
What Should You Pack for Tanzania?
Tanzania’s tropical climate means packing lightweight, breathable clothing for warm days and a light sweater for cooler evenings, especially in higher altitudes like Kilimanjaro or Ngorongoro. A rain jacket is recommended during the rainy season, particularly if you plan to hike or visit coastal areas. Comfortable walking shoes or boots are essential for safaris and trekking. Don’t forget sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunscreen for sun protection.
Make sure you’re prepared to: Go on safari in Serengeti National Park, visit Mount Kilimanjaro, relax on the beaches of Zanzibar, and explore the Ngorongoro Crater.
What to Wear in Tanzania
Tanzania has a mix of casual and practical clothing expectations, with modest attire recommended when visiting villages or cultural sites. Women can bring long skirts or dresses for coverage, while men should wear t-shirts and longer shorts. For safaris and trekking, lightweight activewear is ideal. In the evenings, casual-smart attire is suitable for dining at lodges or relaxing at beach resorts in Zanzibar.
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Spring
65 – 85°F
(18 – 29°C
)
Summer
70 – 90°F
(21 – 32°C
)
Fall
65 – 85°F
(18 – 29°C
)
Winter
60 – 75°F
(16 – 24°C
)
Spring: Warm and humid, with rain showers
Summer: Hot and sunny, with occasional rain
Fall: Warm, some rain
Winter: Mild with rain, especially on the coast & higher altitudes
Spring
6 inches of rain
Summer
4 inches of rain
Fall
5 inches of rain
Winter
8 inches of rain
Tops & Layers
1. Short Sleeve Shirts: Perfect for safari days in the Serengeti or exploring the markets of Stone Town in Zanzibar.
2. Tank Tops: Great for hot afternoons relaxing at beach resorts or touring spice plantations in Zanzibar.
3. Long Sleeve Shirts: Ideal for sun protection while on safari or hiking in Ngorongoro Crater.
4. Rain Jacket: Essential during the rainy season for hiking on Kilimanjaro or exploring the coastal areas.
5. Light Jacket: Perfect for cooler evenings at safari lodges or dining outdoors in Zanzibar.
Bottoms & Dresses
1. Pants: Comfortable pants are ideal for safari days or trekking through Tanzania’s national parks.
2. Skirt: A long skirt is great for visiting local villages or cultural sites in Arusha or Dar es Salaam.
3. Dresses: Lightweight dresses are perfect for evenings at beach resorts or dining at lodges in the Serengeti.
4. Shorts: Perfect for hot days spent on the beaches of Zanzibar or exploring outdoor attractions.
5. Jumpsuit: A stylish jumpsuit is great for evenings at safari lodges or cultural events in Tanzania.
Shoes & Accessories
1. Sandals: Comfortable sandals are ideal for walking around beach resorts or towns like Arusha.
2. Flip Flops: Great for lounging at the pool or on the beach in Zanzibar.
3. Hiking Boots: Essential for trekking Mount Kilimanjaro or exploring hiking trails in national parks.
4. Sunglasses: Crucial for protecting your eyes from the bright tropical sun while on safari or beach days in Zanzibar.
5. Sarong: A versatile sarong is perfect for covering up at the beach or visiting local markets.
6. Beach Coverup: Ideal for transitioning from beach to lunch at a seaside café or walking around resort towns.
7. Swimsuit: Whether it’s in Zanzibar or your hotel pool, you’ve got to have a swimsuit. This one from Cupshe is one of my favorites.
Luggage & Packs
1. Carry-On: Perfect for packing essentials on flights or road trips between safari lodges and coastal towns.
2. Beach Bag: Great for carrying towels, sunscreen, and water bottles for beach days or boat trips in Zanzibar.
3. Daypack: Ideal for hiking or day trips, carrying water, snacks, and camera gear for safaris and trekking.
Travel Essentials
- Reusable Water Bottle: A must-have for travel days and while exploring for the day.
- Packing Cubes: Helpful for staying organized rather than ending up with a heap of clothes in your luggage.
- Luggage Tags: Even if you’re not checking luggage, still good to have in case you misplace your bags.
- Luggage Locks: Can be handy even if you’re not checking luggage, making your backpack more pickpocket-proof.
