There are endless things to do in Tanzania, from wildlife safaris and mountain trekking to blissful beach days and unique cultural experiences. From swimsuits to safari essentials, you’re probably wondering what to wear and what to pack for Tanzania. We’ve got you covered with our Tanzania packing list to help you get prepared for your dream trip to this beautiful East African country.
1. Layered, versatile clothing
Wondering what to wear in Tanzania? The short answer is: A bit of everything! While Tanzania is swelteringly hot for much of the year, it can also get very cold, plus you’ll need different types of clothes for different activities.
Going on safari? You’ll need lightweight clothing in neutral colours. Want to trek Mount Kilimanjaro? You’ll need plenty of warm weather hiking gear. Want to relax on the beaches on Zanzibar? You’ll need swimwear, but you’ll also need to dress modestly outside the resorts, to respect the local culture.
RELATED CONTENT: 6 cultural traditions to be aware of before you travel to Tanzania
In general, your Tanzania packing list should include lots of layers, ranging from t-shirts, long skirts and shorts, to long-sleeved tops, warm sweaters, trousers and a waterproof jacket. You might also like to bring a light scarf for when you need to cover your shoulders for extra modesty or warmth, or to dip in water and wrap around your neck for some cool relief in the heat.
2. Comfortable shoes
You’ll likely be doing a lot of walking in Tanzania, so you’ll need a comfortable pair of sneakers that you don’t mind getting dirty. If you plan to do any hiking or walking safaris, bring a sturdy pair of boots with good ankle support, and some thick socks. You’ll also need a pair of sandals or flip-flops for lounging by the pool or the beach.
GET INSPIRED BY: African Safari Adventure
3. Sun protection
Whether you visit in the dry or wet season, you’ll always need sun protection in Tanzania. You don’t want a sunburn or sunstroke to put a downer on your trip, so bring a hat, polarised sunglasses and plenty of high SPF sunscreen. You might also like to bring some after sun gel or moisturiser to soothe dry skin.
RELATED CONTENT: 9 once-in-a-lifetime things to do in Tanzania with Trafalgar
4. Medical kit
While most hotels, lodges and camps in Tanzania will have a first aid kit on hand, it’s always a good idea to bring your own essentials in a small medical kit. You should bring items like pain killers, antiseptic ointment and bandaids, hand sanitiser, electrolyte tablets or powders, strong insect repellent, eye drops and travel sickness tablets.
You’ll also need to bring any personal medications, and you’ll need to consult your doctor before your trip for health advice, such as vaccinations and taking malaria prophylaxis.
RELATED CONTENT: How to dress appropriately when travelling to Africa and the Middle East
5. Toiletries
Everyone requires different toiletries, so this packing item is up to you. We do recommend pouring products like shampoos and moisturisers into reusable travel bottles, to save space and waste. You might also like to try solid toiletries, like bar shampoos, deodorants, moisturisers and toothpaste tablets.
Earplugs and eye masks can also be fantastic when sleeping in a new environment. And don’t forget to bring some tissues or toilet paper. You never know when it will come in handy.
GET INSPIRED BY: African Safari Adventure with Zanzibar Island Escape
6. Day bag
Whether you’re out on safari or cruising the islands of Zanzibar, you’ll need a daypack to carry everything you need including sunscreen, a water bottle and your camera. Bring a secure bag that’s lightweight and waterproof, and go for one with lots of pockets to keep your things safe and organised.
7. Gadgets
Whether you love your travel gadgets or you prefer to keep it minimal, there are a few tech essentials you’ll need to add to your Tanzania packing list. You’ll likely want to take tons of pictures on this special trip, so bring either your smartphone with a camera or a separate SLR camera. Remember to bring extra memory cards so you never run out of space, extra chargers and waterproof cases to keep everything secure.
You’ll also need to bring a travel plug adaptor for Tanzania. There are two plug types in Tanzania – types D and G. Plug type D has three round pins in a triangular pattern and plug type G has two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin. You might also like to bring a portable charger and a power strip so you can charge all your gadgets at the same time.
8. Binoculars
Want to make the most of your safari in Tanzania? Bring a pair of binoculars! They’re fantastic for spotting wildlife lurking in the tall grasses, or birds flitting in the trees, and they’re sure to take your wildlife viewing experience to the next level.
RELATED CONTENT: Food in Tanzania – essential dishes to try, and foods to avoid
9. Swahili phrasebook
Tanzania is ethnically diverse, with over 120 languages spoken across the country. Swahili is the most commonly spoken official language, and it’s handy to learn a few phrases before your trip. Start with the basics like jambo (hello), kwa heri (goodbye) and asante (thank you) and pack a Swahili phrasebook to help you on your trip.
You’ll find it easier to connect with the locals when you make an attempt to speak their language, and your efforts are sure to earn you some smiles of appreciation from the locals.
RELATED CONTENT: Useful Swahili words and phrases to learn before your trip to Kenya
10. Entertainment
Tanzania is a big country and you’ll likely experience some long coach or plane journeys. There’s also usually some downtime during the hot midday sun on safari, and it’s the perfect time to have a nap, read a book, play cards, or listen to some music. Bring some headphones that block out the noise on planes, and an e-reader instead of a bunch of heavy books.
You might also like to bring a travel journal to record all your incredible experiences on your Tanzania adventure. You’ll love looking back on all your wonderful memories in years to come.
RELATED CONTENT: A beginner’s guide to Tanzanian music
11. Money matters
When you travel to Tanzania with Trafalgar, most of your expenses will already be covered including your accommodation, transport and some meals. However, there are a few things you’ll need cash for like souvenirs and extra activities. It’s best to come prepared with a mix of credit or debit cards and cash on your Tanzania packing list.
If you’re using cash, bring US dollar bills that are dated after 2006. Any bills dated prior to 2006 won’t be accepted anywhere as the older bills are easier to forge. You can use your US cash in larger establishments, but you’ll also need some of the local currency, Tanzanian shillings, for use in smaller places and for tipping.
If you are exchanging money in Tanzania, use hotels, banks and official exchange bureaus (you can ask your Trafalgar Travel Director for advice). You can also withdraw money around the country using Visa and Mastercard from ATMs (be aware of surcharges), while some lodges and higher-end shops will accept credit cards.
Have you got any Tanzania packing list tips? What essentials did you pack for your Tanzania trip? Let us know in the comments below…