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Tanzania Packing List 2026
What to pack for safari, Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar
Climate
| Region | Best Months | Temperature | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safari (Serengeti) | Jun-Oct, Jan-Feb | 15-30C | Dry season best; cold mornings |
| Kilimanjaro | Jan-Mar, Jun-Oct | -15 to 30C | Summit is freezing; base is tropical |
| Zanzibar | Jun-Oct, Dec-Feb | 25-33C | Hot and humid year-round |
| Dar es Salaam | Jun-Oct | 24-32C | Hot; rainy Mar-May |
Essential Documents
| Item | Notes | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport (6+ months validity) | With Tanzania visa / e-visa | |
| Yellow fever certificate | Required if arriving from endemic country | |
| Travel insurance (with evacuation) | Must cover safari and Kilimanjaro altitude | |
| USD cash ($50-100 bills for visa on arrival) | Visa costs $50 for most nationalities | |
| Safari/Kilimanjaro booking confirmations | Print hard copies |
Safari Clothing
Bag Restriction: Bush flights to Serengeti camps limit luggage to 15-20kg in soft-sided bags only. No hard suitcases.
| Item | Notes | |
|---|---|---|
| Soft-sided duffel bag | Required for bush flights; max 15-20kg | |
| Neutral shirts (3-4) | Khaki, olive, beige - no bright colours | |
| Safari trousers (2-3) | Zip-off style versatile | |
| Warm fleece | Ngorongoro Crater rim is cold | |
| Windbreaker | Open vehicles get chilly | |
| Closed-toe shoes | For walking safaris | |
| Wide-brimmed hat | Sun protection | |
| Binoculars | Essential for game viewing |
Kilimanjaro Gear
| Item | Notes | |
|---|---|---|
| Waterproof hiking boots (broken in) | Ankle support essential; break in weeks before | |
| Thermal base layers (2 sets) | Merino wool ideal | |
| Down jacket | Summit night temperatures reach -15C | |
| Waterproof jacket and trousers | Rain is frequent on the mountain | |
| Trekking poles | Essential for knee protection on descent | |
| Headlamp + spare batteries | Summit attempt starts at midnight | |
| Sleeping bag (-15C rated) | Some operators provide; check in advance | |
| Warm gloves and beanie | Summit is freezing | |
| Gaiters | For scree sections | |
| Day pack (30L) | Porters carry main bag; you carry essentials |
Zanzibar Essentials
| Item | Notes | |
|---|---|---|
| Modest clothing | Cover shoulders and knees away from resorts (Muslim island) | |
| Swimwear | For resort/beach only | |
| Reef shoes | Coral and sea urchins on some beaches | |
| Light cotton clothing | Hot and humid | |
| Sarong / wrap | Versatile cover-up | |
| Reef-safe sunscreen | Protect coral reefs |
Health Kit
| Item | Notes | |
|---|---|---|
| Antimalarial medication | All areas including Zanzibar | |
| DEET insect repellent | 30-50% concentration | |
| Sunscreen SPF50 | Strong equatorial sun | |
| Diamox (Kilimanjaro) | For altitude sickness prevention - prescription | |
| First aid kit | Including blister plasters for Kilimanjaro | |
| ORS packets | Dehydration treatment | |
| Hand sanitiser | Multiple small bottles |
Electronics
| Item | Notes | |
|---|---|---|
| Type D/G power adapter | UK-style most common | |
| Power bank (20,000mAh+) | Essential for safari camps and Kilimanjaro | |
| Camera with zoom lens | 200-400mm for safari | |
| Headlamp | Essential for Kilimanjaro and safari camps | |
| Waterproof phone case | For rain and Zanzibar water activities |
Don't Forget
- Soft duffel bag (no suitcases)
- USD cash in small bills
- Warm layers for safari/Kili
- Modest clothes for Zanzibar
- Power bank