How do I Pack for safari in Tanzania
TRemember packing for a safari in Tanzania, the most important thing is moderation. While there is no need to go minimalist, you also don’t want to carry a lot of unnecessary luggage across Africa with you. When traveling on safari you will move with their luggage in the safari vehicle throughout the tour. Also, for the days spent in the same hotel or lodge, of course, you will leave your bags in your room. if you bring too much luggage it could be an inconvenience or even a hindrance to wildlife viewing. But this depending on the number of the people in the jeep.
We have created a packing list, based on years of leading excellent safaris, to help you pack just the right items (but not too much!) for your incredible safari in Tanzania
The important Safari Packing List
Put on your mind that you will spend a great deal of time in the safari car, viewing wildlife. However, you may participate in walking safaris or cultural tours throughout your safari, so you should have practical, comfortable, and sturdy walking shoes. Please leave high heels, fashion sneakers, and platforms for other occasions.
The weather in Tanzania can vary depending on the altitude and time of day or week. And this depends and where you will spend your safari mostly. If it will be Ngorongoro, walking safari from Ngorongoro to lake Natron. Then it is wise to bring layers for added warmth, especially in the early mornings and late nights.
Packing list for safari.
- 1 -2 long-sleeved shirts;
- warm sweater or light jacket (the temperature in the Ngorongoro falls to 0 degrees Celcius in the evening and in the morning)
- Regular, light shirts or T-shirts (preferably 1 pc for every day of safari)
- 1-2 pairs of light cotton trousers, not blue or black colors clothes this can be attract the tsetse flies. And will make your safari uncomfortable.
- Shorts or a loose skirt, for the ladies
- swimsuit / trunks (most lodges offer a swimming pool)
- A hat, for the sun (visor or another cap is also acceptable).
- Camera and memory cards. Flashlight.
- Binoculars. In the jeep will have 2 Binoculars. But you can bring your personal one.
- Binoculars (8×32 or 10×42)
- Sunscreen.
- Hand sanitizer and wet wipes.
- Insect Repellent.
- Personal toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothbrush, eye drops etc)
- Malaria tablets.
- Basic first aid kit and prescription medicines although in the jeep you will have the first Aid.
You may realize that many travelers on safari wear khaki or neutral colors, and avoid bright whites or fluorescent colors. There are several reasons for this: firstly, you will blend in with nature better by wearing neutral tones, whether you are walking or seated in the car; secondly, some areas of Tanzania are very dusty and khaki-colored items are less likely to show discoloration from the dust of the safari than white garments.
Medications you should take on safari?
Keep in mind, every safari vehicle is stocked with a basic first-aid kit. If you have prescription medications or special needs, please come prepared with your necessary medications.
- antimalarial drugs (such as Malarone, Lariam)
- tablets from motion sickness, if you are susceptible
- antihistamines for allergies (Claritin, Loratadine, Azelastine), which can be difficult to purchase in Tanzania
- Inhaler for asthma remedy, as the dust may aggravate asthmatic symptoms;
- Any prescription medications you may require.
These pesky insects are only active in the early morning and evening, likely when you are already back at your accommodations for the evening. Alternatively, wearing a long-sleeved shirt can help deter mosquitoes, as well.
The equatorial sun is strong in Tanzania, and you are likely to be at a higher elevation throughout your Tanzanian safari, especially when in Ngorongoro or the highlands. Choose a product with SPF 40 protection or higher to protect your skin.
Other important tips
Most of African Traces partner hotels and lodges provide full room and board for our guests, meaning 3-full meals are provided each day. However, the excitement and fresh air of a safari are known for building up quite an appetite!
Just in case this you buy here in Tanzania before safari.
- biscuits, chips, cookies, or other packaged snacks
- fruit (pre-washed or dried varieties
- chocolate bars
- Various mixtures of nuts.
