If you are headed to Tanzania, but are not quite sure what to wear on safari, I am here to help you out. Here is exactly what to pack – and what not to pack – for a Tanzania safari.
When I went on my very first Tanzania camping safari , the experience was truly awe-inspiring. The chance to see so many animals in the wild that I’d previously only seen on television was, in a word, breathtaking.
While in Tanzania, I saw The Big Five (and then some!), and to date have been on wildlife safaris in four countries now. It never gets less amazing!
However, before taking this trip, I didn’t know what to wear on safari in Tanzania. Did I need khakis and a safari hat? Or stiff rugged boots? I honestly wasn’t sure and had to do a ton of research before I left.
Luckily, after my time in Tanzania, I know exactly what your safari packing list must include. Three main topics this guide will highlight are the importance of comfort, safety, and blending into the environment.
Note: This packing list is written from a woman’s point of view, but all of the items below can be swapped out for the men’s version, too.
Weather in Tanzania
First and foremost, to properly pack, you must be prepared for the diverse climates within the Serengeti and beyond. Remember that Tanzania is in the southern hemisphere, which means that the seasons are reversed from the USA.
Throughout the year, temperatures in Serengeti National Park and surrounding regions remain relatively stable, hovering around 82 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. They then drop significantly at night, often cutting the daytime temperature in half.
Tanzania experiences its rainy season in the months of March, April, and May. Despite this, you will likely have clear days and the probability of spotting plenty of animals in the Serengeti. The rainy season tends to be slightly warmer and more humid, contrasting with the drier heat of the dry season.
The prime wildlife viewing months in Tanzania span the dry season, from late June to October. This period offers optimal opportunities to spot elusive species like leopards, driven to water holes by the scarcity of rain.
Additionally, June and July mark the peak of the wildebeest migration in the Serengeti, which is exactly why I chose to visit during this time.
General Packing Tips for Tanzania Safari
First and foremost, comfort Is King. You will have very long days in the car during game drives, and there are few designated areas that you will actually exit the vehicle. So be sure to dress for comfort over style.
Be sure to pack enough outfits for every day of the safari, plus an extra outfit or two. You will have no chance to do laundry, particularly on a camping safari like I did, because you are moving campsites almost daily.
Consider the color of the clothing you pack. It is ideal that all members of the safari wear greens and browns and blend in with the landscape, lest you scare the wildlife away. For me this was easy to follow, as I have a lot of earth-toned clothing anyway.
Tsetse flies are attracted to dark colors and bright colors, but in particular to the color blue. So don’t pack whites, blues, reds, yellows, and pinks. I went primarily earth-tones with a pale bit of color here or there, and was totally fine.
Important: camouflage clothing is illegal in Tanzania unless you are military personnel. Though it blends in with the surroundings, do not pack it.
Your Tanzania Safari Packing List
Here are the specific items I packed in my luggage for Tanzania. I consider each of them to be safari essentials, and have packed them for all subsequent safaris, too.
This mixture of clothing will allow for layering to combat any and all temperature fluctuations throughout the day.
1. The correct bottoms.
Remember, our two greatest concerns are comfort and color. For me, that meant two types of pants were a must.
First, a pair of thicker bottoms that resemble jeans but have some stretch worked out great for me. Check out these thick stretchy pants for a perfect option. These are your more rugged bottoms for hiking or walking. Be sure to purchase earth tones like olive green or tan if possible.
Second, I had several pairs of basic leggings. You probably already own these but the linked pair comes in shades of green and tan as well as black. Trust me, these were necessary for long days in the Jeep.
And third, I recommend one pair of comfy sweatpants for both longer car days as well as at night. As discussed, the nighttime temperatures can drop. These came in handy at the Ngorongoro Crater campsite, which is very cold because of the high elevation.
2. An array of tops.
Be sure to pack both sleeveless and short sleeved shirts as you will likely drive through many different climates. My safari was 6 days long so I packed enough for the trip plus one extra for my “laundry day.” It worked out well for me and I did the same on safari in Chitwan, Nepal and in Namibia.
Some great and affordable shirt options I recommend are this set of green and black tank tops and several short sleeve tees (this one has a nice knot-detail, making it way more fun than a basic tee.)
Then on top of those, you should have a long sleeve sweater or a hooded sweatshirt on hand. I actually brought one of each and was glad I did. Remember, layering is key because of all the temperature changes you’ll experience.
