Tanzania safari packing list

When you’re planning your Tanzania safari packing list, one great thing is that you don’t need to deal with too many extremes of temperature, regardless of when you visit the country. Unlike the northern hemisphere, which has its distinct winter and summer periods, Tanzania’s climate breaks down into rainy and dry seasons, with a longer and short dry season and a longer and short rainy season during the year.

However, the temperature tends to hover between highs of around 25-30C, and rarely falls much below 20C during the day – the exceptions are the highlands and peaks, including Kilimanjaro, so if you’re teaming safari and trekking, you’ll need to plan for much colder weather, as well as packing more specialist clothing.

However, it’s not quite as simple as throwing a few T-shirts into a case, with a few specific pieces of advice when you’re packing for a Tanzania safari to join our usual packing advice.

There’s a reason that everyone seems to be wearing khaki when they’re on safari. It’s best to avoid shades of blue as these can attract tsetse flies, which can carry parasites causing sleeping sickness, as well as giving painful bites. Black can also attract the flies and gets very hot in the sun.

Instead, neutral shades are a good option, including shades of green, beige and brown, plus as muted white and cream (although these aren’t always the most practical in the dusty dry season or the muddy wetter months). Contrary to popular belief, bright colours such as red won’t attract lions – they don’t see the colour red, which is used in the traditional clothing of the Serengeti’s Maasai tribe – but it’s far harder to camouflage yourself if you’re dressed head to toe in a vibrant rainbow, and anything which might scare animals away is a bad plan when you’re hoping to spot wildlife. Steer clear of camouflage prints too; it’s illegal for civilians to wear this, as it’s reserved for the military and other security forces.

Although temperatures are normally in the mid to high 20Cs during the heat of the day, it can be much cooler first thing in the morning when you’re heading out on early game drives. Add in the breeze from open-sided vehicles, and it can quickly become chilly, so having layers is a good plan, ideally in lightweight or breathable fabrics.

A fleece or a hoody is a good idea to keep you warm when you’re out at daybreak, while zip-off trousers are a useful option if you want full-length in the morning before converting to shorts later in the day. If you’re visiting at the start or end of the rainy season, as well as during the wetter green season itself, a lightweight rain jacket will protect against unexpected showers. It’s only really the months of June to September where you can feel fairly confident there won’t be much rain, and even then it can vary between southern and northern Tanzania.

A wide-brimmed hat and decent sunglasses are also vital against the glare from the sun. If your camp has a pool – or if you’re planning a safari and beach break – don’t forget swimwear too

When you’re out in the bush, closed-toe shoes are the most practical choice for game drives, but especially if your holiday in Tanzania includes any walking safaris. Lightweight walking shoes or trainers are usually all you’ll need for game drives in the dry season, as that will protect your feet from the terrain and any insects without getting too hot. Sturdier safari boots are best if you’re doing more walking safaris though.

You may also want sandals for walking around your safari camp too, although closed-toe shoes may be recommended there as well.

Safaris tend to be very casual, so don’t feel you need to dedicate your limited luggage allowance to anything too dressy. However, you’ll find people often change into something a little smarter (or at least something which hasn’t been worn all day) in the evening. Long trousers or jumpsuit is great to cover you up against biting insects which come out at dusk, while a crisp white shirt is an evening safari classic for a reason. Or for women, adding in a few scarves and accessories is an easy option.

If you’re planning to visit a local village during your Tanzania safari, whether that’s to learn more about Maasai customs or simply to experience a taste of everyday life during your holiday, it’s best to stick to more conservative outfits. Ensure shoulders and knees are covered, although lightweight materials are a good idea as it can quickly get hot during the day. Red has particular significance for the Maasai, so it’s best to avoid wearing block shades of red.

A remote safari camp is not the place to realise you’ve forgotten something essential, so make sure your Tanzania packing list includes all the essentials and a few back-ups. A well-stocked first aid kit is useful, particularly any prescription medication you need, along with high-factor SPF for the strong African sun and high-strength insect repellent.

There’s a risk of malaria across almost all of Tanzania, so you’re likely to need antimalarials as well as repellent – insect-repellent clothing is another option, although covering up and a spray or roll-on is normally enough.

Binoculars are also essential; preferably something lightweight, with a magnification of 10×42, although 10×40 can be a cheaper alternative, while 8×42 are good for birders who want to be able to zoom in more closely.

A zoom lens for your camera is also the key to getting some fantastic photos – even smartphones have some zoom lens options if you’re not packing a DSLR. Whatever you choose, extra batteries/portable power banks are also a must (along with additional memory cards for cameras) to ensure you don’t unexpectedly run out of power or space just at the wrong moment.

Tanzania uses both type G and type D plugs; type G is the same as the UK, but you’ll need an adapter for type G’s three round plugs. Most camps will have electricity to enable you to charge your devices. Save space for a guide to the area’s wildlife. Your guides are experts in knowing which animals are to be found in the reserves, and will be pointing them out but it’s always fun to have a record of what you’ve seen.

One of the more unexpected items for women’s Tanzania packing list options is a sports bra. While not always essential, travelling across bumpy tracks in safari vehicles can mean that something supportive makes your game drive experience far more comfortable.

If you’re visiting more than one location in Tanzania, you may need to take smaller internal planes connecting the various national parks and reserves, which have a much smaller weight allowance of around 15kg compared to standard domestic or international flights.

Many only accept soft-sided luggage and have restrictions on the size of the bag as well, so always check this before you travel.

If you’re teaming your Tanzania safari packing with some time on the sand, the majority of your clothes are going to work just as well by the coast. Packing for Zanzibar is relatively straightforward, especially if you’re there for the sun, sand and sea – if you have your own snorkel, it’s always good to throw that in, along with plenty of swimwear and lightweight cover-ups and beach clothes.

If you’re exploring Stone Town, you’ll be expected to dress modestly; the island is predominantly Muslim, and while you don’t need to cover head-to-toe, it’s stricter than if you’re on the beach. Both men and women should cover their shoulders and legs to around or just above the knee, or full-length trousers/skirt if you visit during Ramadan.