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Get packing advice, drone regulation info, and gear recommendations within 24 hours.
Scan the QR code or add our WeChat ID: TrueAfricaEscape
Get packing advice, drone regulation info, and gear recommendations within 24 hours.
Comprehensive packing guides organized by activity type to ensure you're perfectly prepared for Tanzania's diverse climates and adventures
Packing the right clothing is essential for comfort during game drives and bush walks. Choose neutral colors (khaki, green, brown, beige) that blend with the environment and avoid bright colors or dark blue/black that attract tsetse flies. Essential items include: 4-5 lightweight, breathable long-sleeved shirts, 2-3 pairs of convertible zip-off pants, a warm fleece or sweater for cool mornings, a waterproof/windproof jacket, wide-brimmed sun hat with chin strap, comfortable closed-toe walking shoes, sandals for camp, and a swimsuit for lodge pools. Fabrics should be quick-dry, moisture-wicking, and easy to hand wash. Layer your clothing to adapt to temperature changes from 50°F (10°C) mornings to 85°F (29°C) afternoons in the parks.
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Capture Tanzania's incredible wildlife and landscapes with the right equipment. Essentials include: DSLR or mirrorless camera with 200-400mm zoom lens for wildlife, wide-angle lens for landscapes, extra camera batteries (3-4) and memory cards, lens cleaning kit, dust-proof camera bag, binoculars (8x42 or 10x42 recommended), universal power adapter (UK Type G), power bank (minimum 20,000mAh), solar charger for extended trips, headlamp with red light mode for night drives, and waterproof cases/dry bags. Voltage in Tanzania is 230V/50Hz with UK-style 3-pin plugs. Most lodges have limited charging outlets, so bring a multi-port USB charger. Always carry equipment in your carry-on luggage during flights.
Proper preparation ensures a healthy and secure Tanzania experience. Essential health items include: prescription medications in original containers, comprehensive first-aid kit, malaria prophylaxis (as recommended by your doctor), high-SPF sunscreen (SPF 50+), insect repellent with 30-50% DEET, rehydration salts, anti-diarrheal medication, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, and personal toiletries. Documentation must include: passport valid 6+ months beyond travel dates, Tanzania visa or eVisa printout, yellow fever vaccination certificate (if required), travel insurance documents with emergency numbers, printed itinerary and contact details, copies of important documents stored separately, and credit/debit cards with travel notifications set. Carry USD cash in small denominations for tipping and local purchases.
Domestic Flight Limitations: Most domestic flights within Tanzania (to Serengeti, Zanzibar, etc.) have strict luggage limits of 15kg (33lbs) per person for checked baggage and 5-7kg (11-15lbs) for carry-on. Soft-sided duffle bags are preferred over hard suitcases as they're easier to load onto small aircraft and safari vehicles. Excess baggage typically costs $3-5 per kg. Consider shipping non-essential items ahead or using luggage storage in Arusha for items not needed during specific trip segments.
Safari Vehicle Space: 4x4 safari vehicles have limited storage space shared among all passengers. We recommend one medium duffle bag (max 20kg/44lbs) and one small daypack per person. Collapsible bags are ideal as they can be compressed when empty for souvenir purchases. Avoid oversized hard-shell suitcases as they may not fit in vehicle storage compartments.
Kilimanjaro Porter Restrictions: For climbs, porters carry maximum 20kg (44lbs) including their own gear. Your personal duffle bag weight is limited to 15kg (33lbs). Use our provided gear list to prioritize essentials. Rent specialized climbing gear (sleeping bags, heavy jackets) locally to save weight and space in your international luggage.
Essential information on drone permits, restricted areas, and flying guidelines for capturing Tanzania's landscapes from the air
All drones (UAVs) flown in Tanzania require permits from the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) and Tanzania Wildlife Authority (TAWA). The application process takes 30-45 days and requires: completed TCAA Form 29, drone specifications and serial numbers, proof of insurance with $1M liability coverage, pilot certification/license, detailed flight plan including dates and GPS coordinates, purpose of filming, and payment of $550-1,000 permit fee depending on drone weight. Applications must be submitted through a registered Tanzanian agent (we can assist). Drones over 250g require registration. Without proper permits, drones will be confiscated at entry points, and penalties include fines up to $5,000 USD and equipment seizure. Start the permit process at least 60 days before travel.
Tanzania has strict drone regulations with permits required 60+ days in advance. Most national parks prohibit drone use entirely. Domestic flights have 15kg luggage limits. Neutral-colored clothing recommended for safaris. Always pack essential medications in carry-on luggage.
