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Tanzania safari bag

What bag to bring on safari?

When preparing for a safari, it is advisable to bring a soft-sided duffel bag or a backpack that can be easily compressed, as many small aircraft impose strict weight and size restrictions. A duffel bag is often recommended due to its flexibility and ability to fit into confined storage spaces, while a backpack is ideal for carrying essentials during game drives and walks. For daily excursions, a smaller daypack or camera bag is beneficial for keeping personal items, your camera, and other necessities readily accessible.

Size and Weight: Please consult your specific tour operator for precise restrictions; however, a typical weight limit for internal flights is approximately 15 kg (33 lbs) per person. It is advisable to use a soft-sided bag with dimensions not exceeding 62 cm x 30 cm x 25 cm (24 inches x 12 inches x 10 inches).

Day bag for game drives

Daypack: A compact backpack is ideal for daily game drives, allowing you to keep your hands free while carrying essentials such as a camera, water bottle, hat, sunblock, and a light layer of clothing.

Camera Bag: For photographers, a dedicated camera bag serves as an excellent carry-on, ensuring your equipment remains secure and easily accessible.

Satchel or Tote: A shoulder bag or tote is also suitable for transporting items during short walks from your lodge to the safari vehicle.

Tips for choosing Safari gear and packing

Consult our comprehensive safari luggage guide to determine the essential large and small luggage items required for your safari adventure.

Travel Light: Due to baggage restrictions, it is advisable to pack only essential items. Opt for clothing that can be worn multiple times to maximize efficiency.

Utilize Compression Sacks: These are effective in compressing your belongings, optimizing the available space within your duffel bag.

Separate Essentials: Ensure that valuables, important documents, and medications are stored in a smaller, secure carry-on bag. This allows you to keep them with you on the plane and during daily excursions.

Choose Appropriate Colors: Opt for neutral, earthy tones such as brown, grey, and green to seamlessly blend with the environment, particularly during walking safaris. It is recommended to avoid navy and royal blue, as they are believed to attract tsetse flies.

Maasai on special event

tips for Choosing the Ideal Safari Luggage

When selecting your primary large duffel or holdall for safari travel, opt for soft, squashable luggage without a frame. This is particularly important for safaris in Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Mozambique, Malawi, Tanzania, and Kenya. The practicality of this choice stems from the fact that most safari lodges and camps in these regions are accessible only by light aircraft, such as the Cessna 210. To accommodate your luggage in the small, confined cargo space, it is essential that your bag is soft-sided, lacking hard sides or rigid frames. This flexibility allows the pilot to efficiently fit your bag into the aircraft. Similarly, for overland and expedition-style safaris, where space in the safari 4×4 is limited, soft-sided luggage is also recommended.

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tanzania safari packing Faq's

For Tanzania safaris, it is advisable to wear natural and pale-colored clothing. Avoid white or any brightly colored fabrics, including patterned or striped materials. Black is also unsuitable due to its heat-absorbing properties, making it uncomfortable on hot, sunny days. Neutral tones such as brown, beige, pale blue, or green are recommended.
Shorts and T-shirts are ideal for warm afternoons at the lodge and other activities. However, lightweight long-sleeved shirts offer better protection from the sun and help prevent insect bites. Similarly, long trousers or slacks are preferable to shorts or skirts when venturing into the bush.
Special safari boots are not necessary, but it is important to pack a pair of comfortable closed shoes. The African bush features rugged terrain, so sensible, well-worn shoes suitable for walking in dusty, muddy, or rocky areas are essential.
Soft-sided luggage is the most suitable option for safari travel. Many safari flights on smaller planes have strict weight limits and do not accommodate hard suitcases. Opt for a high-quality, durable duffel bag that is both lightweight and secure. Soft bags with wheels and handles are also available.
Many safari lodges offer laundry services, with some providing them complimentary and others charging an additional fee.
The safety of tap water depends on your location. Always consult with your guide or camp staff before consuming tap water. Bottled or filtered water is typically provided during game drives, in transfer vehicles, at lodges and camps, and on guided tours.

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