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In this Tanzania safari packing list, we will go through all the items you need to take with you and explain as to why you should bring them with you.
Bringing the right clothing and personal items on your Tanzania safari not only keeps you safe and comfortable, but also increases your enjoyment of the many adventurous activities available during your travels. As a general rule, you should pack lightly and make wise choices in what types of clothing you bring. Unless you have a special event to attend, formal clothing is not necessary, and can even be burdensome while in Tanzania. Loose fitting garments that can be worn in layers will ensure your comfort day and night, and you should bring only clothing that you do not mind getting soiled. Some safari accommodations in Tanzania offer next day laundry services (generally at a cost) subject to appropriate weather conditions, so you do not need to bring a large quantity of clothing. Avoid bright colors, white and dark colors, and instead bring clothes of neutral colors, such as khaki, light bark or mid-tone brown, beige, olive and green, the typical colors used for safari clothing.
Though it might seem obvious, it’s easy to forget important documents and currency if you’re rushing. Here’s what you’ll need:
Passport: A must-have for travel. To ensure you don’t forget it, place a reminder somewhere you’ll see it, like the fridge or bathroom mirror. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months.
Visa: Opt for an e-visa if possible. It’s easier to manage and can help avoid potential issues at your destination. If needed, you can get a visa upon arrival in Tanzania.
Travel Insurance: Crucial for covering unexpected issues like cancellations, flight delays, theft, or medical emergencies.
Covid-19 Documentation: As of January 2023, Tanzania no longer requires Covid-19 vaccination or PCR-test documentation for entry.
Currency: Bring a mix of debit/credit cards and cash. US dollars are widely accepted if they are from 2006 or later, but you’ll also need Tanzanian shillings for smaller purchases.
Clothing for a Tanzania safari can be challenging to decide on due to the country’s unpredictable weather, which varies with the seasons.
Tanzania has distinct wet and dry seasons. The dry seasons occur from January to February and June to October, while the wet seasons span March to May (the main rainy season) and November to December.
Dry Season Packing: During the dry months, rainfall is rare, but it’s wise to bring a light waterproof jacket for unexpected showers. Daytime temperatures are generally warm, so pack breathable, light clothing, including T-shirts, shorts, and sun protection like hats and sunglasses. Early mornings and evenings can be chilly, so include a warm sweater or light jacket.
Wet Season Packing: The wet season demands heavier clothing to stay warm and dry, especially in the evenings and on cooler mornings. Include a thicker waterproof jacket, warm sweaters, and scarves for added comfort. Be prepared for muddy terrain with sturdy, waterproof shoes.
Year-Round Essentials: Regardless of the season, certain clothing items are essential for every safari:
Overall, neutral-colored, lightweight clothing that can be layered is the most practical choice for a safari. Packing versatile pieces that can be adjusted for varying weather will ensure comfort throughout your journey.
Choosing the right footwear is crucial for your Tanzania safari, especially if you plan on doing a lot of walking or are embarking on a walking safari. Comfortable, sturdy shoes are essential to keep your feet protected and supported on varied terrain.
Overall, make sure your footwear is well broken in before your trip to avoid discomfort during your safari adventures!
Camera and memory cards: The diverse and stunning landscapes, along with the magnificent wildlife, create countless opportunities for incredible photography. Make sure to bring a high-quality camera with a powerful zoom lens (at least 200mm, but preferably more) to capture distant subjects effectively. Don’t forget your camera batteries, charger + extra SD cards!
Phone charger: Most of the safari vehicles have outlets. Make sure to bring your USB charging cable!
Universal adaptor: Ensure you pack a universal adapter for Tanzanian outlets, as their plugs differ from those in many other countries. You can purchase a universal adapter at travel stores or online before your trip.
Tripod: A tripod will be extremely helpful for capturing the perfect shot. With the varying lighting conditions and diverse wildlife, a tripod provides the stability needed for stunning, high-quality imagery.
Power bank: While most safari vehicles are equipped with chargers, we encountered an issue where ours would randomly stop working. Luckily, we had a power bank with us, which ensured our phones stayed charged so we could capture all of the incredible moments on our safari!
When it comes to toiletries, you will want to bring the same kind of items as you would on other vacations, such as the following:
Basic first aid kits are available at most Tanzania lodges and camps, but you should always have one with you should an emergency arise. A private first aid kit will help to avoid any unexpected mishaps or illnesses on your safari.
From regular painkillers to medications to avoid sickness and diarrhoea – you want to make sure that you are stocked up on the essentials. This way, you can continue to enjoy your trip even if you have to deal with any medical problems.
Some of these essentials include:
Make sure that you have all the different kinds of storage necessary for all of your belongings. This could include backpacks, waterproof duffel bags, day pack & zip lock bags
Utilizing these different kinds of baggage will make it easier to decipher your everyday items from your specific safari items.
Your safari baggage weight restriction on most internal safari flights within Tanzania is 33 pounds or 15 kilograms, per person. If your bag exceeds this limit, you will be charged an additional fee for excess baggage. Most safari flights in Tanzania can be fully booked as the small to large safari aircrafts are allocated based on passenger load for each sector, so to ensure that your excess baggage is allowed on your flight, you should pre-pay the additional fee. Soft-sided, sturdy duffel bags should be used and not hard-sided luggage as your baggage will need to be easily loaded and maneuvered in a small luggage compartment during your air travel. If your Tanzania safari portion does not include any air portion which is not normally the case, you are free to bring in additional luggage up to 44 pounds (20 kg) in soft sturdy bags rather than hard sided suitcases.
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African Delight Safaris is a Tanzania safari specialist established in 2019 providing top notch travel and tour services in East Africa.
African Delight Safaris is a Tanzania safari specialist established in 2019 providing top notch travel and tour services in East Africa.
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