Packing for a Tanzania safari, especially to the Serengeti, requires careful consideration to ensure you are prepared for the unique conditions while adhering to luggage restrictions and respecting local regulations. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you pack efficiently and appropriately for your safari adventure.

Essential Packing Guidelines:

• Pack Minimally: Due to local airline luggage restrictions (15 kilos per person, including carry-on).
• Use Layers: The weather can vary, so layering is key.
• Soft-Sided Bags: Recommended for ease of handling and to fit in small aircraft compartments.

Clothing:

• Casual, Loose-Fitting, Lightweight Clothing: Keeps you cool and dry. Opt for neutral pastel shades like khaki and forest green to blend into the wilderness.
• Warm Layers: Include a fleece, cardigan, or light jacket for cool early mornings and evenings.
• Avoid Camouflage/Military Patterns: These are unlawful in East Africa.
• Laundry Services: Available at most lodges and camps, so pack minimally.

Shoes:

• Comfortable Walking Shoes: Fully closed lightweight shoes like sneakers with good grip are ideal.
• Safari Boots (Chukka Boots): Great all-around choice.
• Flip Flops or Sandals: Useful around the swimming pool or in-room. Available for purchase in Arusha.

Sun Protection and Insect Repellent:

• Sunscreen Lotion: High SPF recommended.
• Wide Brim Safari Hat: To protect your face and neck from the sun.
• Sunglasses: To shield your eyes from the sun and dust.
• Insect Repellent: Preferably with DEET for effectiveness, or natural citronella if preferred. Consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Medication:

• Essential Personal Medications: Especially those not available locally.
• Prescriptions: Carry these for any medications to show at the airport if required.

Travel Documents:

• Passport: Must have at least 2 blank pages and six months of validity from the date of exit.
• Health Cards (Vaccination Certificates): As required.
• Airline Tickets, Credit Cards, Insurance Papers: Ensure all are in order and up-to-date.

Cameras, Binoculars, Travel Adapters & Laptop:

• Camera and Photography Equipment: Pack in carry-on luggage for safety.
• Binoculars: Very useful for wildlife spotting.
• Laptop: For downloading and processing images daily.
• Travel Socket Adapters: Tanzania uses plug type G (three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern), 240V, 50Hz.
• Spare Batteries: AA and AAA batteries available at some lodges and at Arusha town.

Other Essentials:

• Personal Toiletries: Travel-sized deodorant, moisturizer, hairbrush, toothpaste, and toothbrush.
• Sanitary Products: For ladies.
• Wet Wipes and Hand Sanitizers: Essential for hygiene.
• Small Sewing Kit: Handy for quick repairs.
• Money Pouch or Money Belt: For secure storage of valuables.
• Reading Materials, Pen, and Notebook: For leisure and note-taking.

Pro & Cons of Flying to Serengeti

Advantages:

• Speed and Comfort: Reach your destination in about an hour compared to a 5-6 hour drive.
• Convenient Aircraft: Mostly small, dependable Cessna planes with 4-16 seats.

Disadvantages:

• Cost: Higher compared to driving, especially for groups of 2-3 or more.
• Luggage Limit: 15 kilos per person (combined for check-in and carry-on) can be restrictive, especially for photographers with heavy equipment.

Important Notes:

• Plastic Bag Ban: Tanzania has banned the use of plastic bags for environmental reasons. Ensure you do not carry plastic bags.
• Pack Minimally: Due to luggage restrictions on local flights and the availability of laundry services.

This checklist ensures you are well-prepared for a comfortable and enjoyable safari experience in Tanzania. Safe travels!