Tanzania Safari Information & Essentials Guide | Exuberant Kilimanjaro Safaris
Your complete Tanzania safari information guide — travel documents, clothing, binoculars, photography, health kit, practical tips and what to pack before you go. Detailed packing checklist on a separate page.
Travel documents
Passport, itinerary, travel insurance documents and e-tickets. It seems obvious, but we would be remiss if we did not put this at the top of the list of what you must pack for your safari. Keep digital and physical copies separate.
Prescription medication
Put your prescription medications in your hand luggage in case your checked bag goes astray — it happens — and make sure you have enough of each type to last your entire safari.
Eyewear, sun & insect protection
If you wear prescription glasses, pack more than one set in case one is lost or broken. You will be outdoors for much of the time, so be prepared: a hat, sunblock, long sleeves and lip balm. Make sure you have insect repellent — there are tsetse fly in Tarangire National Park.
Camera, video & binoculars
Most people remember a camera or phone, but not everyone thinks they need binoculars. Binoculars are essential for optimum wildlife viewing, and a good pair makes a big difference. We recommend at least 8x, better still 10x magnification — we can also lend a pair from our store. Africa is a photographer’s dream, so do not miss out.
Clothes & toiletries
Casual, comfortable clothing is suitable year-round. You do not need a new safari wardrobe — neutral, non-bright colours are what matter. Most international airlines allow 20–30 kg of checked luggage, but light aircraft flights on safari can limit you to as little as 12–15 kg. Same-day laundry is usually available in camps and lodges, so you do not need a fresh outfit every day. When in doubt, ask us.
Phone, music, tablet & laptop
Pack your phone, music, tablet or laptop — and their chargers plus country-specific adaptor plugs. Our vehicles have UK-style sockets and we use 220–240 volts.
Preventative pharmaceuticals
A basic kit for when the worst happens: diarrhoea, headaches, heartburn, insect repellent, hand sanitiser, bites (antihistamine), indigestion, sore throat lozenges and eye drops. Most important — anti-malarial tablets. Consult your travel clinic for the right prophylaxis for you.
Odds & ends
A good torch is a must — it can be pitch black in the bush or in your tent at night. A rechargeable torch is ideal; a small battery-powered one is sufficient, and LED headlamps that leave your hands free are a great option. A good book for delays, and a travel diary to record everything you see and experience.
Hand luggage
Try to restrict your hand luggage to one item only — a handbag counts as a second. If you are a photographer, make sure your camera bag has room for travel documents, medication, glasses, binoculars and a change of clothes. Restrictions on liquids, flammables and sharp objects are still in place and change frequently, so double-check before you fly.
Humour, patience & common sense
Finally, do not forget your sense of humour, patience and some common sense. Safari runs on “Africa time” — embrace it and the experience is all the richer.
No camouflage clothing
Do not wear any clothing that could be construed as camouflage — brown/green “combat”-style colouring, even on a child or just a cap. Many African authorities have a strong phobia about such garments and it could result in you being questioned or harassed by police.
Leave expensive jewellery at home
Do not take expensive personal jewellery on safari. Be minimalist, or take only everyday items you normally wear — your wedding band, inexpensive earrings and the like.
Secure your luggage
Use combination locks to secure zips together if your suitcase has no locking mechanism. Luggage tampering in airports does occur. Luggage straps and airport shrink-wrapping both help deter it.
Dress modestly in Zanzibar
No short skirts — especially in Zanzibar, where the population is predominantly Muslim and modest dress is expected away from the beach.
How much luggage can I bring on safari?
Most international airlines allow 20–30 kg of checked luggage, but light aircraft transfers between parks can limit you to as little as 12–15 kg, sometimes including hand luggage. Same-day laundry is usually available in lodges and camps, so you do not need a fresh outfit every day. Pack light and in a soft-sided bag if you have a fly-in leg.
What colours should I wear on safari?
Dull and neutral colours — khaki, olive, brown and stone — are most suitable. White and bright colours stand out and are not practical, especially on a walking safari. Avoid camouflage-style clothing entirely (see the warnings above).
Do I really need binoculars?
Yes. Binoculars are essential for optimum wildlife viewing and a good pair makes a big difference to your safari. We recommend at least 8x, better still 10x magnification. We can also lend a pair from our store if you do not have your own.
What power sockets are used?
Our safari vehicles have UK-style three-pin sockets and run on 220–240 volts. Bring a country-specific adaptor so you can charge phones, cameras and tablets on the move.
Is insect repellent really necessary?
Yes. There are tsetse fly in Tarangire National Park and mosquitoes across most safari areas. Pack a good repellent, cover up at dawn and dusk, and consult your travel clinic about anti-malarial prophylaxis before you travel.
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Tanzania Safari Information & Essentials Guide | Exuberant Kilimanjaro Safaris
Your complete Tanzania safari information guide — travel documents, clothing, binoculars, photography, health kit, practical tips and what to pack before you go. Detailed packing checklist on a separate page.
Safari Essentials
A little preparation goes a long way. This is our general safari information guide — the essentials every Tanzania traveller should know, from travel documents and the right clothing to binoculars, a health kit and a few practical tips that make life on the road smoother. For the full item-by-item checklist, see our
.
A must-read before your safari
Compare itineraries
The essentials
What to wear
A word of warning
FAQ
Compare safari itineraries & prices
Find the right
duration.
A quick comparison of our 1–6 day and custom itineraries — confirmed nights, parks visited, Serengeti time and who each suits. Prices are confirmed in a written quotation for your dates, departure point and accommodation.
Duration
Nights
Parks visited
Serengeti time
Best suited to
Serengeti time and overnight locations are indicative and shift with your route and the season. Migration sightings and river crossings are never guaranteed. Each itinerary is confirmed in a written quotation.
Ten things to
pack.
From the obvious to the easily forgotten, here is what we advise every guest to bring on safari.
Casual, comfortable &
layered.
Casual, comfortable clothing is suitable throughout the year on safari. You do not need a look straight out of
Out of Africa
— beyond choosing reasonably neutral, non-bright colours, safari-wear is generally casual and practical. Wear clothes you feel comfortable in, especially your walking or hiking boots. Quick-drying fabrics, vented shirts and trousers that convert into shorts are all worth considering.
Layering is key.
Wearing clothes in layers is the most practical way to cope with fluctuating day and night temperatures. As the day warms up you can peel off a layer; as it cools toward evening, put them back on.
Check the weather.
Ask us or check online for the weather where you are going. You may not need serious cold weather gear at all — and that will really help with the luggage limit.
The safari must-haves
Dull and neutral colours are most suitable for safari. Cotton clothing is recommended, though newer synthetic safari lines are quick-drying and extremely comfortable.
A few things to
avoid.
Small choices that can save you real grief on the road.
Safari essentials FAQ
Quick
answers.
Keep exploring
Related
pages.