Lives on Zanzibar’s east coast year-round · General Manager, Boutique-Hotel Matlai
WildToSea earns a small commission on some links, at no extra cost to you. We only point to gear and tours we'd actually use on the ground in Tanzania and Zanzibar. How we make money →
Most safari packing lists are written by people who’ve never had to fit everything into a 15 kg duffel for
a light-aircraft hop. Here’s what actually earns its place — and what just adds weight.
Quick note: this guide carries affiliate links to gear we’d genuinely pack. See the notice above. The exact
models and prices are still being finalised from real testing — anything marked [VERIFY] is being checked.
Clothing — muted and layered
Bring neutral colours (khaki, olive, beige). Skip bright colours and, importantly, dark blue and black
— both attract tsetse flies in parts of Tanzania. Mornings on the open vehicle are genuinely cold; pack a
warm fleece or jacket for dawn drives, even near the equator. Long sleeves and trousers double as sun and
insect cover.
Optics — where the money goes
A camera with real zoom reach matters more than megapixels — the animals are often further than you expect.
And do not skip binoculars; one pair per person transforms every sighting.
Health & sun
Sort malaria prophylaxis with your doctor before you travel (see our health guide). Add high-SPF sunscreen,
a hat, lip balm, and any personal medication in your carry-on.
What to leave at home
Hard suitcases, a drone (permits are strict — [VERIFY]), heavy tripods, more than two “nice” outfits, and most
“just in case” items. Camps do laundry; weight is the real constraint.
Our picks
(Honest, first-hand picks below. Models/prices being finalised from real testing.)
Our picks
Lightweight Neutral Safari Shirt
[VERIFY] muted khaki/olive — bright colours and dark blue/black (tsetse) are the two to avoid.
Muted, natural tones — khaki, olive, beige, brown. Avoid bright colours (they can spook wildlife) and especially dark blue and black, which attract tsetse flies. White shows dust instantly.
What is the luggage limit on a safari?
Light aircraft between parks typically enforce a soft-sided bag of around 15 kg (sometimes 20 kg). Use a duffel, not a hard suitcase. [VERIFY the exact limit with your specific operator.]
Do you really need binoculars?
Yes — arguably the highest-value item after the camera. 8x42 is the safari sweet spot: bright at dawn, steady handheld from a moving vehicle. One pair per person, not per vehicle.