# What to pack and know before a Tanzania safari

Pack light, neutral clothes in a soft bag of no more than 15 kg, a warm layer for cool evenings, a headlamp and binoculars. Leave plastic bags at home, because Tanzania bans them. Bring US dollars, euros or pounds in cash, your passport, insurance details and any vaccination certificates.

## Clothes for the bush

- Breathable shirts, short and long-sleeved. Avoid black and dark blue, which attract tsetse flies.
- Neutral bush colours if you plan to walk.
- A medium-weight fleece for cool mornings and evenings, and a light rain jacket.
- Zip-off trousers or light trousers, and one smart-casual outfit for dinner at lodges.
- Comfortable walking shoes or sandals. You need hiking boots only for Kilimanjaro.
- Sunglasses and a light cotton scarf against the sun and dust.

## Health kit

- Painkillers, anti-diarrhoea tablets and rehydration salts.
- Plasters and a stretch bandage.
- Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher), lip balm and moisturiser.
- Antihistamine tablets and cream, wet wipes and hand sanitiser.
- Your prescribed medicines. Please tell your guide about any medical condition.
- Ask your doctor about malaria prevention and the Yellow Fever vaccine.

## Gear

- A daypack, a torch or headlamp with spare batteries, and a multi-plug adapter.
- Binoculars, ideally one pair each.
- Camera, memory cards, chargers and a spare battery. Our vehicles have UK-style three-pin sockets that charge while driving.

## For Zanzibar and the coast

Swimwear, a sun hat, reef shoes, insect repellent and a light wrap. Snorkelling gear can be rented. The coast is mostly Muslim: swimwear is fine at the beach and resort, but in towns and villages please cover shoulders and knees.

## No plastic bags

Tanzania bans plastic bags, including bin liners and duty-free bags. The only exception is a small zip-lock bag for toiletries in your hand luggage, which you take home with you.

## Luggage

- Use a soft duffel bag; hard suitcases do not fit well in safari vehicles.
- Light aircraft allow 15 kg per person, and extra weight may be charged.
- Pack essentials in your hand luggage in case a bag is delayed.
- Keep bags locked, and leave scissors, lighters and nail clippers out of your hand luggage.
- Extra bags can be stored in Arusha while you are on safari.

## Money

Bring US dollars, euros or pounds in cash. ATMs give Tanzanian shillings only and have daily limits. US dollar notes must be recent and undamaged. Only a few lodges and shops take Visa or Mastercard, often with a fee.

## Documents

- Passport valid for at least six months.
- Your itinerary and emergency contacts.
- Travel insurance policy.
- Vaccination certificates, including Yellow Fever if you have one.

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Source: https://carnivoressafaris.co.tz/travel-guide/tanzania-safari-travel-tips
Last updated: 2026-10-15
Plan a journey: https://carnivoressafaris.co.tz/plan-your-safari