Safari Packing List
Are you going on your first safari in Tanzania or getting ready for another adventure? This packing guide is designed to help you get ready and feel comfortable during your trip. Don’t worry if you forget a few things; you can buy most everyday items in Arusha.
Clothing
In the wild, functionality reigns over fashion. Opt for practical safari attire, favoring neutral tones like khaki.
- Sweater or fleece pullover for warmth
- Sturdy boots or sandals
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
- T-shirts or polo shirts (2-5, depending on preference)
- Lightweight long sleeve shirts
- Shorts
- Long trousers
- Underwear
- Socks
- Sleepwear
- Travel towel
- Thermal underwear, gloves, and warm hat (May – Sept)
- Raincoat and rain trousers (Mar – May and Oct – Dec)
Highly Recommended
- Camera and memory cards
- Binoculars
- Sunscreen
- Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
- Insect repellent
- Personal toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothbrush, eye drops, etc.)
- Malaria tablets
- Basic first aid kit and prescription medicines
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Chargers and extra batteries for electronics
- Power adapter compatible with UK-style sockets
Additional Tips
- Opt for soft luggage such as a duffel bag, hiking pack, or sports bag for easy accommodation in safari vehicles.
- Bring a backpack to carry essential items including travel documents, money, camera, and medication; keep it with you at all times.
- Minimize luxury items like hair dryers, straighteners, expensive jewelry, makeup, and bulky toiletries.
- Divide cash into different compartments of your carry-on luggage, wallet, and money belt as a precaution.
- Leave room in your luggage for souvenirs; while shipping via DHL is an option, it can be pricey.
By adhering to this packing list, you’ll be ready to immerse yourself fully in the breathtaking wonders of Tanzania’s safari landscape.
Paperwork:
- Valid passport
- Yellow fever vaccination records/certificate
- Tanzania visa (obtainable at the airport upon arrival)
- USD $100 for US citizens (cash only)
- USD $50 for UK/European Union residents and other countries
- Copy of travel and/or medical evacuation insurance
- Personal medical/dental insurance cards
- Credit card (Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted)
- Cash in U.S. Dollars (issued in 2004 or later)