Preparing for a safari is almost as fun as the safari itself – it builds the excitement as you gather your khaki clothes and imagine the adventures to come! To make sure you have everything you need for a comfortable and hassle-free safari, we’ve put together a handy packing list. We’ve learned from experience (and lots of guest feedback) what items are most useful out in the bush. Remember, the goal is to be prepared, but not to overpack. Safari travel tends to be casual, and laundry can often be done at lodges, including ours, if you need. So, here’s what we suggest you bring along:
Clothing (Neutral and Layerable)
Pack lightweight, breathable clothes in neutral colors like beige, olive, khaki, or grey. Bright colors can attract insects or make you stand out to wildlife, and camouflage patterns are actually illegal for civilians in some African countries, so stick to solids. Include a few t-shirts or short-sleeved shirts and a few long-sleeved shirts (the long sleeves are great for cooler evenings and also to ward off mosquitoes at night). You’ll want a pair or two of comfortable trousers (zip-off pants that convert to shorts can be handy) and maybe a pair of shorts for around camp or midday if it’s hot. Don’t forget a light jacket or fleece for early morning game drives – it can be surprisingly chilly at dawn, even in Africa! A light waterproof rain jacket or poncho is also wise, especially if you’re traveling in the wet season (it packs small but can save the day if a sudden shower appears). Ladies might also like to have a comfy skirt or dress for the evenings in camp, though nothing too fancy is needed – our dress code is very relaxed (more important is you feel comfortable after a dusty day). And of course, undergarments and socks – pack enough for the days you’re traveling, but remember many lodges offer laundry service (often next-day) if you’re staying multiple nights. We provide laundry at Daga Tented Camp as well at a small charge, so you don’t need to bring your whole wardrobe.
Footwear
For footwear, comfortable walking shoes or trainers are a must. You won’t be doing hardcore trekking during game drives, but you’ll be getting in and out of vehicles, maybe doing a short walking safari or village visit, and you want shoes that can handle a bit of dust and dirt. Closed-toe shoes protect against thorny scrub and insects. Hiking boots are great if you plan to do something like the Udzungwa hike (Sanje Falls) or just prefer the ankle support, but if not, a sturdy pair of sneakers is fine. Also pack a pair of sandals or flip-flops for around camp or in the shower. It feels great to kick off your shoes and slip into sandals when you’re relaxing at the end of the day. Around our camp, pathways are mostly sand or dirt, so flip-flops are fine to wear when you’re not on a drive.
Sun Protection Gear
The African sun can be intense, so come prepared to shield yourself from those rays. A wide-brimmed hat or cap is essential – it not only protects your face and neck from sunburn, but also keeps you cooler. We often see guests stepping out of the tent in the morning and immediately putting on their safari hat – it becomes part of your look! Sunglasses (preferably polarized) are important too; the glare in the middle of the day or from vehicle hoods can be strong, and you’ll also want to protect your eyes from dust on drives. High-SPF sunscreen is a must-have. Even if you’re in a vehicle, UV can get you. We suggest at least SPF 30 or higher, and don’t forget to reapply on your ears, nose, and back of neck which often get the most sun. Some lip balm with SPF is a good idea as well – dry, sunburnt lips are no fun.
Insect Protection
While on safari, you’ll undoubtedly encounter some bugs, especially in the evenings or near water. To stay bite-free, bring a good insect repellent that contains DEET or picaridin (or another effective ingredient). We recommend something like 20-30% DEET; you can apply it in the evenings to ankles, legs, arms – basically any exposed skin. In addition to repellent, packing a lightweight scarf or bandana can serve multiple purposes, one of which is draping over your neck or lap to keep mosquitoes off in the evening. Many safari-goers also swear by long pants and long sleeves in the evenings to minimize skin exposure (that’s another reason we suggest a couple of long-sleeved shirts and trousers). If you’re particularly prone to bites, consider treating some of your clothing with permethrin (a clothing-specific insect repellent) before your trip – but that’s optional. A small after-bite antihistamine cream is handy too, in case you do get a bite – stops the itch quickly.
Health and Personal Care Items
First off, if you take any prescription medications, absolutely bring enough for the whole trip (plus a bit extra in case of travel delays). Keep them in your carry-on when flying. We have basic first aid at camp, but it’s smart to have a personal mini first aid kit with you. Include items like band-aids (for blisters or small cuts), antiseptic wipes or cream, pain relievers (e.g., ibuprofen or paracetamol for headaches or muscle soreness), anti-diarrhea pills (just in case your stomach acts up with new foods), and any personal meds like allergy tablets if you need. If you’re traveling with kids, pack any child-specific medicines you might need (children’s Tylenol, etc.). Don’t forget malaria prophylaxis if prescribed by your doctor; Mikumi is a malarial area, so many travelers take anti-malarial medication as a precaution – consult your healthcare provider before the trip. Hand sanitizer and wet wipes are extremely useful on safari. Wet wipes can clean your hands, face, or even wipe dust off camera gear in a pinch. Hand sanitizer is great to use before a picnic bush lunch or after touching communal surfaces. Also pack your normal toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, etc. We provide basic toiletries like soap and shampoo at Daga Tented Camp, but if you have preferred brands or, say, special sunscreen for your face, bring those. And ladies, if it’s possible you’ll need feminine hygiene products during the trip, it’s best to bring those with you, as they might not be readily available in remote areas.
