Southern Highlands, Tanzania: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2023]

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Ready to pack for Southern Highlands, Tanzania? If you're planning to go to Southern Highlands, we have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Southern Highlands, Tanzania

Based on the climate and weather in Southern Highlands, Tanzania, the best time to go is September. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Southern Highlands, Tanzania

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Southern Highlands, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Southern Highlands, Tanzania by month

January

January in Southern Highlands is warm. Temperatures average in the high 60s F (low 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains most days.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Tanzania has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Southern Highlands may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. Be careful to choose the necessary type. Many adapters for sale now are simply plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

February

Traveling to Southern Highlands in February, you will notice that it is warm. Expect it to rain about two thirds of the time. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 60s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Tanzania has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Southern Highlands may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. Make sure to find the correct type. The vast majority of adapters currently available are simply plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most countries.

March

March in this region is warm. Temperatures average in the high 60s F (low 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains most days.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Tanzania has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Southern Highlands may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. Ensure that you pick the correct type. A lot of adapters available are just plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

April

Traveling to Southern Highlands in April, you will notice that it is warm. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 60s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Tanzania has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Southern Highlands may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. Check that you find the right kind. The majority of adapters available are simply plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most areas.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

May

May here is balmy. Temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains occasionally.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Tanzania has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Southern Highlands may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. Ensure that you find the right kind. A lot of adapters available are just plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

June

June very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (high 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Tanzania has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Southern Highlands may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. Be sure to get the correct type. Most adapters available online are simply plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most places.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

July

Traveling to Southern Highlands in July, you will notice that it very dry with almost no rain. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Tanzania has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Southern Highlands may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. Be sure to get the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are just plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

August

If you are traveling to Southern Highlands in August, you will notice that it very dry with almost no rain. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Tanzania has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Southern Highlands may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. Take care to get the correct type. Most adapters for sale now are just plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most places.

September

September for Southern Highlands very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the high 60s F (low 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Tanzania has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Southern Highlands may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. Be sure to choose the correct type. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are just plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

October

October in Southern Highlands dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Tanzania has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Southern Highlands may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. Be sure to find the correct kind. A lot of adapters for sale now are just plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most locations.

November

If you go to Southern Highlands in November, you will notice that it is warm. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Tanzania has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Southern Highlands may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. Be sure to choose the necessary kind. Many adapters available are simply plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most locations.

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

December

Traveling to Southern Highlands in December, you will notice that it is warm. Expect it to rain most days. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Tanzania has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Southern Highlands may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. Be sure to find the correct type. A lot of adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most countries.

What to do in Southern Highlands, Tanzania

The Southern Highlands of Tanzania is a region that boasts a wealth of natural beauty, rich culture and fascinating history. This picturesque region is known for its rugged mountain ranges, pristine lakes, stunning waterfalls, and lush green landscapes. If you’re planning a trip to Tanzania, here are some of the top tourist attractions that should be on your itinerary:

1. The Ruaha National Park

The Ruaha National Park is one of the largest parks in Tanzania and is home to a wide range of animal species, including elephants, giraffes, lions, leopards, and buffalo. The park is also known for its diverse birdlife, with over 570 species recorded in the area. The park’s rugged terrain is perfect for hiking, and there are plenty of opportunities for game drives and safaris.

2. Ngozi Crater Lake

Located in the highlands of Mbeya, Ngozi Crater Lake is a stunning natural wonder. The lake is surrounded by lush green hills, and its crystal-clear waters are perfect for swimming, boating, and fishing. The area is also rich in cultural heritage, with the nearby Mbeya Museum showcasing artifacts that date back to the 19th century.

3. Matema Beach

Matema Beach is a picturesque stretch of coastline on Lake Nyasa, which is also known as Lake Malawi. The beach is surrounded by rugged cliffs and lush vegetation, and its crystal-clear waters offer a perfect place to cool off in the heat of the day. There are plenty of water sports and activities on offer, including kayaking, fishing, and sailing.

4. Mt. Rungwe

Mt. Rungwe is the highest peak in the Southern Highlands, reaching an altitude of 2,960 meters above sea level. The mountain is a popular destination for hikers and climbers, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The nearby forest reserve is also home to a wide range of wildlife, including chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, and bushbucks.

5. Iringa Town

Iringa is a charming town that is located in the heart of the Southern Highlands. The town’s colonial architecture is a testament to its rich history, and its lively markets are a great place to sample local produce and crafts. The nearby Isimila Stone Age site is also worth a visit, offering a glimpse into the region’s prehistoric past.

In conclusion, the Southern Highlands of Tanzania is a region that is full of natural wonders, rich culture, and fascinating history. Whether you’re interested in wildlife, hiking, or simply relaxing on white sandy beaches, there is something for everyone in this beautiful part of the world. So, if you’re planning a trip to Tanzania, make sure you don’t miss out on these incredible tourist attractions.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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