Packing List For Tanzania Safari
What to Pack for a Serengeti or Tanzania Safari
This packing list is a simple guide for what to bring on your Tanzania safari. Pack light and use layers because local airlines have a 15-kilo luggage limit per person, including carry-on bags. Soft-sided bags or foldable duffel bags are best.
Your packing list should include these basics: clothes for safaris, shoes, a hat, sun protection, insect repellent, important medicine, and cameras or photography equipment.
Don’t forget your travel documents. Before your safari, check for your passport, health cards (vaccination certificates if needed), airline tickets, credit cards, and insurance papers. Make sure all documents are up-to-date. Your passport should have at least 2 blank pages and be valid for six months from the date you leave Tanzania.
- Note: Tanzania aims to eliminate plastic bag usage for environmental reasons and these have been banned and their use is illegal.
Highlights
- Tracking chimpanzee
- Snorkeling
- Camping safaris.
- Fantastic destination for bird watchers
- Hiking up Mount Nkungwe.
- Forest walks.
For Entry into Tanzania
Passport
Your passport must have at least six months of validity from the date of entry. Additionally, Tanzania requires that there should be a minimum of one blank page in your passport for a visa stamp upon arrival.
Visa
Most travelers visiting Tanzania require a visa for entry. You can determine your eligibility and apply for an e-visa by visiting the official website. The standard cost for a visa is $50 USD and processing time is around 2 weeks.
Travel insurance
Insurance is not a requirement to enter Tanzania, but in my opinion, travel insurance is a must – especially when going on safari. It provides peace of mind, covering unforeseen circumstances such as health emergencies, accidents, and loss of belongings.
Yellow Fever Vaccine*
Travelers aged 1 year and older arriving from countries at risk for yellow fever virus transmission must provide proof of yellow fever vaccination. This requirement also applies to layovers exceeding 12 hours in countries with a risk of yellow fever virus transmission. If you’re considering a layover in Addis Ababa or another place with yellow fever risk, keep this in mind.
Travel tip
Store your important paperwork securely in a waterproof and sealable bag to protect them from humidity and unexpected downpours. It’s also a good idea to make scanned copies of essential documents and store them in a separate location from the originals. This ensures a backup in case of loss or theft.
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Everyday Essentials for a Tanzania Safari
Medicine
Malaria pills and up-to-date vaccines are important preventive measures to protect against potential health risks during the trip. Visit your doctor or a travel clinic a month or two before your trip to make sure you have everything you need. We took Malarone (anti-malarial) and neither of us had any serious side effects.
Don’t forget any other medications you may need – daily medicines, anti-diarrhea/nausea, paracetamol or ibuprofen, and oral rehydration salts.
Cash
You’ll likely have prepaid for your safari with a credit card or a bank transfer, but don’t forget to bring cash to tip your safari guide. A general rule of thumb is around $10 USD per person per day. So, if you’re a couple on a 5-day safari, you’d want to tip at least $100 USD to the safari guide at the end of the trip.
Currency
Be prepared with both cards and cash when traveling. You can use US dollars dated after 2006 in most major places in Tanzania. Also, have some Tanzanian shillings for smaller establishments.
Insect repellent
Given the prevalence of mosquitoes in safari areas, it’s crucial to use effective mosquito repellent. Applying and reapplying repellent is vital in preventing diseases such as malaria and dengue fever. For protection on our safari, we took malaria pills and used Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion, which is my favorite repellent as it has worked effectively for me in every country I’ve visited. This is one of the most important things on your Tanzania safari packing list!
Good quality binoculars
Binoculars are a must-have for a Tanzania safari, enhancing the wildlife viewing experience and allowing for close-up observation of distant animals. Investing in high-quality binoculars ensures clear and detailed views. Your guide will usually have a pair that you can borrow, but it’s ideal for each person to have their own pair of binoculars.
Sunglasses
The bright and often glaring outdoor conditions in Tanzania make sunglasses a crucial accessory. Bring your polarized pair for more protection!
What to Wear on a Tanzania Safari
When venturing into the natural habitats of Tanzania, the goal is to observe wildlife in their natural state without causing any disturbance. Opt for neutral, earthy tones like beige, army green, brown, or khaki, that help you to blend into the environment.
AVOID wearing dark colors like blue and black. These colors attract Tsetse flies and other insects.
Cargo pants – Green or khaki
When it comes to safari activities, cargo pants are a practical and comfortable choice. Their numerous pockets provide convenient storage for essentials, making it easier to keep everything organized while on the move. Additionally, their durable fabric makes them well-suited for the rugged terrain often encountered during a Tanzania safari.
A light jacket
While the days might be warm, the evenings and early mornings can bring about considerably lower temperatures, making a light jacket essential for comfort and well-being.
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Read real stories from people who have traveled with Seko Tours Adventures. Our travelers talk about their unforgettable Tanzanian safari trips and explain why traveling with us is special and life-changing.
