Golden Rules
Soft bags only — Hard suitcases don't fit on bush planes (15kg limit)
Layers over bulk — Mornings are 10°C, afternoons 30°C. Layers win.
Neutral colors — Khaki, olive, brown. No white, black, or bright colors.
Clothing
- 3-4 neutral-colored shirts (quick-dry fabric)
- 2-3 pairs lightweight trousers (zip-off legs ideal)
- 1 warm fleece or jacket (mornings are cold, especially on crater rim)
- 1 rain jacket (lightweight, packable)
- Comfortable walking shoes/boots
- Sandals or flip-flops for lodges
- Wide-brimmed hat or baseball cap
- 3-4 pairs underwear and socks
- Swimwear (many lodges have pools)
- Buff/bandana (for dust on game drives)
Pro tip: Layers are key. Mornings start at 10°C, afternoons hit 30°C. Quick-dry synthetic fabrics beat cotton for comfort and washing.
Photography & Optics
- Camera with 200-400mm zoom lens (for wildlife)
- Wide-angle lens (for landscapes and vehicle shots)
- Binoculars (8x42 or 10x42)
- Extra memory cards (shoot more than you think)
- Spare batteries + charger
- Beanbag or window mount (steadier than handheld)
- Dust-proof camera bag
- Lens cleaning kit
Pro tip: Dust is your biggest enemy. Keep cameras in sealed bags when not shooting. Golden hour (6-8am, 4-6pm) gives the best wildlife light.
Sun & Insect Protection
- SPF 50+ sunscreen (reef-safe for Zanzibar)
- Lip balm with SPF
- Sunglasses (polarized for glare)
- DEET insect repellent (30-50%)
- After-bite cream
- Long-sleeved shirt for evenings (mosquito protection)
Pro tip: The African sun is intense even when it doesn't feel hot. Apply sunscreen every 2-3 hours. Tinted moisturizer works too.
Health & Toiletries
- Prescription medications (in original packaging)
- Malaria prophylaxis (consult doctor)
- Basic first aid: plasters, antiseptic, painkillers
- Hand sanitizer
- Wet wipes (essential for dusty drives)
- Rehydration sachets
- Motion sickness tablets (rough roads)
- Toiletries in travel sizes (lodges provide basics)
Pro tip: Lodges provide shampoo, soap, and towels. Pack medications and personal items only. Bring a small day-pack for game drives.
Documents & Essentials
- Passport (valid 6+ months beyond travel date)
- Visa or e-Visa confirmation
- Travel insurance documents
- Yellow fever certificate (if required)
- Flight/booking confirmations (printed + digital)
- Emergency contact details
- Small USD bills ($1, $5, $10 for tips)
- Credit card (Visa widely accepted at lodges)
- Power adapter (Type D/G plugs, 230V)
- Headlamp or small torch
Pro tip: Make copies of all documents. Store one set separately from originals. Most lodges have safes in rooms.
Leave These at Home
- ✕Hard-sided suitcases (don't fit on bush planes)
- ✕Bright white or neon clothing
- ✕Camouflage patterns (can be illegal)
- ✕Expensive jewelry
- ✕Drone (requires expensive permit in Tanzania)
- ✕Too many outfits (lodges do laundry)
- ✕Heavy books (use Kindle)
- ✕Perfume/cologne (attracts insects)
Packing FAQs
What colors should I wear on safari?
Neutral earth tones: khaki, olive, beige, brown, and muted greens. Avoid white (gets dusty immediately), black (attracts tsetse flies), and bright colors (can startle wildlife). Camouflage is not allowed in some East African countries — stick to solid neutral colors.
What is the luggage limit for bush planes?
Light aircraft (Cessna Caravans) typically allow 15kg (33lbs) per person in a soft-sided bag. Hard suitcases are NOT allowed — they don't fit in cargo holds. Use a duffel bag or soft backpack. Most lodges offer laundry service so you can pack light.
Do I need to bring binoculars?
Highly recommended. While guides have spotting scopes, personal binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) let you watch animals at your own pace. Many lodges and vehicles have binoculars available, but your own pair is always better. Budget option: rent from us.
Should I bring malaria medication?
Yes — Tanzania is a malaria zone. Consult your travel doctor 6+ weeks before departure. Common options: Malarone (fewest side effects), Doxycycline (cheapest), or Mefloquine (weekly dosing). Bring DEET insect repellent too. Our lodges provide mosquito nets.
Ready to Start Packing?
Once you book, we send a detailed personalized packing list based on your specific itinerary, season, and activities.