What colours should I avoid on safari?

Dark blue and black, which attract tsetse flies, and bright white, which shows the dust. Khaki, beige, olive and brown work best.

Is it cold on safari in Tanzania?

Early mornings and evenings can be cool, especially from June to August, and the Ngorongoro Crater rim is cold at night all year. Bring a fleece or warm jacket.

Can I bring plastic bags to Tanzania?

No. Tanzania has banned plastic carrier bags, and they can be taken from you at the airport. Use zip-lock bags for toiletries only, or reusable pouches.

Tanzania Safari Packing List from a Local Guide

Most guests over-pack. On safari you spend your days in the vehicle and your evenings at camp, so you need less than you think. Here’s what our guides tell guests before they arrive.

Clothes

Neutral colours. Khaki, beige, olive and brown. Dark blue and black attract tsetse flies, and white shows every bit of dust.
Layers. Mornings start cool, middays are warm. A T-shirt, a long-sleeved shirt and a fleece cover most days.
A warm jacket. The Ngorongoro Crater rim is over 2,000 m high and the nights are cold all year.
Long sleeves and trousers for the evening, to keep mosquitoes off.
Comfortable shoes. Trainers are fine. You won’t walk much on game drives.
A sun hat and a light rain jacket, especially from November to May.
Swimwear, if your lodge has a pool.

Many camps offer laundry, so three or four days of clothes is usually enough.

For the game drives

Binoculars. One pair each if you can. This is the thing guests most often wish they’d brought.
Camera with a zoom lens, spare batteries and memory cards. Most camps have somewhere to charge.
Sunglasses, sunscreen and lip balm. The sun is strong near the equator.
A scarf or buff for dusty roads.

Health and toiletries

Any medicines you take, in your hand luggage.
Insect repellent and antimalarials if your doctor recommends them. See our vaccinations guide.
Hand sanitiser and tissues.

Documents

Passport, valid for at least six months, and your visa.
A yellow fever certificate if your route needs one.
Travel insurance details.
Some US dollars in small, recent notes for tips and extras.

Bags

Use a soft bag rather than a hard suitcase. It fits better in the vehicle, and if you take a small plane to or from the Serengeti, airlines usually require soft bags and set a weight limit of around 15 kg. Check with your airline.

Leave at home

Plastic carrier bags. They’re banned in Tanzania and can be taken from you on arrival.
Camouflage clothing, which in Tanzania is for the military.
Too many smart clothes. Safari camps are relaxed.

Plugs

Most sockets in Tanzania take UK-style three-pin plugs (type G). Bring an adapter.

Questions about what to bring for your trip? Ask your guide on WhatsApp.

Tanzania Safari Packing List: What to Bring (and What Not To)