Safari Packing List: Everything You Need for Tanzania

Neutral-colored clothing, such as khaki, olive, beige, and brown, is crucial for your Tanzanian safari packing list. Bright colors can spook wildlife and attract insects. Plus, these earthy tones hide any dirt or dust you get on yourself while out in the bush.

Layering is important, as temperatures fluctuate between cool mornings and intense midday heat. Three is the magic number when it comes to layers: a light breathable bottom layer, an insulating mid-layer, and a warm outer layer to protect you from the elements.

You should also consider your itinerary when packing, whether you’re only joining day safaris or if you’re planning a night game drive — temperatures can drop to 5°C (41°F) at night, so you may need to bring an extra warm outer layer.

Here are some safari outfit ideas for men and women to help you pack right.

Safari Clothing for Men

• Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts (linen or cotton)
• Breathable t-shirts or base layers
• Cargo trousers with zip-off legs for versatility
• Lightweight fleeces or packable puffer jackets for cool mornings
• Comfortable shorts for evenings at the lodge
• Wide-brimmed hat and a buff or scarf for dust and sun protection
• Sunglasses with UV protection

Safari Clothing for Women

• Long-sleeved shirts or blouses in neutral colors
• Comfortable, loose-fit trousers or convertible pants
• Leggings (great for layering or lounging)
• A lightweight jacket or fleece for early game drives
• A scarf that doubles as a sun cover and dust shield
• Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with UV protection

Tip: Most lodges offer laundry services, so you don't need an outfit for every day. But you’ll want to pack extra clothes if you’re planning bush camping. Focus on mix-and-match pieces to keep luggage light and make travel easier.

Footwear for Safari

Your safari footwear needs to balance protection, comfort, and practicality. Closed-toe shoes are recommended for safaris as they protect against dust, insects, and rough terrain.

• Durable walking shoes or hiking boots - closed-toe, with ankle support, for game drives and bush walks
• Comfortable sandals or flip-flops - for relaxing at the lodge or camp
• Light trainers - a versatile middle-ground option for easy wear
• Breathable easy slip on shoes - Versatile and ideal for quick footwear changes between lodges, vehicles, and the bush

Tip: Break in any new shoes before your trip to avoid blisters while roaming the savannah.

Packing health and safety essentials is a smart move — first aid kits, sunscreen, and insect repellent will help make your Tanzania safari much more enjoyable. 

While we have first aid kits aboard our safari vehicles, it’s always best to over-prepare than under-prepare. Mosquitoes can be a real problem, especially at dusk and dawn, so a high-DEET insect repellent, coupled with long sleeves, is strongly recommended.

Health and safety packing list:

• High-DEET insect repellent (apply at dawn and dusk)
• SPF 50+ sunscreen and SPF lip balm
• Personal prescription medications
• Basic first-aid kit: bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, antihistamines
• Motion sickness tablets (for bush planes and bumpy drives)
• Rehydration salts
• Any required vaccination certificates (e.g., yellow fever)

Make sure you’re prepared to snap the perfect safari photo by packing all your electronics and accessories. Tanzania widely uses Type D round three-pin outlets, so you’ll want to pick a travel adapter before you visit. 

You may want to bring a drone to get aerial shots, but remember drones are widely banned at national parks and game reserves. 

• Camera with a telephoto lens (essential for distant wildlife)
• Phones, laptops, iPads with offline maps downloaded
• Spare batteries and multiple memory cards
• Portable hard drive for photo backups
• Power bank for charging on the go
• Universal travel adapter
• Charging cables

Note: Our safari vehicles come equipped with inverter systems so you can charge all your devices on board, including phones, cameras, and laptops.

Confirming your travel requirements is one thing but you'll still need to make sure bring all your documents to the airport.

It’s worth noting that Tanzanian shillings are a “closed currency” available only within Tanzania, so you won’t be able to exchange currency in advance. That said, USD is widely regarded as an unofficial second currency and is widely accepted, especially at tourist locations like safari lodges.

• Passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond travel dates, with at least 1 spare page)
• Visa documents (if required)
• Flight and accommodation confirmations
• Travel insurance details
• Vaccination certificates
• Credit/debit cards
• Cash in USD or Tanzanian shillings
• Digital copies and photocopies of all documents

With the right preparation, you can focus entirely on the once-in-a-lifetime experience that is a Tanzanian safari. Pack smart and travel light to ensure your trip goes off without a hitch!