Tanzania Safari Packing List for Travelers with Anxiety

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Booking our Tanzania safari was so exciting after how much we loved our South Africa safari! After experiencing it firsthand, I can tell you exactly what belongs in your bag. This Tanzania safari packing list will help you stay comfortable on game drives, prepared for bush walks, and feeling relaxed back at the lodge. Let’s get you packed for the adventure of a lifetime!

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What’s the weather like in Tanzania?

The weather in Tanzania depends a bit on when and where you’re going, but overall, you can expect warm days, cooler mornings and evenings, and dry, dusty air on safari.

If you’re heading to Northern Tanzania (Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, Lake Manyara)—which is where most safaris go—you’ll generally see:

Dry season (June–October): This is prime safari season. Days are warm, with highs around 75-85°F (24-29°C), but early mornings and evenings can dip to 50°F (10°C) or even lower. You’ll want cozy layers for sunrise game drives! We went in July, and I ended up taking my sweatshirt off and an on all day. Layers are your friend for your Tanzania safari packing list!
Short rains (November–December): You’ll likely still have plenty of sunshine, but expect short afternoon rain showers. Temperatures stay warm—highs in the 80s°F (27-30°C).
Green season (January–March): Hotter and more humid, especially in southern parks. Highs can reach 90°F (32°C), and the landscape is lush. Sunrise and sunset drives can still be cool.
Long rains (April–May): Many lodges close. If you do go, expect lots of rain and muddy conditions.

What should you wear on a safari in Tanzania?

If you’re like me, your first question after booking a safari is: What the heck do I wear? I spent weeks trying to figure out what was essential and what I could leave at home.

Here’s what I learned from experience:

You do not have to wear full safari clothes every second of the trip. I saw people in everything from khaki to gym clothes. But there are good reasons to wear neutral colors and cover up, especially if you’re doing walking safaris or staying in areas with lots of insects:

You blend in better, which helps you get closer to the animals without disturbing them. Some colors set them off, and the last thing you want is an elephant charging your safari jeep.
Bright colors attract bugs (and no one wants to go home sick)
Covering your skin protects you from sunburn, dust, and bites

During the day, I wore lightweight joggers safari pants with a tank or short-sleeved shirt. For morning and evening game drives, I snuggled into my favorite sweatshirt because it got COLD.

And around the lodge? Comfort is king. Especially since you spent most of the day in the car. You’ll only be at the lodges long enough for dinner, shower, and to pass out before dragging yourself out of bed for the next day’s game drive.

Dressing Tips for a Safari in Tanzania

Game Drives

Layer, layer, layer! You’ll start cold and end up warm. I wore a sweatshirt with a short sleeve underneath, then stripped off layers as the sun rose.

Walking Safari or Bush Walk or Crater Rim Hike

Here, you’ll want proper safari clothes. Muted colors, long sleeves, long pants, and close-toed shoes. My husband and I both wore UV-protective shirts and long pants for ours, and it was perfect.

Around the Lodge

The vibe is relaxed. You’ll want comfy clothes to wear to dinner after a long, dusty day on safari. If your lodge has a pool, definitely bring a swimsuit!