Packing for your first safari can feel overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re headed for a luxury lodge or a budget camping trip, what you pack can make or break your experience. To help you prepare, we’ve put together a practical packing guide on What to Bring for Your African Adventure – to ensure you’re ready for every moment of your safari in Tanzania.
🧳 Choosing the Right Travel Bag
Your choice of luggage depends on your safari style:
- Duffel Bag (Recommended for Group or Camping Safaris): Lightweight and easy to store in safari vehicles with limited space.
- Travel Backpack (Great for Budget Travelers): Offers hands-free mobility and is ideal for rougher, more flexible trips.
- Rolling Luggage (For Private/Luxury Safaris): Convenient for lodge-based safaris, but not suitable for camping or fly-in safaris with strict weight limits (usually 20kg).
- Daypack or Small Backpack: Always useful for keeping essentials with you during game drives.
👕 Safari Clothing Essentials
- Warm Sweater or Jacket: Early mornings and evenings, especially in Ngorongoro, can be chilly (as low as 6°C).
- Comfortable Shoes or Boots: Essential for walking safaris and protection against dust, sun, and insect bites.
- Convertible Safari Trousers: Long trousers protect against sun and bugs. Zip-off styles offer versatility for changing weather.
- Long Sleeve Shirts: Ideal for sun protection and evening wear at lodges.
- Hat & Sunglasses: Sun exposure is intense during game drives — proper head and eye protection is a must.
🔺 Avoid black and dark blue clothing — they attract tsetse flies. Also, skip white outfits during the dry season as dust will quickly ruin the look.
🧼 Toiletries & Hygiene Kit
- Wet Wipes & Body Wipes: Essential for dusty roads and a must for campers with limited facilities.
- Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Floss: Often not provided in camps; pack your own if you’re on a budget safari.
- Sunscreen & Insect Repellent: Protect yourself from both sunburn and insect bites.
- Tissues & Toilet Paper: Lodges may supply this, but always have a backup for public restrooms.
- Travel Towel & Shower Essentials: Bring your own if camping; lodges generally provide them.
- Hand Sanitizer & Slippers: Especially important for shared bathrooms in public campsites.
📄 Travel Documents to Pack
- Passport & Visa: Ensure your passport is valid and check visa requirements in advance (online application available).
- Travel Insurance: We recommend full coverage, even though we provide flying doctor coverage for emergencies.
- Health Certificates: Vaccination records may be required (check CDC Travel Health).
💵 Money Matters
ATMs are rare in the bush, so bring enough cash from the city. Credit cards may work at lodges, but you’ll need cash for tips, souvenir shopping, and village visits.
⚕️ Health & Safety Essentials
- Insect Repellent (DEET-based recommended): Prevent mosquito and tsetse fly bites.
- Health Insurance & Vaccinations: Check vaccination needs months in advance.
- Basic First Aid Items: Painkillers, allergy meds, and any prescriptions should be packed.
📷 Tech & Gear
- Camera & Accessories: A DSLR or compact with a zoom lens is great for wildlife photography. Don’t forget spare batteries and memory cards.
- Binoculars: Essential for close-up views of wildlife — even a compact pair will do.
- Power Adapters & Converters: Tanzania uses UK-style Type G plugs.
- Flashlight or Headlamp: Camps can be dark at night; don’t rely on phone flashlights alone.
📚 Comfort & Entertainment
- Safari Field Guides: Learn about the wildlife you’re seeing — your guide will appreciate your curiosity!
- A Good Book or Kindle: For downtime during transfers or evenings at camp.
- Travel Pillow & Extra Blanket: Perfect for long drives or chilly nights in the bush.
🚫 What Not to Bring
- Plastic Bags: Tanzania has banned polythene for environmental reasons — use reusable, transparent toiletry bags instead.
- Drones: Not allowed in any Tanzanian or East African national park without special permits.
✅ Ready to Go?
We hope this guide makes packing for your safari easier and more exciting. If you have any questions or need help customizing your safari experience, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to help you explore Tanzania in comfort, safety, and style.
📧 Email: info@lekobeadventures.com
🌍 Website: www.lekobeadventures.com
