Planning what to wear and what essentials to bring on your upcoming safari in Tanzania is not all that complicated. Everything you need is most likely in your closet already! Our clothing suggestions apply for all seasons on a Tanzania safari while different guidelines apply if your route is to the peak of Mt. Kilimanjaro or heading down to the famous Zanzibar beach.
Casual, comfortable, and easy-to-wash clothes are recommended. The goal is to pack lightly as most lodges and camps will launder clothes for a small fee. Safaris are informal, and there is no need to dress up. Do plan to dress in layers so you can adjust to temperature changes as early morning game drives can be quite cold depending on the time of year while daytime temperatures can get quite warm. Stick to neutral or khaki colors and avoid wearing dark blue or black clothes as these colors tend to attract tsetse flies.
Wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, and insect repellent are a necessity. After sunset, we recommend that you wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and socks and spray insect repellent to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.
Top things to bring on your Safari;
- T-shirts and tank-tops, Long-sleeved shirts, Shorts, Light long pants or convertible long-short pants, Warm fleece pullover or jacket, Bandana, Heavy sweater, gloves, and toque if traveling in the cold season, One swimsuit, Cotton socks and underwear, Pyjamas, One pair of comfortable walking shoes, One pair of sandals or flip-flops, Wide-brimmed hat.
Extras to bring on your Safari;
- Credit cards and ATM bank cards, Sunglasses, Sunscreen and lip balm, Small flashlight or headlamp, Insect repellent, Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate if necessary, Safari itinerary, US dollars in large and small bills, Passport, Anti-bacterial hand sanitizer, Tissue paper and a small travel towel, Camera, extra memory cards, batteries, and charger, if applicable, Ziplock bags for toiletries, camera equipment, snacks, and so on, Personal toiletries, Small first aid medical kit including Tylenol, antimalaria pills, cold and allergy, medicine, itch medication, band-aids, stomach ache remedy, antibiotic cream, diarrhea medicine, prescription antibiotic for traveler's diarrhea, and any prescription medications, Plane tickets, Travel Insurance Policy, Emergency Contact Numbers, Eye drops and extra contact lenses or spare glasses if necessary.