Tanzania safari packing list & gear guide
What to pack for the Northern Circuit: neutral clothing, binoculars, camera gear, health essentials and the soft bag you actually want in a safari 4×4 — from our guides in Moshi.
The complete Tanzania safari packing list
Work through the eight categories below. On a Northern Circuit safari you move between open vehicles, lodge gardens and short bushwalks, so the key is lightweight, breathable layers in neutral tones and gear that keeps dust and sun out.
Clothing & layers
Neutral colours, light layers and protection from sun, dust and cool mornings.
- 3–4 quick-dry t-shirts or safari shirts in khaki, tan or olive
- 2 long-sleeve shirts for sun and insect protection
- 1 lightweight fleece or down sweater for dawn drives
- 1 light waterproof jacket for the green-season shower
- 2 pairs long trousers; one zip-off pair is practical
- 1 pair shorts for hot midday drives
- Comfortable underwear and moisture-wicking socks
- Wide-brim safari hat with a chin strap
- Buff or lightweight scarf for dust
- Sunglasses with UV 400 protection
Camera & electronics
Tanzania’s wildlife deserves more than a phone screen. Bring the right power and backup.
- Camera with zoom lens (100–400 mm ideal) or a good bridge camera
- Spare battery and a large memory card — power cuts happen
- Phone power bank for long days in the bush
- UK-style plug adapter (Type G) for lodge sockets
- Small headtorch for moving around camp after dark
- Dust-proof bag or dry sack to protect gear in the vehicle
Wildlife viewing gear
A pair of binoculars is the single most useful item after a camera on safari.
- 8×42 or 10×42 binoculars for scanning distant animals
- Wildlife guidebook or offline bird app for northern Tanzania
- Small notebook and pen for logging species and sightings
- Daypack to keep binoculars, camera and layers within reach
Sun, dust & insect protection
The equatorial sun is strong and the bush is dusty. Protect your skin all day.
- Sunscreen SPF 50+ and SPF lip balm
- Insect repellent with 20–30% DEET or picaridin
- After-sun lotion or aloe gel
- Lightweight long-sleeve clothing for dusk
- Personal sunglasses retainer strap
Health & toiletries
Our guides carry a first-aid kit, but personal meds and basics are your responsibility.
- Malaria prophylaxis if prescribed by your doctor
- Antihistamines, anti-diarrhoeal and oral rehydration salts
- Ibuprofen / paracetamol and personal prescription medication
- Hand sanitiser, biodegradable soap and wet wipes
- Toiletries and a small quick-dry towel
- Personal first-aid kit with plasters and blister care
Documents & money
Keep originals dry and backed up digitally on your phone.
- Passport valid 6 months beyond travel, with Tanzania visa
- Travel insurance covering medical evacuation and trip cancellation
- Yellow fever certificate if arriving via an endemic country
- Flight and lodge confirmations
- USD cash in small, clean notes for tips and souvenirs
- Debit/credit card (Visa and Mastercard widely accepted)
Bags & packing rules
A soft bag fits a safari 4×4 better and protects your gear from the dust.
- Soft duffel or kit bag, maximum 15–20 kg
- Small daypack (20–25 L) for the vehicle and short walks
- Dry bags or zip-lock pouches to separate dust-sensitive items
- Luggage label with your name and emergency contact
- Leave hard-shell cases and excess luggage at your hotel in Arusha/Moshi
Green season extras
From March to May and November, short rains are possible. Pack a little extra comfort.
- Light waterproof jacket or poncho
- Packable umbrella for sheltered lodge viewing
- Grippy, waterproof sandals for muddy camp paths
- Extra socks and underwear — laundry can be slower in the rain
What we provide, and what you bring
Included in every safari
- Private 4×4 safari Land Cruiser with pop-up roof and driver-guide
- All park and conservation fees for the northern circuit parks
- Accommodation and meals as per your itinerary
- Drinking water in the vehicle
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure
- 24/7 WhatsApp support from our Moshi office
Bring or arrange yourself
- International flights and Tanzania visa
- Travel insurance and medical evacuation cover
- Personal camera, binoculars and safari clothing
- Alcoholic drinks, bottled soft drinks and laundry
- Tips for guides, drivers and lodge staff
- Drones, which are prohibited in national parks
How to dress on a game drive
Early starts are cold, midday is warm, and the vehicle is dusty. Dress in layers you can add or remove quickly, and keep your daypack within arm’s reach so you never miss a photo.
Morning starts
Put on a fleece, long trousers and a buff before the first game drive. The wind in an open 4×4 can feel cold even when the day later hits 28 °C.
Midday sun
Switch to a short-sleeve shirt and sunglasses at midday. Reapply sunscreen on your face, neck and hands — the African sun is stronger than most visitors expect.
Dust & insects
Keep a scarf or buff over your nose when following vehicles on dry tracks. At dusk, cover up and use repellent to avoid bites around water and woodland.
Tanzania safari packing FAQs
What should I pack for a Tanzania safari?
Pack light, neutral-coloured layers for cool mornings and warm middays, a wide-brim sun hat, sunglasses, a warm fleece for early game drives, closed-toe walking shoes and sandals for the lodge. Add binoculars, a camera with a zoom lens, sunscreen, insect repellent and a small daypack for the vehicle.
What colours should I wear on safari?
Stick to khaki, olive, tan, beige and light brown. These colours hide dust, attract less heat and disturb animals less than bright whites, reds or blues. Avoid black and dark blue — they can attract tsetse flies in some woodlands.
What camera gear do I need?
Most travellers are happy with a modern smartphone or a bridge camera with a zoom. For wildlife close-ups, a DSLR or mirrorless body with a 100–400 mm or 200–600 mm lens is ideal. Bring a spare battery, a large memory card and a dust-proof bag for the vehicle.
Should I bring binoculars or does the guide provide them?
Our safari vehicles carry a pair of binoculars for shared use, but keen wildlife watchers will want their own 8×42 or 10×42 binoculars. You spend a lot of time scanning distant animals, and a personal pair means you never miss a sighting while waiting your turn.
How much luggage can I take on safari?
Pack in a soft duffel or bag no heavier than 15–20 kg. Hard-shell suitcases are awkward in a 4×4 and may not fit in the luggage rack. Keep a small daypack with you in the vehicle for cameras, sunscreen, binoculars and a layer.
Do I need malaria tablets for Tanzania?
Malaria is present in Tanzania, including the Northern Circuit. The choice of prophylaxis is a personal, prescription decision — speak to your doctor or travel clinic 6–8 weeks before departure. We also recommend a strong DEET-based repellent and long sleeves in the evening.
Are drones allowed in Tanzanian parks?
No. Drones are banned in all national parks, conservation areas and many reserves. Importing one can create delays at customs and the device will be confiscated if flown inside the park. Leave the drone at home and bring a good zoom lens instead.
Can I wear shorts on safari?
Yes, shorts are fine for warm midday drives in the vehicle. For bushwalks and early-morning game drives, long trousers are better protection against sun, dust, thorns and insects. Avoid tight, bright or synthetic fabrics that do not breathe.
Ready to plan your safari?
Compare private 3 to 6-day Tanzania safari itineraries, then talk through dates and packing with our Moshi team.