Tanzania Packing List

Thinking about which clothes to pack for a Tanzania safari? Here are some suggestions:

The right colour clothing. Khaki-coloured clothing is not a must. However, we do recommend soft, light-coloured clothes that have long sleeves and trousers to protect you from the sun and biting insects. During game drives bright colours and camouflage are not recommended. Tsetse flies are reportedly drawn to blue and black, so avoid these colours if travelling to woodland or marshland areas.

Bring something warm. Tanzania has an excellent climate, which you can read about on our best time to visit Tanzania page. However, depending on the time of year and where you want to visit, temperatures can fall rapidly at night. Especially if you are at altitude, such as Ngorongoro Crater of Mount Meru. Consequently, early morning game-drives can feel quite cold, so it is important to pack a warm set of clothes. A compact scarf can keep your ears and neck warm.

Sun protection. Cool windy mornings and staying at altitude can mask the strength of the sun. Suncream, shades and hat are highly recommended, even if you do not usually use them.

What shoes to bring. Hiking boots are not essential, but soft closed shoes are. If a pair of flip-flops are your choice, no problem, but pack some closed-shoes for sitting around the campfire.

Pack a swimming costume. During the heat of the afternoons the pace of a safari comes to a halt, as game and humans alike seek out the coolest, shadiest parts of the parks. Luckily, some of the accommodation that you will stay in will have incredible swimming pools, so do not forget to pack a swimming costume to cool-off in style.

A flash of flare. Pack a flash of flare for a classic safari dinner. However, remember keep it light, soft and simple.

Dress code. In some parts of Tanzania, such as Zanzibar, there is a dress code where visitors are expected to cover their bodies from their shoulders to their knees in public places. You can wear casual clothes in the majority of the accommodation, but some luxury lodges and camps request smart clothes during dinner.

Finally, if you book a safari to Tanzania, we will send you a detailed packing list.

Some other items to consider when packing for your safari to Tanzania are:

• A good guidebook with a map, country guide and list of Swahili phrases is a must. A section on identifying East African animals, birds, insects and reptiles is essential. Your senses will be triggered with a number of fascinating things during your safari and a good guide-book is the perfect companion for your journey.
• A first aid kit for any unexpected cuts and grazes.
• Basic medication and prescriptions that you require.
• Spare glasses for those who use glasses.
• Binoculars are an excellent tool during a game drive.
• Caps and wide brimmed hats block out the low sun on early-morning or late-evening drives and enable you to spot something moving in the grass.
• Plug adapters are really important. Type D plugs are used in Tanzania.
• Water proof bag to protect your electronics from the dust.
• Refillable water bottle is essential on your safari to cut down on buying plastic bottles. We carry drinking water containers in our cars and fridges so you can refill you bottle while on game drive.
• Head torches are always incredibly useful, even if you go on a lodge safari.
• Malaria prophylaxis and mosquito repellent. Consult your doctor before you travel.
• Money belt or hip bag for documents and money.
• An alarm clock for those early morning game drives.

Travel advice can change at any time, so please refer to your local Tanzania Embassy/Commission to keep up-to-date with understanding what travel documents to bring to Tanzania.

Generally, we do recommend bringing the following travel documents with you to Tanzania:

• A passport which must be valid for at least 6 months after your intended departure date.
• A visa is required for a large number of visitors to Tanzania and are obtainable when you arrive. However, to avoid queuing as much as possible when you land in Tanzania, we highly recommend obtaining an E-visa before you arrive. You can do this via an online portal or at your local Tanzania Embassy/Commission. Visas typically take 2 to 3 weeks to be issued.
• A yellow fever vaccination card is required if you are entering from a yellow-fever-infected country such as Kenya and Uganda.
• A return flight or proof that you have the means (a credit card) to pay for an onward flight.
• A form of payment. Remember to notify your bank that you are travelling to Tanzania.
• A copy of your travel insurance and other important documents.
• A credit card in case of an emergency.