Safari Clothing for Men & Women: Complete Safari Packing List
Going on a safari is an exciting adventure to prepare for. Most activities on a Tanzania safari involve long hours outdoors and active days, so dress appropriately. Packing essential items can make your trip more comfortable and help you enjoy the experience from start to finish.
It is essential to carry clothing that is suitable for changing weather and temperature. Safari clothing for men may differ slightly from women’s, so ensure you pack items tailored to your needs.
- Sturdy, comfortable shoes, preferably waterproof. They will get dirty.
- Tennis shoes or sandals for lounging in the evening
- Comfortable, breathable socks
- Shorts, mid-thigh or longer
- Lightweight, breathable pants
- Short-sleeved shirts, cool and breathable
- Long-sleeved shirt or sweater for evenings
- Rain racket and pants or rain poncho
- Day pack, for you to carry
- Large duffel bag or backpack
- Water bottles, and water purification tablets or purifier
- Bottled water is also available for purchase on safari
- Sun hat with brim
- Sunglasses
- Bandana (for dust, etc.)
- Money ($400 or more in cash and/or travelers check, including some small U.S., Euro, or Tanzanian bills)
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Camera, film/disks, mini-tripod
- Video camera, tapes
- Maps, guidebooks
- Batteries
- Binoculars
- Notebook, pencil, and pen
- Pocket knife
- Electricity adapter
- Energy bars, hard candy, snacks, and comfort foods
- Playing cards, games, books, frisbee, football, kite
- Chocolate or pens for village children, momentos for guides and other travelers
- Umbrella, particularly useful in the rainy season, can be purchased in the market for around $2
- Plastic bags and zip-lock bags for waterproofing
- Sewing kit
- Salt, pepper, spices for bland food
- Business cards
- Alarm clock
- Calculator (for currency conversion)
- Swim suit for hotel swimming pool
- Toilet paper (and baggie to carry used paper while walking)
- Small towel
- Soap
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Handi-wipes (moist towelettes for cleaning)
- Hand sanitizer
- Lotion
- Glasses, contacts, solution
- Comb, mirror
- Passport
- Yellow fever certificate
- Tanzania Visa
- Medical insurance
- Address book
- Vaccination records
- Airline tickets
- Cash, travellers cheques, credit cards
- Maps, guidebooks
- Make copies of passport, TZ visa, airline tickets/schedule, travellers cheques numbers. Leave a copy with someone at home and put a copy in a separate place in your luggage.
- Ibuprofen, Aceteminophen, or Paracetamol
- Throat lozenges
- Bandaids
- Moleskin
- Sunscreen (SPF 15+)
- Lip balm with sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Disinfectant, Antiseptic cream
- Bandages and tape
- Diahrea medicine
- Antihistemines
- Ace bandage
- Melatonin (1-3mg) or other sleep aid
- Malaria pills (talk to your doctor)
- Antibiotics (talk to your doctor)
- Prescription drugs (talk to your doctor)
- Diamox (talk to your doctor)
- Shoes
- Any warm clothing
- T-shirts
- Hats
- Nerf football, frisbees
- Candy
- Pens
- U-shaped neck pillow (blow-up)
- Books/magazines
- Toiletries
- Snacks
- Water
- Walkman and music
- Eye shades, ear plugs
- Melatonin or other sleep aid
- Critical items (in case baggage is delayed)
11 Essential Items On Safari Packing List
Adventurers, especially first-timers, are always curious about what to pack for their safaris, so we’ve compiled a list of essentials.
1. Neutral and Earth Toned Clothes
Insects and flies are naturally attracted to brightly colored and patterned clothing. Many of them carry highly infectious diseases, especially in tropical Africa. Safari attire can be stylish, but, more importantly, it should be neutral to avoid attracting flies and insects. So what colours should you avoid on a safari? Clothes in colours such as blue, black, green, and other bright hues are not recommended. Also, note and avoid the colours reserved for military personnels in the country you are going to.
2. Breathable, Easily Layered Shirts
Safari attire, such as shirts for outdoor adventures, should be breathable, soft, and easy to layer. They must have long sleeves to protect the skin from different insect bites, the sun, and thorns. Additionally, weather conditions are unstable, causing temperature fluctuations, so additional layers of clothing will be needed in cold weather.
3. Passport and Tickets
Passports and Tickets are essentials for travelling. They are important in entering a new country. Ensure you check your destination’s rules to avoid violating them. In some cases, lodges, tour operators, or park authorities may request identification, so it’s best to keep copies of your documents with you at all times. Having both physical and electronic copies helps you move through the immigration process quickly and avoid unnecessary stress during your trip.
4. Sunscreen, Polarised Sunglasses, and Sunhat
The weather can be hot during the afternoon game drives. As a consequence, the ultraviolet index may rise in certain areas. SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, represents the degree of protection a sunscreen provides against solar UV radiation. Always include sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher on your safari packing list. This helps prevent sunburn and skin damage.
