Planning a safari in Tanzania? Whether you’re chasing the Great Migration in Serengeti or marveling at Ngorongoro’s wildlife haven, packing the right gear is the first step to an unforgettable adventure. Here’s your ultimate checklist, tailored for both comfort and practicality.
Clothing: Stay Cool, Comfortable, and Safari-Ready
- Neutral-Colored Outfits
- Think khakis, beiges, and greens. These colors keep you camouflaged and avoid attracting insects like tsetse flies (skip the blues and blacks!).
- Long-Sleeve Shirts and Pants
- Perfect for cool mornings and evenings while keeping bugs at bay. Lightweight, breathable fabrics are a must.
- Comfy Shorts and T-Shirts
- Great for those sunny daytime game drives.
- Fleece or Warm Jacket
- Essential for those chilly dawn game drives—especially if you’re heading to higher altitudes like Ngorongoro Crater.
- Rain Jacket or Poncho
- A lifesaver during the rainy season (March–May and November).
- Wide-Brimmed Hat
- Protects your face and neck from Tanzania’s strong sun.
- Sturdy Shoes
- Lightweight hiking boots or trainers are perfect for walking safaris or uneven terrain.
- Relaxing Sandals
- Slip into these at the lodge after a day of adventure.
Safari Essentials: Gear Up for the Wild
- Binoculars
- Don’t miss that leopard lounging in the distance! Invest in a good pair.
- Daypack
- Pack your water, sunscreen, camera, and snacks for the day.
- Camera & Extras
- A decent camera with extra batteries and memory cards is a must for capturing those jaw-dropping moments.
- Reusable Water Bottle
- Stay hydrated while being eco-friendly.
- Flashlight or Headlamp
- Campsites and lodges can get dark—this will save the day (or night!).
- Power Bank
- Keep your phone and camera charged even in remote areas.
Personal Care: Protect Yourself & Stay Comfortable
- Sunscreen (High SPF)
- The African sun is no joke. Reapply regularly!
- Insect Repellent
- A must to keep mosquitoes and other bugs away. DEET-based or natural options work.
- Lip Balm with SPF
- Protect your lips from drying out.
- Travel-Sized Toiletries
- Include essentials like shampoo, soap, toothbrush, and hand sanitizer.
- First Aid Kit
- Stock it with Band-Aid’s, pain relievers, antihistamines, and any personal medications.
- Anti-Malarial Medication
- Consult your doctor and be prepared for regions where malaria is prevalent.
Keep your Documents & Finances: Stay Organized
- Passport & Visa
- Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months. Check visa requirements before you go.
- Yellow Fever Vaccination Card
- Required if traveling from certain countries.
- Travel Insurance
- Covers medical emergencies and unexpected trip changes.
- Cash (USD & Tanzanian Shillings)
- US dollars are widely accepted, but local currency is handy for smaller purchases.
- Digital & Physical Copies of Important Docs
- Backup your passport, tickets, and insurance details just in case.
Optional Add-Ons: For Extra Comfort and Fun
- Lightweight Scarf or Buff
- Shields you from dust on game drives.
- Snacks
- Energy bars or dried fruits for long drives.
- Notebook or Journal
- Capture your daily safari adventures in writing.
- Books or an E-Reader
- Perfect for downtime at the lodge.
Top Tip: Pack Light!
Safari vehicles and small planes often have weight limits for luggage, so stick to a soft-sided duffel bag and keep it under 15 kg (33 lbs). With this list, you’ll be prepared to enjoy every moment of your safari—from dawn game drives to evenings by the campfire.
What to Pack for Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro: Complete Packing List
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is an unforgettable adventure, but it requires proper preparation. From high-altitude gear to layered clothing, packing the right items is essential for staying comfortable and safe during your trek. Here’s your ultimate Kilimanjaro packing guide:
Clothing: Dress for All Weather Conditions
- Base Layers
- Thermal Underwear: Lightweight, moisture-wicking base layers for warmth.
- Long-Sleeve Shirts & Pants: Lightweight, breathable fabrics that wick away sweat.
- Mid-Layers
- Fleece Jacket or Pullover: Provides warmth in the cold weather, especially at higher altitudes.
- Insulated Jacket: A down or synthetic jacket for colder conditions.
- Outer Layers
- Waterproof Jacket & Pants: Protects against rain and wind.
- Windbreaker: Keeps you warm and shields you from the elements.
- Hats & Gloves
- Sun Hat: Protects your face and neck from the sun.
- Warm Beanie or Hat: Essential for colder altitudes.
- Gloves: Light gloves for trekking and a pair of warmer gloves for summit night.
- Trekking Pants & Shorts
- Lightweight Pants: Quick-drying and breathable materials for trekking.
- Comfortable Shorts: For lower altitudes or during the day.
Footwear: Sturdy and Comfortable for the Climb
- Trekking Boots
- High-quality, waterproof boots with ankle support to handle rugged terrain. Break them in before the trek!
- Gaiters
- Useful for protecting your boots and pants from dust, snow, and mud.
- Lightweight Hiking Shoes
- Comfortable for wearing around camp after a day of trekking.
- Thick Wool Socks
- Bring several pairs to avoid blisters. Wool socks are excellent for regulating temperature and moisture.
Accessories: Stay Safe and Comfortable
- Headlamp with Extra Batteries
- Essential for early starts or evening activities.
- Sunglasses with UV Protection
- Protect your eyes from glare and UV rays at high altitudes.
- Sun Protection
- Sunscreen (High SPF): Prevent sunburn, especially in high-altitude conditions.
- Lip Balm with SPF: Essential to prevent chapped lips.
- Water Bottle / Hydration System
- Stay hydrated with a reusable water bottle or hydration pack.
- Trekking Poles
- Help to reduce strain on your knees and improve stability on steep sections.
- Personal Medications
- Bring any necessary prescriptions, as well as over-the-counter pain relievers and altitude sickness prevention medication.
Sleeping Gear: Comfort During Your Climb
- Sleeping Bag
- Rated for cold temperatures (around -10°C or 14°F), as it can get quite chilly at higher altitudes.
- Sleeping Pad
- Provides extra comfort for camping on rocky terrain.
- Pillow
- A small inflatable or compressible pillow for added comfort at camp.
Personal Items: Essentials for Your Kilimanjaro Journey
- Passport & Copies
- Keep your passport safe, but have a copy for emergencies.
- Travel Insurance
- Make sure it covers trekking at high altitudes and emergencies.
- Cash for Tips & Souvenirs
- Bring a small amount of local currency or USD for tips or purchases.
- Camera & Extra Batteries
- Capture breathtaking views—but remember to keep batteries charged!
- Notebook/Journal
- Record your thoughts and experiences during the climb.
Optional Items: Extras for Comfort and Convenience
- Snacks
- High-energy snacks like trail mix, granola bars, or dried fruit for quick bursts of energy.
- Hand Warmers
- Keep your hands warm during summit night.
- Binoculars
- Spot wildlife or take in the incredible views on your way up.
Top Tips for Kilimanjaro Trekkers
- Layer Your Clothing: Weather can change quickly, so it’s important to dress in layers.
- Pack Light: The lighter your bag, the better your climb. Your porter will carry your main gear, but you’ll want to keep your daypack light.
- Hydrate & Acclimatize: Drink plenty of water to help avoid altitude sickness and give your body time to adjust to the high altitudes.
By following this packing list, you’ll be fully prepared to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro and enjoy every step of the journey. Ready to take on the Roof of Africa? Get in touch with us today to start planning your Kilimanjaro trek and perfect Tanzania Safari!
