What to Pack for a Tanzania Safari
Packing for a Tanzania safari can feel overwhelming — especially if it is your first time. After guiding over 800 safaris, I have learned exactly what works and what is just dead weight in your suitcase.
Here is my complete packing list, organized by category. I give this same list to every guest who books with us at Ronjoo Safaris.
Clothing: What to Wear on Safari
Tanzania has a warm climate year-round, but mornings and evenings on game drives can be surprisingly cool — especially in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.
Essentials
- Neutral-coloured clothing: Khaki, olive, beige, camel, and brown. Avoid bright colours (white, blue, black) that attract tsetse flies or spook animals
- Lightweight long-sleeved shirts (×4): Sun protection and insect protection — opt for breathable cotton or safari-style shirts
- Long trousers (×3): Lightweight cargo or hiking trousers; avoid jeans (too heavy, slow to dry)
- Short-sleeved shirts (×2): For evenings at camp or lodge
- Fleece jacket or warm layer: Essential for early morning game drives (temperatures can drop to 10°C)
- Waterproof jacket: Lightweight rain jacket or poncho — afternoon showers can happen any month
- Swimwear: Most lodges have pools
- Pyjamas or comfortable loungewear
- Wide-brimmed sun hat: The African sun is intense
- Comfortable walking shoes: Closed-toe shoes for bush walks and camp transfers
Camera & Photography Gear
- DSLR or mirrorless camera with a zoom lens (200–400mm minimum; 500mm ideal)
- Spare batteries (×2–3): No charging on game drives for 8+ hours
- Memory cards (×3–4): Bring 128GB+ each — you will shoot more than you expect
- Lens cleaning kit: Dust is everywhere on safari
- Binoculars: 8×42 or 10×42 — essential for spotting distant wildlife
- Camera bag with dust protection: A rain cover doubles as dust protection
- Smartphone with good camera: For quick shots and backup
Pro tip: Bring a small beanbag or lens support for resting your camera on the vehicle roof. We provide them in our vehicles, but having your own is always better.
Health & Medical Supplies
- Anti-malarial medication: Consult your doctor — doxycycline or Malarone are common
- Insect repellent: 30%+ DEET for evenings ; natural repellents for daytime
- Sunscreen: SPF 50+ — the equator sun is fierce
- Lip balm with SPF
- Basic first-aid kit: Plasters, antiseptic, pain relievers, anti-diarrhoea medication, antihistamines
- Hand sanitiser and wet wipes — game drives get dusty
- Rehydration salts: Useful if you experience any stomach issues
- Prescription medications: Bring enough for your entire trip plus a few extra days
Documents & Money
- Passport: Valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates
- Visa: Tanzania e-Visa (recommended) or visa on arrival at JRO airport — $50–$100
- Travel insurance documents: Must cover medical evacuation
- Flight itinerary and booking confirmations
- USD cash: Small bills ($1, $5, $10, $20) for tips, souvenirs, and extras. Credit cards work in cities and lodges but not in remote areas
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate: Required if travelling from an endemic country
- Copies of all documents: Keep digital copies in your phone and email
What NOT to Bring on Safari
- Dark blue or black clothing: Attracts tsetse flies (painful bites)
- Loud colours: Bright pink, red, orange stand out and disturb wildlife
- Heavy suitcases: Soft-sided duffel bags are better — they fit in safari vehicle compartments
- Expensive jewellery: Leave valuables at home
- Drones: Strictly prohibited in all Tanzanian national parks without special permits
- Plastic bags: Banned in Tanzania — bring reusable fabric bags instead
Packing Tips from a Maasai Guide
- Layer, layer, layer: Start with a t-shirt, add a long-sleeved shirt, and keep a fleece handy. Morning drives start cold, warm up by mid-morning, and cool again at sunset.
- Laundry is available: Most lodges and camps offer same-day laundry service for a small fee. Pack for 4–5 days, not 12.
- Soft bags only: Most safari vehicles have limited luggage space. A 20–30 litre duffel is ideal.
- Pack a small day bag: For cameras, binoculars, sunscreen, and water on game drives.
- Bring a reusable water bottle: Many camps offer filtered water refills — reduces plastic waste.
About the author: Emmanuel Laizer has been guiding safaris in Tanzania since 2010. He has hosted guests from 60+ countries and knows exactly what works — and what does not — on a Tanzanian safari.