- Sleep Mask: An eye mask is a game changer for helping you get quality sleep each night.
- White Noise Machine: Same as above. White noise machines have helped me get more consistent sleep.
- Ear Plugs: Much better than the generic foam ones that never stay in my ears.
- Jewelry Case: Especially nice for organizing necklaces and not getting them all tangled.
- Dry Bag: An item to bring if you plan to do a lot of water activities or boat trips.
- Water Shoes: Same as above. Great to bring if you plan to do water activities or boat trips.
- Travel Umbrella: Only if you’re going somewhere where it’s going to be wet and rainy (but not too windy).
- Deck of Cards / Fox in the Forest: I love playing card games while traveling. It’s a fun way to pass the time.
- Portable Charger: It’s surprising how often you don’t have an outlet when you need one, and your phone is essential for everything from directions to your mobile boarding pass.
- Universal Travel Adapter: This universal adapter works in 200+ countries. Great for airports too.
- E-sim: I’ve used Airalo in four different countries now, and it’s the best solution for using data abroad.
- Phone: Currently travel with an iPhone 13 Pro, which also works as my camera for most trips.
- Tablet: I use my iPad mainly for watching shows and movies and checking emails while traveling.
- Headphone Splitter: I use this one with my iPad Air so I can watch shows with my husband on long flights.
- GoPro: A great camera for underwater photography or adventure activities.
- Memory Card for GoPro: This is the one I use for my GoPro, high-quality and reliable.
- Waterproof Phone Case: Even with my GoPro, I end up using this all the time since phone quality photos are so good now.
- Kindle: I love traveling with my Kindle and being able to read multiple books on a trip without the extra weight.
- Noise-Canceling Headphones: These wraparound ones are a must for long plane rides if I want to get any sleep. I also bring Airpods for local bus trips or on-the-go travel when I want to carry something smaller.
- Air Tags: Great if you’re checking luggage in case it gets lost or stolen.
- Chargers: Don’t forget all the chargers you’ll need for the electronics listed above.
- Toiletry Bag: Great for going through security, and they make it easier to find what I want to use.
- Reusable Containers for Toiletries: I use reusable containers so I don’t need to buy expensive travel-sized products.
- Electric Toothbrush: I’ve tried those tiny travel toothbrushes, and they just don’t work for me.
- Toothpaste: These are the perfect travel size that lasts about a month or so for two people.
- Floss: Any floss will do.
- Natural Deodorant: I finally discovered a good natural deodorant. Plus, it’s small, so it’s perfect for travel.
- Shampoo: I get the large size and then just put it in my mini travel containers.
- Conditioner: Same as above. I don’t worry about bringing body wash since I’m okay using whatever’s provided.
- Panty Liners: For when you want some extra protection. Also great for sweaty travel days to keep you more dry.
- Tampons: I like that these are made without plastic, and they’re easy to put into small purses and travel with.
- Tide to Go Pen: Surprisingly handy for getting out those random stains or spills.
- Travel Laundry Detergent: These are useful because you can use them for hand washing or as washer detergent.
- Travel Clothesline: Handy when you need to wash your clothes but realize most of the world doesn’t use dryers.
- Hairbrush: I don’t use a travel-size version because it’s not worth it for me. I’d rather have a full-size brush.
- Hair Ties: Any brand works, but I also make sure to have plenty on hand in my bags.
- After Sun Lotion: Great to have if you’re traveling during the hotter months and expect to get a lot of sun.
- Face Sunscreen: I’ve tried many sunscreen brands, and this is the best face sunscreen I’ve found.
- Body Sunscreen: Reef-safe, easy to spread, and smells good.
- Face Cleanser: I usually get a regular-size bottle and then put it into my refillable travel containers.
- Moisturizer: I’ve tried many fancy moisturizers, and I’ve realized that the simplest ones often work best for me.
- Overnight Face Mask: I use this in daily life as well, but during travel it’s especially good because it’s so hydrating.
- Lip Balm: I’ve been a Burts Bees stan for over a decade, and I don’t think I’ll change anytime soon.
- Makeup: The three essentials I always bring are lip gloss/lipstick, my Clinique CC Cream + makeup brush, and mascara. Everything else is added on depending on the vibes of the trip.
