Simple swaps that lighten your environmental footprint in Tanzania, from refillable bottles and reef-safe sunscreen to understanding the country's plastic bag ban.
Tanzania's wild places are the reason most people visit, and a few thoughtful packing choices help protect them. Many eco-friendly swaps also make your trip easier, lighter and less wasteful.
Here is how our team in Arusha suggests packing with the environment, and local rules, in mind.
Quick tips
- Leave plastic carrier bags at home and use fabric or dry bags.
- Bring a sturdy refillable water bottle for safari and trekking.
- Choose a reef-friendly sunscreen for Zanzibar swimming days.
- Switch to shampoo bars and refillable bottles to reduce waste.
- Pack rechargeable batteries instead of disposable ones.
Know the plastic bag ban
Tanzania banned plastic carrier bags in 2019, and the rule applies to visitors too. Plastic carry bags should not be brought into the country, and they may be confiscated on arrival. Pack with reusable fabric bags, packing cubes or dry bags instead.
Transparent toiletry bags required for airport security are generally understood to be different from carrier bags, but the simplest approach is to keep plastic to a minimum and remove any unnecessary plastic packaging before you leave home. Rules can be updated, so check current guidance before you travel.
A refillable water bottle
Bottled water is common on safari, but many lodges and camps now offer filtered water refill stations, and safari vehicles often carry larger containers. A sturdy reusable bottle means fewer plastic bottles across your trip.
An insulated bottle keeps water cool on hot game drives and is equally useful on Kilimanjaro. If you are unsure about water quality anywhere, ask your guide or the lodge staff.
On Kilimanjaro and Meru treks, a pair of bottles or a hydration bladder plus a bottle is a practical combination. Your crew treats water at camp, and refilling your own containers keeps disposable bottles off the mountain entirely.
Reef-safe sunscreen for the coast
If your trip ends in Zanzibar or elsewhere on the coast, coral reefs are a highlight for snorkelers and divers. Some sunscreen ingredients are considered harmful to reef ecosystems, so look for a reef-friendly mineral formula for swimming days.
A rash guard or swim shirt reduces how much sunscreen you need in the first place and protects your back while snorkeling.
Mineral sunscreens can leave a light white cast, so try your chosen brand at home before the trip. Applying it a little before you get in the water helps it stay on longer, which means less washes off into the sea.
Low-waste toiletries and gear
Solid shampoo bars, refillable travel bottles and biodegradable soaps cut down on waste and leaks. On camping safaris and mountain treks, everything you bring in should be packed out, so choose items with minimal packaging.
Biodegradable wet wipes are handy on long drives between parks, but even these should be carried out rather than left behind. A small reusable pouch keeps used wipes and wrappers contained until you reach a proper bin at your lodge.
- Shampoo and conditioner bars in a tin
- Refillable silicone or aluminum travel bottles
- A reusable cutlery set and cloth napkin for picnic lunches
- Rechargeable batteries and a power bank instead of disposables
- A small bag for carrying your own rubbish until you reach a bin
Respecting nature and communities
Eco-friendly travel goes beyond packing. Follow your guide's advice about keeping distance from wildlife and staying on tracks, buy souvenirs from local artisans, and avoid products made from protected species. If you want to donate items to schools or communities, ask Ndovu African Expeditions first so we can point you toward responsible ways to help.
Frequently asked questions
Will my bags be checked for plastic on arrival?
Checks can happen at entry points, and plastic carrier bags may be confiscated. The easiest way to avoid any issue is to pack without them and use reusable bags.
Is tap water safe to drink in Tanzania?
Visitors are generally advised not to drink untreated tap water. Use the filtered or bottled water provided by your lodge, camp or guide, and refill your own bottle where refill stations are available.
What is reef-safe sunscreen?
It usually refers to sunscreens that avoid certain chemical filters thought to harm coral, often relying on mineral ingredients instead. Check labels carefully, as definitions vary between brands.
