What to pack for Tanzania safari: The Tanzania checklist.

Here is your ultimate packing checklist for a Tanzania safari everything you need to stay comfortable, safe, and ready for adventure in the African wild.

Tanzania Safari Packing Checklist

Clothing

Light, breathable, and neutral-colored clothing is ideal (avoid bright colors and dark blue/black, which attract tsetse flies).

Essentials

• Light long-sleeved shirts (for sun and insect protection)
• Light long trousers or convertible pants
• T-shirts or breathable tops (avoid white gets dirty easily)
• A fleece or warm jacket (for chilly mornings/evenings)
• A light waterproof jacket (especially if traveling Nov–May)
• Shorts (for warmer afternoons at the lodge)
• Comfortable underwear and socks
• Swimsuit (for lodges with pools)
• Safari hat or wide-brimmed hat
• Buff or scarf (for dust)

Footwear

• Comfortable closed walking shoes/hiking boots
• Lightweight sandals or flip-flops (for the lodge)

Toiletries and Personal Care

• Sunscreen (high SPF)
• Insect repellent
• Lip balm with SPF
• Wet wipes and hand sanitizer
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, travel soap
• Small towel
• Basic first aid kit (plasters, painkillers, antihistamines)
• Prescription medication (with extra supply)

Gear and Electronics

• Binoculars (highly recommended)
• Camera (with extra batteries/memory cards)
• Phone and charger (portable power bank is helpful)
• Flashlight/headlamp (for camps/lodges with limited lighting)
• Universal power adapter (Tanzania uses Type D & G plugs)

Travel Documents & Essentials

• Passport (with at least 6 months validity)
• Tanzanian visa (or e-visa printout)
• Yellow Fever certificate (especially if coming from risk zones)
• Travel insurance documents
• Flight tickets/itinerary
• Local currency (Tanzanian Shillings) and USD cash
• Credit/debit card
• Copies of all documents (keep digital and printed versions)

Daypack Essentials

• Lightweight daypack
• Refillable water bottle or hydration pack
• Snacks (nuts, granola bars, etc.)
• Notebook and pen (for journaling sightings)
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Travel pillow (for long drives)