Clothing can be a tricky element of a safari to pin down, as you never know exactly what you are going to get when it comes to the Tanzania weather.
Tanzania experiences both wet and dry seasons, with the dry seasons falling between January and February and then from June to October and the wet seasons lasting from March to May (this is the more prominent wet season) and then November and December.
For a safari in the dry season, you aren’t likely to see any rain, but it is best to pack a few jackets just to be sure.
Otherwise, light clothing will suffice. The wet seasons will call for heavier clothes, such as scarves and thicker jackets.
There are also general clothes that you will want to make sure that you pack no matter what season you travel in, such as the following:
Long Sleeved Shirts
Trousers
Shorts
Waterproof Jacket
T-Shirts
Socks
Warm Sweaters
Swimsuits
Hats
As a whole, lightweight outfits in neutral colors are a practical choice for a safari, but remember that layering is your best friend!
Sturdy and Comfortable Footwear
You might be doing a fair amount of walking during your safari (especially if it is a walking safari specifically) and so comfortable footwear is a must.
A pair of sneakers that you are willing to let get dirty is a great idea, whilst hiking boots that are sturdy and offer a great deal of ankle support are also a necessity.
If you are planning on doing some relaxing at the beach as well as embarking on your safari, don’t forget your flip-flops or sandals!
A basic first aid kit will help to avoid any unexpected mishaps or illnesses on your safari.
From regular painkillers to medications to avoid sickness and diarrhea, you will definitely want to make sure that you are stocked up on the essentials so that you can continue to enjoy your trip even if you have to deal with any medical problems.
Some of these essentials include:
Even the smallest first aid kit will suffice, as long as you have the right tools to deal with any cuts, bruises, or reactions that might occur!
When it comes to toiletries, you will want to bring the same kind of items as you would on other vacations, such as the following:
A safari is also going to be prone to insects, so make sure that you also get yourself some strong insect repellent as well as these essentials in order to avoid being swarmed or bitten!
You will also need to keep in mind that you are going to be outside for a long period of time whilst on safari, so protection from the sun is crucial.
As well as sunscreen, bring some after-sun lotion as well.
As well as your phone, there is no doubt that you will want to capture the moments you experience during your safari, so a camera is sure to be on your list of essential items.
Don’t forget the charger for your camera (that goes for your phone too!) and spare batteries, as well as an extra memory card. Universal plug converters and binoculars are a must too!
Don’t forget to keep any electronics protected at all times, especially if you are planning to be in Tanzania during the rainy season.
Some extra protective coverings or waterproof bags to keep them in might prove useful.
Make sure that you have all of the different kinds of storage necessary for all of your belongings. This could include the following:
Backpack
Waterproof Duffel Bag
Day Pack
Zip Lock Bags
Utilizing these different kinds of baggage will make it easier to decipher your everyday items from your specific safari items.
Final Thoughts: what to pack for your Tanzania Safari?
So there you have everything that you will need for a safari trip to Tanzania!
As long as you stay well organized and make a thorough plan before you leave, you are sure to remember all of the essentials and have an incredible experience on your journey!