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 (beige, olive, khaki, grey). Bright colors attract insects; camouflage patterns are illegal for civilians in some African countries — stick to solids. Include a few t-shirts, a few long-sleeved shirts (great for cool evenings and mosquito protection), and a pair or two of comfortable trousers (zip-off pants that convert to shorts are handy). A light jacket or fleece is essential for early morning game drives — it can be surprisingly chilly at dawn. Add a waterproof rain jacket or poncho, especially in the wet season.
Our dress code is relaxed. Pack enough undergarments and socks for your stay, but we provide laundry at Daga Tented Camp at a small charge, so you don’t need 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
Bring enough prescription medications for the whole trip (plus extra in case of delays) and keep them in your carry-on. A personal mini first aid kit is smart: band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, anti-diarrhea pills, and any allergy tablets you need. If traveling with kids, pack child-specific medicines too.
Mikumi is a malarial area, so consult your doctor about anti-malarial medication before the trip. Hand sanitizer and wet wipes are extremely useful on safari — for hands, face, or wiping dust off camera gear. We provide basic toiletries (soap, shampoo) at camp, but bring preferred brands and any feminine hygiene products you may need, as they’re not readily available in remote areas.
Electronics & Gadgets
A camera (DSLR, point-and-shoot, or smartphone) with plenty of storage — you’ll take more photos than you think. Bring extra batteries or a portable power bank, charging cables, and a plug adapter for Tanzania’s British-style Type G outlets.
Binoculars are a game changer. Even a compact, inexpensive pair lets you spot a lion under a distant tree or a perched eagle. We share binoculars in our vehicles, but having your own means you never miss a moment.
A flashlight or headlamp is essential — camps are dark at night. We escort guests and have lanterns, but a personal light for navigating your tent is helpful and comforting. Pro tip: use the red light setting to avoid attracting insects.
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 journal or notebook is a lovely way to record sightings and reflections. A book or Kindle is great for midday downtime. We have wildlife reference books at camp, but a small East Africa field guide can be fun for matching what you saw. Pack a swimsuit (takes little space — you can swim at Sanje Falls in Udzungwa) and a sarong or light towel that doubles as a shawl or picnic blanket.
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. We stock sunscreen, insect repellent, and basic first aid at our 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!