SAFARI PACKING LIST
Planning a safari in East Africa—Tanzania, Kenya, or Uganda—requires thoughtful preparation to ensure comfort, safety, and enjoyment amidst diverse landscapes, wildlife, and climates. This packing list, tailored for a safari, covers essentials for game drives, primate trekking, cultural visits, and optional activities like Kilimanjaro climbs or Zanzibar beach extensions. Whether you’re embarking on a luxury, mid-range, or budget safari, this guide ensures you’re ready for the adventure.
Why a Well-Planned Packing List Matters
East Africa’s varied environments, from the savannas of Serengeti and Masai Mara to the rainforests of Bwindi and coastal beaches of Zanzibar, demand versatile gear. The dry season (June-October) offers warm days and cool nights, while the wet season (November-May) brings humidity and rain. A strategic packing list ensures you’re prepared for wildlife viewing, cultural interactions, and health precautions like malaria prevention, while adhering to luggage restrictions (often 15-20 kg for domestic flights) and respecting local customs with neutral-colored clothing.
- Sturdy, comfortable shoes, preferrably 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 African Paradise Adventure at no charge
- Foam sleeping pads are provided by African Paradise Adventure 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 travellers cheques, 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 travellers
- 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 losenges
- 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)