An Essential Safari Packing List for Tanzania
Planning a trip to any faraway foreign country can take months of planning. And when planning to travel to a destination such as Tanzania, a vacation that might include a safari across the savannah or a trek up a mountain, maybe a few days shopping in Zanzibar and sunbathing on its beautiful beaches, you'll need to be very smart with your luggage space.
So, what makes our list of essential items to bring when traveling to Tanzania? We have curated the ultimate Tanzania safari packing guide to help take the worry out of your travel preparations.
Travel Documents
Yes, traveling to another country can be a fun and exciting journey. That is until you find yourself in an awkward, potentially disastrous situation where you lack an essential piece of documentation. Of course, you'll need your passport and a visa when applicable, but here are a few finer points for you to consider:
Your valid passport must have a minimum of 6 months remaining before the expiration date and 4 blank passport pages (2 pages front and back)
Proof of Covid-19 vaccination OR a negative Covid-19 PCR Test
Visa: Available upon arrival in Tanzania but be aware that the lines can be long, and you'll need to pay the fee in cash (US $100 for US citizens and US $50 for citizens of the EU). E-visas are available online with up-to-date entry information for all travelers and fees for travelers from other nations.
Copies of your flight itinerary, travel and medical insurance coverage
Cash in U.S dollars (ATMs are not widely available)
Credit card(s)
Depending on your safari destinations or the national parks you plan to visit, you may need additional documents and permits. However, the experienced staff at Sababu are happy to assist you with the required documentation and remove any guesswork.
Versatile Clothing
Of course, what clothing you pack will depend on the time of year you travel and your itinerary. You could experience sweltering hot and dry (or humid) conditions during the day and see temperatures plunge in the evenings.
Pack light clothes when traveling to Tanzania but be aware that the evenings and early morning hours can get very chilly - so bring a warm sweater or jacket! We always recommend layering up. Since you're likely going on safari, keep the colors neutral (e.g. khaki, beige, brown, green) when packing shorts, long pants, t-shirts and long sleeve shirts - you want to blend in with your surroundings. Plus, tsetse flies love blue and black, so stay away from those colors during the day. And remember, even in the heat, you'll often need lightweight, long sleeve shirts to save you from the mosquitos in the evenings.
If you're planning on enjoying the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar, you'll need a swimsuit and cover-up. The local culture calls for modest attire, so keep this in mind when choosing your clothing for swimming and shopping.
Footwear
Packing the right shoes is just as important as taking the right clothes. If you're hiking Mount Kilimanjaro, you'll need a sturdy pair of boots with good ankle support—and one that you've already broken in. If you’re only going on game drives, a pair of quality sneakers will suffice. Of course, you'll want a pair of flip-flops and sandals for more casual strolls on the beach in Zanzibar.
Medication
Carrying necessary medication is prudent when traveling. While most safari camps, lodges, and hotels can provide first aid and emergency medical help when required, you never know where you'll be when you need the basics.
You should bring any personal medications prescribed by your doctor, antiseptic ointments, painkillers, and fever-reducing anti-inflammatories like aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen. Other important items are insect repellent (very important on an African safari packing list!), anti-diarrhea medication like Imodium, eye drops (it can get dusty!) and some sort of electrolyte replenishment. Hand sanitizers, band aids, gauze, scissors and Q-Tips can also come in handy.
Sun Protection
Regardless of the season, your trip to Tanzania will entail a lot of time outdoors, and you won't want to forget sun protection. Tanzania is located just a couple of hundred kilometers south of the equator, so you'll need sunblock for your face and body, extra lip protection, sunglasses, and a comfortable hat with a protective cover for your face and neck.
To safeguard yourself from the sun's harmful rays, be sure to wear at least 30 SPF, if not 50 SPF sunblock, and clothing that provides some UV protection.
Toiletries
Your safari packing list is incomplete without including your most essential toiletries. Even though camps and lodges provide toiletries on safari, you might want to bring your favorite shampoo, so put some thought into practical, travel-size toiletries. With an eye on carry-on bag limitations, plan carefully what you'll need for the journey and what you can pack in your checked luggage.
Depending on your specific preferences, your list might include shampoo and conditioner, body wash, toothbrush, toothpaste, shaving cream, razor, moisturizers, sunscreen, saline solution for contacts, and a hairbrush or comb. Space will be at a premium, so you'll likely only have room for the most necessary items.
Electronic Gadgets
Whether traveling to Tanzania for personal or professional reasons, most of us rely on our electronic devices to stay in contact with home and business. All of our safari vehicles and all lodges and camps have power outlets, but it doesn’t hurt to bring a power bank with your charger for whichever devices you feel you can't function without, such as your mobile phone, tablet, Kindle, etc. And for memorable photos, you'll want to carry an SLR or DSLR camera and equipment, with extra memory cards for more storage.
A travel adaptor (compatible with UK power outlets) will be necessary—but there are some areas and destinations where power may be temporarily unavailable. A flashlight with batteries (or the flashlight of your mobile phone) will come in handy in those circumstances.
Some other items that will come in handy during your Tanzania safari trip are a Tanzanian guidebook, protein bars, ear plugs, binoculars (we provide a pair in each vehicle), and a few ziplock bags for smaller items.
Check with Sababu Safaris for additional luggage size or weight limitations.
Wrapping up
A trip to Tanzania is no everyday occurrence. To enjoy your trip to the fullest and appreciate every remarkable moment, it helps to carefully prepare beforehand. Be sure to put some thought into what you'll need for each place you're visiting, the time of year, what you can expect from the weather, and how you're getting there. Most airlines have size and weight restrictions, so find out in advance how much you are able to bring.
We at Sababu Safaris offer various safari options and guidance on how to keep your trip of a lifetime safe and rewarding. So whether you're traveling solo, with family, or even on your honeymoon, be sure to put some thought into your safari and vacation packing list. Set yourself up for your most memorable safari vacation yet.