Safari Packing List: Tanzania and Kenya 

No wonder you have been planning your Africa safari for years or even months now, but your mind doesn’t settle on what you should pack or not for your trip.

It’s okay to feel that way; we are all human.  In this article, we will discuss in detail how to pack for your African safari. 

There are restrictions from airlines on what you can and cannot carry, recommended baggage, and the weight limits allowed for free on flights to African destinations.

The government or park authorities may impose additional restrictions, such as the use of drones or firearms during your trip.

Take it easy, and let’s dive into the subject. To make this discussion more precise, we have selected the Tanzania and Kenya safari as our case study for the African safari packing list.

Tanzania and Kenya are the top-notch safari destinations in Africa.

No doubt that Serengeti, Maasai Mara, Zanzibar, and Mount Kilimanjaro are the best destinations for anyone who dares to visit East Africa.

The weather patterns of these two countries are broadly similar.

The best time to visit both Kenya and Tanzania is during the dry season.

Is the best time for wildlife safaris and mountain climbing, or even a beach holiday in Mombasa and Zanzibar?

What should you pack for your African safari?

Regardless of the type of trip you’re taking in Africa, traveling to Kenya or Tanzania requires the items listed below.

We have shared a quick packing checklist below, along with detailed information on the items included.

Here is the checklist or a quick guide  for the Tanzania and Kenya safari

• Passport
• Travel Insurance Policy & Emergency Contact Numbers
• Plane tickets
• Safari itinerary or service contract
• Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate (if applicable)
• U.S. dollars in large and small denominations ($20, $50 & $100 bills should be issued after 2005)
• Credit cards and ATM bank cards
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen and lip balm
• Small flashlight or headlamp
• Insect/Mosquito repellent
• Eye drops and extra contact lenses or spare glasses (if applicable)
• Anti-bacterial hand sanitizer
• Tissue paper and a small travel towel (washrooms in Tanzania often don’t have toilet paper or paper towels)
• Camera, extra memory cards, batteries, and charger, if applicable, UK plug adapter and transformer/voltage converter, if applicable
• Ziplock bags for toiletries, camera equipment, snacks, etc.
• Personal toiletries
• Small first aid medical kit including Tylenol or ibuprofen, antimalarial pills, cold and allergy medicine,
  itch medication, band-aids, stomach ache remedy, antibiotic cream, diarrhea medicine, prescription antibiotics for travelers’ diarrhea (Ciprofloxacin), and any prescription medications.
• Safari clothes. If you’re not sure, refer to our article: What to wear on an African safari.

A quick reminder: when traveling to Africa, focus on simplicity. Ensure your duffel bag does not exceed 20 kg (44 pounds).

Many chartered flights charge extra for luggage, which can add to your travel costs in Tanzania or Kenya.

There is no need to pack many clothes, depending on the safari destination you’re visiting.

Many accomodation options offer laundry services to clients. You should be able to wash and dry your clothes and change them, which can help you save space and stay flexible while on safari.

The quick guide above gives you an idea of what you should pack, but it creates a better understanding,

Let’s now discuss the safari packing list for Tanzania and Kenya in detail.

Here is the list of items to pack for your Africa Safari: Kenya & Tanzania

1. Duffel Bag (80-90L duffel bag )

Duffel bags are the best option for an African safari. It is easier to travel with a soft duffel bag than a hard suitcase.

As everyone’s gear is piled into trucks and squeezed into small, chartered flights, duffel bags make the trip easier for everyone.

Most chartered flights in East Africa allow 44 pounds (20 kg) of checked baggage; any additional luggage incurs a fee.

The 80-90-liter duffel bags are the best option when visiting Africa for a safari.

Ensure all zippers are easy to lock and use strong, durable zipper systems that are difficult to break.

You can use a small lock to secure your bag. Another idea is to add versatility to your bag by considering the hand and shoulder strapping system.

Some of the iconic brands available in the markets, and we would like to recommend for your safari if you can afford, include:

The North Face Base Camp Duffel

This will never let you down, but it comes at the steep cost of paying for the North Face brand.

It is available in five sizes, but if you choose the North Face duffel, we recommend the Large.

The REDCAMP Extra Large Duffel 

This high-quality 96L duffel bag is ideal for safari trips. It is super durable and decently water-resistant.

It offers ample storage and features three exterior pockets and an interior pocket that folds into the duffel bag when not in use.

In terms of value for money, the REDCAMP Duffel is hard to beat.

2. Safari Daypack ( 20-30L day pack )

In addition to your duffel bag, you’ll need to bring a daypack. In your daypack, keep all essential items (sunscreen, sunglasses, snacks, water), personal items (money, passport), and small breakable items (camera, phone).

If you’re looking to invest in a good quality daypack, something like the Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack would be ideal.

If you are going with the Osprey option, it’s a good idea also to get the Osprey Packs Talon 22 Men’s Hiking Backpack (Medium/Large, Ultramarine Blue) which is super reliable.

Pro Packing Tip: Consider investing in some packing cubes. Not only do these help keep your bag as organized as possible, but they are also an excellent space-saving hack.

3. Safari clothes – Focus on comfort & color

Safari clothing is essential for your safari. You should consider clothing that offers comfort and relaxation, while also considering color if you will be in wildlife parks.

Focus on breathable, moisture-wicking clothes; they help with layering during the trip.

Depending on the safari destination, there is often no dress code at camps or lodges.

You may choose to wear casual or formal attire; the choice is yours. We have covered this topic before; see our guide on what to wear on safari.

4. Insect Repellent-  Mosquitos & Tsetse flies

Insects benefit the ecosystem, but the opposite is true for humans.

