Packing for a trip to Africa can be a daunting experience even for an experienced traveler, let alone a first time Safari tourist. Packing for a Tanzania Safari or for that matter packing for a Serengeti trip is rightly so more than a simple affair, with careful consideration required for the weather, comfort, local culture and alot more. See our Tanzania Safari packing check list below

What To Pack

Clothes

The ideal clothes to pack for your safari are casual in nature, loose fitting and lightweight, so as to keep you cool and dry. For colours, pick neutral Pastel shades over brighter colours for optimum suitability for the wilderness. Khaki and Forest Green colours are an all time safari favourite and most recommended.

Please note that camouflaged, military~pattern clothes may be considered unlawful in East Africa as they are worn by the local forces so best to avoid. Make sure to pack a fleece, cardigan or light jacket for the cool early mornings during game drives.

When packing, keep in mind that most lodges and camps provide laundry services. Below is a basic packing list of the essential clothing you may want to bring:

01 short sleeve casual shirt, 02 khaki long sleeve shirts, 01 Wind cheater or light jacket or Fleece jacket, 01 Safari Multi Pocket Saafri Vest (especially useful for Photographers), 02 pairs khaki smart casual trousers or Chinos, 02 pairs safari shorts

03 pairs sport socks, 02 T-shirts, 01 pair Nightwear, 01 pair Swimwear, Sports bra. If staying at 5 star camps or lodges, carry along a single set of smart but basic dinner wear, useful also for nights in Arusha city or along the coast in Zanzibar.

 Shoes

For most safaris which do not involve trekking or "bush walking", fully closed lightweight and comfortable walking shoes such as sneakers with good grip do just fine. The classic Safari boots [ pictured] are always a great all round choice. These are also known as Chukka boots. Hiking boots are also useful but you may find these unnecessarily heavy unless you actually plan on hiking during your trip.

Flip flops or sandals for around the swimming pool or in-room use are ever useful and are cheap to buy in Arusha as well.

Hats And Sun Protection

For Sun protection we recommend you pack sunscreen lotion ( a high enough SPF) as well as a wide brim Safari hat (pictured) which will help keep the sun off your face and neck. A pair of Sunglasses and prescription glasses for those that wear contact lenses (it can be rather dusty to wear these comfortably).

 Insect Repellant

Some of the lodges and camps provides insect repellent but we still encourage you to pack your own preferred brand.

Repellants containing Deet are said to be more effective against most insects and bugs. All-natural citronella repellant can also get the job done if you are concerned about the deet effects. Please consult your Doctor or Pharmacist.

Medication

Remember you will be in the "bush" so to say while on Safari and the nearest town or city may be hours away. Be sure to pack your most essential personal medications especially brands or medicines that may not be available locally in Tanzania. Pharmacies in Arusha stock a wide variety of medicines so for basic requirements such as pain relief, anti malaria pills or antacids and the like one can purchase once in Arusha. Keep in mind to carry along any prescriptions when you bring along medication into Tanzania in case you are required to show this at the airport.

Cameras, Binoculars, Travel Adaptors & Laptop

As for Cameras and Photography equipment we recommend packing thse into your carry on luggage rather than check in for enhanced safety. East Africa offers amazing photo opportunities so bring along a decent camera to make the most of your trip. Binoculars are very useful and though some Safari operators provide a pair in their vehicles, these may be basic in specs so if you can bring a set you are prefer. For serious photographers, you may want to carry your laptop which is so useful for downloading and processing your images after a day on Safari. Also helps you make the most of your camera storage cards as you can keep moving images to your laptop or hard disk at the end of each day. Spare AA and AAA batteries arae available for sale at certain lodges in Serengeti as well and this includes standard and rechargeable batteries. Regarding Electrical sockets, bring a couple of Travel socket adaptors. In Tanzania we use the associated plug type G, which is the plug that has three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern. Tanzania operates on a 240V supply voltage and 50Hz.

 Other Stuff

Other important items that you must include in your packing list includes personal toiletries (such as travel size shampoo, conditioner,soap, deodorant, moisturizer, hair brush, tooothpaste and toothbrush), sanitary products for ladies, wet wipes and hand sanitizers, small sewing kit, small scissors and pocket knife (not in carry on bag) alarm clock, money pouch or money belt, reading materials, pen and a notebook.