Drone flying is PROHIBITED in all Tanzania National Parks (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Manyara, etc.) without special filming permits obtained months in advance. These are rarely granted to tourists and typically reserved for professional film crews with substantial budgets. Restricted areas also include: within 5km of airports/airfields, military installations, government buildings, crowded public areas, and wildlife reserves without specific permission. Some private conservancies and lodges may allow drone use with prior written approval and additional fees. Zanzibar has separate regulations requiring additional permits from the Zanzibar Civil Aviation Authority. Always check with your tour operator and local authorities before attempting to fly in any location.
If you obtain proper permits, follow these guidelines: Fly only during daylight hours in good weather, maintain visual line of sight at all times, maximum altitude 120m (400ft) above ground level, respect wildlife by maintaining minimum 100m distance from animals, avoid flying over people or vehicles, carry printed copies of permits at all times, use propeller guards in dusty conditions, bring multiple batteries (charging may be limited), and have backup storage media. Consider Tanzania's environmental conditions: dust can damage motors, heat affects battery life, and afternoon winds often exceed safe flying limits. Many travelers find the permit process cumbersome and opt for traditional photography instead. For most tourists, we recommend leaving drones at home and focusing on ground-based photography.
Dry Season (June-October): Days are warm and sunny, but nights and early mornings can be surprisingly cold, especially in Ngorongoro Crater (down to 40°F/5°C). Pack warm layers including thermal underwear, fleece jacket, beanie, and gloves for morning game drives. Dust levels are high - bring protective covers for cameras, bandanas for face protection, and lip balm. This is peak season - book gear rentals early.
Wet Season (November-May): Expect afternoon showers and higher humidity. Essential items include: quality rain jacket with hood, waterproof backpack cover, quick-dry clothing, extra socks, waterproof shoes or boots, insect repellent (mosquitoes are more prevalent), and anti-fungal powder. The "long rains" (March-May) bring heavier precipitation - consider waterproof bags for all electronics. Green season offers lush landscapes but muddy conditions on some roads.
Kilimanjaro-Specific Gear: Temperatures range from tropical at base to arctic at summit (-20°F/-29°C possible). Our detailed climbing gear list includes: four-season sleeping bag rated to -20°F, insulated waterproof boots, thermal layers, down jacket, ski gloves, trekking poles, headlamp, and high-altitude medications. We offer quality rental gear for most items to reduce your packing burden.
Detailed equipment recommendations for specific Tanzania experiences and activities
Summitting Africa's highest peak requires specialized equipment for extreme conditions. Our comprehensive climbing package includes: four-season mountain tent, sleeping mattress, and communal dining equipment. You need to bring/personal items include: insulated waterproof hiking boots (well broken-in), four-season sleeping bag (rated to -20°F/-29°C), trekking poles, headlamp with extra batteries, 70-80L duffle bag for porters, 30-40L daypack, hydration system (3L capacity), and high-altitude clothing system (base layers, insulating layers, waterproof outer shell). We offer quality rental gear including sleeping bags, down jackets, trekking poles, and duffle bags for $150-250 depending on items needed. Proper gear is critical for safety and success - we provide detailed checklists during booking and pre-climb briefings.
Capture professional-quality wildlife images with this essential gear: Camera body with fast autofocus (DSLR or mirrorless), telephoto zoom lens (100-400mm or 200-500mm ideal), second body or wide-angle lens (16-35mm) for landscapes, teleconverter (1.4x or 2x) for extra reach, sturdy tripod or monopod with gimbal head, bean bag for vehicle window support, multiple memory cards (minimum 128GB total), extra batteries (3-4), lens cleaning kit with blower brush, rain cover for camera, external hard drive for backup, and polarized filters. For bird photography, 500mm+ lenses are recommended. Early morning light is best - be ready at sunrise. Practice shooting from vehicle windows before your safari. We offer limited camera gear rentals in Arusha with advance notice.
Transition from safari to beach with these essentials: Lightweight cotton/linen clothing, swimwear (2-3 sets), cover-ups for resort areas, sandals/flip-flops, sun hat with wider brim, higher SPF sunscreen (reef-safe recommended), after-sun lotion, snorkel mask (or rent locally), waterproof phone case, beach bag/tote, mosquito net if staying in budget accommodation, modest clothing for Stone Town visits (shoulders and knees covered), and conservative swimwear for public beaches. Zanzibar is 99% Muslim - respect local customs. Electrical outlets are the same as mainland Tanzania. The sea temperature averages 80°F (27°C) year-round. Many beach resorts offer towel service, hairdryers, and basic toiletries.
