If this is your first time in Tanzania or your first time on safari, this packing list below can help to be well-prepared and comfortable during your adventure. If you do forget a few things, don’t worry, you can pick up most everyday items in town before you leave.

Travel Documents

  • Valid passport
  • Yellow fever vaccination records/ certificate.
  • Tanzania visa, available at the 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)

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 a warm hat (during May-Sept)
  • Raincoat and rain trousers (During rainy season Mar-May and Oct-Dec)

Highly recommended

  • Camera and memory cards
  • Binoculars
  • Sunscreen
  • Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
  • Insect Repellent
  • Personal toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothbrush, eye drops etc.)
  • Malaria tablets
  • 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

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 jewelry, makeup, 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., but this can sometimes be an expensive option.