A practical guide to preparing comfortably for safari in Tanzania, from clothing and weather conditions to photography equipment and travel essentials.
Pack light, neutral‑coloured clothing, layers for cool mornings, sun protection, sturdy shoes, camera gear, and personal medications. Soft‑sided luggage is essential because small aircraft have weight and size restrictions. Leave bright colours, heavy suitcases, and unnecessary valuables at home.
Tanzania's weather varies by region and season. Mornings on game drives can be cool (10–15°C / 50–60°F), especially in Ngorongoro Highlands. Afternoons are warm to hot (25–30°C / 77–86°F). During green season, brief afternoon showers are common.
Dry season (June–October): Warm days, cool nights, little rain.
Green season (November–May): Warmer, more humid, occasional showers.
Detailed seasonal guide →Neutral colours (khaki, olive, tan, beige) are best. Avoid bright whites, blues, and especially black or dark blue (attracts tsetse flies).
Long sleeves and long trousers protect from sun and insects. Quick‑dry fabrics are ideal.
Essential for early morning and evening game drives, especially in Ngorongoro and Serengeti.
Useful during green season (November–May) for sudden showers.
Game drives often start before sunrise when temperatures are cool, then warm up significantly by mid‑morning. Layering allows you to adjust throughout the day: base layer (t‑shirt), mid layer (fleece or light sweater), outer layer (jacket or windbreaker). Remove layers as it warms up.
Scarves, hats, and gloves are useful for very cold mornings on the crater rim.
Comfortable, broken‑in walking shoes or lightweight hiking boots are best for short walks and lodge grounds. Sandals are fine for around camp. Avoid high heels or new shoes.
Bring a camera with a telephoto lens (200mm minimum, 400mm+ ideal) for wildlife photography. Extra batteries, memory cards, and a lens cleaning kit are essential. Binoculars (8× or 10×) are highly recommended for spotting distant animals.
We provide charging ports in all safari vehicles, so you can keep batteries topped up.
Vehicle charging & photography tips →Most charter flights between safari camps have strict luggage limits: 15 kg (33 lbs) per person in a soft‑sided duffel bag (no hard suitcases). Hard suitcases do not fit in small aircraft holds. Leave large suitcases at your arrival hotel if needed.
Always carry your passport (valid for at least 6 months after your travel dates), visa (e‑visa or visa on arrival), travel insurance documents, flight confirmations, and safari vouchers. Keep copies in separate luggage.
Cash: US dollars (crisp, post‑2006 bills) for visas, tips, and incidentals. Credit cards are accepted in lodges and major towns but have limited connectivity in remote areas.
Pack a small first‑aid kit with plasters, antiseptic cream, pain relievers, antidiarrheal medication, and any prescription medicines (with copies of prescriptions).
High‑SPF sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, sunglasses, and a wide‑brimmed hat.
Repellent with DEET or picaridin, especially for evenings. Most lodges provide mosquito nets or repellent.
Reusable water bottle (some lodges provide refills), hand sanitiser, wet wipes, travel pillow, earplugs.
Bright colours (especially red, blue, black – can attract insects or startle animals). Heavy suitcases (not accepted on small aircraft). Expensive jewellery or valuables (leave them at home). Unnecessary electronics (laptops, tablets – use phone for photos).
If you add Zanzibar to your safari, pack beachwear: swimsuits, shorts, light dresses, sandals, and reef‑safe sunscreen. Zanzibar is more relaxed, but remember to dress modestly in Stone Town (shoulders and knees covered).
You can leave safari gear at your mainland hotel if flying to Zanzibar; we can arrange luggage storage.
Zanzibar travel guide →Answers to common packing questions from safari travelers.
Neutral colours like khaki, olive, tan, and beige. Avoid white, bright blues, and black (attracts tsetse flies).
No. Small aircraft have strict limits and hard suitcases do not fit. Use a soft‑sided duffel bag (max 15 kg / 33 lbs).
A telephoto lens of at least 200mm, ideally 400mm or more. Zoom lenses like 70‑300mm or 100‑400mm are popular.
No. Comfortable walking shoes or lightweight hiking boots are sufficient. You won't be doing long hikes.
Yes. Bring safari clothes plus a few beach items. Most people manage with one soft bag.
Passport (6 months validity), visa (e‑visa or on arrival), travel insurance, flight confirmations, and safari vouchers.
We'll help you prepare for every aspect of your Tanzania safari – from packing to pacing, accommodations to activities.