Packing List on Tanzania Safari

When packing for a safari, it’s crucial to find a balance. Minimalists may struggle to gather all the essentials needed for the African savannah, while over-packers might end up missing the breathtaking views, trapped behind piles of bags. The golden rule for safari travelers is that your luggage will likely travel with you in your safari vehicle, unless you’re staying at the same hotel throughout your trip, where you can leave your bags behind. Too much luggage, particularly for large groups, may mean your bags get stowed on the roof of the vehicle, which could limit your chance to enjoy the experience with the roof open, perfect for taking wildlife photos. This becomes especially important when traveling in groups of six or seven, as the seven-seater Land Cruisers need to accommodate both passengers and their bags. While it’s possible to bring up to three pieces of luggage per person, it’s advisable to pack wisely if you’re traveling in a full group. Comfort is key, but a lighter load ensures a more enjoyable safari.

Travel Documents

Valid passport
Yellow fever vaccination records/ certificate.
Tanzania visa, available at airport upon arrival, USD $100 payable in cash only for US citizens or USD $50 for residents of UK/European Union and most other countries.
Copy of flight itinerary.
Copy of travel and/or medical evacuation insurance.
Personal medical/dental insurance cards.
Credit card (Visa and MasterCard are most widely accepted).
Cash in U.S. Dollars (bills MUST have been issued in 2004 or later)

Highly recommended

Camera and memory cards
Binoculars
Sunscreen
Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
Insect Repellent
Personal toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothbrush, eye drops etc)
Basic first aid kit and prescription medicines
Flashlight or headlamp
Chargers and extra batteries for your camera, phone etc
Power adapter to fit the UK style electrical socket

Clothing

Remember, it’s not a fashion show out there, so be a bit more practical when choosing your safari wardrobe. Try to stay away from bright colours – khaki and other neutral colours tend to work well. It is probably best if you dress in layers since it can get cold, but also very hot.

Sweater or fleece pullover to keep warm
Sturdy boots or sandals
Sun hat
Sun glasses
T-shirts or polo shirts (2-5 depending on how often you want to change)
Long sleeve shirts (light weight)
Shorts
Long trousers
Underwear
Socks
Sleepwear
Travel towel
Thermal underwear, gloves and warm hat (during May – Sept)
Rain coat and rain trousers (During rainy season Mar – May and Oct – Dec)

Others tips

Bring soft luggage such as a duffel bag, hiking pack or sports bag. These are ideal for packing into a safari vehicle. Hard suitcases can often be difficult to fit into the vehicles.
Bring a backpack to carry all of your important items including travel documents, money, camera, medication etc. You should keep this backpack with you at all times.
Keep luxury items such as hair dryers/ straighteners, expensive jewellery, make up and bulky toiletries to an absolute minimum. If in doubt, leave them out.
If you plan to bring cash, divide it into different areas of your carry-on luggage, wallet and money belt just in case something happens to one of those carry items.
Leave some space in your luggage for the all-important souvenirs that you will probably buy. There are places where you can send packages home via DHL etc, however this can sometimes be an expensive option.