Safari Packing List: Essentials for the Bush. Here’s what we recommend to keep you comfortable and safari-ready:

Sunglasses

Light cotton scarf (great sun protection)

Breathable shirts (short and long-sleeved) – avoid dark colors like black or blue, which attract tsetse flies

Neutral/bush colors if doing walking safaris

Medium-weight fleece for cool evenings

Lightweight rain jacket

Zip-off trousers or lightweight pants

Casual-smart outfit for dinners at lodges

Comfortable walking shoes or sandals (hiking boots only needed for mountain treks)

Torch or headlamp (plus spare batteries)

Personal Gear to Pack

Daypack or light sports bag.

Toiletries (many lodges provide the basics).

Multi-plug adapter.

Spare camera battery.

Binoculars (one per person is ideal).

Wallet or small purse for daily spending.

Camera, memory cards & chargers – vehicles have UK-style three-pin sockets (charging only while driving).

Beach Time Essentials, Heading to Zanzibar or the coast? Don’t forget:.

Swimsuits

Sun hat & sunglasses

Reef shoes

Insect repellent

Light scarf or wrap for modest dress in villages

Snorkeling gear (optional – also available to rent)

Note: Tanzanian coastal areas are mostly Muslim communities. Swimwear is welcome at beaches and resorts, but when exploring towns or villages, we kindly ask that shoulders and knees remain covered for both men and women.

Important: Plastic Bag Ban.

Tanzania has a strict ban on plastic bags. Please leave them at home—including bin liners and duty-free carriers. The only exception is small zip-lock bags used for toiletries in carry-on luggage (as per airline rules), as long as you take them with you when you leave.

Luggage Tips

Keep your bags locked during travel.

Soft duffel bags are ideal for safaris (suitcases don’t pack well in vehicles).

On light aircraft, a strict 15kg limit applies—extra luggage may incur fees.

Store extra bags securely in Arusha if needed.

Pack essential clothes & items in your carry-on in case of delays.

Avoid placing items like scissors, lighters, or nail clippers in your hand luggage.

Always carry travel insurance.

Money Matters

Bring USD, EUR, or GBP cash – ATMs dispense Tanzanian Shillings (TSH) only.

Use new USD notes (2016 or newer) – older bills may not be accepted.

ATMs have daily withdrawal limits (Tsh 200,000 to 800,000).

Only a few lodges/shops accept credit cards (Visa or MasterCard), and may charge a 4–5% fee.

Tipping Guidelines

Tipping is an important part of tourism in East Africa. Here's a simple guide:
Safari Guides.
$15 per guest per day is standard (Example: 4 guests on a 4-day safari = $240 total)

Hotels & Lodges

Use the communal tip box at reception or bar $5–$10 per person per night is appreciated.

Mountain Climbs (Kilimanjaro/Meru – 7 Days)

Head Guide: $80–$100
Assistant Guide: $60–$80
Mountain Chef: $50–$70
Porters: $25–$40 each.
Feel free to tip more for exceptional service!

Essential Documents to Bring

Your itinerary.

Emergency contacts.

Travel insurance policy.

Vaccination certificates (Yellow Fever, etc.).

Valid passport (at least 6 months before expiry).

Addresses for sending postcards or sharing travel updates.