African Safari in Tanzania: What to Bring and What to Expect
If you’ve ever dreamt of an African safari—complete with sunrise hot air balloon rides over the Serengeti, spotting lions lounging like they own the place, and witnessing the wild wonders of the Ngorongoro Crater—then Tanzania should be your next adventure. I recently had the opportunity to embark on a safari through Tanzania with Shiri Adventures in summer 2024, and let me tell you, it was an experience that made me question everything I thought I knew about wildlife, nature, and my own ability to survive in a land full of very large animals.
Here’s everything you need to know about preparing for a safari in Tanzania, what you can expect when you get there, and how to keep your sense of humor intact while surrounded by animals that could easily eat you as a snack.
How to Prepare for Your Safari: The Essentials (Don’t Forget Sunscreen)
Before you even think about packing for your safari, there are a few essentials you need to get straight. First off: pack light. I know, I know, you love to overpack “just in case” you need that third pair of shoes, but trust me, Tanzania is not the place for your entire closet. You’re not there to be fashion-forward—you’re there to be practical, comfortable, and ready to sweat.
What to Pack:
- Light-colored, breathable clothes: You’ll be on safari in the Serengeti, Tarangire, and Ngorongoro Crater—aka, the land of endless sun and dust. No need for your favorite black outfit; go for khaki, beige, and light colors to blend in with nature and avoid attracting heat and bugs. Also avoid animal print clothing.
- Sunscreen and Hat: You’re going to get hot, and you’re going to get burned. Trust me, it’s not a vacation until you’ve applied sunscreen 20 times in a single day.
- Binoculars and Camera: Because you’re going to see things you’ll want to brag about on Instagram, and I don’t mean just your friends’ wild stories of how they “saw an elephant from far away.” No, you’re going to get close-up with some of the coolest animals on the planet. Also, if you’re a camera person, make sure your camera has good zoom. An iPhone is fine, but if you’re like me, you’ll regret not renting a zoom lens.
- Comfortable Shoes: You’ll do some walking, but you’ll be spending most of your time in a 4×4 jeep, so no need to break in new hiking boots. Just make sure they’re sturdy enough for a bumpy ride to those amazing wildlife sightings.
I created an Amazon Storefront for all the items I used on my trip here. And more here.
Pro Tip: Bring a scarf or neck gaiter. Not just for style, but to keep the dust out of your face during the game drives, especially in the dry months when the roads are more dirt than asphalt.
What NOT to Bring for Safari
- Jeans or Heavy Cotton Clothing
Cotton holds moisture, which can leave you cold and uncomfortable—especially on the mountain. Jeans aren’t ideal for hiking or game drives either. Stick to moisture-wicking fabrics, like merino wool or synthetic materials. - Unnecessary Electronics
You’re there to connect with nature, not the WiFi. Leave the laptop, tablet, or any gadgets you won’t need for photography. However, camera gear (and extra memory cards!) is a must. - Excessive Jewelry or Expensive Items
On safari and in the mountains, less is more. Leave the diamonds and flashy accessories at home—they’re more likely to get lost, and you’re not there to show off. - A Full-Size Toilet Kit
Space is in safari vehicles, so pack the essentials (toothbrush, sunscreen, lip balm) in small, travel-sized containers. Leave your giant bottles of shampoo at home! - Overly Heavy/Expensive Camera Gear
You definitely want to capture the moment, but you don’t need to bring every lens in your collection. A lightweight DSLR or a quality mirrorless camera with one or two lenses should be more than enough. - Perfume or Strong Scents
Strong smells can attract insects (including the ones you don’t want near you) and might disturb animals on safari. Stick to neutral scents or no scents at all. - Rain Gear Without Ventilation
Avoid rain jackets that trap heat or don’t breathe well. - Non-Essential Foods & Snacks
Stick to energy bars, trail mix, and other compact, nutrient-dense options. - Large, Heavy First Aid Kits
A small, basic first aid kit with things like pain relievers, blister protection, and any personal medications should be enough.
Practical Stuff: Visas and Health (Because Adulting is Important)
Before you get swept away by visions of giraffes and lions, there are a couple of practical things to check off your list to make sure you’re ready for your African safari adventure.
Visa Requirements:
First things first—you’ll need a visa to enter Tanzania unless you’re from one of the visa-exempt countries. Don’t worry, it’s pretty easy to get. You can either apply for an e-visa online before your trip or get a visa upon arrival at the airport (check the Tanzanian embassy website for up-to-date info on your specific country). The online process is typically straightforward, and you can get your e-visa within a few days, so no major stress here.
If you’re planning to visit multiple East African countries, you might want to look into a single East Africa Tourist Visa that covers Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. It’s a good option if you’re doing a longer safari circuit.
See a Doctor (Because Malaria is a Thing):
Tanzania is a beautiful country, but there are a few health precautions you should take before your adventure. The big one? Malaria. It’s present in many parts of Tanzania, especially in rural areas and lowlands, so make sure you talk to a travel doctor well in advance about malaria prevention. They’ll prescribe you anti-malarial medication, which you’ll start taking before the trip and continue afterward, depending on what they recommend.
