We are often asked a very important question: “What should I pack to bring on a safari?”. Here is a helpful packing list:
Main bag: we recommend a duffel bag or a soft-sided wheelie bag (No hard suitcases) (note: on internal flights, baggage allowance is 15 Kg per passenger).
Carry-on shoulder bag: Important documents (i.e. passport, vaccination certificates, etc.), medications, camera, binoculars, change of clothing, photocopies of all important documents should be in the carry-on bag.
As no formal clothes are needed, we recommend that you keep your luggage to the basics for your Tanzanian holiday. Whilst on safari bright and contrasting colours (black & white) are NOT advised. Try and ensure your clothes are of a neutral colour such khaki, beige or green. Dark colours are not a good idea especially if you are going to be out in the sun, as they absorb the heat. Tsetse flies love colours like blue or black. A suggested clothing list is attached for your African travel information.
Safari clothes and packing should focus on casual, practical items. There is no need for high fashion, expensive jewellery, purses/handbags or bright colours. Laundry services are readily available and it is important to remember that there are luggage weight restrictions. Here is the essential safari packing list:
- Good quality sunglasses
Preferably polarised, tinted fashion glasses are not good in strong light. If you wear contact lenses, we recommend that you bring along a pair of glasses in case you get irritation from the dust.
- Safari hat
The sun is very dangerous near the equator and full head protection is essential.
- Golf-shirts
T-shirts and long-sleeved cotton shirts in earthy colours, If you can get shirts that have zip-off sleeves, hat is ideal as you can “change” on the go.
- Shorts/skirts
In earthy colours.
- Long trousers/pants
In earthy Colours (jeans aren’t recommended as they are heavy, don’t dry quickly and bulky). If you can get pants that have zip-off legs that are ideal as you can “change” on the go.
- A back pack/day pack
To carry your essentials each day while on safari.
- Underwear and socks
Cotton is best.
- Good walking shoes
That are already worn in (running/tennis shoes are fine).
- Sandals
Teva, Keen, etc. are ideal brands – we recommend these over thongs.
- Bathing suit
Swimming costume is recommended.
- A fleece or light-weight sweater
It can be very cool in the early mornings on safari and layering is ideal. It does get very cold in Ngorongoro Crater rim
It’s recommended.
- Warm jacket
Only if important for the cold winter mornings (i.e. June-August) or if you are climbing Kilimanjaro, we will have a separate packing list for you.
It’s recommended.
- Camera equipment
Essential and a zoom lens are ideal. See question on camera equipment for more information (recommended e.g. Nikon P 900 P1000 there are many models), unless you are a photographer.
- Binoculars
It’s recommended to bring a good pair of Binoculars.
- Personal toiletries
It’s recommended to bring your own personal toiletries.
- Personal Medications
It’s recommended to bring your own personal medications and your personal little First Aid Box.
- Moisturizing cream & suntan lotion with a high UVA rating
It’s recommended to bring your own moisturising cream and suntan lotion.
- Anti-histamine cream
It’s recommended for insect bites.
- Insect repellent with a high Deet content if available e.g. Tabard, Rid, Jungle
Juice, etc. and other essentials. It’s recommended
- Basic medical personal kit
Our safari vehicles have a well-stocked medical kit and all lodges/camps also are well stocked (Aspirins, Elastoplast (Band-Aids), Imodium, antiseptic cream, constipation pills, etc.). It’s recommended.
- Tissues/ Wet Ones
Antibacterial wipes are great. It’s recommended.
- Personal Items
Visas, tickets, passports, money, etc. Place these in a very safe place such as a travel belt or purse worn close to the body (put a photocopy of all important documents in your checked luggage in case anything is lost).
Please make sure that you carry this Items with you at all times and make photocopies of your travel documents.
Please use a Zip Lock bag. It’s recommended.
- A flashlight (Torch)
With spare batteries as these are unobtainable in most rural areas. A head-lamp style flashlight is ideal.
It’s recommended.
- Light rain gear
Such a compact rain poncho. It’s recommended.
- Scarf and light weight gloves
For those cold morning game drives and dusty roads
It’s recommended
- Travel Bags
It is recommended that you travel with a soft bag. Duffel bags especially when you’re Itineraries have flying involved.
It’s recommended
Please remember that 15 Kgs is maximum weight for your baggage when flying with light aircrafts transfers
Including Camera Equipment, back packs and hand bags
Have a soft bag [/vc_column_text]