Additionally, bright, sunny environments require polarised shades to see in shadows. A sun hat will also be necessary to protect your head from the sun. A wide-brimmed hat with a strap is well-suited for many outdoor activities, such as safaris.
5. Big Luggage and small bags
Most safaris do not allow luggage bags with rigid frames or bodies. Instead, bags with soft frames are recommended for more effortless loading into safari vehicles and small bush planes. Soft duffel bags, canvas travel bags, or foldable travel bags are all good choices. Lockable, waterproof luggage is best, as bags often end up on the vehicle roof. Also, there are weight restrictions on bush planes of 15-20 kg per person (checked-in and hand luggage); using a small duffel bag that contains all essentials is better.
In addition to your main bag, bring a small daypack, crossbody bag, or waist pouch to carry sunscreen, sunglasses, a camera, water, and personal items on walking safaris. It is helpful to have a small bag, such as a pouch, to carry all essentials during adventures.
6. Swim Gear and Waterproof Clothes
At Serengeti Safari lodges and camps, many offer swimming pools as part of the outdoor experience. After hiking in the savannah for many hours, taking a cool dip will be refreshing, and the right gear will make it even more enjoyable.
Additionally, depending on the season and weather patterns, you may encounter light rain, early-morning dew, or sudden showers. A light, waterproof jacket or rain shell is a must-have for your safari packing list.
7. Hiking Shoes
Safari includes many outdoor adventures that require hiking shoes. It is recommended to use lightweight synthetic shoes rather than heavy ones. For each shoe, getting moisture-absorbing socks is also important. Later that night, in camp, it is time for relaxation, and a pair of sandals or slippers is the best choice for strolling around camp.
8. Prescription Medications
Ensure you pack your prescription medications and any emergency medications you may need. If you are travelling with medications that require regular use, ensure you place them in your carry-on bag or daypack, not in your main luggage. Also, add your prescription glasses to your load if you use them. Pack more than a pair in case you misplace one.
9. Insect Repellant
Safari has different vegetation that supports various insects. These insects might irritate the skin and sometimes sting. Pack insect repellant to keep mosquitoes and other insects away.
10. Video Camera and Binoculars
Africa has a lot of beautiful scenery you want to catch. Remember to bring your video camera and binoculars to capture images for memory’s sake. Binoculars are suitable for accurate wildlife viewing, with magnifications of 8× and 10×.
11. Phone, Tablets, Laptops, and Universal Wall Plug Adapter Kit
Packing should include all devices you plan to use. Also, remember the universal wall plug adapter kit for charging and the device-specific chargers.
Important Items and Clothes for Safari Women
Safari may require women-specific attire, especially for first-timers unsure what to wear. Here is a list of items and clothes for women that are not related to safari clothing for men:
1. Sports Bra
A sports bra will provide support during bumpy game rides. It is a daily essential, especially in safaris with long, rough roads.
2. Biodegradable Wet Wipes and Dry Shampoo
Moving from one activity to another can be so busy that there’s no time for a complete change of clothes. Wet wipes are ideal for quick fresh-ups during safaris. Dry shampoo will keep hair clean and well-moisturised between showers, keeping you looking refreshed all day.
3. Menstrual Products
Menstrual products are helpful for unexpected periods, especially if the brand or product you use is scarce. Travel stress can trigger sudden periods and a change in cycle, so having the products with you will ease the mental stress of looking for them in safari shops.
Discreet disposal bags might also be needed. Although most camps will have these items available, take them with you, especially if you have a preference and there is room in your luggage.
4. Breathable Undergarments
Safari may make you sweat more than usual. Breathable moisture-wicking undergarments will keep your body dry during long events.
What Not To Pack For A Safari
Many countries, particularly in East Africa, prohibit single-use plastic bags. Although zip-lock bags are acceptable, customary plastic duty-free bags are banned. Also, clothing that resembles a country’s military uniform is not allowed. In addition, most camps prohibit the use of drones.
What Is The Right Clothing For Safari?
The proper clothing prioritises your comfort and safety, enhancing your overall experience. Also, it is recommended that safari shirts and pants be lightweight, durable, neutral or earth-toned to avoid attracting insects. Long-sleeved shirts with collars are recommended to protect against the sun and mosquitoes. The clothing packed must cater to hot days, cool nights, dusty conditions, and other aspects of the adventure.
In Closing
Packing for a safari is not tricky. It is easier when you prioritise comfort and protection over fashion. Stick to the essentials, pack light, and be ready for a great safari experience. Additionally, if you are prepared to explore a variety of safari experiences, our Tanzania safari tours offer destinations featuring beautiful wildlife viewing, stunning African savannas, pristine beaches, and mountain treks.
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