Safari Packing List
We’ve made it easier for you to plan your once in a lifetime safari trip with information on what to bring. Baggage should be of the round squashy type rather than hard suitcases that are difficult to fit into jeeps. Try to use something that is both lockable and waterproof as luggage can often end up sitting on the roof of the vehicle. It should be noted that the luggage limit per person on domestic flights is 15-20 kg per person (checked-in and hand luggage).
On your inbound flight, don’t check in items that you absolutely need (such as medicines), as it is not uncommon that checked-in luggage gets misdirected and arrives in Tanzania a couple of days after you. It is better to have such items in your hand luggage. You can leave extra luggage in a locked storage room at the Springlands Hotel for no charge.
- You can leave valuables in a safe deposit box at the Springlands Hotel for $1/day.
- Sturdy, comfortable shoes, preferably waterproof. They will get dirty.
- Tennis shoes or sandals for lounging in the evening
- Comfortable, breathable socks
- Shorts, mid-thigh or longer
- Lightweight, breathable pants
- Short-sleeved shirts, cool and breathable
- Long-sleeved shirt or sweater for evenings
- Rain racket and pants or rain poncho
- Day pack, for you to carry
- Large duffel bag or backpack
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping pad and repair kit
- Tents are supplied by Zara at no charge
- Foam sleeping pads are provided by Zara at no charge
- Water bottles, and water purification tablets or purifier
- Bottled water is also available for purchase on safari
- Sun hat with brim
- Sunglasses
- Bandana (for dust, etc.)
- Money ($400 or more in cash and/or travelers check, including some small U.S., Euro, or Tanzanian bills)
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Camera, film/disks, mini-tripod
- Video camera, tapes
- Maps, guidebooks
- Batteries
- Binoculars
- Notebook, pencil, and pen
- Pocket knife
- Electricity adapter
- Energy bars, hard candy, snacks, and comfort foods
- Playing cards, games, books, frisbee, football, kite
- Chocolate or pens for village children, momentos for guides and other travelers
- Umbrella, particularly useful in the rainy season, can be purchased in the market for around $2
- Plastic bags and zip-lock bags for waterproofing
- Sewing kit
- Salt, pepper, spices for bland food
- Business cards
- Alarm clock
- Calculator (for currency conversion)
- Swim suit for hotel swimming pool
- Toilet paper (and baggie to carry used paper while walking)
- Small towel
- Soap
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Handi-wipes (moist towelettes for cleaning)
- Hand sanitizer
- Lotion
- Glasses, contacts, solution
- Comb, mirror
- Passport
- Yellow fever certificate
- Tanzania Visa
- Medical insurance
- Address book
- Vaccination records
- Airline tickets
- Cash, travellers cheques, credit cards
- Maps, guidebooks
- Make copies of passport, TZ visa, airline tickets/schedule, travellers cheques numbers. Leave a copy with someone at home and put a copy in a separate place in your luggage.
- Ibuprofen, Aceteminophen, or Paracetamol
- Throat lozenges
- Bandaids
- Moleskin
- Sunscreen (SPF 15+)
- Lip balm with sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Disinfectant, Antiseptic cream
- Bandages and tape
- Diahrea medicine
- Antihistemines
- Ace bandage
- Melatonin (1-3mg) or other sleep aid
- Malaria pills (talk to your doctor)
- Antibiotics (talk to your doctor)
- Prescription drugs (talk to your doctor)
- Diamox (talk to your doctor)
- Shoes
- Any warm clothing
- T-shirts
- Hats
- Nerf football, frisbees
- Candy
- Pens
- U-shaped neck pillow (blow-up)
- Books/magazines
- Toiletries
- Snacks
- Water
- Walkman and music
- Eye shades, ear plugs
- Melatonin or other sleep aid
- Critical items (in case baggage is delayed)
