What to Pack on a Trip to Tanzania

When it comes to Tanzania, knowing what to pack for your trips is essential. 

Whether you’re going to see the big five, go hiking up Mt. Kilimanjaro, or are taking a volunteer trip, the things you forget at home aren’t so easily replaced here. 

Here are some different types of trips you’ll have in Tanzania, and what to pack for each. 

What to Pack for Safari in Tanzania

If you’re planning a safari to Tanzania, think light-colored, light-weight, and covered. 

The Tetse flies here can be brutal, so you want to make sure you’ve got thick pants on. Pair that with a light-weight top and a jacket (the weather can change fast) and boots, and you’ve got a look. Here are the products we love: 

 

 

You might also consider getting a hat for sun protection, as well as a great camera bag. 

What to Pack for Zanzibar

Heading to the beaches of Zanzibar? Lucky girl! Tanzania is full of gorgeous beaches, but Zanzibar is by far the most famous. (Pro tip, if you’re looking for another gorgeous beach check out our post on Kunduchi beach in Dar es Salaam.)

If you’re packing for Zanzibar, you need very little. High temps year-round mean it’s going to be hot. Bring shorts, a cover-up for your swimsuit, a hat for sun protection and t-shirts. Here’s the look we love: 

Also be sure to bring sunscreen and a book for the beach! 

What to Pack for Kilimanjaro

Ok, first off, you’re going to need a LOT of things for Kilimanjaro. The temperatures range so drastically from night to day and you’ll be very cold at night without a few essential items. While your tour company will likely send out a packing guide, here are some things we know would come in handy if you’re hiking Kilimanjaro. 

You might also want to consider a day bag, lighter shoes for camp, moisture-wicking socks, and underwear. 

Need more inspiration?

Consider going on an epic road trip, visiting a place you’ve never heard of or, checking into a private island all to yourself off the coast of Dar es Salaam. 

Here are some other items you might choose to pack. Sort of your meat-and-potatoes type of stuff. 

Clothing

• A light raincoat is good to have, especially during the rainy seasons, roughly spring and fall.
• Good walking shoes for treks and because the roads can be in bad condition.
• A hat, sunglasses and sunblock to protect against the sun’s intense rays.
• Definitely lightweight but conservative clothing.
• Head wrap for when you have to walk around in conservative areas.
• If you are going to the beach, a bathing suit.
• A small money belt or clutch to avoid the bag and drag.

Gear

• Your own snorkel and flippers for snorkeling, scuba diving, or swimming with whale sharks.
• Binoculars for viewing wild life.
• A great camera or GoPro.

Medicine

• Mosquito repellant to help prevent malaria and dengue fever.
• Baby wipes for when the water pipes aren’t working, or for when you’re hiking Mt. Kilimanjaro.
• Some Tums or antacids if spicy food doesn’t always agree with you.
• All the medications you might need for malaria, constipation, diarrhea. Also make sure you get the proper vaccines before you leave.

Other Essentials

• A guide or knowledge of how to tip.
• A Swahili dictionary or phrase book, or you can look up a few phrases here.
• A great book to read while on a bus, plane, train, car or ferry.
• A general knowledge of a few key facts about Tanzania.
• A passport AND a yellow fever yellow booklet, which is your proof that you’ve had the vaccination.

Did we miss anything? Let us know so we can add it to the list!