Africa

Tanzania | Birds and Wildlife of Tanzania

Date:
Sep 10 - Sep 24, 2026
Duration:
15 Days
Price:
From $8,775
Interests:
Birding
Join This Trip Print Itinerary
Gray-Crowned Crane in Serengeti National Park
Eastern Double-collared Sunbird
Wildebeest with calf
Vitelline Masked Weaver
Red-billed Oxpecker on a zebra
Blue monkey in Arusha National Park
Coqui Francolin
Olduvai Gorge
Lilac-breasted Roller
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About this trip

Tanzania is home to the world’s greatest overland animal migration and is a must-see destination for any safari enthusiast. This is a country blessed with biodiversity and unique ecosystems including wetlands, coastal forests, grassland savannas, alkaline Rift Valley lakes, and block mountain forests. With so many incredible, larger-than-life mammal species hogging the spotlight, it is easy to understand why the country’s abundant bird life is often overlooked. On this 15-day birding adventure we will look to uncover Tanzania’s incredible list of avian species, beyond perennial safari favorites such as Marabou Stork, Gray Crowned-Crane, African Spoonbill, Secretarybird, and Kori Bustard. Many travelers might be surprised to learn that Tanzania’s bird list exceeds 1,000 species (31 endemics) and its lands contain an impressive number of vital habitats including 80 IBAs and 4 Ramsar sites! We’ll combine the best of both worlds as we journey to national parks, reserves, and wetlands in search of birds, while also soaking up some big game viewing along the way.

Highlights

  • Search for endemics such as Fischer’s Lovebird and Karamoja Apalis among the Serengeti’s larger-than-life “Big Five” game.
  • Explore Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in search of ostrich, raptors, flamingos, and more.
  • Interact with the Maasai and learn about their culture and semi-nomadic lifestyle during a visit to a rural village.
  • Spend a full day birding the savannas, wetlands and forested areas of Arusha National Park, under the shadow of dormant Mt. Meru.
  • All wildlife drives ensure optimal viewing with a limit of four participants per vehicle.

Activity Level: Easy

Participants should be able to walk at least 1-2 hours without difficulty, including over uneven, potentially slippery surfaces, and ascend or descend 25 stairs consecutively. Physical activities typically last at least 1-2 hours at a time. Participants should be able to step up into 4x4 safari vehicles. Transportation in safari vehicles will be bumpy due to unpaved, dusty roads through the parks.

Land Cost

$8,775

Per person

About this price

Land cost only. Does not include round-trip airfare to and from destination.

Single room supplement $950

What makes us different

Scopes

All of our birding guides carry scopes to improve your chances of spotting even the most hard to find species

Wildlife up-close

Enjoy up-close observation of the behaviors and interactions of wildlife in their native habitats

Top birding guides

Our in-country birding guides are experts in bird identification and behavior, providing rewarding experiences for everyone from novice birders to ornithologists

Unique Itineraries

Our unique birding itineraries are designed to help strengthen and support tourism in bird hot-spots and support conservation and local economic development.

Meaningful experiences

We believe travel should be more than just a vacation – it should enrich and inspire

Low stress travel planning

We take care of all the details so you know your trip will be smooth sailing

AND MORE!

