When going on safari it is best to have two small bags: one with the majority of your belongings for use at the camp/lodges that stays in the back of the vehicle; and a smaller one (daypack) for your photo equipment, sunscreen, hat, jacket and other personal items that will travel with you in the safari vehicle.
The following is recommended
- A reusable drinking water bottle so you can fill it up with dirking water along the way
- We recommend you pack a few changes of clothes into your carryon luggage in case your bags do not arrive for some reason om Tanzania. None of our clients have lost bags which have not been found, but sometimes checked in bags don’t arrive on the same flight as you do, but rather they arrive on a flight a day or two later, so its recommended to pack a few changes of clothes in your carryon luggage “just incase”
- Good quality sunglasses; if you wear contact lenses, it’s a good idea to bring along a pair of glasses in case your eyes become irritated by the dust
- Sun hat
- Small torch (regardless of the level of accommodation)
- Good binoculars
- Camera with zoom lens + spare film/memory card and batteries. Make sure all batteries are fully charged and if you’re going to a lodge, you have your charger with you (as well as an adaptor for Tanzanian plugs) + waterproof/dustproof bags to cover your cameras
- Towel for budget lodges and camping.
- Soap for bathing
- Swimsuit as some of the lodges have swimming pools
- Toiletries
- Flip flops/thongs for wearing into shower areas or around the camp/your room in the evenings
- If you are camping then you need to bring a sleeping bag. safaris-R-us provides the mattress and sheet to cover the mattress and pillow. If required, a clean, second-hand sleeping bag can also be provided at no extra cost
- A small daypack to keep with you in the car during the day
- Wildlife books if you want
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen, moisturiser and lip balm
- Prescription medications
- Basic first aid kit. Our guides carry a first aid kit, however, should you need something, you might be more comfortable using your own (for diarrhoea, headaches….)
- a roll of toilet paper can be good for any level of accommodation as the public toilets inside the national parks and at public campsites do not always have toilet paper in them. Budget to luxury lodges generally have toilet paper at them so no need to bring for overnight.
- Wet wipes
- Clothing should be lightweight, loose-fitting, and of “breathable” fabrics, such as cotton. While out in the bush you will find that neutral colors are best as they blend in with the natural surroundings and less likely to show the dust.
- A sports bra for women is recommended as the roads can be bumpy and uneven.
For the daytime
- Shorts
- Pants incase of rain or if tsetse flies are around
- T-shirts or golf shirts
- Comfortable shoes or sandals (shoes are recommended in case it rains during your safari or if tsetse flies are around)
For the evenings
- Long sleeved shirts
- Trousers to protect yourself against the cold and mosquito bites
- Fleece, sweater or jacket, as the nights at higher elevation can be quite cool
FOR WOMEN TRAVELING IN THE CITY OF ARUSHA OR ZANZIBAR STONETOWN
- knees must be covered. Capris and skirts covering knee is acceptable. No shorts.
- midriff covered.
- tanks are acceptable if not tight fitting and with more than a spaghetti strap.
- comfort fitting around butt and thigh- no skin tight.
- for visiting a mosque in Stone town- a nice cloth head covering of sheer or solid fabric, or local “kanga” is appreciated out of respect for Muslim culture. A bandanna or ball cap is not adequate.
The electricity current is 220v. As is with the UK, East Africa utilizes three flat-pronged sockets called BS-1363 (see picture). If you have a three-flat prong adapter, that will be all you need. For guests bringing expensive electrical materials like Ipods or laptops, a surge protector is also recommended, as the electricity here can sometimes be unreliable and unstable. On a good day, the electricity supply is the same as Australia (220 V), just don’t bring your toaster oven!