Be prepared for common travel health issues with this medical kit: Prescription medications (original containers with labels), malaria prophylaxis (consult doctor), broad-spectrum antibiotics, anti-diarrheal medication, rehydration salts, pain/fever relievers, antihistamines, motion sickness tablets, antibiotic ointment, bandages/blister treatment, tweezers, thermometer, water purification tablets, insect repellent (30-50% DEET), permethrin spray for clothing, high-SPF sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, and personal first-aid items. Consider a dental kit if prone to issues. Most lodges have basic first aid, but remote areas lack pharmacies. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is mandatory for all our trips.
Yes, limited equipment rental is available in Arusha and Moshi, but selection is restricted and quality varies. We offer rental packages for Kilimanjaro climbs including sleeping bags ($40), down jackets ($30), trekking poles ($15), and duffle bags ($10). For photography, basic DSLR cameras and 70-300mm lenses can sometimes be rented, but availability of professional equipment (500mm+ lenses, multiple bodies) is very limited. We recommend bringing your own photography gear if possible. For binoculars, basic models are available for rent ($5-10/day), but serious birders should bring their own. All rentals must be arranged at least 30 days in advance. A deposit is required, and you're responsible for damage or loss.
Tanzania uses 230V/50Hz electricity with Type G (UK-style 3 rectangular pins) outlets. Some lodges also have Type D (Indian style) or universal outlets. You will need a plug adapter for devices with different plugs. Most modern electronics (laptops, camera chargers, phones) are dual voltage (110-240V) and only require adapters, not converters. Check device labels for "Input: 100-240V" - if present, only an adapter is needed. Hairdryers, curling irons, and other heating elements typically require voltage converters (which are heavy and often ineffective). Many lodges provide hairdryers. Power availability varies: city hotels have consistent electricity, but remote safari camps often use generators that run limited hours (typically 6-10am and 6-10pm). Solar charging is excellent during daylight hours.
Keep all medications in original prescription containers with pharmacy labels showing your name, doctor, and medication details. Carry a doctor's letter listing medications and medical conditions, especially for controlled substances. Split medications between carry-on and checked luggage in case of loss. Bring enough for your entire trip plus extra in case of delays. Common prescription medications are available in Tanzania but may have different brand names. For specialty medications, bring full supply. Malaria prophylaxis should be obtained before travel - common options include Malarone, Doxycycline, or Lariam (consult your doctor). Some medications (like altitude drugs for Kilimanjaro) require prescriptions even if available over-the-counter in your home country. Declare medications if asked at customs.
7-Day Safari Only: 5 shirts (mix short/long sleeve), 3-4 pants/shorts, 1 warm layer, 1 waterproof jacket, 5 underwear, 4 socks, 1 hat, 1 swimwear, 1 footwear (walking shoes), 1 sandals, basic toiletries, camera + binoculars, daypack, documents.
10-Day Safari + Zanzibar: 7 shirts, 5 pants/shorts, 2 warm layers, 1 waterproof jacket, 7 underwear, 6 socks, 1 hat, 2 swimwear, 1 walking shoes, 1 sandals, snorkel gear, beach cover-up, additional toiletries, camera equipment, 2 bags (duffle + daypack).
14-Day Kilimanjaro + Safari Combo: Complete climbing gear (see separate list), 5 safari shirts, 3 safari pants, layering system, 10 underwear, 8 socks (technical for climb + casual for safari), 2 footwear (climbing boots + camp shoes), extensive toiletries/medical kit, camera gear, documents, 2 bags (duffle + daypack).
Our Tanzania experts provide customized packing recommendations based on your specific itinerary, travel dates, group composition, and personal preferences. With over 10 years of experience guiding travelers through Tanzania's diverse climates and activities, we'll help you pack efficiently and effectively for safari, Kilimanjaro climbs, beach extensions, and cultural experiences.
Why trust True Africa Escape for packing guidance?
• Customized checklists for your exact itinerary and travel dates
• Latest information on drone regulations and permit requirements
• Advice on luggage restrictions for domestic flights and safari vehicles
• Rental equipment recommendations to reduce your packing burden
• Seasonal adjustments for dry/wet season travel
• Family-specific packing tips for children of all ages
• Sustainable packing recommendations to minimize environmental impact
Contact us today for personalized packing assistance tailored to your Tanzania adventure.