Pack light, pack layered, and pack neutral. Most internal bush flights in Tanzania cap luggage at around 15 kg in a soft-sided duffel bag — hard suitcases don't fit in the small aircraft holds. If you're also climbing Kilimanjaro, you can leave your main bag at your hotel in Arusha or Moshi and only carry mountain gear up.
Clothing
Stick to neutral, muted colours — khaki, olive, tan, brown, and soft grey. Avoid bright white (dust) and dark blue or black (attracts tsetse flies). Bring 2–3 light long-sleeved shirts for sun and mosquito protection, 2 pairs of lightweight trousers (zip-off legs are handy), a couple of T-shirts, a warm fleece for early morning game drives (it's genuinely cold before sunrise), and a lightweight rain shell. A wide-brim hat and a buff or scarf are invaluable for dust.
Footwear
Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes are perfect for game drives and short bush walks. Bring sandals or lightweight slip-ons for camp evenings. If Kilimanjaro is on the itinerary, add broken-in waterproof hiking boots and thick trekking socks — do not buy new boots for the mountain.
Gear and electronics
Compact binoculars (8x42 is the sweet spot), a camera with a zoom lens of at least 200mm (300mm+ is better for big cats and birds), spare batteries and memory cards, a universal power adapter (Tanzania uses UK-style Type G plugs), a headlamp, and a small daypack for the vehicle. Most lodges have solar power — bring a power bank for long drive days.
Health and personal items
Sunscreen (SPF 30+), lip balm with SPF, insect repellent with DEET or picaridin, hand sanitiser, wet wipes, a refillable water bottle, and a personal first-aid kit with anti-diarrhoeals, plasters, painkillers, and any prescription medication in original packaging. Talk to your doctor about malaria prophylaxis and confirm your yellow fever certificate if you're arriving from a risk country.
Documents
Passport valid at least 6 months beyond your travel dates with 2 blank pages, a Tanzania e-visa or visa on arrival, travel insurance details including emergency evacuation cover, and printed copies of your itinerary. Keep digital copies in your email as backup.
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