Pro Tip: If visiting local communities, it is highly advised to dress modestly, with covered shoulders and covered knees. When inside resorts and tourist hotels, you can be slightly more relaxed, while still respecting the local culture.
3. Footwear.
Though you’ll primarily be in the car on safari days, I found it useful to have a comfortable pair of tennis shoes or trekking sandals. My favorite pair has been on almost every continent with me and is still going strong!
Additionally, I recommend a pair of basic flip flops, both for the car rides and the campsite showers, if you book a camping safari.
Basically, sturdy, comfortable walking shoes or trekking sandals are key. Additionally, bring both thin and thick socks so you have options as you drive deeper into the Serengeti.
4. Sun protection.
The sun can be strong in Tanzania, so protective items will be key – especially if you are headed to Zanzibar post-safari. Beyond sunscreen, here is what else you should pack for your safari in Tanzania.
First, a wide-brimmed hat is a must. The hat was multipurpose or me – besides just keeping the sun at bay, it also kept my long hair somewhat in place while we drove in the open-top vehicle.
The first day I didn’t wear my hat, and my hair turned into a dusty and tangled mess.(Did I mention, you should bring a really good detangling conditioner, especially if you have long hair? Yeah… do that!)
Also pack a pair of sunglasses as well as a lightweight scarf for sun protection. The scarf, by the way, can help block wind and dust, too.
5. Outerwear options.
As I’ve mentioned, layering is going to be important on safari days.
Pack a puffy winter coat that folds down small, so that it won’t take up too much room in your luggage. Ngorongoro Crater was freezing cold overnight, so I was very thankful I had one with me!
I’m a huge fan of this winter jacket, which packs down super small. I have it in both a bright and a muted color palette.
I also recommend a fleece jacket and a waterproof shell for cooler evenings or rainy days.
Gear To Pack for Your Safari
Besides clothing, the next most important items to pack for Tanzania is gear. We’re talking camera gear, binoculars, and more. Here is what I couldn’t live without!
1. Binoculars.
Maybe like you, I did not own a pair of binoculars before my first safari. And, it wasn’t an item that I wanted to invest hundreds of dollars on, because it’s not something that I will use super often.
But I also didn’t want to cheap-out on them, because I wanted them to work well for both this Tanzania safari, but also into the future.
So, I did a lot of research (seriously, let me save you days of your life.) I ended up buying a pair of binoculars that had the same prism as the most expensive brands, but from a lesser known company, so I wasn’t just paying for the name.
In the end, these binoculars worked very well for me, and have now been used in three countries and counting. I’m sure a professional would give you plenty of other factors to think about, but these were beyond great for me.
2. A good camera.
An African safari is truly a bucket-list item, and in some cases a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Therefore, you should definitely bring a high quality camera.
The Sony Alpha series is absolutely amazing and I have as close to zero complaints as humanly possible. My beloved Sony is hands-down the best camera I’ve ever owned. Pair it with a sharp lens and you are golden.
3. An action camera.
A teeny-tiny camera is perfect for filming and takes up next to no room in your bag. The GoPro Hero 9 and beyond are great for producing SHARP video even on bumpy terrain. Basically I used to GoPro primarily for filming and then my bigger camera for shooting.
4. Toiletries and wellness
Finally, you should remember to pack wellness items and toiletries, as you will not likely find them while on safari. Here are several items not to forget.
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Small flashlight or headlamp (my headlamp was invaluable at campsites!)
- Insect repellent
- Anti-bacterial hand sanitizer
- Tissue paper
- Body wipes such as these biodegradable wipes for dirt and grime
- A small travel towel
- Personal toiletries
- Small first aid kit including things like ibuprofen, antimalaria pills if needed, allergy medicine, band-aids, stomach ache remedy, antibiotic cream, diarrhea medicine, and any prescription medications you need on hand.
Final Thoughts For Your Tanzania Safari
And that covers exactly what to pack for a safari in Tanzania! Each of these items served me well, and served as the basis for my subsequent safari packing lists.
Hopefully this saves you a ton of time and research! Now you know what colors to wear on safari in Tanzania, what layers to pack, and all the gear to bring. If you follow my list above, choosing what to pack for your Tanzania safari will be a breeze!
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