Tanzania is home to some of the world’s most stunning landscapes, from Mount Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped peak and the sweeping wildebeest herds of the Serengeti to the turquoise waters and sandy beaches of Zanzibar. Protecting these natural wonders is a national priority, and in June 2019, Tanzania took a bold environmental step by introducing one of the strongest plastic bag bans on the African continent.
If you’re travelling with Follow Alice to climb Kilimanjaro, explore Tanzania’s safari parks, or soak up the spice-scented air of Zanzibar, the ban affects how you pack and what you can bring. From planning your trip to exploring Tanzania, we’ll help you travel with confidence while contributing to local conservation efforts. If you have any concerns, feel free to schedule a call with our team.
Beautiful landscapes of Tanzania with Mount Kilimanjaro as the backdrop.
Learn more: Best time for safari in Tanzania
Why did Tanzania ban plastic bags?
Plastic waste is a growing global crisis. Across the world, over five trillion plastic bags are used every year, many for just a few minutes and the environmental impact is colossal. Before the 2019 ban, Tanzania, like many countries, struggled with plastic waste, and this was the result:
- Plastic bags clog drainage systems during seasonal rains.
- Wildlife, including grazing animals and marine species, often ingested plastic.
- Windblown bags littered national parks, villages, and coastlines.
- Microplastics polluted rivers, farmland, and beaches.
Since enforcing the ban, Tanzania has made meaningful strides in protecting its natural environment. Across East Africa, the region has become a global frontrunner in tackling plastic pollution. Rwanda and Kenya implemented strict bans before Tanzania, and countries from Ethiopia to Morocco have since followed suit. The movement is continent-wide, but Tanzania’s approach stands out for its clarity and strong enforcement. The result? Cleaner cities, healthier wildlife, and a growing culture of conscious consumption among both residents and visitors.
Our Follow Alice crew is taking care of their surroundings. on Mount Kilimanjaro
Is Tanzania’s plastic bag ban still in effect in 2026?
Yes, Tanzania’s plastic bag ban is fully enforced. Travellers often have questions like:
- Are plastic bags banned in Tanzania?
- What about ziplock bags?
- Can I bring duty-free items?
- What are Soma bags in Tanzania?
Let’s clear it all up.
What exactly is banned?
In 2019, the government released a straightforward notice. It states:All plastic carriers, regardless of their thickness, are prohibited from being imported, exported, manufactured, sold, stored, supplied and used in Mainland Tanzania.”
This means:
❌ Completely banned
- Single-use plastic carrier bags
- Duty-free plastic bags (even “reusable” ones)
- Plastic sleeves for shoes, clothes, or electronics
- Small shop or grocery bags
- Thin plastic packaging you might use to separate items inside luggage
✔ Allowed
- Ziplock bags are used exclusively for toiletries
- Plastic materials for medical, pharmaceutical, or industrial use
- Reusable fabric or canvas bags
- Packing cubes
- Lightweight cloth bags
- Reusable dry bags
Ziplock bags must stay with you throughout your trip and be taken home again. They cannot be thrown away in Tanzania. Soma Bags are solar-powered backpacks made from upcycled cement sacks, designed to help children study after dark. They are not single-use plastic carrier bags; they are fully allowed in Tanzania and do not fall under the country’s plastic bag ban.
Tanzania’s government has taken steps to protect the oceans.
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What happens when you arrive in Tanzania?
Tanzania has made the process smooth for travellers. There’s nothing to be nervous about; you just need to know what to expect. Let's have a look:
1. Special surrender desks at airports and border posts
At places like Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), Dar es Salaam (DAR), and Zanzibar (ZNZ), you’ll see clearly marked areas where travellers can hand in any prohibited plastic bags.
2. Bags may be scanned on arrival
Airport staff may look for plastic bags when you pass through customs.
3. Confiscation is normal
If you’ve accidentally packed something in a plastic bag, customs will simply ask you to remove the item and surrender the bag. It’s friendly and straightforward.
4. No fines for honest mistakes
As long as you cooperate, you will not be fined for bringing a plastic bag unintentionally. The focus is on environmental protection, not penalising visitors.
