Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar Travel Tips: What to Pack & How to Prepare

🛬 Two Worlds, One Adventure

A Tanzania trip often blends thrilling safaris in the wild with relaxing beach days on Zanzibar’s tropical coast. That means packing for two very different climates and settings. Here’s everything you need to know to stay comfortable, stylish, and prepared.

🧳 Packing List Essentials

🎯 Safari Gear

• Neutral-colored clothing (khaki, olive, tan — avoid bright colors & black/blue due to tsetse flies)
• Long-sleeved shirts & trousers for sun and insect protection
• Light jacket or fleece (early mornings are chilly)
• Comfortable walking shoes or safari boots
• Wide-brim hat + sunglasses
• High SPF sunscreen & lip balm
• Binoculars & camera with extra batteries/memory cards
• Soft-sided duffel bag (most safari flights have strict luggage rules: 15kg max)
• Pro Tip: Laundry is available at most camps. You don’t need more than 3–4 outfits.

🏖️ Zanzibar Beach Add-Ons

• Swimwear & cover-ups
• Flip-flops or sandals
• Light summer clothes (dresses, shorts, tees)
• Rash guard (great for snorkeling or kayaking)
• Waterproof dry bag for phones/valuables
• Insect repellent for coastal evenings

🌍 Travel & Health Must-Haves

• Yellow Fever Certificate (if arriving from/transiting through endemic countries)
• Anti-malarial meds (consult your travel doctor)
• Reusable water bottle
• Travel adapter (Tanzania uses Type D & G)
• Copies of travel insurance and important documents
• Pro Tip: Pack medications and essentials in your carry-on in case of baggage delay.

🕘 What to Expect: Safari vs. Zanzibar

	Safari	Zanzibar
Weather	Dry and cool in the mornings	Warm and humid
Clothing	Long sleeves, covered shoes	Light, breathable fabrics
Activities	Game drives, nature walks	Beach lounging, snorkeling, historic tours
Attire	Functional, earthy tones	Casual, beach-appropriate

✈️ Domestic Flight Tips

• Most small aircraft for safaris require soft duffel bags
• Luggage weight is usually strictly limited to 15 kg per person, including hand luggage
• Use packing cubes and prioritize essentials

📸 Final Tips from the Pros

• Don’t overpack. Laundry is available and the sun dries things fast.
• Bring a power bank. Not all safari camps have 24/7 electricity.
• Dress respectfully in Stone Town. It’s a conservative area — opt for covered shoulders and longer dresses or pants.
• Practice your Swahili! A few words like Jambo (hello) and Asante (thank you) go a long way.