— Packing List —

What to pack for Tanzania — safari, beach & casual.

A quietly practical guide. Tanzania moves between dry savannah heat, cool highland mornings, humid coastal afternoons, and short tropical rains. Pack light, pack neutral, and layer for the hour — not the day.

— On This Page —

Seasons & weather, briefly Safari packing list Zanzibar & beach packing list Casual & city wear Quick season cheat-sheet

Seasons & weather, briefly

Tanzania has two dry seasons and two wet ones. Temperatures are warm year-round at low altitude, cooler in the highlands, and humid along the coast.

Long dry season — June to October

Cool mornings on safari (10–15°C / 50–59°F), warm days (24–28°C / 75–82°F).
Dust is the constant — neutral, washable layers win.
Peak game-viewing season; pack warm for sunrise drives.

Short rains — November to early December

Brief afternoon showers, lush landscapes, fewer crowds.
Bring a light rain shell and quick-dry layers.

Short dry season — January to February

Hot and clear; calving season in the southern Serengeti.
Light, breathable fabrics; strong sun protection.

Long rains — March to May

Heavier rains, dramatic skies, quietest months.
Waterproof shoes, dry-bag for electronics, warmer layers in highlands.

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Safari packing list

Neutral tones (khaki, olive, stone, soft brown) — avoid bright white, dark blue and black, which attract dust and tsetse flies. Soft bags travel better than hard cases on bush flights (typically 15–20 kg / 33–44 lb soft-sided limit).

Clothing

3–4 long-sleeve shirts, breathable cotton or technical fabric.
2–3 pairs of lightweight trousers (zip-off optional).
1–2 pairs of shorts for midday.
Warm fleece or wool layer for sunrise game drives.
Light insulated jacket for the highlands (Ngorongoro, Manyara).
Light rain shell (Nov–May).
Wide-brim hat, buff or scarf for dust.
Comfortable walking shoes + one pair of sandals for camp.
Sleepwear and modest swimwear (some lodges have pools).

Gear & essentials

Compact binoculars (8x42 ideal).
Camera with zoom lens, extra batteries and memory cards.
Universal adapter (Type D / G), portable power bank.
Headlamp or small torch (camps often have low ambient light).
Reusable water bottle (most camps offer filtered refills).
Daypack for game drives.

Health & sun

High-SPF sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, sunglasses.
Insect repellent (DEET or picaridin) and after-bite balm.
Antimalarials (consult your doctor), basic first-aid kit.
Personal medication in original packaging.
Hand sanitiser and travel tissues.

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Zanzibar & beach packing list

Hot, humid and salty. Pack light, breathable, quick-drying. Zanzibar is predominantly Muslim — modest cover-ups are appreciated when away from beach and resort areas (especially in Stone Town and villages).

Clothing

2–3 swimsuits (one always drying).
Light cover-ups, sarongs and kaftans.
Loose linen or cotton shirts and dresses.
1 long-sleeve top and light trousers/long skirt for Stone Town and dinners.
Sandals, flip-flops and water shoes (for reef walks).
Light shawl or scarf for evenings and cultural sites.

Beach & water

Reef-safe sunscreen (high SPF) and after-sun.
Wide-brim hat and polarised sunglasses.
Snorkel mask if you prefer your own (most operators provide).
Dry bag for boat days and dhow trips.
Waterproof phone pouch.

Health & essentials

Insect repellent — mosquitoes are active at dusk.
Rehydration sachets, basic stomach remedies.
Light rain shell during short rains (Nov, March–May).
Small cash in USD for tips and village markets.

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Casual & city wear

For arrivals, departures, Arusha, Dar es Salaam, Stone Town strolls and lodge evenings. Tanzania is relaxed but conservative — shoulders and knees covered in towns and religious sites is the easy default.

Everyday

2–3 casual outfits in linen, cotton or light knits.
1 smart-casual outfit for nicer dinners (no formalwear required).
Comfortable sneakers or loafers for cities.
Light cardigan or jacket for air-conditioned spaces and evenings.
Crossbody bag with zip for walking around towns.

Documents & money

Passport (6+ months validity, 2 blank pages), visa or e-visa printout.
Yellow fever certificate if arriving from a risk country.
Travel insurance details (medical + evacuation).
Two payment cards (Visa most accepted), some USD cash in clean, post-2013 bills.
Digital and printed copies of bookings and emergency contacts.