What to Pack for a Fly Camping Safari in Tanzania

Packing for a fly camping safari in Tanzania comes down to one golden rule: travel light, in soft bags, in neutral colours. Because you reach a remote camp by light aircraft, your luggage is limited to around 15 kg in a soft, squashable bag, and because you are sleeping out in the bush, layers matter more than quantity. The good news is that a fly camp provides more than you might think, so you genuinely do not need much. Here is exactly what to bring.

I am Augustin, a guide at our camp on the Beho Beho River. I see what works and what gets in the way, so here is honest, practical advice.

Start with the luggage limit

This is the single most important thing to plan around. Light aircraft into the bush typically allow about 15 kg per person, including hand luggage, and they require soft bags — no hard suitcases, which will not fit in the hold. A soft duffel or holdall is ideal. It sounds restrictive, but most guests find they need far less than they expected, and laundry is usually available at camp, so you can re-wear clothes and pack fewer of them.

At Porini Camp we provide all essiantials from shampoo to hairdryer for you! So to sum it up not much to worry about.

Clothing: layers for hot days and cool nights

The bush swings from warm or hot days to surprisingly cool mornings and evenings, especially in the dry season, so layering is the key. Stick to neutral, muted colours — khaki, olive, beige, brown — which are less conspicuous to wildlife and, on walking safaris, avoid bright white, dark blue and black (the latter two can attract tsetse flies). A few good pieces beat a big wardrobe:

• Lightweight long-sleeved shirts and trousers (sun and insect protection, and for walking).

• A few T-shirts and shorts for warm afternoons.

• A warm fleece or jacket for cool mornings, evenings and open game drives.

• A light, packable waterproof, especially in the green season.

• A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and comfortable closed walking shoes plus sandals.

• Swimwear if your main camp has a pool, and something comfortable for around the fire.

What the camp provides

A good fly camp supplies more than you might assume, which is part of why you can pack light. Bedding, mosquito nets and towels are provided. Meals and general drinks are included. Many camps offer laundry. Often there is reference material on wildlife and birds, and your guide carries the expertise. So you are really packing personal items and clothing, not equipment — there is no need to bring your own tent, bedroll or cooking gear.

Health, insects and the essentials

A few health items are worth prioritising: any personal medications (in your hand luggage), a good insect repellent, high-factor sunscreen and lip balm, and a small personal first-aid kit. Speak to your doctor or a travel clinic well before you travel about malaria precautions and recommended vaccinations, as some need to be started weeks ahead. Bring any prescriptions in their original packaging, and carry essentials in your hand luggage in case bags are delayed.

Photography and stargazing extras

For the keen, a few extras reward the effort of carrying them: a camera with a decent zoom for wildlife, plenty of memory cards and spare batteries (charging in a fly camp may be limited and solar-based), and a power bank. However, at Porini Camp you dont need to worry about the power supply. We are equipped wit h a full solar system which provides enough power for you and all the operations in the camp. A small pair of binoculars transforms both game viewing and birding. And because the night skies out here are extraordinary, a stargazing app and simply a willingness to look up are all you need for one of the trip’s quiet highlights.

Frequently asked questions

What is the luggage limit for a fly camping safari? Light aircraft typically allow around 15 kg per person in soft bags, including hand luggage. Hard suitcases will not fit.

What colours should I wear on safari? Neutral, muted tones — khaki, olive, beige, brown. On walks, avoid bright white, plus dark blue and black, which can attract tsetse flies.

Do I need to bring camping gear? No. The camp provides bedding, mosquito nets and towels. You bring personal items and clothing only.

Will I be able to charge my devices? Charging at a fly camp may be limited and solar-based, so bring spare batteries and a power bank.