Africa & Safari · Best Jun–Oct and Jan–Feb
Tanzania safari packing list for families
Tanzania can hand you frosty mornings on the crater rim and dusty, hot afternoons in the Serengeti on the same trip. This list helps you pack for both without overfilling a soft duffel.
Photo by Jorge Tung on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on Tanzania Safari
- The Ngorongoro Crater rim sits high enough that nights can feel close to freezing, while the crater floor is warm by midday. Pack a real fleece and a puffer vest for everyone.
- Driving days between the crater and the Serengeti are long and bumpy. I plan one flight leg if we can, and I keep motion sickness bands and snacks in the front seat.
- January and February are my favorite surprise season. The calving in the southern Serengeti is incredible, and kids love seeing baby wildebeest just hours old.
Best timeJun–Oct and Jan–Feb
PlugsTypes D and G, bring an adapter
MoneyTanzanian shilling (US dollars widely used at lodges)
PassportYes
Your packing edit
Tanzania Safari
This time of year
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Carry-on8
Carry-on suitcase per personOur pick
Packing cubes, one color per personOur pickEveryone knows exactly which cube is theirs.
Kids' headphones, volume-limited
Tablet with downloaded shows
Snack box with dividers
Reusable water bottles
Change of clothes for each kid
Car seat travel bag
Clothing4
Daytime outfits8 per person
Pajamas2 per person
Underwear and socks9 per person
Packable puffer vestOur pickThe crater rim gets cold at night.
Shoes1
Broken-in walking sneakersOur pickNever bring brand-new shoes on a walking trip.
Beach & pool3
Swimsuits2 per person
Mineral sunscreen
Wide-brim sun hats
Safari7
Neutral clothing in khaki, olive, and tanBright colors stand out to wildlife, and dark blue and black attract tsetse flies in some areas.
Fleece, hat, and gloves for early game drivesOpen vehicles are chilly at dawn, even in Africa.
Binoculars for each family memberOur pickNobody wants to wait their turn when a leopard appears.
Headlamp or small flashlight
Insect repellent
Soft-sided duffel bagLight aircraft usually require soft bags with strict weight limits.
Dust-proof camera coverSerengeti dust gets into everything in dry season.
Little ones4
Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
Portable sound machineOur pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
Travel blackout shades
Favorite lovey, plus a backup
Health & toiletries5
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
Hanging toiletry bag
Motion sickness bandsSafari roads are rough and long.
Reusable silicone storage bagsTanzania bans single-use plastic bags.
Documents & tech3
Portable phone chargerOur pick
Passports for everyone, valid 6+ months past your trip
Travel plug adapterOur pickTypes D and G, bring an adapter
The outfit edit
Safari neutrals
Khaki, olive, sand, earth
For the grown-ups
- Breathable long-sleeve shirts in khaki or olive
- A soft fleece for dawn drives
- A wide-brim hat that stays on in an open vehicle
For the kids
- Neutral tees and convertible pants
- A warm layer and beanie for early mornings
- Closed-toe shoes for walking safaris
For photos
- Earth tones blend into the bush and photograph beautifully
- Skip bright white and dark blue on game drives
Month by month
Tanzania Safari weather and what's happening
Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.
| Month | Typical high | What it's like | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 82°F 28°C | Warm green season with scattered showers, especially Mar | Wildebeest calving season on the southern Serengeti plains around Ndutu |
| February | 83°F 28°C | Warm green season with scattered showers, especially Mar | Wildebeest calving season on the southern Serengeti plains around Ndutu |
| March | 82°F 28°C | Warm green season with scattered showers, especially Mar | |
| April | 79°F 26°C | Long rains with heavy downpours; some camps close | |
| May | 78°F 26°C | Long rains with heavy downpours; some camps close | |
| June | 78°F 26°C | Dry season with clear skies, cool nights, and very cold mornings on the crater rim | Herds cross the Grumeti River in the western Serengeti |
| July | 78°F 26°C | Dry season with clear skies, cool nights, and very cold mornings on the crater rim | Herds cross the Grumeti River in the western Serengeti |
| August | 79°F 26°C | Dry season with clear skies, cool nights, and very cold mornings on the crater rim | Mara River crossings in the northern Serengeti |
| September | 82°F 28°C | Dry season with clear skies, cool nights, and very cold mornings on the crater rim | Mara River crossings in the northern Serengeti |
| October | 83°F 28°C | Dry season with clear skies, cool nights, and very cold mornings on the crater rim | Mara River crossings in the northern Serengeti |
| November | 81°F 27°C | Short rains bring brief afternoon showers and fresh grass | Herds stream back south toward the short-grass plains |
| December | 81°F 27°C | Warm green season with scattered showers, especially Mar | Herds stream back south toward the short-grass plains |
Questions families ask
Tanzania Safari with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit Tanzania Safari with kids?
The best time is Jun–Oct and Jan–Feb. Dry season with clear skies, cool nights, and very cold mornings on the crater rim
What's the weather like in Tanzania Safari?
Typical daytime highs range from about 78°F (26°C) in May to about 83°F (28°C) in February. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for Tanzania Safari?
Yes. Bring a passport for everyone, including babies, and make sure each one is valid for at least six months past your trip. Check visa and entry rules before you go.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for Tanzania Safari?
Types D and G, bring an adapter.
What's your top tip for Tanzania Safari with kids?
The Ngorongoro Crater rim sits high enough that nights can feel close to freezing, while the crater floor is warm by midday. Pack a real fleece and a puffer vest for everyone.
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I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.
As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.