See all the reasons why you should travel with Holbrook

What makes us different

Daily Itinerary

Print Itinerary
Departure
Depart United States.
Arusha
Arrive in Europe and connect to a flight to Kilimanjaro Airport. Upon arrival at the airport in the evening (via KLM flight), transfer to the lodge. For participants who wish to relax before the program begins, we are happy to arrange an early arrival for an additional cost. Check in time at the hotel is 10am.
Under The Shade Safari Lodge
Arusha
After breakfast and an orientation to the program, depart for Arusha National Park for a full-day excursion with a picnic lunch. Including the migratory species present from December to May, over 300 bird species have been recorded in this small park. Mt. Meru, at 14,980 ft, is Arusha National Park's most prominent feature. The varied landscape also includes forested mountain slopes, two ancient craters filled with swamps and lush savanna, as well as open savanna known as the "Little Serengeti." Nearby, Momella Lake is one of the best places in Tanzania to see waterbirds: flamingos, pelicans, little grebes, and a variety of herons, ducks, and waders are common. Augur Buzzards, Verreaux's Eagles, and other cliff-associated raptors can often be seen flying above Ngurdoto Crater. Driving up the jeep track toward the climber's hut on Mt. Meru offers a nice altitudinal transect. Other routes take us into thicker forests, where we search for raptors such as the Crowned Eagle and African Goshawk, and colorful forest birds including Narina and Bar-tailed Trogons, Cinnamon-chested Bee-eaters, and Hartlaub's Turacos. During our outings, we will also look for Colobus and Blue Monkeys, for which this park is well known. Evening briefing and birding checklist review.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Under The Shade Safari Lodge
Tarangire National Park
Enjoy optional morning birding on the lodge grounds before breakfast. After breakfast, we'll begin our journey with a drive to Tarangire National Park, with en route birding. This roadside birding can often be very productive and may include sightings of Blue-naped Mousebird, Von der Decken's Hornbill, White-bellied Go-away-bird, Rosy-patched Bushshrike, Eastern Violet-backed Sunbird, and Golden-backed Weaver. After arriving at the Tarangire park gate, continue with a wildlife viewing drive. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park before arriving at our overnight lodge. Evening briefing and birding checklist review.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Sopa Tarangire
Tarangire National Park
The Tarangire ecosystem is the third largest in Tanzania, sprawling over a vast 7,700 square miles. Seasonally, the park supports the second largest concentration of wildlife in Tanzania surpassed only by the Serengeti during peak migration. However, Tarangire is most famous for its huge numbers of African Elephants that congregate along the meandering Tarangire River. We will observe these massive pachyderms and their tender family interactions. Other mammals likely to be seen include the stately waterbuck, impala, comical warthog and giraffe. The Acacia woodland and Baobab studded grasslands also provide a home for a large number of avians, with the park total being well over 500 species. We will have the opportunity to look for African Hawk- Eagle, the diminutive Pygmy Falcon, Double-banded Courser, Rednecked and Yellownecked Spurfowl, Black- faced Sandgrouse, White-bellied Bustard, Meyer's and Red-bellied Parrots, Bare-faced Go-away-bird, Red-and-yellow and D'Arnaud's Barbets, Mottled Spinetail, Spotted Thrush, and flocks of Northern Pied Babbler. Two major targets for the area are the East African endemics Ashy Starling and Yellow-collared Lovebird. We will also visit the vast Silale Swamp which is excellent for waterfowl. Species to look out for will be African Openbill, Goliath Heron, Southern Pochard, Fulvous Whistling Duck, African Jacana and Long-toed Lapwing. If we are fortunate we may spot a Black Coucal, or flush out a secretive African Crake. Night birding around our lodge can also be fruitful. Look out for Slender-tailed and Freckled Nightjars and the diminutive African Scops-Owl. Evening briefing and birding checklist review.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Sopa Tarangire
Manyara
This morning, say goodbye to Tarangire as we begin our drive to Manyara National Park, with a wildlife viewing drive en route. Philip Briggs, author of the Bradt Guide to Tanzania, describes the park as the country's finest birding site, boasting over 400 species-100 of which can be seen in a single day, even by casual birders. We will arrive at Manyara Lakeview Lodge in time for lunch. This afternoon features a wildlife viewing drive for birds and other animals in Lake Manyara National Park. The park offers a wide variety of habitats, though two-thirds is covered by the alkaline Lake Manyara when water levels are high. During the dry season, the lake is virtually non-existent. The alkaline shores are a good place to look for the widely distributed but quite erratic Greater Painted-Snipe. Another bird of special interest is the so-called Usambiro Barbet, currently considered a subspecies of D'Arnaud's Barbet. During our visit, we will also look for Purple-crested Turaco, Silvery-cheeked Hornbill, and Yellow-bellied Greenbul. Depending on water levels, we may also find a variety of waterbirds, such as Yellow-billed and Marabou Storks, Pink-backed Pelican, Sacred Ibis, African Spoonbill, and Black-headed Heron. Later, we will transfer to Manyara Camp for dinner and overnight. Evening briefing and birding checklist review.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Manyara Lakeview Lodge
