Tanzania Plug Types and Electricity
The one practical detail most travellers overlook until they land — and then spend their first hour in Arusha hunting an adapter.
Plan My SafariType G (BS 1363)
Tanzania, UK, Ireland, Singapore
Type G — British BS 1363
Three rectangular prongs · 230V · 50Hz
Type C — European CEE 7/16
Two round prongs · Some camps accept at low-power outlets
What You Actually Need to Bring
Type G universal travel adapter
Your home plug will not fit Tanzania sockets without this. Get one with at least 2 USB-A ports and 1 USB-C PD.
6-plug power strip
One outlet, six devices. Most camps have limited outlets. A compact power strip (travel size, 1.5m cord) is the single most useful thing in your kit.
20,000mAh+ power bank
For in-field charging of phone, camera, and any other device. A full charge keeps most phones going for 3–4 days.
Car USB charger
12V socket to USB-A and USB-C. Charges devices during long drives between parks. Many safari vehicles have USB ports too — but a car charger is reliable backup.
Electricity by Accommodation Type
What to expect from your safari accommodation
Luxury camps and lodges
24-hour 230V electricityWall outlets in tent bedrooms, en-suite bathrooms. USB-A/C ports increasingly common. High-end ultra-luxury properties often have generators or solar with full UPS backup.
Mid-range tented camps
12–16 hours per daySolar or generator power, typically available from early evening through the night and morning. Charging stations in main tent or at reception. You will need to plan charging — do it before dinner.
Budget safari camps
2–6 hours per dayGenerator runs for brief periods. Shared charging areas. Do not rely on this for medical devices or essential electronics. Bring multiple power banks and charge everything at every opportunity.
Camping (public campsites)
No electricityNational park campsites have zero electricity. Charge before you arrive. A 20,000mAh+ power bank is mandatory. Some operators provide a small solar panel or generator for emergency phone charging — ask your operator.
Check Your Devices Before You Leave Home
Most modern devices (phones, laptops, cameras, tablets) are dual-voltage:INPUT 100–240V. These work in Tanzania with just an adapter. Older devices — some hair dryers, straighteners, and non-travel appliances — may be 220–240V only. For these, you need a voltage converter, not just an adapter.
Look for this on your device or charger:
INPUT 100–240V ~ 50/60Hz= Dual voltage — adapter only needed. You are fine.
INPUT 220–240V ~ 50Hz= Single voltage — adapter + voltage converter needed. Leave this device at home.
Staying Charged on Safari Drives
In the safari vehicle
Many operators' vehicles have USB-A ports powered from the vehicle's 12V supply. This is useful for maintaining charge on phones and tablets during long drives. It is not reliable for camera battery charging — the ports are often low-amp and the draw from navigation and photography drains batteries faster.
At your lodge or camp
Charge everything overnight. This is the most reliable window. Set a nightly habit: camera batteries, phone, power bank, and any other device — all on the power strip before you go to dinner. You will never have anxiety about a dead battery.
Power bank strategy
A 20,000mAh power bank at full charge will keep a smartphone running for 4–6 full charges. For cameras, it depends on the model — mirrorless batteries (Sony NP-FZ100, Canon LP-E6NH) get 2–3 full charges from a 20,000mAh bank. Charge the power bank each night from the camp supply.
Quick Reference — By Country of Origin
| From | Plug adapter needed | Voltage compatible |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | No — Type G is yours | Yes |
| Europe (Schuko) | Yes — Type G adapter | Yes (dual-voltage devices) |
| USA / Canada | Yes — Type G adapter | Yes (dual-voltage devices) |
| Australia / NZ | Yes — Type G adapter | Yes (dual-voltage devices) |
| South Africa | Maybe — Some use Type M, adapter recommended | Yes (dual-voltage devices) |
| India | Sometimes — Type D/M in use, adapter recommended | Usually yes |
| Japan | Yes — Type G adapter | Check device — many are 100V only, needs converter |
Frequently Asked Questions
What plug type does Tanzania use?
Tanzania uses Type G British-style plugs (BS 1363) — the same as the UK, Ireland, Malta, Malaysia, and Singapore. These have three rectangular prongs in a triangular pattern. If you are coming from Europe, North America, or Australia, you will need an adapter. Some camps also accept Type C European two-pin plugs at lower-power outlets.
What voltage does Tanzania use?
Tanzania uses 230V/50Hz electricity — the same standard as most of Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australasia. If your device is dual-voltage (most modern electronics are), you only need an adapter. Check your charger: if it says 'INPUT 100-240V' it works worldwide. If it says 'INPUT 220-240V' only, you need a voltage converter.
Can I charge my camera batteries on safari?
Yes — at your accommodation. Most safari camps and lodges have charging stations in tents or a central area. High-end camps provide 230V outlets in tent bedrooms. Budget camps may have a shared charging area. The key is: charge everything overnight. Do not expect to charge mid-game drive. Bring a power bank with at least 20,000mAh for your camera and phone.
Should I bring a universal adapter?
Yes. A good universal travel adapter with Type G compatibility is the single most useful thing you can pack for Tanzania. Look for one with at least 2 USB-A ports and ideally 1 USB-C PD (Power Delivery) port. The USB-C PD is useful for fast-charging modern phones and laptops. A compact GaN adapter is preferable to older bulkier models because it handles voltage better and runs cooler.
Do safari camps have electricity?
Most luxury and mid-range camps have 24-hour electricity — the better camps treat this as standard. Some semi-permanent camps and budget safari accommodation operate on solar with limited evening hours. Before you book, ask about electricity access. If you are on a multi-day camping safari, there is typically no charging facility — a large power bank is essential.
Can I use my European charger in Tanzania without an adapter?
No — the plug shape is different. European Type C plugs (two round pins) will not fit Tanzania Type G sockets without an adapter. Even if the plug fits loosely in a Type C-compatible socket, it is not safe and the connection will be unreliable. Always use the correct adapter.
What should I pack for charging on a Tanzania safari?
Pack: a Type G universal travel adapter (2 USB-A + 1 USB-C minimum), a 6-plug power strip so you can charge multiple devices from one outlet, a 20,000mAh+ power bank, and a car charger USB adapter for in-vehicle charging on long drives. If you use a CPAP machine or other medical device, bring a battery backup — power can be inconsistent even at high-end camps.
Are there USB charging ports directly in Tanzania?
Some modern camps and lodges have started installing USB-A and USB-C ports directly in the wall sockets or beside beds. This does not eliminate the need for an adapter — the ports are typically secondary to the main socket and may be low-amp (slow charging). Always bring your primary adapter and treat USB ports as backup.
Ready to Pack for Tanzania?
We send all clients a detailed packing checklist before their safari. Ask us about what to bring for your specific itinerary.