Safari Packing List
General Packing List :
• In general, pack lightly. Leave room for gifts and souvenirs. Soft sided luggage packs more easily into the safari vehicle.
• Always carry passport, airline tickets and money on your person. A fanny pack or moneybag that hangs around the neck works well.
• In case luggage doesn’t arrive the same day you do, put enough clothing and supplies for the first day in your carry on luggage.
• If taking a domestic flight luggage weight restrictions are as below:
• Precision Air, carry on luggage 20 kg (44 lb) per person and Hand bag 6 kg (13 lb) per person.
• Small Chartered flights (Coastal Aviation, Flight Link, Air Excel, Regional Air, Safari Link, Tropical Air and Zan Air to name a few), carry on luggage and Hand bag a total of 15 kg (33 lb) per person.
Footwear :
• Sturdy, comfortable shoes, preferably waterproof. They will get dirty.
• Tennis shoes, sandals or flip-flops for lounging in the evening.
• Comfortable, cotton, breathable socks.
Clothing :
• Shorts, mid-thigh or longer (not advisable for village visits).
• Lightweight, breathable pants.
• Casual, comfortable and loose fitting clothing. Short-sleeved shirts, cool and breathable (neutral colors Khaki, Brown, Beige, Green and Olive colours made of natural fabrics such as cotton are best. Avoid black, dark blue and bright red).
• Bathing suit if staying at a lodge with a swimming pool or if visiting Zanzibar.
• Long-sleeved fleece or sweater for evenings and/or early mornings.
• Heavy sweater, warm gloves, knit hat and scarf for the cold season (June – August).
• Rain jacket, rain poncho, lightweight jacket or windbreaker.
• Pyjamas
• Sun hat and/or Bandana
• Scarf (for dust and/or sun)
• Women : Long sleeved shirts / blouses. Pants (capri-length or longer) and shirts that cover the shoulder are advisable for village visits. Lightweight dresses or skirts that cover the knees are optional depending on how rural your village visits is but can also be worn for evening dining at the accommodations.
• Men : short-sleeve shirts with collars (for visiting villages or evening dining at the accommodations). T-shirts and light tops. • Keep valuable jewelry to a minimum
Please note : Laundry service is available at most lodges either at a nominal cost or free of charge in some cases.
Baggage :
• Day pack, for you to carry
• Large waterproof duffel bag or backpack
Toiletries :
• Small towel
• Roll of toilet paper (for some public restrooms)
• Soap
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Waterless anti-bacterial gel, Handi-wipes and Kleenex
• Lotion
• Glasses, contacts and solution
• Comb and mirror
• Shampoo (without heavy fragrance)
• Unscented Deodorant (use cologne / perfume sparingly, if at all, in case it might attract bees or other insects)
• Zip lock bags for toiletries and small trash bags
Documents :
• Passport (with visa stamp or completed visa application with $50 or $100 US cash, exact change)
• Plane tickets
• Safari itinerary
• Emergency contact details
• Yellow fever certificate (REQUIRED if traveling from or through an endemic)
• Medical and Travel insurance
• Address book
First Aid :
• Aspirin
• Anti-malaria pills
• Cold and allergy medicine
• Cream for itches and rashes (i.e. Benadryl itch relief stick)
• Band Aids
• Stomach ache medicine (i.e. Pepto-Bismol)
• Ibuprofen
• Antiseptic ointment (i.e. Neosporin)
• Multi-Vitamins
• Diarrhea medicine (i.e. Imodium)
• Prescription Antibiotics effective against a broad range of bacteria including travellers Diarrhea
• Insect repellent
• Antihistamines
• Lip balm and Sunscreen (SPF 15+)
• Bandages and tape
• Prescription medications
Other :
• Maps, guidebooks
• Batteries
• Sunglasses
• Binoculars
• Money (small Tanzanian bills and/or small US bills for small purchases and tips. Larger US bills and/or travelers checks for bigger purchases)
• Journal/notebook, pencil and pen
• Pocket knife
• UK plug adapter and transformer / voltage converter, if applicable
• Energy bars and snacks
• Headlamp or small flashlight
• Playing cards, games and reading material
• Camera, plenty of film, extra batteries and charger, memory cards, mini-tripod
• Personal music device
• Travel pillow