Ngorongoro Crater
We will start our birding adventure today by taking a trail to the lakeshore to look for shorebirds and other specialties of the area. Afterward, return to the lodge for breakfast before visiting a local market, where we will gather the necessities for our visit to a Maasai village. Then, we will travel to the village and learn about the local lifestyle. Next, we will visit a local rural school to learn about the educational system in Tanzania, the challenges facing rural areas, and efforts for improvement. We will then travel to Mto Wa Mbu village to visit a local women's cooperative, enjoy a home-hosted traditional lunch, and help prepare delicious "chapati" bread. While we are enjoying a glimpse into rural life, we will be birding at each location along the way. Afterward, we will drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where we will check into our lodge and enjoy some birding on the lodge grounds. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) is a 3,200-square-mile World Heritage Site protecting Earth's largest intact volcanic caldera (100 square miles) and one of the world's most scenically breathtaking natural areas. What's more, the crater is also home to one of the planet's densest populations of large mammals. Our lodge is nestled on the edge of the crater rim with spectacular views of the crater itself. The forests that cloak the rim of this iconic site are home to a variety of Afro-montane forest birds. You may find Hildebrandt's Spurfowl, Schalow's Turaco, the elusive Brown-backed Woodpecker, the beautiful Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, Brown-headed Apalis, the skulking Cinnamon Bracken-Warbler, and Golden-winged and Eastern Double-collared Sunbirds. From the lodge, we are able to gaze down at the Ngorongoro Crater below and watch distant elephants and herds of antelope and buffalo moving over the plains. Evening briefing and birding checklist review.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Ngorongoro Lion's Paw
Ngorongoro Crater
After an early breakfast, descend 1,970 feet to the Ngorongoro Crater floor. The crater is prime "Big Five" territory and a photographer's dream. Most of the animals are extremely relaxed and habituated to the presence of human admirers. The high crater walls, usually cloaked in a pure white frosting of clouds, provide dramatic backdrops for animal photographs. In addition, the crater floor offers a miniature example of a complete African ecosystem with forests, lakes, grasslands, swamps, and rivers. Between 25,000 and 30,000 large animals reside in the crater, with great concentrations of Blue Wildebeest and Common Zebra supplemented by smaller numbers of African Elephant, African Buffalo, the highly sought-after Black Rhinoceros, hippopotamus, Eland, and Thomson's and Grant's Gazelles. The crater is reputed to boast the world's highest concentration of predators, including lion, cheetah, leopard, serval, Bat-eared Fox, Spotted Hyena, and Golden and Black-backed Jackals. The birding is equally rewarding; we can expect to find many of the picture-book species that make Africa so famous: Pink rafts of Greater and Lesser Flamingos on Lake Magadi, Common Ostriches striding over the grasslands, the regal Kori Bustard (the world's heaviest flying bird), the elegant Grey-crowned Crane, and good numbers of raptors, including the unique Secretary Bird, Bateleur, and Martial Eagle. Among the many other species that we may encounter, we hope to see the uncommon Shelley's Francolin, Black-bellied Bustard, Dusky Turtle Dove, White-headed Barbet, Pectoral-patch Cisticola, comical Northern Anteater Chat, Black-crowned Tchagra, the striking Rosy-throated Longclaw, Fan-tailed Widowbird, and the skittish Quailfinch, the latter probably more easily seen here than anywhere else. Enjoy a bush lunch inside the crater. In the evening, we will ascend to our lodge on the scenic crater rim, and at dusk, we'll attempt to track down the Montane Nightjar. Evening briefing and birding checklist review.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Ngorongoro Lion's Paw
Serengeti
