What Not to Pack for Tanzania (Including Plastic Bags)

Most packing advice focuses on what to bring. For Tanzania, knowing what to leave behind is just as useful. Some items are restricted by law, some can cause problems at the airport and others simply add weight you will not need on safari.

Here are the items our team suggests leaving at home, starting with the one that surprises travelers most.

Single-use plastic bags

Tanzania introduced a ban on plastic carrier bags in 2019, covering their import, production, sale and use. Visitors are asked not to bring plastic shopping bags, and bags may be surrendered on arrival. Zanzibar has its own long-standing restrictions on plastic bags.

Clear zip bags used for toiletries at airport security are often tolerated when they stay in your luggage, but rules can be applied strictly, so we suggest using reusable fabric pouches, packing cubes or toiletry bags instead. Check the latest guidance before you fly.

The ban is part of a wider national effort to protect wildlife, livestock and waterways from plastic waste, and it is taken seriously. Respecting it is an easy way to support the places you are traveling to see.

• Pack shoes and dirty laundry in fabric bags
• Use reusable toiletry pouches instead of plastic zip bags
• Remove plastic shopping bags from duty-free purchases before landing

Drones

Flying a drone in Tanzania requires permits, and flying in national parks and conservation areas is tightly controlled. Without proper authorization, drones may be held at customs. Unless you have arranged permission well in advance, we recommend leaving the drone at home.

This also applies to small camera drones bought as toys or gifts. If photography from the air is important to you, a balloon safari over the Serengeti offers spectacular aerial views without any permit concerns on your side.

Camouflage clothing

Camouflage prints are associated with the military, and civilians are advised not to wear them. Check children's clothing, hats and bags as well.

Military-style clothing in general, such as items with insignia or full combat-style outfits, is best avoided too. Plain neutral colors give you the practical benefits without any risk of misunderstanding.

Things you simply will not need

Hard-shell suitcases are often not accepted on bush flights, where soft bags are required. Heavy jeans, formal wear and large amounts of jewelry or valuables add weight and worry without benefit. High-wattage appliances such as hair straighteners may not work in solar-powered camps.

Bright white outfits will not stay white for long on dusty roads, and dark blue or black clothes attract tsetse flies in some areas.

Large amounts of cash are also best avoided. Bring a sensible mix of cards and some US dollars in newer, undamaged notes, since older or torn notes may not be accepted, and use the safe at your lodge where provided.

• Hard suitcases for bush flights
• Denim and formal clothing
• Expensive jewelry
• High-wattage hair appliances
• Too many shoes

Check before you pack

Rules change, so check official sources for current customs and entry guidance, and apply for your visa only through the official e-visa portal at visa.immigration.go.tz. If you are unsure about any item, ask us before you travel.

Finally, avoid packing items for wildlife, such as food to feed animals or bird seed. Feeding wild animals is not permitted in parks and changes their natural behavior.