TANZANIA SAFARI PACKING LIST
What to Bring + Free Checklist
Let’s start with the good news: You don’t need a full Out of Africa makeover to enjoy a safari in Tanzania — just download our Tanzania safari packing list and you’ll be good to go!
Packing smart is much more important than packing stylish — and chances are, you already have most of what you’ll need in your closet.
At Mawenzi Adventures, we welcome guests in all seasons, styles, and comfort levels — from rugged camping safaris to ultra-luxury lodge stays. And of course, we’ve been on countless safaris ourselves — each time with a suitcase that’s a bit lighter than the time before — so we know exactly what you’ll need.
This guide covers the essentials: what to wear, what to bring, and what to definitely leave at home. Whether you’re heading to the Serengeti, Lake Natron, or Tarangire, we’ve got you covered (literally).
WHAT TO WEAR ON SAFARI IN TANZANIA
You’ll be spending most of your time in a 4×4, with windy early mornings, hot afternoons, and cool evenings — so comfort and layers are key.
Safari clothing essentials:
- Tank tops and/or T-shirts for the daytime (preferably 1 per day, it gets dusty)
Breathable long sleeved top if you like more coverage during the day, and for cooler evenings
Lightweight pants or convertible zip-off trousers
Shorts for warmer days
Fleece, hoodie or light jacket, especially for mornings and evenings in Ngorongoro (temperatures can drop to 0°C at night)
Buff or scarf for dust or sun
Wide-brimmed hat or cap
Undergarments + sleepwear
Swimwear
Comfortable, sturdy closed shoes for colder evenings in the camps and safari activities that include walking
Flipflops or sandals (preferably the sturdy type) for in the lodges in the daytime. We also recommend them during game drives – keep in mind you won’t be allowed to stand on the seats with your shoes on and putting them on and off the whole time gets annoying
Rain jacket, obviously in case of rain but also because these can be a great protection against the wind on early morning game drives
WHICH COLORS SHOULD YOU WEAR ON SAFARI?
No, you don’t need to dress head-to-toe in khaki (unless that’s your color). But certain colors do make a difference on safari — for both comfort and practicality.
Best colors:
Earth tones like beige, olive green, brown, and grey
These colors blend in with the natural environment
They don’t show dust easily (and trust us, you’ll get dusty!)
Keep in mind: camouflage clothing is not allowed for civilians. It’s reserved for military use so best to leave it at home.
Colors to avoid:
Bright colors like red or yellow — especially during safari activities outside the jeep. They attract attention and insects
Dark blue and black — these can attract tsetse flies, which are present in several of the parks
- White — it’ll turn a lovely shade of safari brown within a few hours
GEAR & ACCESSORIES TO BRING
Here’s what we recommend packing — even for the most comfortable safari:
- Power bank (some camps only offer limited electricity)
- Universal power adapter
- Camera + extra memory cards/batteries
- Dry bag or ziplock bags for dust protection
- Binoculars (we provide one per vehicle, but having your own is great, especially for larger groups)
- Small day pack for the items that you want to keep with you throughout the day
TOILETRIES & PERSONAL ITEMS
Don’t overpack your toiletry bag — you’ll get basic supplies at most mid-range and luxury lodges. For camping safaris, a bit more self-sufficiency is handy.
- Sunscreen (high SPF)
- Insect repellent, especially in the early morning and evenings when mosquitos are most active
- Lip balm with SPF
- Medication (painkillers, antihistamines, anti-diarrheal tablets, anti-malaria pills, …)
- Wet wipes / hand sanitizer
- Tissues / toilet paper roll (for bush stops)
- Toothbrush & paste
- Deodorant
- Glasses or contact lenses + backup
- Sunglasses
DRINKS & SNACK BASKET
A full board meal plan is included in all our safaris, so you’ll get 3 meals per day. In some luxury and premium lodges, house drinks are also included or can be added at a supplement. However, snacks and drinks in the car aren’t included – except for 1,5 L of water per person per day as well as tea and coffee during meals.
