What to Pack for a Tanzania Safari in December
December in Tanzania smells like rain on red earth. The plains turn green, the light goes soft, and the animals do not care what you are wearing. Still, the right bag makes every game drive easier.
The Short Answer
Pack light, neutral-colored layers, one warm piece for early mornings, a rain jacket, and comfortable closed shoes. A soft duffel bag is better than a hard suitcase, especially if your trip includes a small domestic flight.
What December Feels Like
Early December falls in the short rains. Days are warm, mornings and evenings are cooler, and showers tend to pass quickly. The Ngorongoro Crater rim sits at high altitude and can feel properly cold at sunrise.
The Packing List
Neutral colors such as khaki, olive, beige, and brown. Avoid dark blue and black in the bush, because they attract tsetse flies.
Two or three light long-sleeved shirts and long pants, for sun and insects.
A fleece or light down jacket for dawn drives and the crater rim.
A packable rain jacket.
Comfortable closed walking shoes, plus sandals for the lodge.
A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen.
Insect repellent.
Binoculars. They change everything.
A camera or phone with extra memory and a power bank.
A scarf or buff for dust on open roads.
Any personal medication, in your hand luggage.
What to Leave at Home
Leave bright white clothes, camouflage prints, heavy boots, and anything you would be sad to see covered in dust. Tanzania also bans single-use plastic bags, so pack with reusable pouches instead.
Quick Answers
Do I need hiking boots for a safari?
No. Most of the day is spent in the vehicle. Comfortable sneakers or light walking shoes are enough.
Can I do laundry on safari?
Many lodges and camps offer laundry, so you can pack less than you think.
Is December a good time for a safari in Tanzania?
Yes. The landscapes are green, there are fewer visitors than in peak season, and wildlife is present all year in Tarangire, Ngorongoro, and the Serengeti.
Our women-only journey, The Rhythm of the Wild, travels through Tanzania on December 2 - 9, 2027. See the Tanzania itinerary or book a free call.