Safari Gear List to Bring – Complete Packing Guide for Tanzania

Preparing for a Tanzania safari? This Safari Gear List will help you pack the right clothing, gadgets, and travel essentials so you can stay comfortable, safe, and fully prepared during your adventure. Whether you’re exploring Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, or Ruaha, this guide covers everything you need.

🎒 1. Essential Safari Clothing

Neutral-Colored Clothing

Avoid bright colours. Choose beige, khaki, brown, or olive.

  • ✔ Lightweight long-sleeve shirts

  • ✔ Short-sleeve safari shirts

  • ✔ Lightweight trousers

  • ✔ Quick-dry shorts

  • ✔ Fleece jacket (mornings can be cold)

  • ✔ Light windbreaker

  • ✔ Comfortable T-shirts

  • ✔ Sports bra (for bumpy game drives)

Footwear

  • ✔ Comfortable walking shoes

  • ✔ Lightweight hiking boots

  • ✔ Sandals or flip-flops for camp

  • ✔ Socks (quick-dry preferred)

Sun Protection

  • ✔ Wide-brim safari hat

  • ✔ UV sunglasses

  • ✔ High SPF sunscreen

  • ✔ Lip balm with SPF

📸 2. Photography & Tech Gear

Camera Equipment

  • ✔ DSLR/Mirrorless camera

  • ✔ Zoom lens (100–400mm ideal for wildlife)

  • ✔ Extra memory cards

  • ✔ Extra camera batteries

  • ✔ Battery charger

  • ✔ Lens cleaning kit

  • ✔ GoPro or action camera (optional)

Travel Tech

  • ✔ Power bank

  • ✔ Universal travel adapter

  • ✔ Smartphone + waterproof case

  • ✔ Binoculars (8×42 or 10×42 recommended)

🧼 3. Toiletries & Personal Care

  • ✔ Toothbrush & toothpaste

  • ✔ Deodorant

  • ✔ Wet wipes

  • ✔ Hand sanitizer

  • ✔ Body lotion

  • ✔ Mild soap/shampoo

  • ✔ Razor

  • ✔ Tissues

  • ✔ Small travel towel

Health Essentials

  • ✔ Insect repellent (DEET recommended)

  • ✔ Anti-itch cream

  • ✔ Basic first-aid kit

  • ✔ Personal medication

  • ✔ Motion sickness tablets (if needed)

🎒 4. Documents & Money

Bring a small document pouch or waterproof bag.

  • ✔ Passport

  • ✔ Flight tickets

  • ✔ Safari booking confirmation

  • ✔ Yellow fever certificate (if required)

  • ✔ Travel insurance documents

  • ✔ Cash (USD preferred)

  • ✔ Credit/debit card

👜 5. Bags & Luggage

Recommended

  • ✔ 1 soft duffel bag (easier for safari vehicles)

  • ✔ 1 small daypack

  • ✔ Waterproof dry bag for electronics

Avoid

  • ✖ Hard suitcases (difficult to transport on safari)

🔥 6. Optional but Useful Gear

  • ✔ Lightweight gloves (cold mornings)

  • ✔ Headlamp or flashlight

  • ✔ Reusable water bottle

  • ✔ Travel pillow

  • ✔ Journal & pen

  • ✔ Small binoculars for kids

  • ✔ Travel laundry soap

🦁 7. What NOT to Bring on Safari

  • ✖ Bright-colored clothes (scares animals)

  • ✖ Strong perfume

  • ✖ Drones (illegal in many parks)

  • ✖ Plastic bags (banned in Tanzania)

  • ✖ Expensive jewelry

📌 Safari Packing Tips

  • Pack light — most small flights allow 15–20kg.

  • Bring layers — mornings are cold, afternoons are hot.

  • Keep valuable items in your carry-on.

  • Use zip-lock bags to organize your gear.

  • Ask your safari operator (Musabi Serengeti Safaris) for weather updates before arrival.

Safari Gear List – FAQ

 

Pack lightweight neutral clothing, comfortable shoes, a fleece jacket, sun protection, binoculars, camera gear, toiletries, personal medication, travel documents, and a soft duffel bag. Avoid bright colors and heavy suitcases.

Wear neutral, earthy tones like khaki, brown, green, and beige. These colors help you blend into the environment and avoid attracting insects or disturbing wildlife.

Most safari vehicles and small domestic flights allow 15–20kg in soft bags. Hard suitcases are not recommended due to limited space and rough terrain.

You don’t need heavy hiking boots for most safaris. Comfortable walking shoes or trainers are enough. Sandals or flip-flops are useful inside the lodge or camp.

A camera is not mandatory but highly recommended. If possible, bring a DSLR or mirrorless camera with a zoom lens (100–400mm). Extra batteries and memory cards are essential.

 

Yes. Binoculars make wildlife viewing much more enjoyable, especially for spotting animals from a distance. We recommend 8x42 or 10x42 binoculars.

Yes. Early mornings and evenings in Serengeti and Ngorongoro can be cold, especially June–August. Pack a fleece jacket, light sweater, or windbreaker.

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