- Travel Razor: I love this size and how easy it is to change the razor heads once a week.
- Razor Replacements: I usually bring enough to replace the razor head once per week while traveling.
- Hydrating Face Sheets: I pack a couple of these to use after long plane rides, great for hydrating your face.
- Travel Mirror: This is a luxury item, but it’s surprising how often I use it when there’s only one bathroom.
- Dry Bar Blow Dryer Brush: Another luxury item. It’s bulky to bring (and I don’t always bring it), but it’s a versatile tool for looking more put together in non-humid destinations.
- Heat Protectant Spray: For the Dry Bar Brush.
- Bug Spray: The most effective spray I’ve found that doesn’t use DEET.
- Tylenol: The best remedy when a headache strikes.
- Motion Sickness Pills: You never know when you might get motion sickness, especially if you’re prone to it like me.
- Tums: Handy for dealing with indigestion or heartburn when eating foods different than you’re used to.
- Pepto Bismol: Another thing to help soothe an upset stomach.
- Other Travel Medications: Make sure to research what else you might need to bring for the destination.
- Electrolyte Powder: Great for staying hydrated, especially after a day in the sun or a long flight.
- Band-Aids: Useful for minor cuts and blisters.
- Anti-Septic Wipes: Keeps wounds clean and prevents infection.
- Unisom SleepMelts: Obviously optional, but these are the only way I’m able to sleep on planes.
- Melatonin: Helps with sleep, especially if you’re adjusting to a new time zone.
- Hand Sanitizer: Essential for keeping your hands clean when soap and water aren’t available.
- Passport
- Travel Visas (if needed)
- Travel Documents, Tickets, Boarding Passes & Booking Confirmations
- Driver’s License / International Driving Permit (if needed)
- Photocopy of Passport (hidden in your pack)
- Emergency Cash – I usually bring US $200 and hide it in 1-2 packs/purses I have with me on travel days in case of an emergency. I make sure it’s separate from my wallet.
- Credit / Debit Cards
- Travel Insurance – Nice to have in case of any medical or travel emergencies.
What to Know Before You Pack
- Sun Protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat are essential for protecting yourself from the tropical sun.
- Rain Gear: A lightweight rain jacket is useful during the rainy season, especially for hiking Kilimanjaro or visiting Zanzibar.
- Modesty: Dress modestly in villages and local markets to respect cultural norms.

Tanzania Travel FAQs
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT TANZANIA?
The best time to visit Tanzania is from June to October, during the dry season, when wildlife viewing is excellent, and safaris in the Serengeti are at their peak. July’s also great because it’s the best time to witness the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebras crossing the Mara River.
WHAT FESTIVALS & EVENTS ARE THERE IN TANZANIA?
Kilimanjaro Marathon (February): A challenging marathon around the base of Mount Kilimanjaro—ideal for adventure travelers and sports enthusiasts.
Sauti za Busara (February): A vibrant music festival in Zanzibar celebrating African music and culture—great for families, solo travelers, and music lovers.
Zanzibar International Film Festival (July): Africa’s largest film festival held in Stone Town, featuring screenings, workshops, and performances—perfect for culture lovers and solo travelers.
Nane Nane (August 8): Tanzania’s Agricultural Day, celebrated across the country with exhibitions and festivities—great for those interested in local culture and agriculture.
WHERE SHOULD I GO IN TANZANIA?
Tanzania is known for its breathtaking wildlife, iconic landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. Start your trip with a safari in Serengeti National Park, where you can see the Big Five and witness the Great Migration. One of my favorite places is Zanzibar, where you can relax on white-sand beaches, explore Stone Town’s history, and go snorkeling in turquoise waters—perfect for beach lovers and history buffs. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, whether you’re hiking it or just admiring it from afar. The Ngorongoro Crater is another must-see for its stunning views and dense wildlife population.
HOW MANY DAYS DO I NEED TO VISIT TANZANIA?
A 7-10 day trip is ideal for exploring Tanzania’s national parks, beaches, and cultural sites. A shorter 5-day trip will allow you to experience a safari in Serengeti, a visit to Ngorongoro Crater, and a few days in Zanzibar.
