You need less than you think. Laundry is available at many lodges, and you will spend your days in a vehicle wearing much the same comfortable clothes. Here is a practical checklist.
Clothing
- Neutral colours such as khaki, olive and beige
- Layers for cool mornings and warm afternoons
- A warm fleece or jacket for early game drives, and for Ngorongoro, where it can be cold
- A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
- Comfortable closed-toe shoes
- Long sleeves and trousers for the evening, to help with mosquitoes
- Swimwear, if your lodge has a pool or you are heading to Zanzibar
Gear
- Binoculars
- A camera with a zoom lens, spare batteries and memory cards
- A headlamp or flashlight, especially when camping
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+) and lip balm
- Insect repellent with DEET
- A reusable water bottle
- A charging cable and a power bank
- A universal plug adapter
Documents
- A passport valid for at least six months, with blank pages
- Your visa or visa documents (read our visa guide)
- Travel insurance details
- A yellow fever certificate, if your route requires one
- Printed copies of your bookings
Luggage
Pack in a soft-sided duffel bag. Bush planes have strict luggage limits, usually 15 to 20 kg, and small aircraft can't take hard suitcases. If you're flying to Zanzibar or the northern Serengeti, ask us what the limit is for your flight.
What not to bring
- Plastic bags. Tanzania has banned single-use plastic carrier bags, and bags may be checked on arrival. Don't pack your shoes or toiletries in them.
- Dark blue and black clothes. They can attract tsetse flies in some areas.
- Bright white clothing. It shows the dust straight away.
- Camouflage. Avoid military-style clothing.
Camping safari extras
On our camping safaris, your tent, mattress and sleeping bag are provided. A warm hat, a thin sleeping-bag liner and a small towel are all useful additions.
