List of Things to Take on Safari in Tanzania
Heading out on a Tanzania safari whether it’s Serengeti, Ngorongoro, or Tarangire means packing the right stuff to keep you comfy and ready for the wild. This list of things to take on safari is simple, practical. Let’s break it down so you’re set for the adventure.
Clothing
- Light, Neutral Shirts: Long-sleeve, breathable in khaki, beige, or green—keeps sun and bugs off (3-5).
- Long Pants: Same neutral tones, lightweight—protects legs on drives or walks (2-3 pairs).
- Warm Layer: Fleece or jacket—nights get chilly, especially in Ngorongoro (50-60°F/10-15°C).
- Hat: Wide-brimmed or cap with neck flap—blocks Tanzania’s fierce sun.
- Socks: Thin, moisture-wicking for day; thicker for cool nights (3-5 pairs).
- Sturdy Shoes: Closed-toe hiking boots—good for trails or rocky ground (1 pair).
- Sandals: Comfy flip-flops or slides for lodge or camp downtime (1 pair).
- Rain Jacket: Lightweight, packable—wet season (March-May) or sudden showers (1).
- Underwear: Quick-dry, enough for your trip (5-7 pairs).
- Sleepwear: Light PJs or a tee—keeps you cozy in tents (1-2 sets).
Gear
- Binoculars: 8×42 or 10×42—spot lions or leopards from afar (1 pair).
- Camera: DSLR, point-and-shoot, or smartphone—extra batteries and memory cards (1).
- Daypack: 20-30L—carry water, snacks, and gear on drives (1).
- Flashlight/Headlamp: For dark camps or night walks—bring spare batteries (1).
- Power Bank: 10,000mAh—charge devices when outlets are rare (1).
- Reusable Water Bottle: 1L—stay hydrated; tours refill it (1).
Personal Essentials
- Sunscreen: SPF 30+—reapply often in open 4x4s (3-4 oz tube).
- Bug Spray: 20-50% DEET—malaria’s a risk year-round (small bottle, 3-4 oz).
- Sunglasses: Polarized—cuts glare off the plains (1 pair).
- Lip Balm: SPF kind—dry air and sun chap lips fast (1).
- Toiletries: Travel-size toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, deodorant—keep it basic.
- Towel: Quick-dry, compact—some camps don’t provide (1).
- Wipes: Wet wipes for dusty days or no-shower stops (1 pack).
- Tissues: Small pack—handy for pit toilets or dusty noses.
Medical Kit
- Painkillers: Ibuprofen or acetaminophen—headaches or sore legs (20-30 tablets).
- Band-Aids: For cuts or blisters (10-15).
- Antiseptic Wipes: Clean scrapes—dusty trails can infect (10-15).
- Anti-Diarrhea: Imodium—food or water might hit hard (6-8 tablets).
- Rehydration Salts: Mix with water if sick or dehydrated (5-10 sachets).
- Personal Meds: Extra malaria pills, prescriptions—week’s buffer (in original bottles).
Documents
- Passport: Valid 6+ months—1 blank page (with copies).
- Yellow Fever Card: Required if from/transiting risk areas (e.g., Kenya).
- Visa: E-visa or cash ($50-$100) for on-arrival (USD, post-2006 bills).
- Travel Insurance: Proof of coverage—Zanzibar needs ZIC policy too ($44).
- Itinerary: Printed—helps at borders or with guides.
Optional Extras
- Snacks: Nuts, granola bars—energy for long drives (handful of packs).
- Notebook & Pen: Log sightings or thoughts—Migration’s worth it (1).
- Multi-Tool: Knife, scissors—small fixes in the bush (1).
- Swimsuit: For lodge pools or hot springs near Arusha (1).
- Book/Deck of Cards: Downtime in camp—light entertainment (1).
Packing Tips
- Soft Duffel: Hard suitcases don’t fit safari 4x4s—50-70L, 15-20 kg max (1).
- Organize: Use pouches—clothes in one, meds in another.
- Weather: Skip heavy rain gear in dry season (June-Oct); add more in wet (March-May).
Why It’s Worth It
This list keeps you ready—binoculars catch that distant giraffe, a jacket warms a starry night, and meds fix a surprise bug bite.