Thousands of travellers pass through every week, and the process is quick, polite, and easy.
Tourists arrive in Tanzania.
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How to pack without plastic
Over the years, we’ve learned a lot of traveller-tested tips that work. These ideas keep your luggage organised without breaking the rules.
Swap plastic for:
- Fabric stuff sacks for clothing and laundry.
- Reusable packing cubes for organisation.
- A lightweight canvas tote for shopping or carrying extras.
- Silicone refillable bottles for toiletries.
- A dry bag for electronics on safari.
- A mesh laundry bag instead of a disposable one.
Avoid:
- Supermarket bags are used for sorting clothes.
- Plastic wrappers for shoes.
- Plastic-lined gift bags.
- Duty-free bags (bring a foldable tote instead).
These tiny swaps make your packing more efficient and your travel footprint lighter.
Learn more: Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro FAQs (2025 updated list)
Why this matters for Kilimanjaro and Safari travellers
The impact of plastic pollution can be seen along trekking routes and in wildlife areas. Leftover bags and packaging spoil the scenery, harm animals, and damage fragile habitats, showing why Tanzania’s plastic bag ban is so important for keeping these places wild and beautiful.
On Kilimanjaro
Before the ban, plastic wrappers and bags frequently appeared on trails and in camps. Even now, initiatives like Leave No Trace show how much waste still makes its way into natural spaces. Volunteers on Kilimanjaro have collected:
- Plastic snack wrappers
- Old carrier bags
- Strips of packaging blown up from the lower villages
Porters carry this waste down the mountain to be properly disposed of, and their work helps keep Kilimanjaro’s slopes clean for everyone.
Follow Alice porters making sure that everything is clean on Mount Kilimanjaro.
On safari
Plastic bags can be deadly for grazing animals. Wildebeest, gazelles, and elephants may ingest plastic, mistaking it for food. Birds often use shredded plastic as nesting material, which can be fatal for their chicks.
By removing plastic carriers from circulation, Tanzania reduces these risks significantly.
Keeping habitats clean helps protect the animals that live there.
Learn more: Discover the majestic combo: Kilimanjaro and safari
Why plastic bags are a problem
Plastic bags are made from polyethylene, a petroleum-based product. While they can be recycled in theory, most end up in landfills or the environment.
The real issues:
- They take hundreds of years to break down.
- They fragment into microplastics that contaminate soil and water.
- Wildlife ingest plastic or become entangled in it.
- They release toxins as they degrade.
- Plastic pollution harms tourism, agriculture, and fishing communities.
Tanzania’s ban is part of a larger movement to protect ecosystems and reduce health risks linked to environmental pollution.
A map of Tanzania and surrounding areas.
How you can reduce your own plastic use when travelling
Beyond complying with Tanzania’s rules, there are thoughtful steps you can take anywhere in the world:
1. Carry reusable bags
Even a single fabric tote can eliminate dozens of plastic bags on a trip.
2. Travel with a reusable water bottle
Many lodges and camps in Tanzania offer filling stations.
3. Choose products without excess packaging
Opt for solid toiletries or items with refillable containers.
4. Pick up litter when you see it
A simple piece of trail etiquette that has a real impact.
5. Support operators who prioritise sustainability
Your choices help shape industry norms.
Small actions, when multiplied by thousands of travellers, can create a powerful impact. Choosing to carry a reusable bag, picking up litter on a trail, or properly disposing of waste may seem minor on their own, but together they help protect wildlife, preserve stunning landscapes, and support conservation efforts across Tanzania and beyond. Every responsible choice adds up, proving that thoughtful travel can truly make a difference.
Learn more: Planning Your Zanzibar and Safari Adventure: Everything You Need to Know
Tanzania plastic bag ban
Tanzania’s plastic bag ban is a pledge to protect the country’s breathtaking landscapes and wildlife. By travelling responsibly, you help keep trails, villages, rivers, beaches, and national parks pristine for everyone.
Your choices today ensure that future trekkers and safari-goers can experience Tanzania exactly as you do: wild, untamed, and full of wonder. Pack smart, travel light, and explore Tanzania with Follow Alice where every adventure supports a cleaner, more sustainable world.
