Type Tanzania Safari on Google and, you will see plenty of animals basking in golden sunshine. So does that mean packing all your best summer outfits for your upcoming Africa Safari? Not really.

As a safari specialist for 74 years, we love to share with our clients what to pack and not to pack in an Africa Safari. You don’t want to be traveling with non-essentials on an adventurous wildlife trip or feel helpless by packing the absolute wrong things. Here is how you should get started and fly for your upcoming safari with great excitement!

1. Where are you going?

You could be coming to Tanzania for a Northern Circuit Safari, hiking Kilimanjaro, or covering all East Africa destinations. Your packing list also depends on when you are going and for how many days. Most of our guests combine a safari with a beach holiday. Hence the packing for an Africa Safari is also unique. Let us see what are some essentials you must not forget!

View of the Ngorongoro Crater in the morning

2. It gets cold in the National Parks

We highly recommend you to bring a mix of sweaters, windcheaters, and long trousers to cozy up during the chilly mornings especially in the Ngorongoro Crater where the temperature is quite low, especially in the morning. If you are traveling in the green season, you should further consider carrying a waterproof jacket. Warm clothes are also essential if you are climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro and traveling from June to October- an essential factor to consider while packing for Africa Safari.

3. Some must-haves

Yes, it’s Africa and it is also sunny and hot here during the day. Swimming costumes are something you should not forget if you are planning to cool off after a safari or at the beach in Zanzibar. Sunglasses, a hat, mosquito repellents, and comfortable shoes apart from sandals are also essential to carry. Carry some snacks such as health bars, chocolates, and candies for one of those long days.

4. Your medical kit

Considering you will be traveling to safe yet remote places in Africa where medical access is limited, we would love you to carry your small medical kit. Pain killers, routine medication, band-aids, allergy-specific ointments or medicines, and your medical insurance too! Reliable tour operators have a medical kit in their car. However, it is preferred if you have items of your personal needs too.

Remember to pack light if you are option for a flying Africa Safari

5. Flying safari?

If your itinerary package features a flying safari from one national park to another, you must consider packing light and items of essential purpose only. Many lodges offer you hair-dryers, body creams, bathing soaps, etc. so, you can always check with your tour consultant if these items will be available at the lodges you wish to stay and what you should be packing for Africa Safari. It is always convenient when you carry light and spend more time in nature, witnessing one of the rare sights.

6. Electronics

Isn’t this kit the best idea for you electronic essentials while traveling?

Presuming that most people carry cameras during their travels, we highly recommend you to have extra batteries and not forget your chargers at any point while packing for your Africa Safari. If you are staying in a camp, the electricity supply may be limited and you will have to charge your batteries at specific time slots. For those carrying their laptops, we suggest you enjoy your digital detox or check with your tour operator in advance, which of your accommodation facilities have\electricity supply throughout the day.

What clothes to pack for your Africa Safari: Travel and Leisure

7. Wear neutral colors

Not all tour operators will tell you that you should be mindful of the color of clothes while packing for your Africa Safari. Dark colors such as red and blue attract insects and, white colors can get dusty too quickly. As you will see in photos, most tourists wear khaki or earthen color outfits that are perfect for the warm weather during the day and comfortable for most adventure activities including, walking safaris and sundowners. Here is what frequent travelers and bloggers also recommend us to do.

Are you planning a safari this year? Our tour consultant would love to personally connect with you and assist from planning a holiday to the best destinations to giving you a customized tips and recommendations list as per your itinerary and what should be packing on your Africa Safari. Write to us for a bespoke travel plan.

Cover Photo Courtesy: Fashion Gone Rogue