Saskia Are you planning a trip to Tanzania? Whether you’re setting off on a safari adventure, heading to the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar, or climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, knowing what to pack for Tanzania is essential for a comfortable and safe journey. In this guide, I will walk you through everything you need to bring for your Tanzanian adventure. From clothing essentials to health and safety items, here are my personal recommendations.
As a general matter, especially if you are visiting from a different continent, keep in mind that Tanzania is a very different country, with – probably – a lower level of development than yours. The stores and brands you are used to at home are most likely not available. So if you have certain favorites, for example toiletries, cosmetics, or snacks, consider bringing them with you.
Now let’s dive into travel essentials.
Essential Travel Documents and Items
Before you dive into packing your clothes and gear, make sure you have all your important travel documents and essentials sorted:
- Passport: Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date.
- Visa: Check if you need a tourist visa for Tanzania. Many nationalities can obtain an eVisa before traveling, while others can get a visa on arrival.
- Travel Insurance: Don’t forget to get travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage.
- Flight Tickets and Itinerary: Keep a copy of your flight tickets and travel itinerary on hand.
- Photocopies: Make copies of your passport, visa, and travel documents to keep in a safe place in case of loss or theft.
For everything on visas and how to request them, see Tanzania Visa Requirements and Entry Regulations: Everything You Need to Know (including Zanzibar) in 2026.
Packing Basics
Depending on how many different things you will be doing, and how long you travel for, it can be challenging to fit everything into your luggage. Enquire with your safari company before traveling how much luggage you can take in the safari vehicle and/or whether your large suitcase can be stored somewhere safely.
For traveling larger distances, like between Serengeti and Arusha, you may take a small local plane. These have stricter weight limits and may only accept soft-sided luggage. It’s worth checking this before leaving home!
It helps that lodges/camps are often able to do laundry for you (enquire beforehand!). But in any event: pack economically. Some tips for that:
- In case you plan on taking small local planes, you will probably need soft-sided luggage, like a duffel. This extendable duffel bag with wheels is particularly handy.
- Packing cubes are essential for efficient use of your luggage.
- Daypack: A small backpack for carrying water, snacks, camera gear, and sunscreen during your daily safari excursions while your large luggage remains elsewhere. This lightweight travel daypack will be convenient for your whole trip, while this rugged classic fits in perfectly with the safari aesthetic.
Clothing for Tanzania’s Climate
Tanzania has a variety of climates, from the hot and humid coastal areas to the cooler highlands. The weather can vary dramatically, so packing the right clothes is key. Here’s what to bring depending on your activities:
Safari Clothing
On safari, you’ll want to wear lightweight, breathable clothing that’s also practical and comfortable. It’s important to avoid dark colours because these attract tse tse flies, and they have a nasty sting! White or delicate clothing is not a good idea either, because you will get quite dusty, and stains could be challenging to remove.
- Neutral-colored clothing: Opt for khaki, olive, and light brown clothes – these blend in with the surroundings and don’t attract insects. For example this cute shirt or this suit for women, and this shirt for men.
- Light, breathable fabrics: Cotton or linen pants and shirts are perfect for hot weather during the day.
- Sturdy footwear: If you’ll be doing a walking safari, wear comfortable walking shoes. But on most safaris you’re seated inside the car most of the time, so you just need light shoes for the hot weather. Boots may get too hot. I personally prefer closed shoes as it feels just a little more protected against insects, dust and mud.
- Sun protection: A wide-brimmed hat or one with a neck flap, sunglasses, and sunscreen (SPF 30+) are essential to protect yourself from the sun.
- Light jacket or sweater: Early mornings and evenings can be surprisingly chilly on safaris, so bring a light jacket for cooler temperatures, such as this one for men or this one for women.
- Sports bra: my fellow ladies, a safari gets bumpy. All day. Trust me on this one.
Zanzibar and Beach Clothing
If you plan to spend time at the beach in Zanzibar, you’ll need some specific items:
- Swimwear: Pack a swimsuit for swimming and sunbathing.
- Cover-up: A lightweight sarong or easy beach cover-up for walking around the beach or visiting cafes.
- Comfortable clothing: Loose, breathable clothing to keep cool while exploring the beaches and streets.
- Flip-flops or sandals: Ideal for the beach or casual outings.
Mount Kilimanjaro Gear
If you’re climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, you’ll need extra layers for varying weather conditions at different altitudes:
- Trekking boots: Waterproof, sturdy boots are essential for the rugged terrain.
- Thermal clothing: Pack layers of thermal shirts and pants, as it can get quite cold at higher altitudes, especially at night.
- Waterproof jacket: A high-quality waterproof and windproof jacket will protect you from the elements.
- Hat, gloves, and scarf: For the colder temperatures at higher elevations.
