Luggage Restrictions
International flights allow 1 checked bag (20–25 kg) and 1 carry-on. Regional flights (Tanzania Air, Coastal Aviation) allow 1 checked bag (15 kg) and daypack. Kilimanjaro porters carry your main luggage to the hut each night; carry only a daypack to the summit. Soft-sided duffel bags (not wheeled luggage) are essential for bush flights and vehicle transfers. Budget 2 kg for camera gear, 3–4 kg for clothing, 1 kg for toiletries, 1 kg for medications.
Essential Clothing
- Neutral-coloured clothes (khaki, beige, olive, grey, brown) — bright colours disturb wildlife and attract insects
- Long-sleeved shirts and long trousers (sun protection and mosquito defence)
- Warm layers (fleece, thin down jacket) for early morning game drives (15–18°C at dawn)
- Heavy sweater for Kilimanjaro (nights drop to -15°C at altitude)
- Waterproof rain jacket for green season
- Underwear and socks for 7 days (laundry is daily at lodges)
- Hat with brim and UV-blocking sunglasses
- Comfortable walking shoes (broken in before arrival)
- Lightweight hiking boots for Kilimanjaro (ankle support critical)
- Flip-flops or slides for camp
Photography Equipment
- Telephoto lens (200–600mm recommended for wildlife)
- Polarising filter (reduces glare off water)
- 2–3 spare batteries (power outlets rare in remote camps)
- Portable external hard drive or cloud storage for backup
- Cleaning kit (sensor brush, lens wipes, air blower)
- Lens cap tethers (you will drop them)
- Monopod or compact tripod
Health & Toiletries
- Malaria prophylaxis (prescribed by doctor; commonly atovaquone-proguanil/Malarone or doxycycline)
- High-SPF sunscreen (SPF 50+, reef-safe for Zanzibar)
- Insect repellent (DEET 20–30%)
- Basic medications: pain relief, anti-diarrhoea, anti-allergy, antacid
- Prescription medications (bring original bottles, doctor’s letter)
- Antibiotic ointment (cuts get infected easily in the bush)
- Personal toiletries (lodges provide basic soap/shampoo)
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Deodorant (stick form, less mess in heat)
Documents & Money
- Passport and 2 colour copies (separate from original)
- Visa documentation (eVisa printout)
- Travel insurance policy (print and save digitally)
- Flight confirmations (email or printout)
- Hotel/lodge confirmations
- Credit card(s) and debit card (carry 2 separate cards)
- USD cash ($500–1,000 as backup; Tanzania uses TZS but USD widely accepted)
- Driver’s license (if planning to rent a vehicle)
- Vaccination certificate (yellow fever, if required)
- Phone charger (universal adapter for Tanzania plug type — Type G, square/rectangular pins)
Safari Essentials
- Binoculars (10×42 optical quality, light enough for full days)
- Small notebook and pen (record wildlife sightings, guide notes)
- Headlamp or small torch (early morning before vehicle leaves camp)
- Refillable water bottle (eco-friendly, lodges fill for free)
- Portable wet wipes (for hands before meals in vehicle)
- Plastic bags (for wet items, dirty clothes)
- Moisturiser (bush air is very dry)
- Lip balm with SPF
What NOT to Bring
- Bright or white clothing (disturbs wildlife, shows dust)
- Denim or heavy cotton (hot, uncomfortable, slow to dry)
- Wheeled luggage (doesn’t work on bush roads)
- Excessive shoes (lodges provide laundry; pack 2–3 pairs max)
- Hairdryer or electrical appliances (lodges have limited power)
- Glass bottles (breakage risk; buy plastic in-country)
- Aerosol deodorant (banned on flights)
- Expensive jewellery (unnecessary and draws unwanted attention)
- Hiking poles for safari (use for Kilimanjaro only, not game drives)
Zanzibar Add-Ons
If extending to Zanzibar beach: add swimsuit/beach shorts, rash guard (sun protection in water), reef-safe sunscreen, snorkel gear (optional; resorts provide), lightweight sarong or kaftan, sandals, underwater camera or GoPro.
