What to Wear on a Safari in Tanzania? Tanzania Safari Packing List Guide

Planning to visit Tanzania and you aren’t certain of what to wear on your Tanzania safari? Tanzania, located in East Africa is without doubt one of the world’s premier safari destinations. Over 22 National Parks, 32 Game drives, and several other protected areas make Tanzania one of Africa’s leading wildlife safari destinations.

When choosing what to wear on safari in Tanzania, it is important to take into consideration the weather. Only essentials should be considered on your packing list and what is interesting, you have most of these in your closet.

If you are visiting Tanzania soon, the dry season rewards nature lovers with lots of mesmerizing wildlife encounters. That is from June, July, August, and September to October- the ideal months of the year for tourists to explore the Big Five game.

June to July offer the most of the wildebeest migration experience while calving season starts from January to February. The remaining months of the year are characterized by heavy rains with long months running from March to May. Here is the list of items or things to consider/wear on Tanzania safari;

Best Tanzania Safari Packing List

Wear casual, comfortable, and simple-to-wash clothes- when packing for a safari in Tanzania, ensure that you do it lightly. Interestingly, the majority of camps and lodges offer laundry services at a small fee. Find clothes that blend with the environment and consider clothes that you can adjust when temperatures change while you are on a game drive safari.

For a cold day game drive, you may require a sweater, long sleeved shirts, rain jacket- these play a significant part especially during the wet or rainy season and even during the dry season since the weather patterns are unpredictable.

Long sleeved shirts or t-shirts: Pack long sleeved shirts/t-shirt for you to wear on safari in Tanzania. The long-sleeved shirts are essential in protecting you from cold, sunburn and also insect bites while on bush safari experience.

Comfortable hiking or walking shoes: Lightweight and comfortable walking shoes or boots are essential among the items to pack for safari in Tanzania. In case you plan to go mountaineering, ensure that you find good hiking boots with a firm gripe.

Trousers- Find long trousers to wear on your safari in Tanzania. These are vital as they help protect your legs from the sun, and mosquito bites and also, it is culturally acceptable to wear trousers. If you are visiting any of the beautiful beaches on the coast of Tanzania, you may require swimwear, shorts, etc.

Daypack-Find a waterproof daypack and when choosing any, make sure that you get a waterproof and strong one. A daypack can be used to protect your essentials, especially travel documents.

Rain jacket: Rains in Tanzania like most parts of East Africa aren’t predictable and therefore you require a poncho or rain jacket. A rain jacket or gear is valuable because it is what you will use for covering and getting protected from heavy downpour.

Pair of socks: You require socks because you will need to tuck in the trousers to avoid crawling insects from entering your trousers.

Safari hat: Tanzania is a typical African safari destination and a wide-brimmed safari hat is of great importance in safeguarding you from sun heat. The safari hat should cover key parts of your body including the neck, face, and generally the head.

Sunglasses: Some parts of Tanzania can experience harsh sun heat and not be affected by sun rays, so you require good sunglasses to protect your eyes.

Lightweight hiking pants: If you are visiting Tanzania for hiking, then be prepared with lightweight pants. Ensure that you get quick-drying, stretch-woven and light to dry regardless of the season.

Long sleeve tops: In case you don’t have long-sleeved shirts, then long sleeve tops are vital, especially for ladies on Tanzania safari. Having a long-sleeved top is important because it can help protect you from the sun and if you choose black color, it is believed that black color does deter mosquitos.

Dress/skirt: Find something a little long and by so doing, you will be respecting the local customs, beliefs, cultures, norms, etc. Try as much as you can to get long dresses, trousers, and skirts and show respect to the local cultures, norms, traditions, beliefs, and others.

Other things to carry on safari in Tanzania include a good camera with extra batteries, first aid kit or medical kit (consisting of painkillers, nose spray, anti-malaria, hand sanitizer, plaster, tweezers, anti-diarrhea), insect repellents, plenty of drinking water, snacks, pair of binoculars, headlamp, extra camera memory card.

Essential documents to carry for Tanzania safaris include valid visas, passports, yellow fever health certificates; and toiletries such as sunscreen, lip balm, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, wet wipes, sun lotion, and more.

What to wear in Tanzania as a woman?

When traveling to Tanzania, women should prioritize comfort and cultural sensitivity in their attire. Lightweight, breathable clothing is ideal due to the warm climate. Opt for loose-fitting long pants or skirts and short-sleeved tops to stay cool while respecting local customs.

Neutral colors, like khaki or beige, are great for safaris as they blend with the environment. Bring a light sweater for cooler evenings and a scarf for sun protection or modesty. Sturdy walking shoes or sandals are essential for safaris and hiking. Finally, a hat and sunglasses will help protect against the sun.

What to pack for a Tanzania Safari in November?

n November, Tanzania experiences the start of the short rainy season, with warm temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). Morning and evening temperatures can be cooler, with occasional afternoon showers.

When packing for a safari during this month, prioritize lightweight, breathable clothing, including long-sleeved shirts and long pants for sun protection and mosquitoes.

Include a light jacket or fleece for cooler evenings. Sturdy walking shoes are essential, along with a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Don’t forget insect repellent, a refillable water bottle, binoculars, and a camera to capture the incredible wildlife.

Essential Tanzania Safari Clothing & Gear Checklist

• Lightweight, breathable clothes preferably neutral colored
• Safari hat and sunglasses
• Comfortable hiking boots & open shoes
• Swimwear
• Sunscreen and insect repellent if planning to visit the wild
• Binoculars and camera
• Light rain jacket
• Personal medical kit with prescribed medications if any.
• Reusable water bottle
• Headlamp or flashlight if you are planning to embark on a camping safari.
• Lightweight backpack for daily excursions
• Travel documents such as passport and any permits.

 

Special Zanzibar Packing List

What to do while on safari in Tanzania?

Tanzania still stands out as Africa’s favorite travel destination for a good reason. There is plenty to explore and experience on Tanzania safaris.

The top experiences to expect to be part of a safari in Tanzania include mountaineering with a focus on conquering Mount Kilimanjaro.

Wildebeest migration in Serengeti National Park– this is one of the must-enjoy experiences- watch millions of wildebeest, thousands of zebras, gazelles, and other grazers as they move to look for greener pasture and water. Serengeti also offers the best of the big five game safari– see the beautiful leopards, lions, elephants, rhinos, buffaloes, and more.

For beach or honeymoon lovers, Tanzania safaris also have you sorted at Zanzibar. A visit to Zanzibar is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the beautiful white sand beaches, soak yourself in the Indian water at the coast, go scuba diving, visit Stone Town, etc.

Visit chimpanzees in Gombe National Park and Mahale Mountains National Park, marvel at the great Rift Valley, have cultural experiences at Maasai village or Shanga village, tour the Olduvai gorge, explore the Ngorongoro Crater, visit Lake Manyara National Park for tree climbing lion watching, and birding, hot air balloon safaris to mention but a few.

Best time to Visit Tanzania for Wildlife Safaris