Some fruits (such as bananas), or nuts (like cashews or peanuts) may easily be purchased locally as you drive through local Tanzanian villages.
Necessary Items
Even if the weather forecast guarantees the lack of sun, don't hurry up to lay out protective glasses. They will help protect your eyes from wind, dust and small insects while you pop out of the window or through the open roof of the running speed car in search of objects for observation. Put in your backpack: As we have mentioned above African Traces car or jeep provides a pair of binoculars for our guest’s convenience. We also have charging stations in each of our vehicles so your devices will never lose power during a safari.
More recommend thinks to bring:
- Bandana or handkerchief in case of dust
- Adapter for electric plugs (Tanzania uses three-pronged plugs, similar to England)
- Photocopies of your passport and other necessary travel documents
- Personal hygiene items (including sunscreen and insect repellant)
- Notebook and pen.
In case you have more questions about what to pack, contact African traces team. We are happy to assist.
Comfortable safari cars
The Tanzanian tourism industry maintains a high level of standard, which extends to safari vehicles. When you book with African Traces Travel, there is no compromise of driving in a van for your safari - you will certainly be in a modern, comfortable safari vehicle.
Our safari cars come with Wi-Fi internet, a fridge for cool drinks, electric outlets to charge devices on-the-go, air conditioning and extendable tops. The option to lift up the roof of the safari car means better viewing all around for a fun safari adventure.
Luxury lodges and camps
Accommodations in Tanzania have earned a reputation for excellent hospitality. There are many award-winning camps and lodges throughout national parks that cater to high-end clientele.
Visitors to Tanzania are sure to have a luxury experience throughout their stay. You may be in a remote location on the edge of the Tarangire River, the Serengeti plains or with an exquisite view of the Great Rift Valley; but you’re sure to be drinking fine wine, eating chef-prepared meals and be offered all the luxuries of any four or five-star hotel.
African Traces has carefully chosen top-rated hotels, and our staff members frequent these establishments to ensure the quality and service that our guests receive is consistent with our own high standards.
Nearly all the lodges African Traces partners with for our guests’ safari accommodations offer beautiful swimming pools, outdoor fire pits for nights under the stars and top-rated restaurants within the hotels. Rooms are spacious, often with private balconies or verandas for further relaxation and breathtaking views.
Many also provide spa services and sometimes babysitting options for families. Child-minding in such settings is educational and fun for all ages; children learn about Tanzanian culture and have the chance to participate in crafts or learn traditional dances.
Typically, guests spend early mornings and evenings at hotels or lodges, but you can create your own schedule to suit your own needs.
Professional safari guides
African Traces carefully selects safari guides who have experience in the field, and in-depth knowledge of Tanzania’s plants, animals and history. Your safari experience will be both memorable and informative. All around, you will learn about the incredible features of nature, and the behavior of Africa’s animals, in a fun and engaging way. Despite the lengthy time in the cars, many families who do bring their children on safaris find the experience opened their children’s minds to nature in a completely new way. Electronic devices seem dull compared to the excitement of the real wild!
Our guides consistently are given positive reviews from our guests. The professional and friendly manner of African Traces guides is often considered one of the aspects that took a traditional safari above and beyond expectations.
- If you’re interested in an experience that is much more than a typical vacation, come to Tanzania for a wildlife safari.
- If you’re seeking an adventure that is not only memorable but has the power to influence how you see the world around you, come to Tanzania for a wildlife safari.
- If you want your travels to make a deeper impact and teach you about the importance of our environment, come to Tanzania for a wildlife safari.
- If you want to experience the world but to avoid feeling like a regular tourist, come to Tanzania for a wildlife safari.
- If you want to visit authentic Africa and see wildlife in their natural habitat, come to Tanzania for a wildlife safari.
A few months have passed, and I am still immersed in a happy and wonderful safari trip, with beautiful grasslands, lazy lions, and clever zebras... I am very grateful to the enthusiastic Marko, who planned based on my needs