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Safari Packing List

Practical advice and trusted information to help you prepare for your journey to Tanzania.

Packing List

Luggage Restrictions

International flights allow 1 checked bag (20–25 kg) and 1 carry-on. Regional flights (Tanzania Air, Coastal Aviation) allow 1 checked bag (15 kg) and daypack. Kilimanjaro porters carry your main luggage to the hut each night; carry only a daypack to the summit. Soft-sided duffel bags (not wheeled luggage) are essential for bush flights and vehicle transfers. Budget 2 kg for camera gear, 3–4 kg for clothing, 1 kg for toiletries, 1 kg for medications.

Essential Clothing

  • Neutral-coloured clothes (khaki, beige, olive, grey, brown) — bright colours disturb wildlife and attract insects

  • Long-sleeved shirts and long trousers (sun protection and mosquito defence)

  • Warm layers (fleece, thin down jacket) for early morning game drives (15–18°C at dawn)

  • Heavy sweater for Kilimanjaro (nights drop to -15°C at altitude)

  • Waterproof rain jacket for green season

  • Underwear and socks for 7 days (laundry is daily at lodges)

  • Hat with brim and UV-blocking sunglasses

  • Comfortable walking shoes (broken in before arrival)

  • Lightweight hiking boots for Kilimanjaro (ankle support critical)

  • Flip-flops or slides for camp

Photography Equipment

  • Telephoto lens (200–600mm recommended for wildlife)

  • Polarising filter (reduces glare off water)

  • 2–3 spare batteries (power outlets rare in remote camps)

  • Portable external hard drive or cloud storage for backup

  • Cleaning kit (sensor brush, lens wipes, air blower)

  • Lens cap tethers (you will drop them)

  • Monopod or compact tripod

Health & Toiletries

  • Malaria prophylaxis (prescribed by doctor; commonly atovaquone-proguanil/Malarone or doxycycline)

  • High-SPF sunscreen (SPF 50+, reef-safe for Zanzibar)

  • Insect repellent (DEET 20–30%)

  • Basic medications: pain relief, anti-diarrhoea, anti-allergy, antacid

  • Prescription medications (bring original bottles, doctor’s letter)

  • Antibiotic ointment (cuts get infected easily in the bush)

  • Personal toiletries (lodges provide basic soap/shampoo)

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste

  • Deodorant (stick form, less mess in heat)

Documents & Money

  • Passport and 2 colour copies (separate from original)

  • Visa documentation (eVisa printout)

  • Travel insurance policy (print and save digitally)

  • Flight confirmations (email or printout)

  • Hotel/lodge confirmations

  • Credit card(s) and debit card (carry 2 separate cards)

  • USD cash ($500–1,000 as backup; Tanzania uses TZS but USD widely accepted)

  • Driver’s license (if planning to rent a vehicle)

  • Vaccination certificate (yellow fever, if required)

  • Phone charger (universal adapter for Tanzania plug type — Type G, square/rectangular pins)

Safari Essentials

  • Binoculars (10×42 optical quality, light enough for full days)

  • Small notebook and pen (record wildlife sightings, guide notes)

  • Headlamp or small torch (early morning before vehicle leaves camp)

  • Refillable water bottle (eco-friendly, lodges fill for free)

  • Portable wet wipes (for hands before meals in the vehicle)

  • Plastic bags (for wet items, dirty clothes)

  • Moisturiser (bush air is very dry)

  • Lip balm with SPF

What NOT to Bring

  • Bright or white clothing (disturbs wildlife, shows dust)

  • Denim or heavy cotton (hot, uncomfortable, slow to dry)

  • Wheeled luggage (doesn’t work on bush roads)

  • Excessive shoes (lodges provide laundry; pack 2–3 pairs max)

  • Hairdryer or electrical appliances (lodges have limited power)

  • Glass bottles (breakage risk; buy plastic in-country)

  • Aerosol deodorant (banned on flights)

  • Expensive jewellery (unnecessary and draws unwanted attention)

  • Hiking poles for safari (use for Kilimanjaro only, not game drives)

Zanzibar Add-Ons

If extending to Zanzibar beach: add swimsuit/beach shorts, rash guard (sun protection in water), reef-safe sunscreen, snorkel gear (optional; resorts provide), lightweight sarong or kaftan, sandals, underwater camera or GoPro.

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