Janurary 22nd 2026
What to Pack for a Safari in Tanzania
A Local, Expert-Led Guide
Your guide to packing with confidence, comfort, and purpose.
There’s something quietly thrilling about packing for safari. It’s not just a holiday, it’s a journey into vast landscapes, close encounters with wildlife, and the kind of stillness most of us rarely allow ourselves. And just as no two safaris are the same, no two safari bags should be either.
At Migration Tanzania Safari, we believe packing is part of the preparation. It sets the tone for your trip. And when done right, it helps you travel not just lighter, but better.
Here’s everything you need to know.
Before We Begin: A Word on Safari Style
Forget the outdated idea that you need to look like you stepped off a Hollywood film set. This isn’t about khaki jumpsuits and leather boots…unless you want it to be.
What you really need are lightweight, comfortable layers, a few smart choices for changing weather, and a couple of items that show you understand where you are: in the heart of wild Tanzania, travelling respectfully and with curiosity.
Clothing: What to Wear on Safari (and Why)
Stick to earthy tones like beige, olive, tan, and grey. These help you blend into the bush (bright colours can startle wildlife, and dark colours attract heat and tsetse flies).
Avoid white, it gets dusty fast, and steer clear of blue and black, which attract biting insects.
Layers, not bulk.
Temperatures can shift quickly. Mornings in Ngorongoro can be chilly, while midday in the Serengeti can be intense.
Malaki
Migration Tanzania Guide
Lightweight long-sleeved shirts (for sun and insect protection)
T-shirts or tank tops
A fleece or jumper for early game drives
A lightweight, packable down jacket or windbreaker
Comfortable walking trousers or breathable chinos
A pair of shorts or a safari skirt
Pack breathable, layerable items:
Tip: Convertible zip-off trousers can be surprisingly handy, but they’re not essential.
Footwear
You don’t need hiking boots unless you’re doing a walking safari or trekking in areas like Lake Natron. For most safaris:
→ Closed-toe trainers or walking shoes
→ Light sandals for camp or lodge downtime
Evenings can be cool and often relaxed but stylish. Bring one or two outfits that feel comfortable but put-together. A long-sleeved shirt and trousers are also useful for avoiding mosquito bites at dinner.
Essential Safari Gear
These aren’t just nice-to-haves, they’ll make a real difference to your comfort and enjoyment.
Most lodges or guides will have a pair, but bringing your own means you’ll never miss a lion cub’s twitch or a lilac-breasted roller in flight. Compact, quality binoculars are worth the investment.
Evening wear at lodges
Binoculars
The African sun is no joke. Bring:
→ A wide-brimmed hat (preferably one that can fold and breathe)
→ Polarised sunglasses
→ High-SPF sunscreen
→ Lip balm with SPF
Malaria is still present in parts of Tanzania, so mosquito protection is a must:
→ DEET-free insect repellent (we recommend natural options like incognito®). If you want to understand why we recommend DEET-free, have a read of this article.
→ Lightweight long-sleeved clothing for evenings
→ Anti-malarial medication (ask your doctor for guidance)
→ Anti-itch cream, just in case
Sun protection
insect protection
Many safari flights have strict weight and size limits. Soft-sided bags (not hard-shell suitcases) are essential for loading into 4x4 vehicles and light aircraft.
Something small and lightweight to carry on game drives with essentials: camera, snacks, sunscreen, water bottle, etc.
We provide clean drinking water throughout your journey. A sturdy reusable bottle cuts down on plastic waste and keeps you hydrated.
A soft-sided duffel bag
Personal Items & Useful Extras
A good daypack
Reusable water bottle
Whether you’re a photographer or not, you’ll want to capture moments. Bring:
→ Spare memory cards
→ Charging cables and a power bank
→ A cleaning cloth (dust gets everywhere)
Tanzania uses the British-style three-pin plug (Type G). Some lodges have USB ports, but it’s best to bring your own adapter.
Many camps have ambient lighting or use solar power, bring a small torch or headlamp for walking around at night.
Camera or smartphone with extra storage
Travel adapter
Torch or headlamp
These aren’t essential, but they make safari more enjoyable, and distinctly yours.
→ A kikoi or light scarf – works as sun cover, blanket, or even a quick-change towel
→ A journal – trust us, you’ll want to write some of this down
→ Ziplock bags or dry sacks – great for keeping electronics or documents dust-free
→ And that’s exactly what we help you discover.
Pack familiar snacks, favourite books, and a few small activities for downtime. We’ll make sure everything else runs smoothly.
→ Drones – not permitted in national parks without special permission
→ Camouflage clothing – illegal for civilians in many African countries
→ Single-use plastics – we encourage reusable alternatives wherever possible
→ Heavy cosmetics or jewellery – the safari look is naturally pared back
→ Hairdryers or high-voltage appliances – many lodges run on solar power or generators
A Final Note: Pack With Purpose
At Migration Tanzania Safari, we believe in travelling thoughtfully. What you pack should serve you, but it should also reflect respect for the people and places you’ll encounter. That means leaving space for curiosity, conversations, and moments you’ll never forget.
And if you’re ever unsure? Just ask us. We’ll help you pack with confidence, so all you have to carry is excitement.
Need help preparing for your safari?
We’re here to guide you from first email to final farewell.
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