Tanzania Safari Packing List 2026: Everything You Need (And What to Leave Home)

Luggage — The Charter Flight Rule

Most multi-park Tanzania safaris involve at least one small charter flight (Cessna or similar) between parks. These aircraft have a strict 15 kg total luggage limit per person, including hand luggage. This is not negotiable — overweight bags are left behind at the airstrip. Pack in a soft-sided duffel bag (not a rigid suitcase — rigid bags don't fit in charter aircraft cargo holds). One carry-on bag, one main duffel, both soft. Maximum 15 kg combined.

Clothing for Safari

The golden rule: neutral colours (khaki, olive, tan, grey, brown). Avoid white (visible from distance, gets filthy), black (absorbs heat), and bright colours (disturbs wildlife — genuinely, this matters at close range). Avoid camouflage — it's illegal in some Tanzania parks.

• Lightweight long-sleeve shirts (×3): Sun protection and insect protection at dawn/dusk. Quick-dry synthetic or merino wool.
• Lightweight trousers (×2): Convertible zip-off trousers work well. Shorts for midday heat.
• Warm fleece or lightweight down jacket: Dawn game drives in June–August can be 8–12°C in the Serengeti. You will be cold without this.
• Waterproof shell jacket: For short rains season (Nov, Apr–May) and unexpected afternoon showers.
• Wide-brim hat: Non-negotiable. Sun exposure in an open-roof Land Cruiser is intense.
• Buff/neck gaiter: Dust on unpaved park roads is substantial.
• Comfortable walking shoes or light boots: For lodge walks and bush excursions.

Camera and Photography Gear

• Camera body with zoom lens: A 100–400mm or 150–600mm zoom is standard for wildlife — you will not be close enough for shorter focal lengths at most sightings. A 70–200mm works for elephants and large herds.
• Extra batteries and charger: Camps have electricity but charge during the day — you'll be away from your room during the best light.
• High-capacity memory cards: You will take more photos than you expect.
• Bean bag or camera support: Lightweight alternative to a tripod for vehicle-based shooting.
• Dust protection: Camera bags attract dust. A simple drawstring bag inside your camera bag reduces intake significantly.
• Binoculars: 8×42 or 10×42 are ideal for safari — required for distant sightings and essential for birding.

Health and Medical Essentials

• Malaria prophylaxis: Tanzania is a malaria risk area — consult your doctor 4–6 weeks before departure. Common options: Malarone (atovaquone/proguanil), Doxycycline, or Lariam (mefloquine). Cover exposed skin at dawn and dusk.
• DEET insect repellent (50%+): Apply every 4 hours at dawn and dusk during game drives.
• High-SPF sunscreen (50+): Open-roof vehicle = direct sun exposure for hours.
• Antihistamine (oral and cream): Insect bites, plant contact, unfamiliar food reactions.
• Prescription medications × 2: One in checked luggage, one on your person — always split.
• Hand sanitiser: Bush toilets and pre-meal hygiene.
• Water purification tablets or SteriPen: For days when bottled water is unavailable at remote camps.

What to Buy in Arusha or Moshi

Items that are cheaper or equally available locally: sunscreen (Shoprite and Game stores in Arusha stock major brands), bottled water (buy in bulk at Arusha supermarkets before departure — far cheaper than at camps), basic cotton clothing and kikoi wraps, curios and souvenirs. Items to bring from home: prescription medication, high-quality camera gear, good binoculars (local rental options are limited).

What to Leave at Home

Drone: most Tanzania national parks prohibit drone use — leave it unless you have specific TANAPA written approval. Selfie stick: genuinely not needed and often prohibited in vehicles. Multiple formal outfits: Tanzania safari does not require formal dress at any camp — smart casual for dinner is the maximum expectation anywhere.