Suggested Itineraries:
2 Days: Day 1: Go on a safari in Serengeti National Park, where you can spot lions, elephants, and other wildlife. Day 2: Visit Ngorongoro Crater for a full day of wildlife viewing and stunning landscapes.
5 Days: Copy the 2-day itinerary. For Day 3, head to Zanzibar and explore Stone Town’s markets, architecture, and history. Day 4: Spend the day snorkeling or relaxing on Zanzibar’s pristine beaches. Day 5: Return to Stone Town for shopping and dining before your departure.
1 Week: Copy the 5-day itinerary. For Day 6, take a day trip to the spice plantations of Zanzibar, learning about the island’s history of spice trade. Day 7: Explore Jozani Forest to see red colobus monkeys and enjoy more beach relaxation.
10 Days: Copy the 1-week itinerary. For Day 8, take a guided hike on the lower slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro or visit Moshi town. Day 9: Go on a boat safari in Selous Game Reserve, and enjoy a river cruise. Day 10: Spend your final day shopping and dining in Dar es Salaam.
2 Weeks: Copy the 10-day itinerary. For Day 11, explore Lake Manyara National Park for flamingo sightings and tree-climbing lions. Day 12: Visit Tarangire National Park for an elephant safari. Day 13: Spend a day visiting local Maasai villages to learn about their culture. Day 14: End your trip with a relaxing beach day in Zanzibar.
WHAT SHOULD I PACK FOR 2 DAYS, 5 DAYS, 1 WEEK, 10 DAYS, AND 2 WEEKS IN TANZANIA?
2 Days
- 1 Swimsuit
- 1 Sarong
- 2 Short Sleeve Shirts
- 1 Pair of Sandals
- 1 Hat
5 Days
- 2 Swimsuits
- 1 Sarong
- 2 Short Sleeve Shirts
- 1 Pair of Shorts
- 1 Hat
- 1 Pair of Sandals
1 Week
- 2 Swimsuits
- 1 Sarong
- 3 Short Sleeve Shirts
- 2 Pairs of Shorts
- 1 Hat
- 1 Pair of Sandals
10 Days
- 3 Swimsuits
- 1 Sarong
- 3 Short Sleeve Shirts
- 2 Pairs of Shorts
- 1 Hat
- 1 Pair of Sandals
- 1 Pair of Flip Flops
2 Weeks
- 4 Swimsuits
- 1 Sarong
- 4 Short Sleeve Shirts
- 3 Pairs of Shorts
- 1 Hat
- 1 Pair of Sandals
- 1 Pair of Flip Flops
WHAT SHOULD I NOT PACK FOR TANZANIA?
Heavy clothing: Tanzania’s warm tropical climate makes lightweight clothing more practical.
High heels: Impractical for safaris and beach activities—opt for sandals or walking shoes instead.
WHAT SHOULD I BUDGET FOR A TRIP TO TANZANIA ?
Airfare: $1,000-$2,500 depending on the season and location, with higher prices during safari season.
Accommodation: $100-$500 per night, ranging from budget camps to luxury lodges and beach resorts.
Transportation: $50-$200 for domestic flights, car rentals, or safari transfers.
Meals: $20-$100 per day, with affordable local meals and higher-end options at lodges.
Activities: $50-$300 depending on safaris, boat trips, and cultural experiences in Zanzibar.
IS THERE A TIPPING CULTURE IN TANZANIA? WHAT IS APPROPRIATE TO TIP?
Tipping is appreciated in Tanzania, especially for safari guides and hotel staff. For safari guides, tipping $10-$20 per day is common. For hotel staff, a tip of $1-$5 per service is appreciated. In restaurants, a 10-15% tip is standard for good service.
WHAT ARE SOME LOCAL TIPS I SHOULD KNOW ABOUT TANZANIA BEFORE I VISIT?
- Sun Protection: Tanzania’s tropical sun can be intense, so sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are essential.
- Currency: The local currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS), but USD is widely accepted in tourist areas.
- Water: Drink bottled water, as tap water is not safe in most areas.
- Language: Swahili is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas—learning a few Swahili phrases will be appreciated.