Tanzania and Kenya are countries with tropical diseases, including malaria, which is a life-threatening disease if not treated on time.

As you plan your safari to East Africa, remember to pack either a skin-based repellent or a cloth spray repellent.

While on your vacation in Africa, you need Insect Shield clothing treated to bind permethrin to the fabric.

Instead of applying repellent, your garments serve as the insect guard.

If you’d prefer the budget-friendly option, add two items to your packing list: permethrin and a DEET-based repellent.

Permethrin is used to treat clothing as a spray and is available at most outdoor stores.

A significant plus of permethrin is that it lasts through multiple washes – six washes or six weeks to be exact (whichever comes first).

A DEET-based repellent is applied directly to your skin. Deet wipes make insect-repelling effortless and provide convenient on-the-go protection.

Why do you need insect defense on safari?

Disease. The primary reason to pack insect repellent for your safari is to prevent disease.

Prevent stings and bites before they happen with insect repellent formulated for tropical conditions and safari-tested to be effective against flying and crawling insects.

Relaxation.  Even when they aren’t biting or stinging, the very presence of insects can affect your ability to relax.

Remove the swatting arm motions and the whirring of small wings from your explorations of wild places so you can enjoy the scenery and wildlife Africa has to offer undisturbed.

5. Safari gadgets: Tech staff for your Safari

Camera

Despite the latest smartphone brands available worldwide, nothing can replace the quality of photos produced by high-quality cameras.

If your passion is capturing the best moments in African parks or around cities, you need a good camera.

Having a camera with a 200-300mm zoom lens, or longer, is the best favor you can do for yourself when visiting Tanzania and Kenya.

Charger banks and adapters

Having universal adapters is the best idea while traveling in Africa.

You should expect to find adapters and outlets in new hotels or lodges, but sometimes they are hard to find while camping.

You should research the country you are visiting and ensure you have adapters suitable for that destination.

Consider buying European and U.K. Outlet Adapters. At hotels, lodges, and some permanent tented camps, you will likely find 220-volt AC, 50-cycle current.

Most modern electronic appliances can operate on this current – check your devices for the voltage requirements printed on them.

If you would like to charge batteries at lodges, you will need outlet adapters.

Pro Packing Tip: Consider packing a heavy-duty power bank, especially if you plan to use your phone to take photos and videos during your game drive or while camping remotely.

Binoculars

While binoculars are not a necessity, taking a good pair on your trip will undoubtedly add to your safari experience.

They’ll come in pretty handy if you’re tracking the Great Wildebeest Migration in the Serengeti.

The best quality binoculars might add some weight to your suitcase, but cheaper ones will leave you disappointed.

• Binoculars (8×40/42 models are excellent choices; center focus binoculars are best)
• The SkyGenius 10 x 50 Binoculars are easy to focus, reasonably priced, and provide 10X magnification.

6. Clothing and Shoes

East African weather is unpredictable. It can be as cold in the morning as it is extremely hot in the afternoon.

The icy morning breeze as you set off for your safari can change dramatically by midday.

For that reason, it’s a good idea to wear cool clothing as your base layer, then layer warmer clothing over it that you can remove as the day heats up.

But let’s make choosing the right safari clothes easier.

On your safari to Tanzania or Kenya, you should focus on the following :

• Comfortable short-sleeved shirts for men and women
• Comfortable long-sleeved shirts for men and women
• Long trousers for men and women
• Simple, lightweight safari shoes for walking and hiking
• Shorts for men and women
• A dress or bright top if you feel like dressing up at night
• Underwear, including sports bras for women
• Unisex windbreaker or rain jacket
• Warm jacket or fleece jacket
• Scarf
• Swimsuits for men and women
• Unisex hat
• Socks

For detailed information check our article on  what to wear while on safari 

7. General Accessories

These are a few items that add spice to your safari. Remember, the final touches are what make the palace shine.

This is the list to finalize your packing for the Tanzania or Kenya safari

• Sunscreen
• Baby wipes
• General medication (Imodium, Paracetamol)
• Sunglasses
• Reusable water bottle
• Small lock for your duffle bag (essential)
• Zip-lock bags for important possessions
• Passport and visa,
• Travel insurance,
• Yellow fever card (if applicable)

What are the things you should NOT pack for your safari?

During preparation for your African safari, you may experience some challenges in deciding what to pack or not.

We have made this simple for you. These are the top five items to leave behind when visiting Tanzania or Kenya for a safari.

1. Leave drones

These are increasingly restricted in a growing number of reserves across eastern, central, and southern Africa. Refer to our guide on drone use in Tanzania

2. Leave camo, cotton, and color

Your clothing color is vital on safari. Camouflage clothing is illegal in some African countries, and bright colors, black, and white should be avoided unless around the lodge.

Dark colors are also more attractive to insects. Technical fabrics are also preferable over natural fibers for their comfort and performance in hot climates.

Read more on safari clothes colors

3. Leave strong-smelling perfumes and sprays, especially on walking safaris. In its place:

Don’t leave home without essential Australian-made insect repellent (and use underarm deodorant to keep smelling fresh)

4. Leave hard suitcases

These won’t do in the cramped holds of small planes and the back of Land Rovers on the way to the lodge.

5. Leave portable hairdryers

Many camps provide hairdryers, while others lack the power to run them.

Conclusion

You’re now reading the wrap-up of the safari packing list for East Africa.

We hope you have learned what to pack for your trip to Africa.

Do you need more information, or would you like to proceed with booking your Tanzania safari? Get in touch with us today.

Are you ready for an adventure of a lifetime? Check out these tours for you! 

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