A Tanzania adventure that combines thrilling game drives on the savanna with relaxing days on the beach requires some smart packing. You’ll need versatile clothing, gear for wildlife viewing, and essentials for sun-soaked relaxation. This guide ensures you’re prepared for both adventures!

1. Luggage & Packing Tips

✅ Soft-sided duffel bag – Most safari flights have a strict 15 kg (33 lbs) limit for luggage. Avoid hard suitcases.
✅ Daypack or small backpack – Perfect for game drives, hikes, or beach excursions.
✅ Dry bag or waterproof pouch – Protect electronics from dust on safari & water at the beach.

2. Safari Essentials

🌿 Clothing for Game Drives:

• Lightweight, breathable layers – Mornings are chilly, afternoons get hot!
• Neutral-colored outfits – Khaki, olive, or beige (avoid bright colors & dark blue, which attract tsetse flies).
• Long-sleeve shirts & pants – Protects from sun & insect bites.
• Fleece or lightweight jacket – Early morning & evening drives can be cold.

🦶 Footwear:

• Closed-toe shoes – Essential for walking safaris or bush hikes.
• Sandals or flip-flops – For relaxing at your lodge.

🕶 Accessories:

• Wide-brim hat or cap – Protects from the sun.
• Sunglasses (polarized) – Reduces glare & improves game viewing.
• Binoculars – A must-have for spotting wildlife.

📷 Photography Gear:

• Camera with zoom lens – At least 200mm for wildlife shots.
• Extra memory cards & batteries – Power may be limited in remote lodges.

🚑 Health & Safety:

• Insect repellent (with DEET) – To keep mosquitoes & tsetse flies away.
• Sunscreen (SPF 30+) – The African sun is intense!
• Lip balm with SPF – Protect against dry air & sunburn.
• Basic first aid kit – Band-aids, antiseptic, painkillers, motion sickness pills.

3. Beach Essentials

👙 Clothing for the Coast:

• Swimsuits – Pack at least two so one can dry.
• Lightweight cover-up or sarong – For lounging between swims.
• Loose, breathable outfits – Cotton or linen dresses, shorts, and tank tops.
• Reef-safe sunscreen – Protects marine life while you swim/snorkel.

🐠 Water Activities Gear:

• Snorkel mask & fins (optional) – Some resorts provide, but having your own is handy.
• Water shoes – Useful for rocky beaches or snorkeling in coral areas.
• Underwater camera or GoPro – Capture marine life in crystal-clear waters.

🌙 Evening Wear:

• Lightweight maxi dress / linen shirt & pants – Perfect for sunset dinners.
• Shawl or light sweater – Coastal breezes can get cool at night.

4. Travel Documents & Extras

📜 Must-Have Documents:

• Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
• Visa for Tanzania (Apply online before travel)
• Yellow fever certificate (If coming from an endemic country)
• Travel insurance (Covers medical emergencies & trip cancellations)

💰 Money & Payments:

• Credit/debit cards – Most resorts accept cards, but bring cash for small purchases.
•  preferred) – Useful for tips & local markets.

📱 Tech & Apps:

• Power bank – Limited electricity in safari camps.
• Universal travel adapter – Tanzania uses Type G & D plugs.
• Google Translate (Swahili) – Handy for basic phrases.

5. What NOT to Pack

❌ Camouflage clothing – Illegal for civilians in Tanzania.
❌ Heavy makeup & fancy shoes – Not practical for safari life.
❌ Excessive jewelry – Avoid attracting unwanted attention.
❌ Plastic bags – Banned in Tanzania! Use reusable cloth bags instead.

Final Packing Checklist

✅ Safari outfits (neutral colors)
✅ Swimwear & beachwear
✅ Comfortable walking shoes & sandals
✅ Sunscreen, insect repellent, and sunglasses
✅ Camera, binoculars & extra batteries
✅ Travel documents & insurance
✅ Power bank & universal adapter
✅ Lightweight layers for cool mornings/evenings