The Ultimate Packing List for Safari in Tanzania

Tanzania is a beautiful sub-Saharan country, with the perfect mixture of both desert and tropical landscapes.

It is a popular tourist destination that is growing in popularity every year, with tourists from all over the world who flock to the country to enjoy its beaches, culture, tasty cuisine, and most commonly – go on safari.

What clothing to wear on safari in Africa is frequently one of the first questions that people ask before going on a trip there. And with the vast variety of animals, climates and ecosystems it’s important to be prepared with the right kind of clothes!

Depending on what time of year you are visiting (and what parts of Tanzania), what sort of climate or environment you will experience, what type of safari activity you will be doing and what time of day, the outfit you should wear on a safari in Tanzania may differ.

Read more: When’s the best time to visit Tanzania?

What to pack for safari in Tanzania?

When planning a safari adventure, it is important to be prepared when it comes to the type of clothing to pack.

If you are planning a safari trip to Tanzania it is important to pack light, but also make sure that whatever clothes you do bring along are versatile, so they can be worn in the day and/or night if necessary.

What clothes to pack for a safari trip in Tanzania?

There are a few essential clothing items that you should absolutely make sure to bring along on a safari trip:

Lightweight, loose-fitting pants

You should always bring along a pair of comfortable and loose-fitting pants for your safari adventures. Lightweight fabrics such as linen, cotton or technical materials such as nylon are best. Make sure they fold up small and that they can also be washed easily in case you get dirty or wet while out on safari.

Comfortable T-shirt

A t-shirt, loose-fitting blouse or button-down are usually what people choose to wear on safari. Many people opt to wear a long-sleeved shirt underneath as well, for extra protection from the sun and insect bites. Think layers!

Thin gloves (optional)

Gloves are never 100% necessary, but can come in handy when it gets chilly or if you need extra grip for holding binoculars or a camera. It is also important to protect yourself against mosquito bites and gloves are a great way to help with this.

Hat or headband

Any good packing checklist for What to Wear on Safari in Tanzania includes some kind of protection from the sun! Think to pack a hat or a headband in your suitcase to protect from the harsh UV rays of the desert, as well as provide protection from flying sand in case it gets windy.

Lightweight, breathable jacket

If you visit during the colder winter months, bring a jacket or windbreaker that is thin and lightweight. This will allow you to remain somewhat cool while protecting yourself from the unpredictable Tanzania weather!

What kind of shoes should you wear on safari?

When deciding what to wear on your safari in Tanzania, don’t forget to decide on which shoes to take! This will depend entirely on what kind of activities you are doing and what time of year it is. Sneakers or hiking boots can be a good option for your safari activities, but if you’re just on a game drive in the vehicle, flip flops or sandals will be what you choose to wear.

A good pair of walking shoes or boots (that are broken in)

If you plan on taking part in any other outdoor activities, like hiking, it is important to make sure that your feet are safe and comfortable. It would be horrible to injure yourself halfway through the trip because you were wearing uncomfortable shoes! Pack a pair of comfortable but durable walking shoes with you to make sure you have suitable footwear for your animal sighting adventure.

What else to take on safari in Tanzania?

Insect repellent

Mosquitos can be a real problem while on safari in Tanzania, and bringing along some insect repellent is your best bet in protecting yourself against them. The most effective type of insect repellent is one that contains Deet, the active ingredient in killing those pesky predators. Be sure to choose a repellent containing this ingredient for best results!

While you can also purchase insect repellent once you arrive in Tanzania, it can sometimes be up to 3x more expensive than the products back home! Rest assured and toss a can of bug spray in your suitcase before your departure.

Sunglasses/sunscreen

Protect your eyes and skin from the strong African sun with sunscreen and a pair of sunglasses. Even if you decide to go for a safari on a cloudy day when you can’t see much sun, you will still be exposed to its rays and should take care to protect your skin from potential sunburn.

Day pack/backpack

A day pack or a small practical backpack is a must-have while on safari in Tanzania. You will need a place to store all of your belongings, such as money, water bottles and things for the journey. A backpack is also perfect for carrying a camera with you on your adventure!

Flashlight

A flashlight or headlamp can come in very useful if you’re going out on an adventure at night. This is particularly true if you’re planning on going out for a walk with your guide to see the nocturnal animals, like lions and hyenas. Be sure to pack one of these small yet exciting accessories before departing!

Reusable water bottle

Tanzania is warm and a safari in the desert is typically pretty hot (duh!). A metal reusable water bottle can be a great way to bring water with you and stay hydrated throughout the day. You’ll also help reduce your environmental impact by not having to purchase disposable plastic water bottles in Tanzania!

Camera (with plenty of film or memory!)

One of the main reasons people go on safari trips is to snap some pictures; so make sure to pack your camera and the necessary memory cards!

An action camera like a GoPro is a great accessory to take with you on a safari adventure – it’s lightweight, durable, waterproof, and when used with a long selfie stick or tripod it can get those close up shots of animals that you may not be able to get close to.

For more experienced photographers, a DSLR camera with a zoom lens is a great camera choice for crisp, clear photos of nature even from far away.

Vloggers and everyday travelers can opt for a more lightweight camera option like a digital camera or even a disposable film camera. If you don’t have a camera, you can even take great quality photos using just your smartphone!

Read more: Everything you need to know before a trip to Tanzania

Now that you know what to wear on safari in Tanzania, you’re all set for your adventure!

Remember that what you pack should be only what you need! With just a few essential items, you can have a wonderful, smooth safari adventure. By following these guidelines, you will feel safe and comfortable on your trip so you can focus on what’s important: the animals!