Today, check out and begin the journey to the Serengeti. On the way, we will visit the well-known Olduvai Gorge. As a result of massive geological activities over the eons, Olduvai provides a unique record of countless years of fossilized creatures and plants in a series of stratified rock layers. The most famous discoveries, which revolutionized thinking on hominid evolution, are the Australopithecine hominid remains found by the Leakey family. After an introductory lecture, we will have time to explore the informative museum at the site, which exhibits replicas of hominid fossils and extinct animals that once inhabited the region, ranging from River Elephants and Giant Swine to Short-necked Giraffes. A bird walk around the site may yield a variety of arid country species, such as the vocal Slate-colored Boubou, Red-fronted Tinkerbird, Rufous Chatterer, Kenya Rufous Sparrow, Vitelline Masked-Weaver, and the beautiful Purple Grenadier.. We will continue our drive with a picnic lunch along the way. As we enter the park, we will begin our first wildlife viewing drive on the rutted dirt track across the vast, flat, and seemingly endless Serengeti Plains, where we will spend the next few nights in the world-famous Serengeti National Park. Evening briefing and birding checklist review.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Land of Nature Tented Camp
Serengeti
Extending for an incredible 5,790 square miles, the Serengeti is one of the world's largest natural sanctuaries. Despite the vast space, the amount of wildlife you can expect to see is still astounding. The Serengeti, meaning "Endless Plain" in Maasai, consists mostly of grasslands interspersed with Acacia woodlands and rocky outcrops. There is little permanent water in the park, which, combined with a fairly regular rainfall pattern, has resulted in the world-famous wildebeest migration, during which up to two million wildebeests move between the Serengeti in Tanzania and Maasai Mara in Kenya. During our visit to the Serengeti, we will explore the southern and central areas. We hope to see lazing prides of lions, leopards draped over large trees, aloof cheetahs resting on or near vantage points, skulking Spotted Hyenas, jackals, and, if we are fortunate, the bizarre Bat-eared Fox. Several species of smaller cats, such as caracal, serval, or African Wild Cat, may also be seen. Besides the wildebeest, the Serengeti supports huge populations of Common Zebra, African Buffalo, Maasai Giraffe, warthog, Thomson's and Grant's Gazelles, impala, topi, kongoni, Bohor Reedbuck, Eland, and smaller numbers of African Elephant, hippopotamus, rubber-nosed Kirk's Dik-dik, Oribi, and Defassa Waterbuck. Evening briefing and birding checklist review.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Land of Nature Tented Camp
Northern Serengeti
Today will be another day of exploration. There will certainly be an array of superb birds to keep you busy during your time exploring the park. Star birds include several East African endemics: Gray-crested Helmetshrike, Red-throated Tit, Steel-blue Whydah, and the highly localized Karamoja Apalis. Other specialties are Gray-breasted Spurfowl, Fischer's Lovebird, Rufous-tailed Weaver, the localized race of D'Arnaud's Barbet (sometimes split as Usambiro Barbet), and Short-toed Lark. These birds can be found alongside a host of other species, such as the magnificent Saddle-billed Stork, up to six species of vulture, the grotesque Marabou Stork, stately Secretary Bird, Bateleur, Chestnut-bellied and Yellow-throated Sandgrouse, Kori Bustard, coveys of Coqui Francolin, White-bellied Bustard, Temminck's Courser, Pearl-spotted Owlet, Red-fronted Barbet, Tanzanian Red-billed Hornbill, the whimsical Southern Ground Hornbill, Abyssinian Scimitarbill, Black-lored Babbler, Taita and Grey-backed Fiscals, Magpie Shrike, Hildebrandt's Starling, both species of oxpecker, Silverbird, the cute Buff-bellied Warbler, the aptly named Beautiful Sunbird, Gray-headed Social Weaver, Blue-capped Cordon-bleu, Black-faced Waxbill, and, if you are fortunate, Gray-headed Silverbill. Not only is this a great place to find wildlife and birds, but the wide green-gold savannas, dotted with thorn trees, also make it ideal for photography. The Serengeti is ravishingly beautiful and offers long, undisturbed views and utterly dramatic panoramas. Evening briefing and birding checklist review.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Sense of Wilderness
Northern Serengeti
Enjoy another day in the Serengeti. Evening briefing and birding checklist review.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Sense of Wilderness
Karatu
After an early breakfast we depart for Ngorongoro Highlands to Karatu. En route enjoy our last wildlife viewing drive. We will have picnic lunch on the way as we will be birding along the road. We will arrive to our lodge mid afternoon. Once we settle in, enjoy some birding around the lodge grounds.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge
Farewell!
Depart the lodge early, and transfer to Gibbs Farm for morning birding with breakfast at Gibbs Farm. Before arriving at our hotel, we will stop at Chef Babu's for a delicious lunch. We then continue to our hotel for day room accommodations. You will be able to rest, finish packing luggage, or freshen up before catching your night flight to the U.S. Before leaving for the airport, enjoy a light snack at the hotel, then check out at 6 p.m. Transfer to the Kilimanjaro International Airport and check in for overnight flight to the U.S.
Breakfast-Lunch- included
Airport Planet Lodge - Day Room
Arrival
Arrive home.
Land Cost

