Tanzania Safari Packing List — what do you bring?
After hundreds of safaris I still see guests arriving with the wrong clothes, overheavy suitcases and missing items. This list is what I would bring myself — honest, without exaggeration.
Clothing: the basic rules
Colour is everything. Choose khaki, beige, olive green, light brown. Avoid blue (attracts tsetse flies), red (disturbs animals) and white (turns red-brown with dust within a day). Layering works best: mornings are cold (10–15°C in the Serengeti), afternoons hot (28–33°C).
Essential: 2–3 long trousers (protects against mosquitoes and sun), 3–4 light long-sleeved shirts, a fleece or light jacket for early mornings, a cap or baseball hat, comfortable closed-toe shoes, sandals for camp.
Camera and photography essentials
The most frequently asked question: which camera? My honest answer: the one you already have. A modern smartphone takes excellent safari photos. A DSLR with a 200–400mm lens gives more reach for river crossings and leopards in trees. But an overly heavy camera bag spoils the experience.
Always bring: spare batteries (no chargers in the bush), a large capacity memory card, a lens cleaning cloth (dust is everywhere), a beanbag for camera support on the vehicle.
Sun protection and mosquitoes
Tanzania is at altitude — UV radiation is higher than you are used to. Factor 50, no discussion. A wide-brimmed sun hat is not optional but essential.
Mosquito spray: DEET 30–50% is effective. Always spray in the evening before sunset. Malaria tablets: discuss with your GP — there are different options. We always recommend Malarone or Doxycycline for Tanzania.
Medicines you always bring
Anti-diarrhoea medicine (Imodium), pain relief, antihistamine (for insect bites or allergy), antiseptic cream, plasters in various sizes, travel insurance with medical evacuation cover (compulsory at Simba Tours).
What you leave at home
High heels (useless in the bush), perfume and aftershave (disturbs animals and attracts insects), bright colours, cashmere or dry-clean clothing (the dust is brutal), valuable jewellery (not needed, risk).
Handy extras you don't expect
A torch or headlamp (essential at night in camp), a small day-pack for game drives (water, camera, sunscreen), microfibre travel towels (quick-dry for outdoor showers), an empty 1-litre water bottle (we refill it in the vehicle).
The golden rule
Less luggage is always better on safari. Flights within Tanzania have strict weight limits (15 kg per person on small aircraft). Roll your clothes instead of folding — more fits in less space. And never forget: the most beautiful thing you take home from Tanzania doesn't fit in a suitcase anyway.