What to Pack for Tanzania and Zanzibar - Travel essentials for safari and beyond
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Planning a trip to Tanzania is exciting - from the wildlife of the Serengeti to the endless white sandy beaches of Zanzibar. But knowing what to pack for Tanzania and Zanzibar can feel daunting, especially if you want to be prepared for both safari adventures and island relaxation without overpacking!
Here’s a practical guide to make sure you’ve got everything you need.
1. Safari Packing list 🦁
Tanzania’s national parks can be hot during the day but cool in the evenings. Neutral-coloured, breathable clothing is best for blending in and staying comfortable. Leave your black and dark blue clothing at home - these attract tsetse flies that you definitely want to avoid!
What to pack for the safari:
- Long-sleeve shirts with short sleeves underneath
- Comfortable, light weight trousers - you will be sitting for long periods of time
- A fleece or jumper for morning game drives
- Portable power bank - whether you're using your phone or separate camera, the videos and photos will drain your battery quick. Don't miss out on capturing those moments with a dead phone camera.
- Hat and sunglasses - it gets sunny and dusty on the game drives! Make sure you have something to protect your face
Wide-brim sun hat with UV protection
Perfect for keeping you protected from the sun on long safari drives
Shop NowTop tip: The dust in Tanzania is no joke - especially with the jeep's open roof on long safari drives. A light bandana can keep the dust out of your face while you're on animal watch 🦁
Breathable satin bandana
Perfect for keeping you protected from the dust on long safari drives
Shop Now2. Beachwear for Zanzibar 🏖️
Zanzibar’s turquoise waters call for swimwear, sunscreen, sandals and sunglasses. Paje, on the east coast of the island, is known for its kitesurfing. If you want to give it a go, you may also want to pack a rash guard. Don't forget a bathing suit cover-up or sarong for wandering through Stone Town or the local villages where modest dress is appreciated.
And of course, you wouldn't travel without your quick-drying towel - essential for beach days and hostel stays ☀️
3. Footwear That Works Hard
Footwear can be tricky when you're combining beach days, hikes and safari drives. A footwear travel hack I learned recently from a fellow traveller is to avoid the heavy, bulky hiking boots (unless you're planning to summit Kilimanjaro), and opt for trail shoes instead. Wear your sturdy trail shoes with good traction and pack one pair of comfortable sandals for the beach - footwear sorted without overpacking!
For reliable, comfortable trail shoes check out these Colombia Men's trekking shoes or the affordable Women's trail shoes by Karrimor.
4. Health and Safety Essentials
Hand sanitizer, tissues and insect repellent is vital, the later particularly in the evening - not to mention your anti-malaria tablets and Imodium, just in case 😉 Keep your medical essentials at hand in your mini first-aid kit for easy access.
Eco tip: A reusable water bottle comes in handy to minimise the plastic waste - just remember NOT to fill it with tap water!
5. Smart Packing Solutions
Then of course, the travel essentials you have for every trip - compression packing cubes and a waterproof toiletry bag that make packing a breeze. For your day trips, a small rucksack is especially handy for carrying water, snacks, and a camera on the safari, hikes and beach days. Save space in your luggage with a foldable backpack that is compact when not in use, then expands for your day adventures.
FAQ:
- Do I need binoculars for the safari? The short answer - it depends! In general, you will get so close to most of the animals that you will not likely need binoculars. There was only one occasion where we really needed binoculars to see a leopard far away in a tree (something you definitely don't want to miss!) and luckily for me another couple in my safari jeep let me borrow theirs!
- What should I not bring on a safari? Leave your bright, black and navy clothes at home. For the jeep, avoid large bags (and be aware, single-use plastic bags have been banned in Tanzania) - just pack your day essentials in a small handy bag so there is plenty of room to move around the jeep while on animal watch.
- What travel adapter do I need for Tanzania? Tanzania, including Zanzibar, uses UK-style 3 pronged outlets so you may not need your travel adapter!
- What currency should I bring and how much? Bring some USD as most tourist places, taxis and accommodations take USD (and otherwise you will be carrying a big stack of Tanzania shillings! Once you are in the country, you can take out Tanzania shillings - just be aware most ATMs charge high fees.
Final packing tips: Keep luggage minimal - you will likely be packing all your luggage on the safari jeeps and potentially flying to Zanzibar via small domestic flight. By focusing on essentials, you’ll be ready for both safari thrills and Zanzibar’s blissful beaches, without the extra weight!
Ready to go? Check out the full Tanzania and Zanzibar travel guide here.
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