$8,775

Per person

About this price

Land cost only. Does not include round-trip airfare to and from destination.

Single room supplement $950

What's Included
  • Activities and meals as mentioned in itinerary
  • Safari vehicle with 4 passengers per vehicle with guide/driver
  • Arrival and departure transfers based on individual flight schedules
  • Non alcoholic beverage with meals
  • Carbon Offset
  • All Tips except Guide and Driver
What's Not Included
  • International airfare
  • Items of personal nature
  • Travel Insurance
Pricing Details
Cost is based on a minimum of 7 participants in double occupancy.

A $350 per person deposit and enrollment form is due to hold your space on this trip. The deposit is refundable less $100 cancellation fee until 95 days prior to departure. Cancellations after this date will result in loss of full deposit.

Cancellations after this date will result in loss of full deposit.

Holbrook Travel strongly recommends the purchase of travel protection for medical emergencies while traveling and to protect your investment. Please note the purchase of Cancel for Any Reason Coverage or to exclude pre-existing conditions with Trip Cancellation coverage may require policy purchase within 10-14 days of your initial deposit, depending upon the provider.

Single room supplement $950


Final payment due date: June 07, 2026

Travel Info

Print Travel Info

Entry & Exit Requirements

U.S. citizens must have a valid passport to enter Tanzania. Passports must be valid for at least six months after the date of entry and have at least one blank page available.

A tourist visa is also required for entry. An e-visa can be obtained online in advance by completing the e-visa application form and making payment online with a credit card (Visa or Mastercard) or bank transfer at https://visa.immigration.go.tz. Processing can take up to 10 days; please allow yourself sufficient time prior to travel. If the e-visa is approved, you will receive a “grant notice” via email. You must present a printed copy of the grant notice to the Immigration Officer on arrival at the airport in Tanzania.

U.S. citizens may also opt to obtain a tourist visa upon arrival at the airport in Tanzania, though we do not recommend this option. Expect delays if you choose to obtain a visa at the airport. Be prepared to pay in cash, as credit card payments can be unreliable due to connectivity issues.

The visa fee is USD $100 for a 12-month multiple-entry visa (subject to change).

If you are not traveling with a U.S. passport, please check with the Tanzanian Embassy for the requirements based on your nationality.

Health Information

IMMUNIZATIONS

The Centers for Disease Control recommends that all travelers be up to date on routine vaccinations such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus vaccine, varicella (chicken pox) vaccine, and your yearly flu shot before every trip.

