Safari Packing List

It really depends on what level of luxury safari you have chosen but the list below should provide a good guide.

Please also note that many airlines within East Africa (especially those to and from Serengeti) have a check-in baggage limit allowance of 15 kgs. Therefore your baggage should be packed in a small bag as possible so that it can fit into the small luggage compartment of the plane and also in the back of the safari vehicle. If you have more than 15kg of check-in luggage, then depending on your itinerary, you can store excess luggage (at no extra charge) at the safaris-R-us office in Arusha whilst you are on safari. Just send us an email if you think that this option can work for your individual trip. However if worse comes to worst, and they do actually weigh your bags (as often they don’t) and its overweight, charges are only about $3/kg so nothing really to worry about.

When going on safari it is best to have two small bags: one with the majority of your belongings for use at the camp/lodges that stays in the back of the vehicle; and a smaller one (daypack) for your photo equipment, sunscreen, hat, jacket and other personal items that will travel with you in the safari vehicle.

Take a picture/scans of important documents like your passport and Yellow Fever certificate. Bring a printed copy of each document with you (but pack the documents in a separate place to your handbag) and keep a digital copy of each document in your email inbox.

The following is recommended

A reusable drinking water bottle so you can fill it up with dirking water along the way
We recommend you pack a few changes of clothes into your carryon luggage in case your bags do not arrive for some reason om Tanzania. None of our clients have lost bags which have not been found, but sometimes checked in bags don’t arrive on the same flight as you do, but rather they arrive on a flight a day or two later, so its recommended to pack a few changes of clothes in your carryon luggage “just incase”
Good quality sunglasses; if you wear contact lenses, it’s a good idea to bring along a pair of glasses in case your eyes become irritated by the dust
Sun hat
Small torch (regardless of the level of accommodation)
Good binoculars
Camera with zoom lens + spare film/memory card and batteries. Make sure all batteries are fully charged and if you’re going to a lodge, you have your charger with you (as well as an adaptor for Tanzanian plugs) + waterproof/dustproof bags to cover your cameras
Towel for budget lodges and camping.
Soap for bathing
Swimsuit as some of the lodges have swimming pools
Toiletries
Flip flops/thongs for wearing into shower areas or around the camp/your room in the evenings
If you are camping then you need to bring a sleeping bag. safaris-R-us provides the mattress and sheet to cover the mattress and pillow. If required, a clean, second-hand sleeping bag can also be provided at no extra cost
A small daypack to keep with you in the car during the day
Wildlife books if you want
Insect repellent
Sunscreen, moisturiser and lip balm
Prescription medications
Basic first aid kit. Our guides carry a first aid kit, however, should you need something, you might be more comfortable using your own (for diarrhoea, headaches….)
a roll of toilet paper can be good for any level of accommodation as the public toilets inside the national parks and at public campsites do not always have toilet paper in them. Budget to luxury lodges generally have toilet paper at them so no need to bring for overnight.
Wet wipes
Clothing should be lightweight, loose-fitting, and of “breathable” fabrics, such as cotton. While out in the bush you will find that neutral colors are best as they blend in with the natural surroundings and less likely to show the dust.
A sports bra for women is recommended as the roads can be bumpy and uneven.

For the daytime

Shorts
Pants incase of rain or if tsetse flies are around
T-shirts or golf shirts
Comfortable shoes or sandals (shoes are recommended in case it rains during your safari or if tsetse flies are around)

For the evenings

Long sleeved shirts
Trousers to protect yourself against the cold and mosquito bites
Fleece, sweater or jacket, as the nights at higher elevation can be quite cool

FOR WOMEN TRAVELING IN THE CITY OF ARUSHA OR ZANZIBAR STONETOWN

While traveling on safari or on the beaches of Zanzibar, the above-mentioned clothing rules apply. However, when residing in the city of Arusha pre and/or post safari, or while visiting Zanzibar’s Stonetown, the following cultural rules apply to clothing for women.

knees must be covered. Capris and skirts covering knee is acceptable. No shorts.
midriff covered.
tanks are acceptable if not tight fitting and with more than a spaghetti strap.
comfort fitting around butt and thigh- no skin tight.
for visiting a mosque in Stone town- a nice cloth head covering of sheer or solid fabric, or local “kanga” is appreciated out of respect for Muslim culture. A bandanna or ball cap is not adequate.

While you will find other foreign guests “breaking” the above rules of attire, it is considered culturally insensitive to ignore. Additionally, you may find yourself the recipient of some unwanted comments and ogling. If caught in an emergency situation where you are unable to adhere to the above recommendations, wrapping a local fabric called a “kanga” or long scarf around your waist is considered very respectful and any Tanzanian women will be more than happy to assist you with one. The “kanga” also makes for a fantastic authentic souvenir!

The electricity current is 220v. As is with the UK, East Africa utilizes three flat-pronged sockets called BS-1363 (see picture). If you have a three-flat prong adapter, that will be all you need. For guests bringing expensive electrical materials like Ipods or laptops, a surge protector is also recommended, as the electricity here can sometimes be unreliable and unstable. On a good day, the electricity supply is the same as Australia (220 V), just don’t bring your toaster oven!