What should you put on your Tanzania safari packing list?
Planning a safari can seem confusing, especially when it's your first time. You may not know what to pack or how much to bring. The first thing you should remember is to pack light. Below is the Tanzania safari packing list, which outlines what you should remember to bring on your next safari to Africa.
You will spend some nights in exclusive camps and lodges deep in the African bush. Some of these accommodations rely on generators and solar panels for energy. Having a personal torch is always helpful - African nights are dark.
Safaris in East Africa, especially in Kenya and Tanzania, involve moving from one national park to another. A good book is a welcome way to relax between adventures.
Remember your feet. The most comfortable shoes for sitting for long periods in the vehicle and at camp are flip-flops, trainers, or sandals. If you are going on a walking safari, comfortable footwear includes gym shoes and hiking boots.
Safaris are meant to be remembered. Pack your camera to capture the moments. Remember to bring as many batteries and memory cards as you think you will need; everyone always takes many more photos than they expect.
Although East Africa is known for its warm climate, there are cold periods, especially in the morning and evening and during the cold season. Pack warm clothing for the cold mornings and evenings, especially if you are visiting Ngorongoro Crater.
What is a safari without sitting around a campfire in the evening and sharing stories? Pack a sweater or fleece jacket for those chilly nights around the campfire and a lightweight fleece for early mornings, especially in the Ngorongoro Crater.
- Comfortable safari clothes
Bring lightweight long trousers and long-sleeve tops for early mornings and evenings, and shorts, T-shirts, or skirts for the rest of the day. Avoid white because of the dust from the savannah. Also avoid dark colours, especially dark blue, as biting insects seem to be more attracted to them.
Sometimes animals are far away from your location. Make sure you do not miss a thing.
- Sunscreen, sun hat & sunglasses, sun cream
The African sun is strong. Remember to take care of your skin.
- Insect repellent and antihistamine
Tsetse flies are present in Tarangire National Park, Western Serengeti, and some parts of Northern Serengeti. The Southern and Eastern Serengeti plains, Ngorongoro Crater, and southern Central Serengeti are tsetse-free.
Tsetse fly bites are painful, and there are no effective insect repellents against them. When driving through tsetse-infested areas, close your windows and cover up by wearing long sleeves and trousers. Avoid wearing dark blue or black, as those colours seem to attract tsetse flies. Some people have allergic reactions to tsetse fly bites, and the bite area may become itchy and swollen. Benadryl will help with swelling and irritation.
The common fly will also be present on safari. They are harmless, do not bite, and are more of an annoyance than anything else. If you notice a lot of flies around, it probably means the migration is nearby.
The mosquitoes that carry malaria are active in the evening, and we highly recommend that you take precautionary measures, even if you are taking anti-malaria medication, by covering up well after sunset with long sleeves, trousers, and socks, and by using mosquito repellent that contains Deet.
Pack your belongings in soft bags and avoid hard suitcases. This makes them easier to stack in safari jeeps and small airplanes. Also pack a smaller bag for your camera, a fleece, and personal effects, which you will keep with you in the vehicle.
Remember the maximum 15 kg limit for domestic flights.
It is very important to stay hydrated while on safari. To minimize the use of plastic bottles and protect the environment, use a reusable water bottle.
What are some other items to pack?
- Passport
- Plane tickets
- Travel insurance policy and emergency contact numbers
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate (if applicable)
- Safari itinerary
- Credit cards and ATM bank cards
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Small flashlight or headlamp
- Insect/mosquito repellent
- Eye drops and extra contact lenses or spare glasses (if applicable)
- Anti-bacterial hand sanitiser
- Tissue paper and a small travel towel (washrooms in Tanzania often do not have toilet paper or paper towels)
- Camera, extra memory cards, batteries, and charger, if applicable
- Ziplock bags for toiletries, camera equipment, snacks, etc.
- Personal toiletries
- Small first aid medical kit including Tylenol or ibuprofen, antimalarial pills, cold and allergy medicine, itch medication, band-aids, stomach ache remedy, antibiotic cream, diarrhea medicine, prescription antibiotic for traveler's diarrhea (Ciprofloxacin), and any prescription medications
