After guiding many guests in years and now part of the management, I have seen every packing mistake possible: someone who brought six evening dresses and no warm jacket, someone who forgot malaria pills, someone who packed a drone (confiscated at the airport).
This is the definitive, battle-tested packing list for Tanzania safaris in 2026 works for budget camping, luxury lodges, Kilimanjaro climbs, and Zanzibar extensions.
Luggage Rules First (Airlines & Safari Vehicles Are Strict)
- Maximum 15 kg (33 lbs) total in a soft duffel bag (no hard suitcases – they don’t fit in light aircraft or Land Cruisers)
- One small daypack (20–30 L) for game drives
- If you’re doing Kilimanjaro + safari: bring a second 70–90 L duffel that porters will carry on the mountain
Clothing – Neutral Colors Only (No black, dark blue, white or bright colors)
Black and navy attract tsetse flies in some areas where there is no protection from tsetse flies, white gets filthy in five minutes, bright colors scare and get attention from animals. Dry Season (June–October) – warm days, cold nights
- 3–4 quick-dry long-sleeve shirts (Columbia, Kuhl or similar)
- 3–4 quick-dry convertible pants (zip-off legs)
- 1 lightweight fleece or soft-shell jacket (essential –for mornings
- 1 waterproof Gore-Tex jacket (compact)
- 5–7 pairs moisture-wicking underwear & socks
- 1 pair broken-in walking/hiking shoes (waterproof if green season)
- 1 pair lightweight camp sandals (Teva or flip-flops for the lodge)
- Wide-brim hat with chin strap + sunglasses
- Swimsuit (many lodges have pools if you choose luxury style or you have zanzibar on your list)
Green Season (November–May) – hot & humid + rain showers Swap the fleece for an extra rain jacket and add one more pair of pants.
Essential Gear & Accessories
- High-power rechargeable headlamp + spare batteries (camping & power cuts)
- Power bank 20,000–30,000 mAh (many lodges charge devices only 2–3 hours a day)
- Universal travel adaptor (Type D & G – Tanzania uses British/Indian plugs)
- Binoculars 8×42 or 10×42 (one per person – don’t share, you’ll fight)
- If you can , Good camera + spare batteries + enough memory cards (or a 1–2 TB portable SSD)
- Dry bag 5–10 L for game drives (protects camera from dust & sudden rain)
- Reusable water bottle (lodges provide filtered water)
- Lightweight daypack with rain cover
Health & Pharmacy (Pack in Carry-On)
- Malaria prophylaxis (Malarone or generic atovaquone/proguanil – start 2 days before)
- DEET 30–50% (2–3 small bottles)
- Strong sunscreen SPF 50+ (biodegradable if possible)
- Lip balm with SPF
- Personal first-aid kit: blister plasters, Imodium, rehydration salts, painkillers, antiseptic cream, band-aids
- Hand sanitizer & wet wipes (gold in dusty vehicles)
- Copies of prescriptions + yellow fever certificate if required by your country
Documents & Money (Keep in Waterproof Folder)
- Passport (valid 6+ months) + 2 color copies stored separately
- Tanzania visa (buy e-visa online before departure $50 – $100 or get one on Arrival )
- Yellow fever certificate if entering from endemic country example Kenya with layover more than 5 hours
- Credit cards (Visa/Mastercard – notify your bank) + $400–$600 USD cash in small bills for tips and souvenirs
Kilimanjaro Add-On? Add These
- Warm sleeping bag (-10 °C comfort)
- Trekking poles (collapsible)
- Thermal base layers top & bottom
- Down jacket (compact)
- Gaiters
- 4-season hiking boots (broken-in!)
Zanzibar Beach Extension? Add These
- Light summer clothes, swimsuits, sarong
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Mosquito repellent bracelets (evenings on the beach)
- Waterproof phone pouch
What NOT to Bring (Common Mistakes)
- Drone – 100% confiscated at airport
- Camouflage clothing – illegal for civilians
- Plastic bags – banned in Tanzania
- Hair dryer (lodges provide or voltage will destroy yours)
Final Tip from the Guides
Pack everything in compression sacks or packing cubes you’ll thank us when you’re repacking in a tiny tent. Still not sure? Send us your itinerary dates and accommodation level and we’ll send you a personalized packing list within 24 hours.
Ready for your 2026 Tanzania safari? WhatsApp or email us we reply in minutes.