What To Pack for a Serengeti National Park Safari
From following the Great Migration to exploring some of Africa's most iconic open plains, a Serengeti safari is at the top of every safari-lover's bucket list. Whether you are a first-time visitor to the Serengeti or are headed there again, find out what to pack for a Serengeti safari with advice from our team of seasoned safari packing experts.
Packing for the Serengeti: Table of Contents
Serengeti Safari Clothes Advice
Serengeti Safari Luggage Advice
Serengeti Safari Accessories Advice
Serengeti Safari Packing FAQs
Serengeti Safari Packing Checklist
Serengeti Safari Clothing Advice
- Dressing for Conditions in the Serengeti: The Serengeti has a moderate climate. While being equatorial, it is 1500m above sea level, which will impact what you wear on safari to this legendary destination. Additionally, the seasons are broken up as follows:
- May to August is the cool, dry season.
- Temperatures start to rise in September and October.
- The hot, wet season runs from November to April.
- The Serengeti has long and short rains. The short rains take place over November and December.
With this in mind, here are our top tips on what safari clothing to pack for the Serengeti and what to wear on your safari.
- Safari Clothing and Luggage Restrictions. Strict luggage restrictions apply to light aircraft transfers and some mobile safari operators. This means you will need to pack strategically to get the most out of your safari wardrobe. Ultra-lightweight, technical safari clothes made from quick-drying fabrics are the best option for this.
- Dress in Layers. No matter what time of year you visit Serengeti National Park, the best advice on what to wear on safari is to dress in layers. A typical day in the Serengeti involves early-morning game drives, with conditions that can change significantly throughout the day. Dressing in layers helps you to adapt to those changes and remain comfortable all day long. Shop Safari Clothing
- Outdoor Clothing in Safari-Suitable Colors. Color matters on safari. Choose clothing in shades of khaki, tan, and olive green to blend in with the environment. These colors are also more practical in the African bush.
- Bug Protective Clothing. Bugs can be a real pest. The Serengeti has a relatively low malaria risk (which rises during the rains). Protecting yourself from bug bites should be top priority. With an Insect Shield finish, the weave of our BUGTech+ bug repellent clothing is also difficult for mosquitoes to penetrate, providing effective insect defense. We recommend wearing a reliable bug spray to ensure the best all-round protection. Shop Men's BUGTech+ Safari Clothing | Shop Women's BUGTech+ Safari Clothing
- Sun Protective Safari Clothing. UV protective clothing is essential all year round. The altitude in the Serengeti intensifies the effects of the sun, which makes you more vulnerable to sunburn and long-term effects of the sun. BUGTech+ safari clothing has been independently lab tested to provide UPF50+ sun protection - and is lightweight enough for you to cover up in warm-weather conditions. Add UPF50+ accessories like the Vintage Print Head&Neck Scarf and a wide-brimmed safari hat for extra protection. Wear a reliable sunscreen as part of your sun protection strategy.
- Wicking Safari Clothing. This is an essential clothing technology for keeping cool in the Serengeti, as this relates to the fabric's ability to draw moisture away from the skin and dry fast. Many people suggest wearing cotton or linen on safari, but the best safari clothing is made from technical fabrics - and one of the main reasons for this is wicking. BUGTech+ offers bug defense without compromising the wicking properties of the fabric.
- Long-Sleeved Safari Shirts and Long Pants. The best way to protect yourself from bugs and the sun is to cover up. This means choosing long-sleeved safari shirts and long pants (don't worry - BUGTech+ is lightweight enough for you to do this as comfortably as possible). Our BUGTech+ safari clothing range has been made in designs for versatility. This includes roll-up sleeve tabs on our safari shirts - effectively giving you the choice between long and short sleeves. Similarly, our convertible pants roll up and secure to become three-quarters or zip off at the knees to become shorts. This allows you to choose between shorts and longs - and back again - while you are out and about on the day's activities. Shop Men's Safari Shirts | Shop Women's Safari Shirts | Shop Men's Safari Pants | Shop Women's Safari Pants
- Pack a Warm Layer. Most people are surprised by how cold it can get on safari. A good warm layer is one of the top safari packing essentials. It can get very cold before dawn and as evening turns into night on game drives - and the altitude in the Serengeti means temperatures remain moderate throughout most of the year. Choose a warm layer that is lightweight and packable, yet effectively insulating. Accessories like woolen beanies and scarves are a good idea for extra snugness. Add a waterproof layer for the rainy season.
