Tanzania safari packing list

Tanzania safari: What to pack and wear

Tanzania is generally warm, so pack light summer clothes for wearing in the middle of the day. However it is often cool during the early morning and at night, even during summer, so warm clothing should also be included, particularly if you are visiting Ruaha, the Ngorongoro Crater or Serengeti from June to the end of August. It is usually a good ideas to pack clothes that can be layered so you can easily adapt as it heats up during the day.

Sunglasses, suntan lotion, lip balm, a shady hat, insect repellent and binoculars are essential. It can also be useful to pack a torch. Don’t forget your swimming costume for the occasional dip in a pool.

For any travellers planning to do a walking safari during their time in Tanzania, it is vital that they pack sturdy shoes and clothing in muted safari colours. Brown, dark beige, khaki and green are ideal. White, bright colours and even cream or pale beige are not suitable for safety reasons as they attract the attention of animals. Black and blue colours are known to attract tsetse flies, so also wise to avoid.

Packing checklist

Passport
Visa (if required)
Insurance details (please see our travel insurance page for more information)
Credit card
Cash (US dollars are the most useful currency in Tanzania. The Tanzanian shilling is the local currency.)
Warm clothes (possibly including hat and gloves)
A lightweight jacket or waterproof
Sunhat
Sunglasses
Footwear (including walking shoes/boots if appropriate)
Swimwear
Binoculars
Camera, charger, spare batteries and memory cards
Mobile (cell) phone (see below)
Chargers and adapters (Tanzania predominantly uses type G plugs, rectangular pins as used in the UK)
Torch / flashlight
Insect repellent
Sunscreen
Malaria prophylaxis
Prescription medicines & prescription (if needed)

Mobile (cell) phones on safari

It is a good idea to have a mobile with you on your trip in case of an emergency. If you have ‘global roaming’ enabled, your phone will probably work in most towns in Tanzania and Zanzibar. This can be very useful - for booking restaurants, calling home, or getting in touch with anyone in a hurry. Your phone can be set to include ‘global roaming’ by your network provider so contact them before you depart.

As an alternative to global roaming, which can be quite pricy, you can buy a local SIM card and some call minutes when you arrive. The main airports in Kilimanjaro, Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar have outlets where you can arrange this.

NB: Regardless of whether you use a local SIM card or not, it is unlikely that you will have a consistent signal throughout your trip: many areas are remote, sparsely populated and without cellphone coverage.

Our top picks for holidays to Tanzania

We'll always tailor-make your Safari for you. Here are some of our favourites to inspire you.

Marabou Stork Fly-in Safari

13 days • 5 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT

Four luxurious camps enable exploration of Tanzania’s north and southern regions. With a range of land- and water-based activities available throughout, decidedly comfortable accommodation and applicable long-stay discounts, this adventurous safari is excellent value.

US$19,000 - US$25,560 per person

Flufftail Guided Safari

10 days • 3 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT

Stay in three unique camps as you safari across the Ngorongoro Crater and the iconic Serengeti Plains with your private guide and 4WD vehicle: a trip of comfort and autonomy, with excellent wildlife.

US$12,990 - US$18,900 per person

Firefinch Drive-Fly Safari

9 days • 3 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT

Enjoy a combination of privately guided and shared game drives during this good-value exploration of northern Tanzania. Explore game-dense regions from three comfortable bases which offer a variety of activities.

US$7,720 - US$10,880 per person

Jackal Fly-in Safari

8 days • 2 locations
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT

Enjoy a range of activities on this luxury fly-in safari. Explore the remoter regions of Ruaha National Park and Nyerere National Park with phenomenal guides during stays at two impressively comfortable camps that remain perfectly in keeping with their surroundings.

US$10,150 - US$12,080 per person

Chimpanzee Fly-in Safari

8 days • 3 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT

Combining two of the remotest parks in Tanzania, this safari can deliver extraordinary wildlife viewing in Katavi, and East Africa's best chimp treks, on the shores of Lake Tanganyika.

US$13,190 - US$16,530 per person

Tinkerbird Fly-in Safari

8 days • 4 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT

Explore Tanzania’s famous northern circuit in Tarangire National Park, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the Serengeti National Park. Four smart sister camps offer a high level of care, first-class guiding and a wide range of activities.

US$9,830 - US$14,140 per person

Secretary Bird Fly-in Safari

8 days • 4 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT

Chosen for comfort and relaxation as much as for its range of activities, this safari makes for a leisurely trip featuring stunning accommodation and swift access to many of northern Tanzania’s best wildlife regions.

US$13,730 - US$18,080 per person

Topi Fly-in Safari

7 days • 2 locations
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT

Explore Nyerere National Park and Ruaha National Park from two luxurious, colonially styled camps. Chosen for their access to good game viewing and thrilling remoteness, these camps also offer a range of varied safari activities.

US$7,420 - US$7,420 per person

Spotted Hyena Fly-in Safari

7 days • 2 locations
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT

Stay in one of Nyerere National Park's best safari camps before experiencing a truly authentic tented camp in Ruaha. Remote locations, superb guiding and a range of activities await guests during this comfortable fly-in safari.

US$7,990 - US$9,760 per person

Fringe-eared Oryx Fly-in Safari

7 days • 3 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT

Stay in three superbly positioned camps during this exploration of Tanzania’s famous northern circuit. Excellent views over the surrounding areas, relatively remote locations and game-rich habitat make for an exciting and varied safari experience.

US$7,300 - US$14,860 per person

View all holidays in Tanzania

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