List of Things to Take on Safari

List of Things to Take on Safari in Tanzania

Whether you're going to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro or Tarangire, packing the right things keeps you comfortable and ready for long days in the parks. This list is simple and practical, so let's go through it.

Clothing

Light, Neutral Shirts: Long-sleeved and breathable, in khaki, beige or green, to keep the sun and insects off (3-5).
Long Pants: Lightweight, in the same neutral colors, to protect your legs on drives and walks (2-3 pairs).
Warm Layer: A fleece or jacket; nights get chilly, especially at Ngorongoro (50-60°F/10-15°C).
Hat: Wide-brimmed, or a cap with a neck flap, against Tanzania's strong sun.
Socks: Thin, moisture-wicking pairs for the day and thicker ones for cool nights (3-5 pairs).
Sturdy Shoes: Closed-toe hiking boots for trails and rocky ground (1 pair).
Sandals: Flip-flops or slides for relaxing at the lodge or camp (1 pair).
Rain Jacket: Light and packable, for the wet season (March-May) or a sudden shower (1).
Underwear: Quick-dry, enough for your trip (5-7 pairs).
Sleepwear: Light pajamas or a T-shirt to stay comfortable in your tent (1-2 sets).

Gear

Binoculars: 8×42 or 10×42, to see lions and leopards that are far away (1 pair).
Camera: A DSLR, a compact camera or your smartphone, with extra batteries and memory cards (1).
Daypack: 20-30L, for water, snacks and gear on game drives (1).
Flashlight/Headlamp: For dark campsites or night walks; bring spare batteries (1).
Power Bank: 10,000mAh, to charge your devices when there are few outlets (1).
Reusable Water Bottle: 1L, so you can drink often; tours refill it along the way (1).

Personal Essentials

Sunscreen: SPF 30+; reapply often in the open 4x4s (3-4 oz tube).
Bug Spray: 20-50% DEET, since malaria is a risk all year (small bottle, 3-4 oz).
Sunglasses: Polarized, to cut the glare off the plains (1 pair).
Lip Balm: One with SPF; dry air and sun chap lips quickly (1).
Toiletries: Travel-size toothbrush, toothpaste, soap and deodorant. Keep it simple.
Towel: Quick-dry and compact, as some camps don't provide one (1).
Wipes: Wet wipes for dusty days or stops without a shower (1 pack).
Tissues: A small pack, useful for pit toilets or a dusty nose.

Medical Kit

Painkillers: Ibuprofen or acetaminophen for headaches or sore legs (20-30 tablets).
Band-Aids: For cuts or blisters (10-15).
Antiseptic Wipes: To clean scrapes, which can get infected on dusty trails (10-15).
Anti-Diarrhea: Imodium, in case the food or water upsets your stomach (6-8 tablets).
Rehydration Salts: To mix with water if you're sick or dehydrated (5-10 sachets).
Personal Meds: Extra malaria tablets and prescriptions, with a week's spare, in their original packaging.

Documents

Passport: Valid for 6+ months, with 1 blank page (and copies).
Yellow Fever Card: Required if you're coming from or passing through a risk area (for example Kenya).
Visa: An e-visa, or cash ($50-$100) for a visa on arrival (U.S. dollars, only bills printed after 2006).
Travel Insurance: Proof of cover; Zanzibar also requires its own ZIC policy ($44).
Itinerary: A printed copy helps at borders and with your guides.

Optional Extras

Snacks: Nuts or granola bars for energy on long drives (a few packs).
Notebook & Pen: To note down sightings or thoughts; the Migration is worth writing about (1).
Multi-Tool: With a knife and scissors for small repairs in the bush (1).
Swimsuit: For lodge pools or the hot springs near Arusha (1).
Book/Deck of Cards: For quiet time in camp (1).

Packing Tips

Soft Duffel: Hard suitcases don't fit in safari 4x4s. Bring one soft bag of 50-70L, 15-20 kg at most (1).
Organize: Use pouches: clothes in one, medicines in another.
Weather: Pack less rain gear in the dry season (June-Oct) and more in the wet season (March-May).

Why It's Worth It

With this list you're ready for most things: binoculars for that giraffe in the distance, a jacket for a cold night under the stars, and something from your kit for a surprise insect bite.