Electronics & Gadgets
You’ll likely want to capture the incredible sights, so a camera is high on the list. Whether it’s a DSLR with a zoom lens or a good quality point-and-shoot or just your smartphone, make sure you have enough memory cards or storage space (you’ll take more photos than you think!). Also consider extra batteries or a portable charger/power bank. Our camp has electricity for charging devices, but it can be handy to have a power bank on the vehicle if your phone doubles as a camera and its battery drains after heavy use. Don’t forget your charging cables for each device and plug adapters suitable for Tanzania’s outlets (Tanzania typically uses the British style 3-pin plugs, Type G). We have some adapters on hand, but it’s always good to have your own. A pair of binoculars is a game changer on safari. Even a compact, inexpensive pair will greatly enhance your wildlife viewing – you can spot that lion lounging under a distant tree or get a close-up of an eagle perched high up. We have a few binoculars to share in our vehicles, but having your own means you won’t miss anything while someone else is using the shared pair. If you’re into stargazing, you might even use them at night to marvel at the craters of the moon or a closer look at the Milky Way. Speaking of night, a flashlight (torch) or headlamp is very important. Camps are dark at night and while we escort guests and have lanterns, having your personal light to navigate your tent or the path is both helpful and comforting. Headlamps are great because they keep your hands free. We advise packing one per person if possible. They also come in handy if you want to read in bed or search through your duffel in the dark without attracting bugs (pro tip: use the red light setting if your headlamp has one; it won’t attract insects as much and is easier on the eyes).
Documents and Money
Always travel with your passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond your trip) and make sure you have any necessary visas sorted or know if you can get them on arrival. Keep a copy of your passport (either paper photocopy or a digital scan) in a separate bag as a backup. It’s a good idea to have travel insurance documents if you’ve purchased a policy (which we generally recommend for any safari trip). Bring a credit card for larger expenses or emergencies (Visa and MasterCard are more widely accepted than Amex, and often incurring a surcharge). Also have some cash – US dollars are accepted in many tourist areas in Tanzania (make sure your USD bills are newer than 2006 and in good condition, as older or torn bills might not be accepted). It’s useful for tips, souvenir shopping, or any visas/fees on arrival. And having some Tanzanian shillings (which you can get on arrival or at an ATM in Dar/Morogoro) is great for small purchases or tipping local staff. Keep your money and documents in a safe part of your luggage or on your person when traveling; once at our camp, we can secure valuables if needed, though usually guests just keep them in their locked bag/tent.
Extras and Nice-to-Haves
A few other items can make your safari even more enjoyable. Consider a journal or notebook – you might find yourself wanting to jot down the names of animals you saw, birds identified, or just reflections from the day. It’s a lovely way to remember details later. A book or Kindle for downtime or long travel legs can be great; many people enjoy having a novel or a guidebook about wildlife. We have some wildlife reference books at camp, but if you’re keen, bring a small field guide for animals or birds of East Africa – it can be fun to flip through and match what you saw. A swimsuit might be worth packing – some lodges in Tanzania have pools, and if you head to the waterfall in Udzungwa, you can swim there. Our camp currently doesn’t have a swimming pool, but you never know if your itinerary has a beach or pool somewhere. It takes little space, so we’d say throw it in. Also pack a sarong or light towel if you plan to swim (or it can double as a shawl or a picnic blanket!). Lastly, a sense of adventure – okay, you can’t pack that in a bag, but bring it along in spirit! Safari is about expecting the unexpected, being open to new experiences (like trying that Tanzanian snack or learning a phrase in Swahili), and embracing the wild world around you.
A quick word on luggage: soft-sided duffel bags are preferable to hard suitcases for safari travel, as they fit easier in safari vehicles and small planes (if you take any). Try to keep weight reasonable (15-20kg, about 33-44lbs, per person if you can) and have a smaller daypack for excursions where you can keep your daily essentials (camera, binocs, water, sunscreen, etc.).
If You Forget Something
Don’t panic! We do a briefing when you arrive and if we notice you might need an extra hat or you ran out of bug spray, chances are we have spares or can find a workaround. For example, we stock sunscreen, insect repellent, and basic first aid at Daga Tented Camp, so you won’t be left high and dry. And as mentioned, we can do laundry with a day’s notice (the sun here dries clothes quickly!). In larger towns like Morogoro or even Mikumi town, you can buy some basics if absolutely needed.
By packing smartly using this list as a guide, you’ll set yourself up for a wonderfully comfortable safari experience. You’ll be ready for chilly mornings, warm afternoons, possible rain, definitely sun, and everything in between. Plus, you won’t have that nagging feeling of “I wish I had brought X.” Of course, if you have any questions before you come, feel free to reach out – we love helping our guests prepare. Now zip up that bag, you’re good to go. The wilds of Mikumi are calling – and you’re packed for the adventure of a lifetime!