- Safari Shoes. Comfortable walking shoes are a must - whether you have a guided walk planned or simply need to get around camp. Pack a pair of closed shoes to protect your toes from creeping, crawling creatures. Make sure they are worn in for comfort - and are suitable for rugged and uneven terrain. Take along a pair of sandals or open shoes for relaxing around the pool and around your lodgings in camp.
- Anti-Blister Socks. If you have a bad blister, even a few steps can become agony. Double-layered socks in high-performance, wicking yarns are the best way to prevent blisters and keep your feet dry and comfortable on all safari activities in the Serengeti.
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Serengeti Safari Luggage Advice
Many Tanzania safari itineraries include light aircraft transfers. These charter companies have strict luggage weight and size restrictions because they have to fit all luggage into the limited space in the hold, so it's important to choose the right safari luggage.
- Safari Luggage Weight. Safari luggage weight restrictions may differ according to charter company. In East Africa, this may be between 33 and 44lbs per person, with limits on the amount of excess baggage. Make sure you find out what the baggage allowance will be for every leg of your safari.
- Safari Luggage Dimensions. Requirements for safari luggage dimensions depend on the policy of the airline and the kind of safari you are going on. However, as a general rule, we recommend packing a duffel bag that is 27,5 x 12 x 12 inches.
- Avoid Hard-Sided Bags. Your bag needs to fit into the cramped hold of small planes, which is why these airlines require soft, squashable duffel bags over hard-sided suitcases. Avoid bags with wheels and rigid frames.
- Take a Day Pack. Make sure you have a comfortable backpack or satchel for carrying your safari accessories during activities. This needs to have sufficient space for things like binoculars, bug spray and sunscreen, your phone, and all the other items you'd like to keep handy.
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Serengeti Safari Accessories Advice
- High-Quality Binoculars. The right optics are our number one safari packing essential. The Serengeti is full of expansive plains and wide open spaces and sightings aren't always right next to the vehicle. Don't miss out on any of the action and take in the Serengeti's magnificent wildlife in detail by packing one pair of binoculars per person. Quality matters - brands like Vortex provide excellent color fidelity and sharpness for wildlife viewing and birdwatching.
- Sunscreen and Bug Spray. Prioritize bug and sun protection on safari by pairing technical safari clothing with a reliable sunscreen and bug spray.
- A Flashlight. Whether you are worried about nighttime safety around camp or simply need a bit of extra light in off-grid camps, pack a powerful, long-lasting, rechargeable flashlight.
- A Tubular Scarf. The Vintage Print Head&Neck Scarf is a top accessory, providing UPF50+ sun protection and windproofing. This will also come in handy to protect your nose and mouth in dusty conditions. There are eight ways to wear it - including as a balaclava or as a scarf - making this handy across a range of conditions in the Serengeti.
- A Warm Beanie. Make sure you're ready for cold conditions by packing accessories like a warm, wool beanie in a safari-friendly color.
- Walking Safari Must-Haves. If you are going on a guided walk, pack a pair of blister-free socks and ankle gaiters to protect your ankles from ticks and wet grass.
Serengeti Safari Packing FAQs
What not to pack for a Serengeti safari
- Hard Suitcases. These don't align with the baggage allowances of some mobile safaris and airlines. Pack your safari clothes and gear into a safari-suitable soft and squashable duffel bag.
- Bright, Colorful Clothing. These colors stand out in the bush, which may affect game viewing.
- Dark and Black Clothing. Dark clothing attracts tsetse and other insects - and darker hues tend not to blend into the neutral colors of the bush.
- White Clothing. White clothing stands out in the bush and gets dirty very quickly in the sometimes dusty conditions in the Serengeti. That said, there is nothing wrong with wearing white in the evenings for the full Out of Africa effect if you don't choose to cover up in BUGTech+ insect repellent clothing.