Health and Safety Essentials
Tanzania is generally a safe destination, but you should be prepared for specific health and safety challenges. While some of these items can be bought in Tanzania, they are much less widely available and the quality is often not the same, for example insect repellent may not contain (much) DEET.
Here’s what you need to stay healthy during your trip:
- Insect Repellent: Tanzanian safaris and rural areas can have a high number of mosquitoes. Bring a strong DEET-based repellent to protect yourself from bites.
- Sunscreen: High SPF sunscreen (30+) is crucial due to the strong sun, especially if you’re spending time outdoors during the day. If you’re going to the beach as well, consider bringing a reef safe sunscreen.
- First-Aid Kit: Pack a basic first-aid kit with medications like pain relievers, band-aids, anti-diarrhea tablets, and prescription medications.
- Malaria Medication: If you plan to visit malaria-prone areas, consult with a doctor about bringing anti-malaria pills.
- Hand Sanitizer: Carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer to stay clean when water isn’t available.
- Water Purification Tablets: In remote areas, water purification tablets or a portable water filter might be useful.
Safari and Wildlife Viewing Gear
A safari in Tanzania is one of the best ways to see incredible wildlife. Here’s the gear you’ll need to optimize your experience:
- Binoculars: A good pair of binoculars is essential for spotting wildlife at a distance during your safari. These extra compact ones are great if you don’t have much space left in your luggage.
- Camera: Bring a camera with extra memory cards to capture Tanzania’s breathtaking landscapes and wildlife. A zoom lens is recommended for wildlife shots. This one has superzoom especially for travel and wildlife photography. This mid-priced Canon also has very good ratings, and you could also get a specialized trail/game camera for nighttime wildlife spotting.
- Notebook or journal and pen: For jotting down notes or documenting your safari adventures.
- Safari field guide book: Want to be able to instantly look up all safari information you might need, and record your memories too? Then this guide is perfect for you.
Electronics and Gadgets
Tanzania’s off the grid bush experiences can be very enjoyable, but some modern devices make your stay so much more enjoyable. Here’s what I recommend:
- Power Bank: A portable charger is essential for long days on safari or in remote areas where electricity may be unreliable.
- Travel Adapter: Tanzania uses Type D and Type G electrical outlets, so bring the right adapter to charge your devices.
- Smartphone: Consider getting a local SIM card for affordable mobile data and communication while traveling.
- Camera and Accessories: Don’t forget extra batteries, chargers, and memory cards.
- Portable fan: a life saver during those hot long safari rides, this rechargeable one lasts up to 18 hours.
- Rechargeable lamp: Tanzania frequently has power cuts. Most upscale lodges have a generator, but not all. To avoid finding yourself in the dark, you could bring a small rechargeable camping lantern, like this practical one.
Snacks and Water
Long days of sightseeing, safaris, and trekking can work up an appetite. Here’s how to keep your energy up:
- Energy Bars and Snacks: Pack your favorite protein bars, nuts, and trail mix for quick energy during safaris or treks. Keep in mind that many things are not as readily available as you may be used to at home. But if you’re into cashews, these are easy to find everywhere in Tanzania, even small shops on the way to your safari.
- Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is crucial, especially during safari or hiking. A reusable water bottle is a great eco-friendly option.
- Pro tip: Electrolyte Powders, for replenishing electrolytes during hot days on safari or in the mountains.
Miscellaneous Items
A few additional items to make your trip more enjoyable and organized:
- Travel Pillow: For comfort during long flights or bus journeys.
- Ziploc Bags: Perfect for keeping electronics safe from sand, dust, and water.
- Handkerchiefs or wet wipes: Useful for cleaning your hands or face after a long day of travel. It gets dusty!
- Travel Locks: Use locks for your luggage or daypack for extra security.
- Quick-dry towel: A lightweight quick-dry towel can come in handy on safari, at the beach, or when staying in simple accommodations that don’t provide towels.
- In case you have to go to the bathroom while on safari or a hike, and there isn’t any available: toilet paper or wet wipes, and a SaniGirl disposable pee funnel, as well as a ziploc bag to take trash with you.
- Aeropress: If you are a coffee lover like me, I strongly recommend bringing this with you. Tanzania does not really have a coffee culture, and the coffee there tastes quite different from other parts of the world. My personal favorite that I bring wherever I travel is the aeropress, because it is the easiest way to prepare great coffee on the go. Don’t forget to bring filters and your favorite coffee.
Conclusion
With the right preparation and packing, your trip to Tanzania will be a smooth and unforgettable adventure. From safaris in the Serengeti to relaxing on Zanzibar’s beaches, this list of essentials ensures you’ll be well-equipped for all the amazing experiences Tanzania has to offer.
For more of my personal pro tips for items to bring, or books to read, check out my favorites here.
This page contains links through which I may earn a commission, at no additional cost to you.
Related Tanzania Travel guides:
