This guide goes beyond the basics to tell you why certain items are essential and how to pack for the diverse microclimates of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro. Remember, less is often more on safari!
The Essential Wardrobe – Dressing for the Wild
The Rule of Neutral Colors
Forget bright colors and busy patterns. You need neutral colors—khaki, tan, brown, olive green, or gray.
- Why It Matters: Bright colors can startle or distract wildlife, and dark colors (like black or dark blue) can attract the tsetse fly (particularly in areas like Tarangire). Neutral colors help you blend into the bush, giving you the best chance for optimal wildlife viewing and photography.
- What to Pack: Lightweight, quick-drying long-sleeved shirts and long trousers. These offer crucial sun protection during the day and mosquito protection in the evenings.
Layering is Key for Temperature Swings
Tanzanian safaris involve huge temperature swings. A morning game drive starting at 6:00 AM can feel near freezing, while the afternoon will be hot and sunny.
- The Solution: Pack layers you can easily shed or put on. Start with a light t-shirt, add a long-sleeved shirt, and finish with a fleece jacket or light puffer and a windproof outer layer. This system works perfectly for adapting to the quickly changing temperatures from the plains of the Serengeti National Park to the high altitudes of the Ngorongoro Crater.
Essential Footwear
- For Game Drives: Simple, comfortable closed-toe shoes or sturdy sneakers are all you need. You'll spend most of your time sitting in the vehicle.
- For Bush Walks/Lodges: A pair of walking sandals or flip-flops for relaxing at the lodge is useful, but save the heavy, steel-toed boots for mountaineering.
Gear and Gadgets – Your Viewing Arsenal
The Must-Have Optics: Binoculars
Do not rely solely on your guide's binoculars—you need your own! The distance between you and a leopard in a tree or a rhino in the distance can be vast.
- Travel Tip: Invest in a pair with 8× or 10× magnification (e.g., 8×42 or 10×42). This is the sweet spot for balance between zoom power and image stability. Having your own pair ensures you don't miss that fleeting moment while waiting for the shared pair.
Charging and Adapters
Power sources at safari camps and lodges can be intermittent or limited. Be prepared!
- The Adapter You Need: Tanzania primarily uses the Type G (UK/British) plug. This is a three-pronged rectangular plug.
- Power Essentials: Bring a small portable power bank for charging phones and a multi-port USB charger so you can charge multiple devices from a single outlet simultaneously.
Health & Safety – The Personal First-Aid Kit
While our vehicle and guide are equipped with a comprehensive emergency kit, a personal medical kit is essential for comfort and minor ailments.
- Medication Checklist:
- Anti-malarials: Consult your doctor well in advance.
- Pain Relief: Ibuprofen/Paracetamol.
- Tummy Troubles: Anti-diarrheal medication (Loperamide).
- Allergy Relief: Anti-histamines.
- Topical Essentials: High-factor sunscreen (the equatorial sun is intense!) and a good insect repellent with DEET (essential for dusk and dawn).
- Hand Hygiene: Pack a few bottles of hand sanitizer; it will be your best friend when away from the lodge.
Zone-Specific Packing for Tanzania's Microclimates
Packing for Tanzania isn't one-size-fits-all. Your itinerary will likely include diverse destinations with different climates.
Serengeti & Tarangire (The Plains)
Expect hot, dry days and warm evenings. Prioritize lightweight, breathable clothing, hats, and sunglasses. Dust is the main factor here—bring small dust cloths or covers for your cameras and lenses.
Ngorongoro Crater (The Highlands)
The rim of the Crater sits at a high altitude, meaning it gets significantly colder. This is where your fleece, puffer jacket, and warm hat will be indispensable. Evenings and early mornings here are crisp and can drop close to freezing, even when the Serengeti is warm.
Final Safari Tips
Always Pack Soft Luggage
Most light aircraft transfers (common between parks) require soft-sided duffel bags that can be easily squeezed into small cargo holds. Hard suitcases are often prohibited due to space limitations.
Don't Forget Your Documents
- copyright (with at least six months of validity).
- Visa (or printouts for e-visas).
- Yellow fever certificate (if required by your country of origin/transit).
- Printouts of your Safari itinerary and emergency contacts.
Ready to put this packing list to the test? Travel Wise Safari, your trusted, locally owned expert based in Arusha, is ready to customize your perfect Tanzanian adventure.