WHAT TO PACK WHEN YOU GO SAFARI

Congratulations on Booking Your African Safari!

With your dream safari adventure just around the corner, you’re probably buzzing with excitement and maybe a few questions, too. One of the most common ones is: “What should I pack?” In this guide, we’ll go over some key points to consider and then dive into a checklist of must-haves for everyone. Keep in mind, a safari isn’t your average vacation, so it’s important to prepare thoughtfully. Following these tips will help you avoid unnecessary issues once you’re out in the wild.

Luggage Restrictions

While standard airline baggage limits apply, it’s important to check with your tour operator for any additional restrictions specific to your safari. Many safari camps are accessed via small aircraft, which typically have strict luggage policies. In most cases, you’ll be required to pack in a soft-sided duffel bag without wheels, and stay within a set weight limit, along with one small carry-on item. These air charter companies are usually very strict, and exceptions are rarely made.

If your safari includes road travel instead of air transfers, you’ll have a bit more flexibility—but it’s still best to pack light. A daypack is also highly recommended for carrying your essentials, like valuables, documents, and personal items, which should stay with you at all times.

If your itinerary includes further travel or you have more luggage than allowed, ask your tour operator about luggage storage services that may be available.

Weather Considerations

Your safari will fall during either the dry or wet season—but keep in mind, even in the dry season, rain is still possible. It’s wise to pack for a range of weather conditions, focusing on layered clothing that you can easily add or remove based on the temperature.

Early morning game drives in open vehicles can be surprisingly chilly, so bring along a lightweight down jacket or fleece, as well as gloves and a beanie to stay warm. Most safari vehicles do provide blankets and ponchos, but having your own layers is always a plus.

If you have specific concerns about the weather during your trip, be sure to check in with your tour operator for the most accurate and up-to-date advice.

Sun Protection

The African sun can be intense, so it’s important not to take it lightly. Use a high-SPF sunscreen before heading out for any activities, and reapply it frequently throughout the day. A wide-brimmed hat is essential for shielding your face and neck, while polarized sunglasses help reduce glare and protect your eyes.

It’s also a good idea to pack after-sun lotion in case you get sunburned, and remember to drink plenty of water to stay well hydrated.

Camera Gear & Electronics

If you’re traveling with a lot of camera gear, it’s a good idea to check ahead with your tour operator to confirm that you can bring everything along (refer to Limited Luggage above). While cell phone cameras may be convenient, they’re generally not suitable for wildlife photography. For casual photographers, we recommend a bridge camera, which is compact and offers strong zoom features.

Be sure to pack all the necessary charging equipment, extra memory cards, and spare batteries. While some safari camps provide binoculars, you may want to bring a pair for each person in your group.

Keep in mind that drones are strictly prohibited in national parks, unless you’ve received special permission from the authorities. Additionally, you might want to consider carrying a secondary cell phone with a Tanzanian SIM card, as this can help you reduce local communication costs.

Clothing

A safari is generally a casual experience, so there’s no need to bring a separate outfit for each day. You may want to pack one smart-casual outfit, but that’s optional. Focus on quick-drying fabrics and clothing in neutral earth tones like brown, gray, and green, particularly if you plan on doing a walking safari. Avoid white or bright, fluorescent colors, as these can disturb wildlife.

It’s best to layer your clothing to accommodate temperature changes throughout the day. Dresses and skirts are less practical for safari, so it’s better to choose comfortable, functional attire. While it’s generally suggested to avoid revealing clothing or camouflage patterns, this is more of a guideline and is usually left to personal preference.

Be sure to pack comfortable walking shoes as well as sandals or flip-flops for relaxation around the camp.

Insect Repellent

Insects, such as mosquitoes and biting flies, are part of the safari experience. Be sure to bring insect repellent, as well as medication for stings and allergies. It’s also advisable to pack long-sleeved shirts and trousers to wear in the evenings to minimize exposure.

Consult with your medical practitioner or travel clinic about the right anti-malaria medication, and make sure to follow the dosage instructions carefully.

Medication

Make sure you bring enough prescription medication to last throughout your trip. If you have any allergies, carry the necessary treatment with you at all times. It’s also a good idea to pack a small first aid kit (details provided below) for any unexpected situations. Double-check that your vaccinations are current, and make copies of your relevant vaccine certificates for reference.

Documents

travel documents should be kept safe and on your person at all times; including passports, travel arrangements, vouchers and related documentation. If possible, store a backup on a cloud service or portable storage device and take photocopies of your passport, tickets and vouchers.

Cash & Valuables

Take sufficient US Dollars in various denominations for gratuities and other incidental expenses. We suggest that the bulk of your actual travel expenses (e.g. accommodation and transfers) be prepaid. Divide cash into smaller amounts and store separately in case of theft. Do not take expensive jewelry and avoid displaying other valuables (camera, phone, tablet) where possible.

Checklists

The following are detailed lists of what to pack for your safari. Be careful not to over-pack but still have sufficient for the duration of your holiday. Weight and size of packed luggage are key considerations – and you might want to leave space for souvenirs to take home.

Powerbank

Camera

Small bean bag (for camera stability)

Lightweight tripod (optional)

Memory cards and other storage devices

Chargers for all devices

Plug adaptors and power-strip/multi-adaptor (For Tanzania there are two associated plug types, types D and G. Plug type D is the plug which has three round pins in a triangular pattern and plug type G is the plug which has two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin. Tanzania operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.)

Binoculars (per person) – 8-10×42 optics are recommended

Tablet and/or Kindle (or a book to read)

Small torch or headlamp

Journal

First-Aid Kit

Paracetamol

Anti-allergy medication and ointments

Band-Aids

Disinfectant

Tweezers & scissors

Eye drops

Antihistamine ointment/tablets

Heartburn and indigestion medication

Prescribed prophylaxis for malaria

Stomach medication for diarrhea and constipation

Hand sanitizer

Epi-Pen (if applicable)

Medical Alert

Information (if applicable)

 Daypack Contents

Travel Documents (Passport, vouchers, vaccine certificates etc.)

Prevention Kit

Hydrocortisone or calamine lotion (for insect bites and skin irritation)

Mosquito repellant

Sunblock

Motion-sickness tablets or wristbands

Paracetamol

Prescription medication for the day

Other Essentials

Hand-sanitizer, tissues, sanitary wipes

Feminine hygiene products

US Dollars cash in various denomination for tips and incidental expenses

Light fabric long-sleeved shirt and pants for the evening – to protect from mosquitoes.

Swimwear

Wide-brimmed hat or cap

Fleece Beanie/Touque

Light gloves, buff and/or scarf are useful in Winter

Closed shoes suitable for walking

Sandals/Flip-flops

Toiletry bag with personalized contents

A big bandana/multipurpose muslin to cover for the sun, use as a mat etc…

Travel soap

Diaper bag packed with extra clothes, sufficient diapers, diaper bags, changing pad

mini fan

Emergency snacks – if your child has particular tastes, you can consider bringing a supply as many ‘western’ foods are not available in Tanzania