Planning a family friendly Tanzanian safari took a long time for our family. We really wanted to make sure everything was perfect and went smoothly. The planning stage took a little over a year. But nothing could prepare me for the organization it required when it came to packing!

So our Tanzania safari packing list can help to be well prepared and comfortable during your adventure. If you do forget a few things, don’t worry, you can pick up most everyday items in town before you leave.

Travel Documents

1. Valid passport

2. Yellow fever vaccination records/ certificate.

3. Tanzania visa, available at airport upon arrival, USD $100 payable in cash only for US citizens or USD $50 for residents of UK/European Union and most other countries.

4. Copy of flight itinerary.

5. Copy of travel and/or medical evacuation insurance.

6. Personal medical/dental insurance cards.

7. Credit card (Visa and MasterCard are most widely accepted).

8. Cash in U.S. Dollars (bills MUST have been issued in 2004 or later)

Clothing

Remember, it’s not a fashion show out there, so be a bit more practical when choosing your safari wardrobe. Try to stay away from bright colours – khaki and other neutral colours tend to work well. It is probably best if you dress in layers since it can get cold, but also very hot.

1. Sweater or fleece pullover to keep warm

2. Sturdy boots or sandals

3. Sun hat

4. Sun glasses

5. T-shirts or polo shirts (2-5 depending on how often you want to change)

6. Long sleeve shirts (light weight)

7. Shorts

8. Long trousers

9. Underwear

10. Socks

11. Sleepwear

12. Travel towel

13. Thermal underwear, gloves and warm hat (during May – Sept)

14. Rain coat and rain trousers (During rainy season Mar – May and Oct – Dec)

Highly recommended

1. Camera and memory cards

2. Binoculars

3. Sunscreen

4. Hand sanitizer and wet wipes

5. Insect Repellent

6. Personal toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothbrush, eye drops etc)

7. Malaria tablets

8. Basic first aid kit and prescription medicines

9. Flashlight or headlamp

10. Chargers and extra batteries for your camera, phone etc

11. Power adapter to fit the UK style electrical socket

Others tips

Bring soft luggage such as a duffel bag, hiking pack or sports bag. These are ideal for packing into a safari vehicle. Hard suitcases can often be difficult to fit into the vehicles.

Bring a backpack to carry all of your important items including travel documents, money, camera, medication etc. You should keep this backpack with you at all times.

Keep luxury items such as hair dryers/ straighteners, expensive jewellery, make up and bulky toiletries to an absolute minimum. If in doubt, leave them out.

If you plan to bring cash, divide it into different areas of your carry-on luggage, wallet and money belt just in case something happens to one of those carry items.

Leave some space in your luggage for the all-important souvenirs that you will probably buy.