Travel Tips: What to Pack & What to Know
Practical advice for packing and preparing for a Tanzania safari or Kilimanjaro climb, from clothing colours to cash.
What to Wear on Safari
Stick to neutral, earth-toned clothing — khaki, olive, beige and brown — for game drives. Avoid bright colours, and avoid black and dark blue in particular, which are known to attract tsetse flies in some areas. Mornings and evenings can be surprisingly cool, even though the days are warm, especially at higher elevations like the Ngorongoro Crater rim — pack layers, including a warm jacket, rather than relying on daytime temperatures alone.
Safari Packing Essentials
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- High-factor sunscreen and insect repellent
- Comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes
- Binoculars — shared vehicle binoculars are rarely enough for two people
- A camera with a zoom lens, spare batteries and memory cards
- A portable charger or power bank for long days away from a plug socket
- A light waterproof layer, particularly in the green season (November to May)
Packing for Kilimanjaro
Climbing gear is a different list altogether from a safari packing list — layered technical clothing, sturdy, well broken-in hiking boots, a sleeping bag rated for sub-zero temperatures, and a reliable headlamp are all essentials, whichever route you take. Once you have booked a climb with us, we will send you a full kit list specific to your route and season. See our Kilimanjaro route comparison to help choose between Marangu, Machame and Lemosho first.
Money & Other Practical Tips
Bring some US Dollars in cash for tips and incidentals — notes printed from 2006 onwards, in good condition, are the most reliably accepted. Tipping guides, drivers and porters is customary in Tanzania; ask us for guidance specific to your itinerary and group size closer to your trip.
A bean bag or window mount can help steady photos taken from the safari vehicle, and a dust cover or dry bag is worth having for camera gear on dirt roads. See our Tanzania Facts guide for visa, currency and health information.
Ready to Start Planning?
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