There are no vaccinations required for entry into Tanzania, unless you are traveling from a country where yellow fever transmission is a risk, in which case proof of yellow fever vaccination is required.

Additionally, the CDC recommends inoculation against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid for most travelers to Tanzania.

Please consult your physician for additional information and recommendations based on your individual circumstances.

MALARIA

The CDC warns that travelers to Tanzania may be at risk for exposure to malaria. Malaria is caused by a parasite found in Anopheles mosquitos, which are active from dusk until dawn. Prevention is twofold: the use of anti-malarial drugs and the prevention of insect bites. If you choose to use an anti-malarial drug, as recommended by the CDC, see your physician for a prescription.

To protect against mosquitos, the CDC recommends that you cover exposed skin with lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants, consider treating clothes with permethrin, and use an insect repellent containing an EPA-registered active ingredient like DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE). Apply sunscreen first, followed by the repellent, ideally 20 minutes later.

Be careful when applying products containing DEET, as it can damage or dissolve certain synthetic fabrics as well as plastic, rubber, vinyl, or elastic materials, such as those used in camera equipment, binoculars, phone cases, sunglasses, or watches. Additionally, some research suggests that when DEET and picaridin enter local waterways, they can be harmful to amphibians and other wildlife. When selecting a repellent, it is ultimately up to each traveler to weigh the risks and benefits of different options, keeping in mind both environmental factors and the importance of protecting against illness.

OTHER INSECT-BORNE ILLNESSES

In addition to malaria, the CDC warns that travelers may be at risk for other illnesses transmitted by mosquitos, ticks, or sand flies, such as dengue fever, chikungunya, African tick-bite fever, and others. Travelers are advised to protect themselves against insect bites using the measures noted above.

After spending time outdoors, especially in grassy or wooded areas, the CDC recommends showering and conducting a full-body check for ticks. If you find a tick attached to your skin, safely remove it as soon as possible.

WILDLIFE

Follow all instructions from your guides regarding wildlife. Animals may become aggressive to protect themselves, their young or their mates, or to guard a food supply. Do not make sudden movements either toward or away from them, as this may be interpreted as threatening or territorial. Avoid stray dogs, as they may carry rabies. In the unlikely event of being bitten, clean the wound and control bleeding. Seek medical attention immediately.

Parasites & Bacteria

Avoid swimming or bathing in freshwater lakes or rivers. Some freshwater bodies contain disease-causing parasites or bacteria that may be contracted through contact with infected water.

SUN EXPOSURE

The effects of the sun can be damaging to the eyes and skin. Spending time outdoors exposes you to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, even on cloudy days. To protect yourself from the sun, use a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15, protect skin with clothing, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and drink plenty of fluids.

CPAP Machines

Some safari lodges and tented camps in remote areas of Tanzania supply electricity through generators or solar power, and shut off electrical power during part of the night in order to conserve energy. If you use a CPAP machine, please be prepared to bring a battery pack (and any necessary cables) to power your equipment when electricity is not available. The battery pack can be charged during the day in preparation for nighttime use. Please be aware that if you do not have a battery pack, some lodges may assess a fee to run electricity through the night.

Travelers Diarrhea

The CDC warns that travelers’ diarrhea is one of the most common travel-related illnesses worldwide. Consumption of contaminated food and water may cause diarrhea. To avoid this, do not drink tap water, and use bottled water to brush your teeth. Avoid ice and uncooked vegetables or fruit without a peel. When in doubt, ask your guide. Restrict yourself to cooked food at restaurants, and avoid food sold on the streets. If you contract diarrhea, it is important to drink large quantities of purified water. Consult your doctor for appropriate medication should you experience diarrhea.

Altitude Sickness

At elevations above 5,000 feet, altitude sickness is a possibility. Stay hydrated and well-rested, and avoid heavy, fatty foods and alcohol in the days before arrival. Consult your physician prior to travel for advice specific to your situation.

