How to pack for Tanzania Safari
How to pack for Tanzania Safari
“Your Complete Packing Guide from Lucky Moon Adventure”
When you’re heading into the heart of Africa, what you bring and what you leave behind can make or break your safari experience. From long game drives to crisp evenings by the fire, you need to be ready for every moment.
At Lucky Moon Adventure, we’ve guided hundreds of travelers into the wild. Here’s our expert guide on safari packing: what’s essential for your adventure.
- Clothing: Comfortable, Practical & Earth-Toned
Africa’s bush can be hot, cool, dusty, and occasionally wet all in the same day! Dress in lightweight layers and neutral tones to blend into the environment and stay comfortable.
Must-pack clothing:
- Light, breathable shirts (long and short-sleeve)
- Convertible trousers or lightweight pants
- Light fleece or jacket (mornings and evenings get chilly)
- Moisture-wicking base layers
- Wide-brimmed hat or safari cap (sun protection)
- Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots
- Flip-flops or sandals (for the lodge or shower)
- Swimsuit (many safari lodges have pools)
Avoid black or dark blue clothing—they attract tsetse flies.
- Safari Gear: Be Prepared for the Wild
Must-have gear:
- Binoculars – for spotting wildlife at a distance
- Camera or smartphone with zoom – capture the moment
- Daypack – for game drives, water, and snacks
- Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher)
- Insect repellent (DEET or natural alternatives)
- Lightweight rain jacket or poncho (especially in the green season)
- Reusable water bottle – hydration is key
- Headlamp or flashlight – for camps with low lighting
- Health & Personal Essentials
Don’t forget:
- Prescription medications (plus copies of your prescriptions)
- Basic first-aid kit – band-aids, antiseptic, pain relievers
- Wet wipes and hand sanitizer
- Lip balm and moisturizer (the bush air is dry!)
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Anti-malaria medication (as advised by your doctor)
- Biodegradable toiletries – keep it eco-friendly
- Travel Documents & Admin
Keep all your key documents organized and protected.
Bring:
- Passport (valid at least 6 months beyond your trip)
- Visas (check for entry requirements ahead of time)
- Vaccination certificates (Yellow fever, COVID-19 if required)
- Travel insurance documents
- Digital and printed copies of your itinerary
- Credit/debit card & some local currency
- Pen for customs and airport forms
Keep documents in a waterproof pouch or travel wallet.
- Optional But Smart to Bring
- A good book or journal for downtime
- Universal power adapter and charging cables
- Offline map or translation app
- Travel laundry detergent for quick washes
- Earplugs – lodges can be lively at night with wildlife sounds!
What Not to Bring on Safari
- Bright-colored clothes (can spook animals)
- Camouflage gear (illegal in some African countries)
- Heavy, hard-shell luggage (many safaris have strict weight/size limits)
- Valuables or flashy jewelry
- Single-use plastics (many parks and lodges are plastic-free)
Pack Light. Pack Smart. Pack for Adventure.
Packing for your safari is all about comfort, functionality, and respecting the environment you’re stepping into. With this guide, you’re ready to travel with confidence and focus on what really matters: the incredible experience ahead.
Ready to Go?
Let Lucky Moon Adventure help you prepare for the journey of a lifetime.
Contact us for a printable safari packing checklist or personalized tips based on your destination and travel season.
Lucky Moon Adventure — Thoughtfully Packed, Wildly Unforgettable.