What to Pack

What to Pack for Tanzania

Complete packing list for your safari and adventure in Tanzania

Safari ClothingEquipmentPractical Tips

General Packing Tips

  • Weight limit: Most domestic flights allow 15kg checked + 5kg carry-on
  • Bag type: Use soft bags, not hard suitcases (easier to fit in small planes)
  • Colors: Neutral tones (beige, khaki, olive green) for safari
  • Laundry: Most lodges offer laundry service, no need to pack clothes for every day

Essential Safari Clothing

Upper Body

  • 3-4 long-sleeve shirts (sun protection)
  • 2-3 short-sleeve shirts
  • 1 fleece or light jacket
  • 1 waterproof windbreaker
  • 1 smart shirt (for dinners)

💡 Tip: Avoid dark colors (attract tsetse flies) and white (gets dirty quickly)

Lower Body

  • 2-3 convertible long pants
  • 1-2 shorts
  • 1 smart pants (optional)
  • Underwear for 5-7 days
  • Cotton socks (5-7 pairs)

💡 Tip: Convertible pants are ideal: long in the morning, shorts at midday

Footwear

  • Comfortable hiking boots (essential)
  • Sandals or flip-flops (for lodge)
  • Sneakers (optional)
  • Dress shoes (if planning formal dinners)

💡 Tip: Bring already worn shoes, don't break in new boots on the trip

Accessories

  • Wide-brimmed hat or cap
  • Sunglasses with UV protection
  • Scarf or buff (for dust)
  • Belt
  • Light gloves (morning safaris)

For Zanzibar

  • Swimwear / Bikini (2 pieces)
  • Sarong or beach towel
  • Light beach clothing
  • Dress/shirt for going out (Stone Town)
  • Modest clothing (Zanzibar is Muslim)

For Kilimanjaro

  • Down jacket or thermal coat
  • Waterproof pants
  • Thermal underwear (base layer)
  • Gloves and wool hat
  • Waterproof hiking boots

Equipment and Technology

Photography and Electronics

  • Camera: With telephoto lens (minimum 200mm, ideal 300-400mm)
  • Memory cards: Several high-capacity ones
  • Extra batteries: And chargers
  • Binoculars: 8x42 or 10x42 (essential)
  • Phone/Tablet: With offline map apps
  • Power bank: To charge devices
  • Universal adapter: Tanzania uses type G plugs (UK)
  • Headlamp: For night safaris

Health and Hygiene

  • Sunscreen: SPF 50+ (generous amount)
  • Mosquito repellent: With DEET 30-50%
  • Basic first aid kit: Band-aids, disinfectant, painkillers
  • Personal medication: Enough for entire trip
  • Anti-diarrheal: Just in case
  • Hand sanitizer: For hands
  • Wet wipes: Very useful on safari
  • Toiletries: Shampoo, soap, toothbrush

Documents and Money

Essential Documents

  • Passport (valid 6 months)
  • Printed e-Visa
  • Vaccination certificate
  • Travel insurance (printed policy)
  • Flight tickets
  • Reservation vouchers
  • Photocopies of everything (separate)

Money

  • USD cash (new bills, post-2006)
  • Credit cards (Visa/Mastercard)
  • Debit card (for ATMs)
  • Notify your bank you're traveling to Tanzania

💰 Suggested tips:
- Safari guide: $10-20 USD/day
- Driver: $5-10 USD/day
- Lodge staff: $5-10 USD/day

Other Useful Items

Entertainment

  • Book or e-reader
  • Bird/animal guide
  • Travel journal
  • Headphones

Practical Extras

  • Plastic bags (dirty clothes)
  • Luggage lock
  • Multi-tool knife
  • Portable clothesline

To Share

  • School supplies (to donate)
  • Children's clothing (to donate)
  • Candy (for local children)
  • Printed photos (to give away)

What NOT to Bring

  • Camouflage clothing: Prohibited in Tanzania
  • Valuable jewelry: Unnecessary and risky
  • Too much luggage: Remember weight limits
  • Hair dryer: Lodges usually have them
  • Strong perfumes: Attract insects
  • Hard suitcases: Difficult in small planes

Ready to Pack?

With this complete list, you'll have everything you need to fully enjoy your adventure in Tanzania. Don't forget to leave space for memories and souvenirs!