Top 10 safari essentials to pack

So, you’re going on a Tanzanian safari. Get ready for one of the most breathtaking, surreal experiences imaginable. Many discover that thoughts of urban civilization seem to melt away as they embark on one of the most naturally immersive adventures the world has to offer.

The lead up to your safari adventure is an exciting period of anticipation. But if you’ve never been on a safari before, you might be wondering how to pack for the trip. With low luggage limit capacities in mind, here’s some guidance which can help distinguish and prioritise what’s essential. Avoid the messy pile of unnecessary belongings around your suitcase with our straightforward guide, detailing how to best pack for your Tanzanian safari adventure.

Here are our top ten safari essentials!

1. Medicinal supplies

It’s easy to forget to pack medication when clothes might be your primary concern! But forgetting your medication could result in some stressful last-minute turnarounds, or unpleasant experiences whilst on your safari. Pack any prescription medicines in the correct quantities and be smart about which types of medical supplies to bring. A mini first aid kit with some basic pain relief might be a good idea – particularly if it’s small and light enough to fit into your safari bag.

If you suffer with motion sickness, it’s a good idea to pack some anti sickness tablets. The charter flights can be a little rocky, so keep your stomach nice and prepared if you’re susceptible to feeling a bit queasy!

2. Clothing

Now hopefully, you won’t forget your clothes. But packing the correct kinds of clothes is important for your safari. You’ll want to pack lightly, both in terms of colour, and weight. Thin linens or cottons in light or tan colours will help keep you cool during the hot daytimes. Obviously avoid wearing dark, heat absorbing colours during the day which can induce uncomfortable sweating. Tsetse flies appear to be drawn to stripey colours – so to avoid them, try and wear block colours. Also avoid wearing any military khakis or army-esque clothing, as this wouldn’t go down too well with the Tanzanian authorities.

3. Preparation for cold weather

Contrary to popular belief, it does get cold on safari! The morning rises are early for a reason - to beat the daytime heat which are in fact very chilly! Night times are also quite cold too, so if you’re staying at any fly camps then make sure you pack layers to keep yourself warm at night. Gloves, scarves, or light jumpers are always a good idea – but choose items which are small enough to be packed in your luggage.

4. Footwear

A good, trusty pair of hiking boots will be your best friend on any safari. You’ll be outdoors a lot, so ensuring you’ve got a comfortable and broken in pair of waterproof hiking boots will see you through the longest of hot days. Thick soles and good quality socks will help protect your feet against any sharpness or camouflaged animals which may be resting on the Tanzanian terrains. Not only will your hiking boots be great for the safari journeys, but they’ll

also support your feet during any hikes or uphill walks you may embark on during your adventure. Rains can be sporadic, too, so ensuring that your boots are waterproof is also a good idea.

5. Charging bank

Your safari camps will be equipped with power sockets, but while you’re travelling around you won’t have any power. Bringing a good quality charging bank will help recharge your devices for rural usage outside of the camp stays. This will keep all your gadgets fully powered, whether you’re taking wildlife videos, or you’re using your phone for photos. Taking a multi-cabled charger will also keep all your devices charged through one cable, lightening your luggage, and reducing the number of items you take with you.

6. Binoculars

Although you’ll be fully immersed in some of the most beautiful sights the world has to offer, you might want to get a closer look by using a pair of binoculars. Bringing binoculars can really enhance your safari experience!

For example, imagine you spot a predatory big cat in the distance, slowly homing in on its prey. We can assure you – you’ll want to see moments like that in HD, and binoculars allow you to get as close as possible without getting in the way of the big cats themselves!

Binoculars make your safari just that little bit more personable, as you can truly see the details of the animals super up close without being intrusive.

7. Flashlight

You’ll need a flashlight not just for when it gets darker, but also just for staying at any wild fly camps. If you need to head out of the base camp for anything in the dark, a flashlight can be your best friend. There aren’t any lamp posts in the Tanzanian wild – so bring your own!

8. Sun protection

Sun protection is, of course, a given. The luggage staple for any hot country – not just Tanzania. A hat and SPF are your sun protection essentials to avoid any uncomfortable burns, while a pair of sunglasses will be a necessity on those bright afternoons. Make sure you’ve got a wide-brimmed hat to both protect your skin from the sun and dust.

9. Insect Repellent

Any insect sprays which contain Deet should keep you well protected while you’re on safari. The dusky evenings can be home to quite a few biting insects, so insect repellent will keep you nice and protected.

10. Something to document the experience

Whether that’s pen and paper, or a good quality camera to record as much as you can about the experience – documenting your experience will keep a sentimental souvenir of your adventure that can be treasured for years to come. A safari truly is an experience that you’ll want to remember forever, so you’ll thank yourself for documenting your trip.

If you’re trying to keep luggage weight to an absolute minimum, then a mini journal and a couple of small pens are a good idea. Or if you’re digitally documenting, a camera or GoPro will be your sentimental sidekick.