Almost everyone prepares for a safari with the same mix of excitement and doubt: what clothes to bring, which camera, what can be left behind and what cannot. The good news is you do not need an expensive adventurer’s wardrobe. The bad news is that three very common mistakes (a hard-shell suitcase, the wrong colors and not enough warm layers) can spoil part of the trip. Here is a realistic list, in order of importance.
First, the bag: soft and light
If your trip includes small-plane flights (for example to the Serengeti or to Zanzibar), the luggage limit is usually around 15 kg (33 lb) per person and it must be in a soft bag, with no wheels or rigid frame, because the cargo holds are small. Confirm the exact figure with your operator before packing. Even on road safaris, a duffel or large backpack loads into the vehicle far better than a hard suitcase.
A tip: bring a small daypack for the game drives (camera, water, sunscreen, a fleece) and leave the rest of your bag at the lodge or in the back of the vehicle.
Clothing: layers and neutral colors
Temperatures change a lot within a single day. Mornings in an open vehicle, and especially on the rim of Ngorongoro Crater (around 2,300 m above sea level), can be chilly, while midday is warm. The solution is to dress in layers.
- Light long- and short-sleeved shirts in quick-drying fabrics. Long sleeves protect from sun and insects.
- Comfortable long trousers, and a pair of shorts for the warm hours.
- A fleece or sweatshirt and a windproof jacket. For sunrise drives and the crater, a light coat is welcome.
- A wide-brimmed hat or cap, and a buff or scarf for the dust.
- Evening clothes for the lodge, a little smarter if you like, but no need to dress up.
- A swimsuit, in case the lodge has a pool and, if your trip continues to Zanzibar, for the beach.
Quantity: clothes for 5 or 6 days is enough. Many lodges offer laundry service (sometimes for a fee, and not at every tented camp), so you do not need one outfit per day.
On safari you choose clothes for three things: sun, dust and cold at dawn. Everything else is extra.
Colors: what to avoid
- Beige, khaki, olive and muted green are ideal: they hide dust and do not stand out in the landscape.
- Avoid black and dark blue. In some areas there are tsetse flies, which are attracted to those shades, and dark colors also absorb heat.
- White gets dirty quickly in the dust of the tracks.
- Do not bring camouflage clothing. It is prohibited for civilians in Tanzania, so leave it at home.
Footwear
You do not need hiking boots. Comfortable closed sneakers or light ankle boots are enough for getting in and out of the vehicle and walking around the lodges. Add sandals or flip-flops for camp. Only if your itinerary includes a hike or a walking safari is it worth bringing closed shoes with a good sole and socks you have already worn in.
Camera and binoculars
- Binoculars: 8x42 or 10x42 are a great purchase. They change the experience, especially for birds and distant animals. For couples or families, one pair per person is best.
- Camera or phone: a good phone takes lovely photos. If you bring a camera with a telephoto lens, 200 to 400 mm (equivalent) is the most versatile range.
- A small bean bag or cushion to rest the lens on the window does more than a tripod.
- Spare batteries and plenty of memory cards: you take a lot of photos. Batteries drain faster in the cold.
- Lens cloths and a dry bag to protect your gear from dust.
Sun, insects and health
- High-SPF sunscreen (SPF 50), lip balm and sunglasses. The sun at altitude is strong even when it feels cool.
- Insect repellent with DEET or picaridin.
- A basic first-aid kit: painkillers, anti-diarrheal, plasters, personal medication in its original packaging and a copy of the prescription.
- A travel clinic visit well in advance (6 to 8 weeks before) to discuss vaccines and malaria prophylaxis, which depends on your itinerary. If you are arriving from a country with yellow fever, a vaccination certificate may be required.
- Travel insurance with medical cover. In many proposals we also include AMREF Flying Doctors air evacuation cover.
Documents and money
- Passport valid for at least 6 months with blank pages, and your Tanzania visa or eVisa arranged before you travel.
- Digital and paper copies of your passport, insurance and bookings, kept separately.
- Cash in US dollars, in small, recent bills, for tips and purchases. There are no ATMs in the parks.
- A plug adapter: Tanzania uses types D and G at 230 V. A small USB power strip helps when camps have few sockets.
What is better left at home
- Hard, bulky suitcases, for the reasons above.
- Disposable plastic bags. Tanzania has banned plastic bags since 2019; zip bags for toiletries are usually allowed, but cloth bags are a safer bet.
- Drones: they require a permit and are heavily restricted in national parks. Most travelers simply do not bring one.
- Jewelry and valuables, which add nothing on safari.
- Too many clothes and too many shoes. Almost everyone comes home with something they did not wear.
The quick list
- Soft bag and a small daypack
- 3 or 4 shirts, 2 long trousers, 1 pair of shorts, underwear for 5 or 6 days
- Fleece, windproof jacket, cap or hat, buff
- Closed sneakers and sandals
- Binoculars, camera, batteries, memory cards and lens cloth
- Sunscreen, repellent, first-aid kit and personal medication
- Passport, visa, insurance, copies and US dollar cash
- Type D or G plug adapter
How we do it at Destiny Winners
When you book with us, we send you a list before departure tailored to your season, your itinerary and your specific lodges, and we confirm the luggage limit for each leg. If you are unsure whether something fits, is allowed or is needed, write to us and we will sort it out before you pack.
Frequently asked questions
- What clothes do you wear on a Tanzania safari?
- Light layered clothing in neutral colors (beige, khaki, olive), a fleece and a windproof jacket for early mornings, a hat and comfortable closed shoes.
- Why avoid black or dark blue clothing?
- In some areas there are tsetse flies, which are attracted to those colors, and dark colors also absorb heat. Neutral tones are more comfortable.
- What is the luggage weight limit?
- If you fly on small planes, it is usually around 15 kg (33 lb) per person, in a soft bag. Confirm with your operator, as it varies by airline.
- Do I need binoculars?
- They are not mandatory, but they change the experience a lot. 8x42 or 10x42 are a good choice.
- Can I bring a drone?
- It requires a permit and is heavily restricted in national parks, so most travelers leave it at home.
- Is it cold on safari in Tanzania?
- Midday is warm, but early mornings in an open vehicle and the rim of Ngorongoro Crater can be cool. That is why layers are recommended.