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The Ultimate Safari Packing List
Top 8 things to do in Tanzania
November 5, 2021
Travel Information
October 3, 2022
What to pack
Climate
Tanzania offers warm days with cool mornings and evenings year-round throughout most of the country. Temperatures on Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru drop to below freezing, while the coast and lakeside regions are mostly hot and humid. There are two rainy seasons in the country – March to May (long rains) and November to December (the lighter, short rains). Tanzania can be visited year-round, although the climate varies between the rainy and dry seasons.
Dress Code
Modest clothing is advisable in the bigger towns and cities in Tanzania and particularly in Zanzibar out of respect for the prevalent Muslim beliefs and culture. It is especially important to cover shoulders and knees and non compliance can lead to local fines. That being said, in the various lodges and camps, and on the beaches of Zanzibar, it is perfectly acceptable to wear shorts and t-shirts or beach wear. Generally speaking, light layers of clothing in neutral safari colours of green, khaki and beige are the best items to bring with you. Dark colours such as navy or black can attract tstese flies and are best avoided, as are bright colours like yellow, red and purple if you are going on safari.
What to Pack
• Layers - long and short sleeve shirts and trousers • A warm fleece or jumper • A lightweight waterproof jacket • Comfortable but sturdy shoes • Flip-flops • Swimming costume (Bathing suit) • A hat or baseball cap • Sunglasses • Sunscreen – a must! • Toiletries – most camps will provide shampoo, shower gel and soap • A small torch • Spare batteries, plug adaptors and charging equipment • A good pair of Binoculars (8x40/8x42 is recommended) • Books or a fully loaded Kindle / iPad for siesta time Most camps and lodges will have a small medical and first aid kit, but we recommend bringing your own supply of essentials - cough medicine, plasters, vitamins, aspirin and paracetamol, and anything else you use on a regular basis.
Camera Equipment (for the enthusiasts)
• A telephoto lens (200/300mm) • Flash and fast film (400 ASA) for night photography • Lots of film (64,100,200,400 ASA) if using an SLR camera • Spare memory cards for digital cameras • Camera cleaning equipment and a good dust proof bag • Bring spare batteries as although you may recharge your batteries at the camps, charging capacity can be limited.
Luggage
Please check with your airlines for the specific luggage restrictions relevant to your flight schedule. Many international airlines have a baggage allowance of 20kgs or more per person and commercial airlines generally permit two (2) pieces of checked luggage per person. The carry-on bag must be of such dimensions and weight as set by the airlines. The “Ziploc carrier bags” used specifically for toiletries are not restricted and will not be confiscated, however, travellers are expected to keep these bags in their possession throughout their journey and to not dispose of the plastic bags while in Tanzania. When packing for your next trip to Tanzania, keep this in mind and make alternative arrangements when planning on using plastic bags.
Luggage Restrictions on Internal Flights
Please be advised that on domestic flights, luggage is limited to one SOFT duffel bag per person with a maximum weight of 15kg/33 lbs. No hardshell bags are permitted.
Electricity
Tanzania uses 220/230V, 50Hz AC, and sockets take mostly Type G (3 prong large rectangular) and some Type C (2 prong narrow round). Most hotel rooms have sockets for 110V electric razors. Also, most of the safari camps have electricity points either in the main communal area or in each tent/room. It is best to bring an adapter/convertor combination.
Gratuities
Gratuities are not compulsory or expected; rather it is a reward for excellent service. If you are pleased with the service you receive, you are more than welcome to tip your guide or the staff. Tipping is usually done at the end of your stay. You may tip the staff individually, give the tip to the manager to distribute or do both. Tips can be made in Tanzanian Shillings (TZS), USD, GBP or EUR. Gratuity suggestions: Safari Camp or City lead guide: $10 - $15 per person per day Transfer drivers (e.g. in cities or between airport and hotel/lodge): $2 per person per transfer Porter: $1 per bag Ranger or any “ancillary” guides on ad-hoc basis for a specific activity: $3 - $5 per person per activity General Camp staff (put in a central box in each camp’s main area): $7 - $10 per person per day Waitstaff in a city restaurant: 10%-15% (large group may incur automatic service charge, please check)
