Your Tanzania Packing List

Your safari is booked and you’re ready to go, but now it’s time to pack. Packing for your Tanzania Safari can be a bit overwhelming but the TAT Team has you covered!

General Packing List

In general, pack lightly. Leave room for gifts and souvenirs. Soft sided luggage packs more easily into the safari vehicle.
Always carry passport, airline tickets and money on your person. A fanny pack or moneybag that hangs around the neck works well.
In case luggage doesn’t arrive the same day you do, put enough clothing and supplies for the first day in your carryon luggage.
If taking a domestic flight luggage weight restrictions range between 15-20 kgs (33-44 lbs.) total per person.

Footwear

Sturdy, comfortable shoes, preferably waterproof. They will get dirty.
Tennis shoes or sandals for lounging in the evening
Comfortable, breathable socks

Clothing

Shorts, mid-thigh or longer (not advisable for village visits)
Lightweight, breathable pants
Short-sleeved shirts, cool and breathable (neutral colors are best, avoid black, dark blue and bright red)
Bathing suit if staying at a lodge with a swimming pool or if visiting Zanzibar
Long-sleeved fleece or sweater for evenings and/or early mornings
Rain jacket or rain poncho
Women: pants (capri-length or longer) and shirts that cover the shoulder are advisable for village visits. Lightweight dresses or skirts that cover the knees are optional depending on how rural your village visit is but can also be worn for evening dining at the accommodations.
Men: short-sleeve shirts with collars (for visiting villages or evening dining at the accommodations).
Keep valuable jewelry to a minimum

Note: Laundry service is available at most lodges either at a nominal cost or free of charge in some cases.

Baggage

Day pack, for you to carry
Large waterproof duffel bag or backpack

Other

Sun hat
Maps, guidebooks
Scarf (for dust and/or sun)
Batteries
Sunglasses
Binoculars (2 pair are standard in each vehicle –
At least 2 Pairs of Binoculars (Nikon Monarch 8×36 or Eagle Optics Ranger 8×42)
Money (small Tanzanian bills and/or small US bills for small purchases and tips. Larger US bills and/or travelers checks for bigger purchases)
Journal/notebook, pencil and pen
Pocket knife (for travelers doing basic camping)
Electricity adapter
Energy bars and snacks
Headlamp or flashlight
Playing cards, games, books, Frisbee
Camera, memory cards, mini-tripod
Mementos for guides and other travelers
Personal music device
Video camera
Travel pillow

Toiletries

Small hand towel (spare item)
Roll of toilet paper (for some public restrooms)
Soap
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Hand-wipes
Lotion
Glasses, contacts, solution
Comb, mirror
Shampoo (without heavy fragrance)
Unscented Deodorant (use cologne/perfume sparingly, if at all, in case it might attract bees or other insects)

Documents

Passport (with visa stamp or completed visa application with $50 or $100 US cash, exact change)
Yellow fever certificate (REQUIRED if traveling from or through an endemic zone – refer to Medical Tips)
Medical and Travel Insurance
Address book