Besides that, make sure you’re up-to-date on vaccinations like yellow fever, typhoid, and hepatitis A/B, which are often required or recommended for travelers to East Africa. It’s also a good idea to bring along travel insurance that covers any health issues or emergencies, just in case.
Pro Tip: Insect repellent is your new best friend. Not just for malaria, but for general mosquitoes, flies, and the occasional “oh my god, is that a wasp?” moment. And remember, if you’re taking malaria pills, don’t forget to take them as prescribed. Because not taking them and then getting malaria? Not the type of souvenir you want to bring home.
The Safari Itinerary: From Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater (And a Balloon Ride that Will Make You Want to Float Away)
Serengeti National Park
You’ve probably seen photos of Serengeti National Park, but nothing prepares you for the moment when you actually see the golden savannah stretch out forever in front of you. Picture this: endless grasslands, the occasional wildebeest or zebra, and the soundtrack of birds chirping and animals grunting in the distance.
With Shiri Adventures, the game drives were perfectly timed. We would wake up at the crack of dawn, have a quick breakfast (don’t expect pancakes with maple syrup—it’s mostly tea, coffee, and toast), and hop into our jeeps, which had amazing guides who knew exactly where to go to spot the big cats and the elusive creatures. Lions, cheetahs, elephants, and giraffes were regulars, and we got very close to all of them. I’m talking “don’t make any sudden moves” close.
And then—drumroll, please—you get the chance to go on a hot air balloon ride at sunrise. Look, I’m not saying I cried because I saw a giraffe at eye level from the sky, but… I cried. As we floated over the Serengeti, I had one of those “wait, am I in a National Geographic special?” moments. It was serene, breathtaking, and the view of the sunrise over the Serengeti? Absolutely magical.
Tarangire National Park
After Serengeti, we made our way to Tarangire, famous for its elephant herds. These gentle giants (sometimes 50+ strong) move through the park like it’s their personal parade, and you’ll be right there to witness it. Tarangire is also home to some of the most impressive baobab trees, which look like they’re straight out of a Dr. Seuss book—tall, gnarly, and all kinds of weird.
Game drives here are slower-paced, so you can really take the time to enjoy the animals at a more relaxed speed. And keep your eyes peeled for the famous tree-climbing lions—yes, lions that think trees are great places for a nap.
Ngorongoro Crater – The “Eighth Wonder of the World”
Next stop: Ngorongoro Crater, often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” And, honestly, it lives up to the hype. As you descend into the crater, it feels like you’re stepping into a world of its own. The sheer concentration of wildlife in such a small, contained area is unreal.
You’ll see everything here: rhinos, buffalo, zebras, and, of course, more lions. It’s one of the best places to see the “Big Five”—elephant, lion, buffalo, rhino, and leopard—all in a single day. You could spend hours just marveling at the way everything coexists in this natural amphitheater.
What to Know When You’re There: Surviving the Wild (and the Heat)
- The animals aren’t interested in you: I know, it’s wild, but they’re doing their own thing. Don’t expect to be “besties” with a lion. They’re just chillin’, living their best lives. Stay quiet, stay in the jeep, and enjoy the show.
- You will sweat. A lot: The heat in the day is no joke. But don’t let that deter you—every time we stopped for a water break, I felt like I’d earned that bottle of water like it was gold.
- Pack snacks: Depending on your itinerary, you might be in the jeep for hours at a time. Bring snacks—think protein bars, nuts, and maybe some dried fruit. And hydrate. Hydrate like it’s your job.
- The “African massage” is real: The roads are bumpy. I’m talking full-on 4×4 jeep massage for your spine. It’s uncomfortable, but at least you’ll never need a chiropractor again.
Shiri Adventures – Why They’re the Real Deal
Now, let’s talk about Shiri Adventures—they’re the real MVPs of this trip. From the moment we landed, we were greeted by friendly, knowledgeable guides who genuinely love the land and its animals. Our drivers knew exactly where to take us to find the coolest animals, and they could spot a leopard in a tree from a mile away. Seriously, I was convinced they had superhuman vision.
The accommodations were comfy (we stayed in luxury tents, yes, really—imagine glamping with lions in the distance), and the food was surprisingly good. Don’t expect a 5-star Michelin meal, but we ate local, delicious dishes (lots of rice, beans, and meats), and there was always plenty to go around. Plus, the whole team felt like family by the end—there’s a lot of camaraderie between guests, guides, and the Shiri crew.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It? YES.
If you’re looking for a bucket-list experience that’ll change the way you look at wildlife and nature, Tanzania is where you need to go. Whether it’s flying over the Serengeti in a hot air balloon, watching a lion yawn like it’s the most casual thing on earth, or seeing an elephant chase a giraffe (you read that right), it’s a trip that’s going to make you feel like you’ve just stepped into another world.
So, go ahead—pack your bag, leave your fear of bugs at home, and prepare to be amazed. Because, trust me, once you’ve experienced Tanzania, you’ll never look at zoos the same way again.
Pro Tip: If you do one thing on this trip—get up at 5 AM for that hot air balloon ride. It’s worth every ounce of sleep you’ll lose.