Respiratory Illness Protocols

Please review our Respiratory Illness Protocols page, which explains our policy and procedures if you or another traveler should develop symptoms of a respiratory illness during your trip. Your participation in a Holbrook Travel program indicates that you are in agreement with these protocols.

Resources

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Packing Recommendations

Everyone has personal preferences when it comes to packing; for this reason, the information below is offered as a general guide and not a definitive list. You know yourself best: Use your discretion and pack what you think will serve you, based on your personal preferences and specific itinerary.

You may find many of the items below in the New Headings Gear Store. Use code HolbrookGuest10 for a 10% discount on your purchase.

CLOTHING

Casual, comfortable clothing is suitable for most activities in Tanzania. You may wish to bring a slightly nicer outfit or two if your itinerary includes dinners out or more formal activities.

Bring enough clothing suitable for the length of your program. If you prefer to pack light, note that many hotels offer laundry services (at additional cost). If you plan to hand-wash items, remember that humidity may delay drying time.

Pack clothing that can be worn in layers to adapt to weather changes throughout the day. Clothing that wicks away moisture and dries quickly is recommended.

Bring clothes in neutral or muted colors such as green, khaki, brown, or gray. We recommend that you avoid wearing white as it can easily be spotted by animals, and it gets dirty quickly. In addition, black and bright or dark blue may attract tsetse flies, which have a painful bite. Regardless of clothing color, tsetse flies can bite through fabric, so wearing loose-fitting and/or layered clothing can help protect against bites, as can wearing a pair of thick hiking socks, especially on days when you are most likely to encounter them (such as in Tarangire National Park or Lake Manyara National Park) .

Please note that army-style camouflage clothing is illegal in Tanzania.

Locals tend to dress conservatively. Tank tops and shorts cut above the knee are typically not recommended in public.

  • A combination of short-sleeved and long-sleeved shirts
  • Shorts
  • A combination of lightweight, quick-drying long pants and medium-weight pants or trousers
  • Undergarments
  • Sleepwear
  • Light- to medium-weight jacket or sweater/sweatshirt – Evenings can be cold, especially in desert areas, on the Ngorongoro Crater rim, and during May-August
  • Bathing suit – Some hotels have pools.
  • Socks – Bring extra pairs.
  • Shoes – Consider your specific itinerary when choosing footwear. For most programs, you’ll likely want at least one pair of comfortable, closed-toe walking or hiking shoes with thorn-proof soles, suitable for forest hikes and walking over cobblestones or other uneven terrain. Sturdier hiking boots may be appropriate for more active itineraries. In addition, many participants opt for a pair of sturdy sport-strap sandals (e.g. Keens, Tevas, or similar), plus a pair of casual flip-flops or sandals for around your hotel.
  • Lightweight rain jacket, hooded poncho, and/or windbreaker
  • Visor or wide-brimmed sun hat
  • Bandana, scarf, or neck gaiter

Personal Toiletries

Pack toiletries based on your personal preferences and habits.

  • Shampoo, conditioner, lotion, deodorant/antiperspirant , etc. – If possible, avoid strong fragrances if you are sensitive to insect bites and to be considerate of your fellow travelers.
  • Soap and washcloth or a small, quick-drying microfiber towel – Washcloths are not standard in all hotels. If you normally use a washcloth, you may wish to bring one from home.
  • Hairbrush, comb, hair ties, shower cap
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Razor
  • Ear plugs, especially if you are a light sleeper
  • Personal hygiene products
  • Insect repellent
  • Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
  • A travel pack of tissues – also useful as napkins or toilet paper if needed

In addition to your personal toiletries, it is useful to pack a small medical kit, which you can easily prepare. Helpful items might include: bandages, antihistamine, a pain reliever, motion sickness and/or altitude sickness medication (if you are prone to either), anti-diarrhea medicine, powdered electrolyte packets for dehydration, aloe vera gel for sunburn, individually wrapped pre-moistened towelettes and/or hand sanitizer, antibiotic ointment, anti-fungal cream, moleskin for blisters, eye drops, tweezers, a mini sewing kit, and an extra pair of disposable contact lenses or eyeglasses if you wear them.