If you’d like to buy some snacks and other drinks, we’d gladly stop at a supermarket on the way to the parks, or we can include them for you so you don’t have to worry about it. Book our drinks & snack basket to get 4 small soft drinks and 2 snacks per day (can be biscuits, cereal bars, popcorn…).
DOCUMENTS & MONEY
Keep these essentials in your carry-on or day bag:
Passport (valid at least 6 months after travel date)
Visa (get it online or on arrival)
Travel insurance (print a copy or save it offline)
Flight details & other bookings
Your day-to-day planning (we’ll send it to you a week before arrival)
Emergency contacts (don’t forget to save ours too)
Debit / credit card (don’t forget to activate your debit cards for traveling overseas) + some cash (USD or Tanzanian shillings)
Check our Tanzania travel guide for more info about passports, visa, money and more.
Pro tip: Keep some cash for drinks in the accommodations, tips and souvenirs.
WHAT NOT TO PACK
Some things are better left at home:
Drones (require special permits)
Hairdryers (power limitations in many camps)
Fancy jewelry or valuables
Too many shoes (stick to 2 pairs max)
Pro-tip: space in the jeep is limited, so packing light is a great idea. In most itineraries, you can leave some of the luggage that you won’t need for your safari at our office or in any accommodation in Moshi or Arusha. You can then pick it back up later, or we can transfer it to wherever you are at the end of your safari.
SPECIAL NOTES BY COMFORT LEVEL
Your packing list may vary slightly depending on the type of safari you’re doing. Here’s what to keep in mind:
Camping safari:
Towel
Flashlight or headlamp, preferably the type that you can attach to something (great if there’s no light in the public showers)
Warm clothes for sleeping
Extra sweater — it can get very cold at night!
Wet wipes = lifesavers
Shampoo & shower gel
Make sure your flipflops are allowed to get wet for the public showers
All the camping gear needs to travel with you, so packing light is essential for optimal comfort inside the jeep
All other comfort levels – standard, comfort, luxury and premium:
No need for toiletries or towels — they’re provided
- Space for luggage is better, but soft bags still recommended
Related reading: Our 5 Safari Comfort Levels – Which One Is Right for You?
PACKING BY SEASON
We recommend slightly adjusting your list based on the time of year:
June–August: Very chilly mornings, especially in Ngorongoro — bring warm layers
September–October: Dry and dusty — pack a buff/scarf and moisturizer
November–May: Rainy seasons — light rain jacket and quick-dry clothing
FINAL TIPS FROM THE MAWENZI TEAM
Use soft bags or duffels, not hard suitcases — easier to pack in safari vehicles and less sensitive to scratches (and often a must on domestic flight
It’s totally ok to dress casually. Only a few top-level lodges have a dress code.
Ask us if you’re not sure what to bring — we’ll tailor advice to your comfort level and safari destinations
Pack light — we promise, you won’t miss that third pair of sandals!
Unless you’re a fashion influencer, there’s no need for a whole new wardrobe (unless you need an excuse to buy new clothes, of course!)
Check out our other travel tips as well, to start your trip well prepared!
DOWNLOAD OUR PRINTABLE PACKING CHECKLIST
A practical checklist of everything you’ll need for your Tanzania safari adventure.
Just put everything in your suitcase and tick the boxes!
PLANNING YOUR OWN SAFARI?
We can help you figure out not only what to pack, but where to go and when. Take a look at some of our most popular safari itineraries — all fully customizable:
FROM
$1190
4- or 5-day private safari
FINDING THE BIG FIVE
Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro
crater
Fully customizable – price depends on group size and travel style
FROM
$1760
6-day private safari
ESSENCE OF THE NORTH
Arusha National Park, Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro
Including airport transfers & 2 nights in Arusha
FROM
$2130
8-day private safari
NEW TERRITORIES
Lake Natron, Serengeti, Ngorongoro crater & Tarangire
Fully customizable – price depends on group size and travel style