- Heavy Fabrics. Heavy fabrics and denim are not the best choice for safari. This is because they take a long time to dry, don't wick moisture effectively, and can be unforgiving in warm-weather conditions. Technical fabrics outperform all other fabrics for African travel conditions.
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Baseball Caps. Peak caps are not the best choice for sun protection on safari. Rather than a baseball cap, opt for a wide-brimmed safari hat that provides 360-degree protection without affecting visibility.
- Drones. Drones are not allowed in national parks unless you have been granted special government and park authority permits.
- Camouflage Clothing. It is prohibited to wear camouflage clothing in the Serengeti and around Tanzania.
Do you need malaria pills for the Serengeti?
The CDC recommends taking malaria prevention for travelers to Tanzania. Always consult a medical professional before traveling. Preventing bites will be an important part of your strategy. Cover up in insect repellent safari clothes and consistently apply bug spray during the day and evening.
Are there tsetse flies in the Serengeti?
Yes, there are areas that have pockets of tsetse flies in the Serengeti. They are mainly found in woodland and riverine areas. To avoid their painful bite, cover up in BUGTech+ bug repellent safari clothing, use a DEET-based bug spray, and avoid clothing in dark colors.
Serengeti Safari Packing Checklist
Use the safari packing list below for a list of items to pack for your Serengeti safari. Alternatively, use our detailed safari packing checklist according to the length of your safari. If you're in a hurry, use the 3-2-1-1 safari packing rule as a guide for safari clothing (3 long-sleeved safari shirts, 2 pairs of pants, 1 hat, and 1 warm layer).
Safari Clothing for Serengeti National Park
- 3x Long-Sleeved Anti-Bug, UPF50+ Safari Shirts
- 2x Safari Pants
- 1x Wide-Brimmed Safari Hat
- 1x Warm Layer
- 1x Closed, Comfortable Walking Shoes
- 1x Sandals or Closed Camp Shoes (note - at nighttime, it is better to wear closed camp shoes)
- 2x Pairs of Anti-Blister Socks
- 1x Beanie
- 1x Head&Neck Scarf
Safari Clothing Extras for Serengeti National Park
- 2x Non-Technical Shirts in Safari-Suitable Colors
- 2x Non-Technical Pants/Shorts
- 2x Casual T-Shirts
- Underwear (ladies, a sports bra is a good addition for some of the very bumpy roads)
- Pajamas
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Safari Accessories for Serengeti National Park
- 1x High-Quality Binoculars Per Person
- Ankle Gaiters for Walking Safaris
- Rechargeable Flashlight
- 2x Bug Spray
- 2x Sunscreen
- 1x Lip Balm
- 1x Sunglasses
- 1x Reusable Water Bottle
Cameras and Electronics to Pack for the Serengeti
Off-grid camps may have charging stations available for items like cameras, phones, and laptops. Check with your camp before packing things like hairdryers to find out more about the power availability before you travel.
- Cameras and Lenses
- Extra Camera Batteries
- 1x Travel Adapter
- 1x Power Pack
- Charging Cables
Safari Bags and Luggage
- 1x Large Safari Duffel Bag
- 1x Day Pack, Satchel, or Backpack
- 1x Toiletry Bag
- 1x Dry Bag for Rainy Season or Water-Based Safaris
Toiletries and Medications
- Reading glasses and hard glasses case
- Contact lenses and fluid
- Prescription medications
- Shaving kit or razor
- Malaria prophylaxis for malaria areas
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Moisturizer
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss
- Brush/comb
- Ladies' hygiene supplies
- Emery board, tweezers, etc.
- Anti-histamines for allergic reactions
- Motion sickness pills
- Deodorant
Travel Documents for a Tanzania Safari to the Serengeti
- Passport with any required visas.
- Health card and insurance details - let your insurer know you are traveling to Africa. Find out about required vaccinations and health advice in advance of your departure.
- Air tickets and vouchers.
- Money pouch with some cash in it.
Have Any Questions About What To Pack for Your Serengeti Safari?
Our team of packing experts are here to help. Email us on contact@safaristore.com or fill out your details on our contact form and we will help with personalized advice and customized packing lists for you and your family.