Miscellaneous

Remember to pack valuables such as your passport, cash/credit cards, and medications in your carry-on luggage.

  • Passport and photocopies of all travel documentation
  • Personal insurance card and travel insurance information
  • Money – ATM/credit card, traveler's checks, and/or cash; small bills in good condition are recommended
  • Prescription medicines (if applicable), with a copy of the prescription
  • Yellow fever certificate (if required; only if you're traveling from a country where yellow fever transmission is a risk)
  • Sunglasses with strap
  • Small day pack for hikes and excursions
  • Flashlight and/or head lamp
  • Travel alarm clock or inexpensive waterproof wristwatch with alarm – Not all hotels provide alarm clocks.
  • A pocket calculator or phone to assist with conversions and currency exchange
  • Binoculars with lens cleaner
  • Camera and related equipment, such as charger, lenses, and extra memory cards
  • Reusable water bottle – The safari vehicles are equipped with large water jugs. Please bring your own personal water bottle that can be refilled from the jugs during wildlife-viewing drives.
  • Non-perishable snacks
  • Pocket-knife or multipurpose tool – Pack in your checked luggage.
  • Notepad or travel journal and pen
  • Travel seat cushion – Seats in the safari vehicles are cushioned, but if you normally have hip or back problems, you may appreciate having some extra padding on the bumpy roads.
  • Music or reading material for down time, long bus drives, or on the airplane, and a portable bright light to read by
  • Collapsible walking stick with rubber tip – Pack in your checked luggage.
  • A small quantity of laundry detergent if you’ll be washing clothing by hand
  • Money belt
  • Voltage converter and plug adapter
  • Chargers for electronics

Additional Packing notes

Be aware that Tanzania has banned single-use plastics. Visitors are requested to avoid bringing plastic bags into the country. This includes garbage bags and grocery/shopping bags. Zip-top style bags specifically used to carry toiletries per TSA’s liquids rule are still permitted on the assumption that they will be reused on the return flight. Items purchased at the airport before boarding the aircraft should be removed from plastic bags. Please double-check your carry-on luggage before disembarking in Tanzania; any plastic bags should be left on the plane to avoid delays and possibly fines.

Although comfortable, safari vehicles are primarily utilitarian in nature and have very limited storage space. For this reason, we ask you to be mindful of what you bring for this program, traveling only with the essentials, and to please use a soft-sided duffel bag (no longer than 22 inches) as your main piece of luggage. In addition to your duffel bag, there will also be room for a medium-sized carry-on item (e.g. a camera bag, purse, or lightweight daypack).

If you do not have a duffel bag, please advise Holbrook or your trip host in advance of the trip. Then, at your first program orientation in Tanzania, your local guide will be able to provide a canvas duffel (one per person) for you to pack what you will need during the program. We will securely store your empty suitcase until the last day of the program, at which time you will be able to retrieve your suitcase and re-pack in preparation for your flights home. The dimensions of the provided duffel bag are 22 in x 11.8 in x 11 in (56 cm x 30 cm x 28 cm).

To protect against dust, you may wish to bring a bandana to cover your face, and a microfiber cloth or other covering for your binoculars and/or camera equipment.

During wildlife-viewing drives, you'll be spending much of your time in the vehicles, so heavy-duty hiking boots aren't needed; closed-toe walking shoes or sneakers are usually sufficient. A pair that easily slips on and off will allow you to stand on the seats of the safari vehicle for a better view when the roof hatch is open.

"This was a fantastic trip that was well-planned and well-executed. I could not have enjoyed myself any more!!"
- Peggie W.
Tanzania , 2023
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