Written by
Don KasimFounder, Magical Tanzania · 48 years guiding Tanzania
Updated June 2026·9 min read
Pack for the Experience, Not the Climate
Tanzania safari packing is simpler than most people expect. The key principle is layers — temperatures range from 5°C at a Ngorongoro Crater rim dawn to 30°C at midday in the Serengeti lowlands. Beyond that: neutral colours, dust protection, and the essentials below. If you forget something, Arusha has pharmacies and outdoor shops. If you bring too much, you will be hauling bags on and off light aircraft.
The Essentials
What to Pack — By Category
Clothing
Documents & Money
Health & Medical
Safari Equipment
Toiletries
Season-Specific Additions
What to Add for Dry vs Green Season
June – October (Dry Season)
- +Warmer layers for early mornings (temperatures can drop to 5°C at dawn)
- +Lip balm with SPF (dry season lips crack easily)
- +Extra moisturiser
- +Light-coloured, breathable clothing
November – May (Green Season)
- +Waterproof jacket (afternoon storms are heavy)
- +Waterproof bags for camera gear
- +Quick-dry clothing
- +Rubber boots or waterproof shoes (for some green season routes)
- +Umbrella (some guides carry these — surprisingly useful)
- +Extra socks (wet feet after rain)
Equally Important
What to Leave Behind
These items either do not belong on safari, create problems, or simply are not needed.
- ✗White or bright clothing — you will stand out to wildlife and attract tsetse flies
- ✗Heavy bulky clothing — pack light, laundry is available at most camps
- ✗Expensive jewellery — there is nowhere to wear it and the bush is hard on accessories
- ✗Aerosol insect repellent — cannot be used in confined safari vehicles
- ✗Plastic water bottles (bring a reusable bottle — filtered water is provided)
- ✗Safari pants with cargo pockets on the back — not necessary, adds bulk
- ✗A full wardrobe — you will not need it and it takes up luggage space
Pre-Trip Essentials
Plan Beyond the Packing List
Safari Vehicles Have Limited Packing Space
Most safari vehicles have a large luggage compartment beneath the seating area. However, space is shared among all passengers. We recommend a maximum of one large soft bag (15-20kg) per person, plus a small daypack for items you want during the drive. Hard-shell suitcases cannot be used on safari — they do not fit in the vehicle luggage bays. Your lodge or camp also has storage space if you bring more than you need for the game drives themselves.
Light aircraft flights (used for some park transfers) have a strict 15kg baggage limit per person in soft bags. We will advise you on luggage restrictions for any internal flights in your itinerary.
Start Planning Your Safari Packing List
Personal itinerary, zero obligation — just ask Don.