Imagine, you’re on a Tanzania Safari across the endless Serengeti plains and you get to see a lion climbing a tree, but you can’t see clearly, so you reach for your bag and ooh no, you forgot a very important thing, Binoculars!
But the truth is, you didn’t forget to pack it; it’s just that it wasn’t on your mind or on your Serengeti Safari Packing List. How does it feel to not be able to see clearly with your own two eyes? Bad, but hey, the good thing, you’re just imagining this. It’s not real.
Lucky you, because African Scenic Safaris, your number one tour operator in the country, is here to remind you not to forget your binoculars! In this article, we will explore the essential Tanzania Safari Packing List tips, clothing, gear, health & safety items, and pro advice from African Scenic Safaris guides.
When I’m always in a Serengeti Safari, having a good camera and a hat saved our trip — small things matter big in this wild environment. You are never sure what moment might happen, so I keep my camera close for the moments that I know will be memorable, and you know to brag a little when I get back home.
Serengeti Safri Packing List
“We always recommend neutral colors like khaki and olive to blend in and keep cool. It’s important to note that army camouflage attire is strictly banned in Tanzania, so be aware to stay out of trouble, consider this.”
One of the most important items on your packing list is Clothes, here we don’t mean the whole wardrobe, but a few little pieces that perhaps with our guidance could make a Safari Statement!
The main objective of including clothes on your Tanzania Safari Packing List is comfort; you don’t want to regret not carrying suitable clothes and colors just because you weren’t aware of it. That’s why we have prepared these tips just for you.
You should include lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton or moisture-wicking materials.
Add some neutral colors such as khaki, beige, and olive since they help you blend with the surrounding environment, important for wildlife viewing and also for your safety.
So, make sure you pack accordingly if you want to enjoy the moment. Don’t forget to carry long-sleeve shirts and pants since they will cover you against UV rays, mosquitoes, and other insects when you’re in the wilderness, especially at nighttime.
For more comfort, you can layer your outfits to help you adapt to different weather conditions. Wear a breathable base layer, add a long-sleeved shirt, and top it off with a lightweight jacket or fleece. This approach ensures you’re prepared for cool mornings, hot afternoons, and chilly evenings.
Seasonal Packing Tips
There are two seasons that take place during a Safari In Tanzania, the Wet and Dry seasons.
The Dry Season occurs from June to October, and you’ll experience very cool, dry weather. Vegetation is less dense, and in most areas the temperature is low during this season.
In this season, you must carry lightweight clothes, easy-breathing fabrics such as cotton shorts and T-shirts, since the weather is cool.
In Tanzania, the wet season runs from November to May. At this time, there’s hot weather and humidity, and we also have frequent short rains “vuli”.
If you’re planning to visit during this season, it’s better if you carry some raincoats and boots, long-sleeved pants and shirts, and jackets to protect from the chilly weather.
After knowing the season, you should be very mindful of what you pack depending on the season you’re planning to visit the Serengeti National Park.
Gear & Accessories You Shouldn’t Forget
What’s a Serengeti Safari Tour without a camera or a pair of binoculars? It won’t be as good as you think it will. You need to include different gears and accessories that you might find useful during your Tanzania Safaris.
Binoculars for viewing wildlife far away in the natural habitat
A good quality Camera with zoom capabilities to capture beautiful safari moments along the way.
Spare camera batteries in case your camera runs out of power
A power bank or portable charger to ensure that your electronic gadgets are charged.
A reusable water bottle for storing drinking water, especially when it is the dry season
Memory cards for extra storage space.
Serengeti Safari Packing List
One of the most important pieces of gear is a pair of binoculars. We recommend having them because just imagine the wildlife action passing you by just because you can’t see what is happening from afar.
Looking for a place to stay during your Serengeti safari and wondering if your budget would fit? Here is our Top 10 Serengeti Safari Lodges for Every Budget.
Health and Safety: What you need to have
During your Tanzania Safari Tours, any medical complications can arise at any time; it’s not a guarantee that you won’t face problems 100% but the good news is that you can prevent and avoid these complications.
A basic First Aid kit is very important to have; it can be useful to you or your fellow explorers during your safari adventure. Your Kit can include items like.
Bandages for small cuts and wounds
Antiseptics for cleaning wounds
Analgesics
Motion sickness tablets when feeling nauseous
And other prescription medications
Having a first aid kit will get you covered and give you peace of mind during your Tanzania Tours And Safaris.
“Words can’t begin to describe the wonderful trip we had. Our guide for the week, Manny, was the best, friendliest, most knowledgeable tour guide we have ever had. You could tell how respected he was among the other guides, as the other guides were constantly asking where to go to see animals. We not only saw the big 5, but babies of all of them as well. Manny knew every animal, every bird, every question we asked. Great time of year to visit; rain was generally just at night if at all, mosquitoes were almost nonexistent, and less crowded, so we could get up close to many animals. Great family trip!!”
Other items you must have include:
Sunscreen with high SPF for UV protection, during the dry season, the sun goes wild.
Insect repellent containing DEET to use against mosquito bites and bug when you’re in the wildness
Polarized Sunglasses that protect you from UV rays
Personal hygiene and toilet products such as tissue paper, bar soap, shower gel, and toothpaste.
Hand sanitizer and wet wipes to keep yourselves clean
You need to make sure your travel documents when including those for the Tanzania Safari Tourand other tech documents, are in order so that you won’t get in trouble and be delayed at your’re heading to.
Tanzania Travel Documents
We advise keeping copies of documents in both print and digital format. In our advanced technological age, you need to learn and know how to store documents digitally because physical copies sometimes can get damaged or lost.
A valid passport at least 6 months valid since registration. You can visit the Tanzania Immigration Portalto get more information on the guidelines and requirements.
Carry your travel insurance, and this will help you cover any emergency costs during the safari.
Ensure you have copies, either digital or photocopies, of crucial documents, and keep them securely. Nowadays, we have cloud storage backup if you don’t want to move with physical documents.
Carry any required vaccination certificates and medical prescriptions, such as a COVID-19 certificate.
Have cash, credit cards, and smaller denominations for tipping and local purchases since the cash system is widely used in Tanzania.
Don’t forget your power adapters, especially Type D and G plugs, since they are mostly used in the country. Phone chargers and navigation apps will be useful too
For Serengeti Safari Tours to go as you planned, you need to park smartly. If you will face strict luggage restrictions on flights, then you need some tips from our approved Tanzania Safari Expert.
Avoid folding clothes, roll them to save space, reduce wrinkles, and they can fit in any bag.
Use zip-lock bags for dust & rain protection, to protect your electronic devices, important documents, and, if you have clothes that can easily get stained.
It’s important to note that there’s a weight restriction on bush flights of not more than 15kg per luggage per person.
A lot of tourists usually get surprised when they come to learn on spot that the luggage restriction is 15 kg, don’t be among those who will be surprised, pack accordingly and take only essential items you need.
You can carry a small backpack to keep your day-to-day items, such as maps, water, and a camera, during your Safari Tours In Tanzania.
Don’t forget to carry comfortable shoes because, trust me, carrying the wrong pair of shoes can ruin your safari mood.
Forgetting your safari essentials will make your Tanzania Safariuncomfortable, you won’t enjoy the adventure, The Moment! Through this article, we believe you’ve got an idea of what you need to include on the Serengeti Safari Packing List because packing right means more convenience, it’s your ticket to a stress-free Serengeti adventure.
Tanzania Safari Packing List
By looking at the available Serengeti Safari Packages and choosing the best one for you will be able to pack smart and pack right with African Scenic Safaris for the best Serengeti safari Adventure!
