When packing for an African safari, the most important thing is moderation. There is no need to go minimalist, but you also don't want to carry an abundance of unnecessary luggage across Africa with you. Travelers on safari move with their luggage in the safari vehicle throughout the tour. For the days spent in the same hotel or lodge, you will leave your bags back in your room. If you bring too much luggage, it can be an inconvenience or even a hindrance to wildlife viewing.
We have created a packing list, based on years of leading excellent safaris, to help you pack just the right items (but not too much) for your incredible African safari in Tanzania. This is a comprehensive checklist of everything you'll need for your adventure in the savannah.
Safari Guide's Note
The golden rule is simple: soft and light beats big and heavy. A soft duffel or medium suitcase is far easier to store in the safari car and in small bush aircraft than a rigid, oversized case. Everything you pack should earn its place.
Packing at a Glance
Luggage
Soft duffel, light enough to ride in the safari car
Colors
Khaki, beige, olive, and neutral tones
Warm Layer
Essential for Ngorongoro mornings at 0 degrees
Sunscreen
SPF 40 or higher, applied through the day
Medicines
Bring your own prescriptions and antimalarials
Shoes
Practical, comfortable, sturdy walking shoes
The Ultimate Safari Packing List
Remember that you will spend a great deal of time in the safari car, viewing wildlife. However, you may participate in walking safaris or cultural tours throughout your safari, so you should have practical, comfortable, and sturdy walking shoes. Please leave high heels, fashion sneakers, and platforms for other occasions.
Weather in Tanzania can vary depending on the altitude and time of day. It is wise to bring layers for added warmth, especially in the early mornings and late nights.
Safari Packing List
1-2 long-sleeved shirts
Warm sweater or light jacket (the temperature in the Ngorongoro falls to 0 degrees Celsius in the evening and in the morning)
Regular, light shirts or T-shirts (preferably 1 piece for every day of safari)
1-2 pairs of light cotton trousers
Shorts or a loose skirt, for the ladies
Swimsuit or trunks (most lodges offer a swimming pool)
A hat, for the sun (a visor or other cap is also acceptable)
Why Khaki and Neutral Colors?
Many travelers on safari wear khaki or neutral colors, and avoid bright whites or fluorescent colors. There are several reasons for this. First, you will blend in with nature better by wearing neutral tones, whether you are walking or seated in the car. Second, some areas of Tanzania are very dusty, and khaki-colored items are less likely to show discoloration from the dust of the safari than white garments.
What Medications Should You Take on Safari?
Keep in mind, every Masatu safari vehicle is stocked with a basic first-aid kit. If you have prescription medications or special needs, please come prepared with your necessary medications.
Health Kit
Antimalarial drugs (such as Malarone, Lariam)
Tablets for motion sickness, if you are susceptible
Antihistamines for allergies (Claritin, Loratadine, Azelastine), which can be difficult to purchase in Tanzania
An inhaler for asthma, as the dust may aggravate asthmatic symptoms
Any prescription medications you may require
Insect Repellent
It is also recommended to bring insect repellents. These pesky insects are only active in the early morning and evening, likely when you are already back at your accommodations for the evening. Alternatively, wearing a long-sleeved shirt can help deter mosquitoes, as well.
Sunscreen SPF 40+
Do not forget the sunscreen! The equatorial sun is strong in Tanzania, and you are likely to be at a higher elevation throughout your Tanzanian safari, especially when in Ngorongoro or the highlands. Choose a product with SPF 40 protection or higher to protect your skin.
Altitude and Cold in Ngorongoro
Ngorongoro sits at roughly 2,200 meters, so evenings and mornings there can drop to 0 degrees Celsius even on sunny days. The warm sweater or light jacket on the packing list is not optional if the crater is on your itinerary.
Other Important Tips: Food and Snacks
Most of Masatu's partner hotels and lodges provide full room and board for our guests, meaning three full meals are provided each day. However, the excitement and fresh air of a safari are known for building up quite an appetite!
Just in case, you may consider packing:
Packaged Snacks
Biscuits, chips, cookies, or other packaged snacks
Fruit
Pre-washed or dried varieties that travel well
Chocolate Bars
Quick energy between game drives
Nuts
Various mixtures of nuts for slow nibbling
Buy Fresh Along the Way
Some fruits (such as bananas), or nuts (like cashews or peanuts), may easily be purchased locally as you drive through local Tanzanian villages. A good way to travel light and taste a little of the country at the same time.
Necessary Items
Even if the weather forecast guarantees a lack of sun, don't rush to leave the protective glasses out of your bag. They will help protect your eyes from wind, dust, and small insects while you pop out of the window or through the open roof of a moving car in search of things to observe.
Leave the Binoculars at Home
First of all, you may leave your binoculars at home, every Masatu car provides a pair of binoculars for our guests' convenience. We also have charging stations in each of our vehicles, so your devices will never lose power during a safari.
Here are the items we recommend you bring:
Essential Items
Sunglasses
Bandana or handkerchief in case of dust
Adapter for electric plugs (Tanzania uses three-pronged plugs, similar to England)
Photocopies of your passport and other necessary travel documents
Camera and all photo equipment
Hand sanitizer or disinfectant
Personal hygiene items (including sunscreen and insect repellent)
Notebook and pen
Frequently Asked Questions
Plan Your Safari With Masatu Tours
Every Masatu Tours safari is led by guides who know Tanzania's parks, weather, and wildlife inside out. Tell us your travel dates and interests, and we will help you plan a safari that matches your pace and budget. Ask us anything about what to pack, where to go, and when to travel.
Explore Tanzania's Parks With Expert Guides
From the Serengeti to the Ngorongoro Crater, our safaris are designed for responsible, unforgettable wildlife viewing. Your guide handles the logistics, you just bring the bag you packed with this list.
Conclusion
Packing for a safari is not about packing everything. It is about packing the right things: comfortable neutral clothing, a warm layer for cold mornings, the medicines you depend on, sunscreen and insect repellent, and a few small essentials that make long days in the bush comfortable.
Travel light, and the safari vehicle stays roomy, the wildlife viewing stays easy, and your luggage travels with you without fuss from park to park. If you have any questions about what to pack, contact us. We are happy to assist.
Plan Your Tanzania Safari
Ready to see Tanzania's incredible wildlife for yourself? Our expert-led safaris take you to the country's finest parks with guides who know the bush like the back of their hands. Talk to a safari expert today and start planning your once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Talk to a Safari ExpertRelated Safari Guides
Ultimate Safari Packing List
A deeper look at gear, bags, and what to leave home
Safari Guides: Complete Guide
Parks, wildlife, seasons, and how guides make the difference
What I Wish I Knew Before Safari
Honest lessons from a first-time safari traveler
Tanzania Travel Tips
Practical advice for a smooth trip to Tanzania
Best Time to Visit Tanzania
When to go for the best wildlife and weather
Money in Tanzania
Cash, cards, currency, and tipping, explained
Tanzania Safari Packages
Plan your dream wildlife safari
Talk to a Safari Expert
Ask us anything about your trip
Last updated: August 11, 2026. Tips drawn from Masatu Tours' own years of leading safaris in Tanzania.
