Glad Of Africa · · 1 min read · Planning
Soft bags, neutral colours, layers and a few small things people forget. Pack light and you will enjoy the trip more.
Start with the bag
Use a soft duffel bag, not a hard suitcase. Safari vehicles have limited space, and bush flights between parks often limit luggage to around 15 kg in a soft bag. Ask us for the exact allowance on your itinerary before you pack.
Clothing that works in the bush
Pack in layers. Mornings on a game drive are cold, midday is hot and the Ngorongoro Crater rim can feel chilly even in the dry season. Choose neutral colours such as khaki, olive and tan. Avoid bright white and very dark blue or black, which dust shows and which can attract tsetse flies in some areas. Bring a warm fleece or light down jacket, a rain shell, long trousers, two or three short and long sleeved shirts, a sun hat and comfortable closed shoes.
Camera and binoculars
A pair of binoculars for each person makes a big difference, especially for birds and distant predators. If you bring a camera, a lens of 200 to 400 mm is useful. Pack spare batteries and memory cards, a dust cloth and a small bag to protect gear on dusty roads. Camps recharge batteries, but sockets can be limited, so bring a multi-way adaptor.
Health and personal items
Bring sunscreen, lip balm, insect repellent, sunglasses, any prescription medicine in its original packaging and a basic first aid kit. Talk to your doctor or a travel clinic about vaccinations and malaria prevention well before you travel, and check the current official entry and health requirements for your nationality.
What to leave at home
Leave drones at home unless you have a permit, since they are restricted in the parks. Avoid single-use plastic bags, which are banned in Tanzania. Skip heavy formal clothes: camps are relaxed and laundry is often available.
