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General Packing List

  • In general, pack lightly. Leave room for gifts and souvenirs. Soft­sided luggage packs more easily into the safari vehicle.
  • Always carry passport, airline tickets and money on your person. A fanny pack or moneybag that hangs around the neck works well.
  • In case luggage doesn’t arrive the same day you do, put enough clothing and supplies for the first 2-3 day in your carry­on luggage.
  • If taking a domestic flight luggage weight restrictions range between 15-­20 kgs (33­-44 lbs) total per person.
  • If climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro or Mt. Meru, additional supplies will be needed. Please refer to the Kilimanjaro Packing List.
  • A plastic bag ban has gone into effect as of June 1, 2019. Click here for details.

Footwear

  • Sturdy, comfortable shoes, preferably waterproof. They will get dirty.
  • Tennis shoes or sandals for lounging in the evening
  • Comfortable, breathable socks

Clothing

  • Shorts, mid­-thigh or longer (not advisable for village visits)
  • Lightweight, breathable pants
  • Short-­sleeved shirts, cool and breathable (neutral colors are best, avoid black, dark blue and bright red)
  • Bathing suit if staying at a lodge with a swimming pool or if visiting Zanzibar
  • Long­-sleeved fleece or sweater for evenings and/or early mornings
  • Rain jacket or rain poncho
  • Women: pants (capri-length or longer) and shirts that cover the shoulder are advisable for village visits. Lightweight dresses or skirts that cover the knees are optional depending on how rural your village visit is but can also be worn for evening dining at the accommodations.
  • Men: short­-sleeve shirts with collars (for visiting villages or evening dining at the accommodations).
  • Keep valuable jewelry to a minimum
Note: Laundry service is available at most lodges either at a nominal cost or free of charge in some cases.
Note: Camouflage clothing in Tanzania is prohibited for its  citizens. As such, we suggest that visitors avoid this style of clothing. 

Baggage

  • Day pack, for you to carry
  • Large waterproof/water resistant duffel bag or backpack (preferred). Rolling duffel bags work well too.

Other

  • Sun hat
  • Maps, guidebooks
  • Scarf (for dust and/or sun)
  • Batteries
  • Sunglasses
  • Binoculars (2 pair are standard in each vehicle - Vortex Viper 8×42)
  • Money (small Tanzanian bills and/or small US bills for small purchases and tips. Larger US bills for bigger purchases)
  • Journal/notebook, pencil and pen
  • Pocket knife (for travelers doing basic camping)
  • Electricity adapter
  • Energy bars and snacks
  • Headlamp or flashlight (or your cell phone light)
  • Playing cards, games, books, Frisbee
  • Camera, memory cards, mini­tripod
  • Personal music device (or your cell phone)
  • Travel pillow

Toiletries

Note: most lodges and tented camps provide you with soap, shampoo and lotion. If you are doing basic camping you will need to bring these items.

  • small hand towel (spare item)
  • Roll of toilet paper or tissue packs (for some public restrooms, guides will have spare toilet paper in the car too)
  • Soap
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Handi­-wipes
  • Lotion
  • Glasses, contacts, solution
  • Comb, mirror
  • Shampoo (without heavy fragrance)
  • Unscented Deodorant (use cologne/perfume sparingly, if at all, in case it might attract bees or other insects)

Documents

  • Passport (with visa stamp or completed visa application with $50 or $100 US cash, exact change)
  • Yellow fever certificate (REQUIRED if traveling from or through an endemic zone - refer to Medical Tips)
  • Medical and Travel Insurance
  • Address book or Emergency contact list

First Aid

  • Ibuprofen
  • Antiseptic cream
  • Band­Aids
  • Bandages and tape
  • Sunscreen (SPF 15+)
  • Diarrhea medicine
  • Anti­-malaria pills
  • Antibiotics
  • Insect repellent
  • Antihistamines
  • Lip balm with sunscreen
  • Prescription drugs