are enough; sandals for the lodge. Bring proper boots only if you are adding a walking safari or a Kilimanjaro climb.
Safari Gear and Essentials
- Wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and lip balm
- Insect repellent; malaria tablets if your doctor advises
- Personal medication in your daypack
- Camera, spare batteries and memory cards, power bank
- Binoculars, one pair per person if you can
- A buff or scarf for dusty roads
- Dry bags or zip bags for electronics
- Hand sanitizer and tissues
- A small daypack for the vehicle
Documents and Money for Tanzania
- Passport valid for at least six months
- Tanzania visa (US$100 for US citizens); see visa information
- Travel insurance details, including medical evacuation
- Proof of Tanzania's mandatory inbound travel insurance (US$44, from October 1, 2026)
- Yellow fever certificate if arriving from an endemic country
- US dollars in small, newer notes for tips: US$10–25 per person per day for your guide
What Our Vehicle and Lodges Already Provide
Your vehicle is a private 4x4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof, a window seat for every guest (at most 6), Wi-Fi (patchy in remote areas), charging points and a fridge for drinks, plus binoculars and drinking water, so you don't need to carry much on game drives. Lodges provide towels, toiletries and, at most, laundry. On the first day we pack a lunch box to your dietary needs; after that your lodge provides meals.
Packing for a Fly-In Safari to the Serengeti
Light aircraft to the Serengeti have strict limits, usually about 15 kg per person in a soft bag without wheels or frames, including hand luggage. Leave the rest at your Arusha hotel. Fly-ins use Auric Air or Coastal Aviation; we confirm your limit when we book.
What to Leave at Home for a Tanzania Safari
- Hard suitcases
- Bright or camouflage clothing (camouflage is for the military in Tanzania)
- Plastic bags: single-use plastic bags are banned in Tanzania
- Drones: not allowed in the parks without a permit
- Too many clothes
Packing for Tanzania's Seasons
| Months | Add to your bag |
|---|---|
| June – August | A warm jacket or a second fleece: early mornings are cold, especially on the crater rim |
| September – October | Extra sun protection and a buff for dust |
| November – December | A light rain jacket for short showers |
| January – March | Light, breathable layers; it is the hottest time |
| April – May | A good rain jacket and quick-dry clothes |
Camera and Electronics for Safari
A camera with a zoom of at least 200 mm gets you close to most animals; a 100–400 mm lens is ideal. Bring two or three batteries, spare memory cards and a power bank. The vehicle has charging points and Wi-Fi, which is patchy in remote areas, and most lodges charge in the rooms. Dust is the main enemy: keep cameras in a bag on the floor of the vehicle and use a blower, not a cloth, to clean lenses.
Plugs in Tanzania are the UK type G (three square pins); bring an adapter. Drones are not allowed in the national parks without a permit.
Packing for Children on Safari
- Snacks and a favorite drink for long drives
- A light blanket for early starts
- Children's binoculars and a wildlife checklist
- Sun hat, children's sunscreen and repellent suitable for their age
- Tablet or books for driving days, with headphones
Children from 2 years old can join our safaris; see our family safari guide.
A Small First-Aid Kit for Safari
Your guide carries a first-aid kit, but bring your own basics: plasters, painkillers, antihistamines, rehydration sachets, stomach remedies, motion-sickness tablets if you need them, and any prescription medicines in their original packaging, with a copy of the prescription. Ask your doctor about malaria tablets; see travel health in Tanzania.
Common Questions About Packing for a Tanzania Safari
What colors should I avoid on safari?
Bright colors, which disturb wildlife, dark blue and black, which attract tsetse flies, and camouflage, which is reserved for the military.
How cold does it get on safari?
Early mornings and evenings are cool all year, and the Ngorongoro crater rim is cold at night. Bring a warm fleece.
Can I bring a suitcase?
On road safaris, yes, though a soft bag is easier. On fly-in safaris you need a soft bag of about 15 kg.
Are plastic bags allowed?
No. Tanzania bans single-use plastic bags, and they can be confiscated at the airport. Use zip bags for liquids.
Do I need binoculars?
The vehicle carries a pair, but your own make a big difference, especially for birds.
What plug type does Tanzania use?
The UK type G, with three square pins. Bring an adapter; the vehicle has charging points.
Do I need special clothes for the Ngorongoro Crater?
Just a warm fleece or jacket for the early descent and the rim, which is at about 7,500 ft (2,300 m).
The Bottom Line
Pack neutral layers, one warm fleece, good sun protection and your camera, in a soft bag, and leave the rest at your hotel. The vehicle already has charging, water and binoculars.
Send us your dates, the number of travelers (with children's ages) and your lodge level through the form, on WhatsApp +255 678 992 599 or by email to jaynevytours@gmail.com, and our sales team in Moshi will reply with a written quotation.