Choose a duffel bag or soft-sided bag. Ideally, the fabric should be hardy and waterproof, and the bag should be lockable. Put anything of value in a separate day pack, such as a backpack. Anything of real sentimental or monetary value should ideally be left at home.
Pack for hot days and cool nights. Tanzania can be hot and dusty by day, but it is often cool and crisp by night. Layers are ideal for safari days. Pack clothing that can keep you cool but protect you from the sun and biting insects. Choose mid-tone colours and avoid white or bright colours that may distract the animals, as well as dark colours like black and blue, as these can attract tsetse flies. The best colours are the safari classics: olive, green, and khaki. For evenings at lodges, you can stay in your casual gear, as even the luxury lodges do not expect smart wear out in the bush. Check the temperature before you travel to ensure you have warm clothing for the season. It is always a good idea to bring a waterproof coat, whatever the season.
You will want to be careful not to overpack, so think carefully about what shoes to take. If you are not going on a safari that requires a lot of walking, you will be fine with some light hiking boots and some sports sandals. Sandals are also great for walking around the camp at night. You may also like to take flip-flops for the showers.
The African sun can be brutal, so be sure to bring a good pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes. You will also need a hat that shades your face and covers your ears and neck for maximum sun protection. Of course, take plenty of high-protection sun cream and lip salve.
This is a suggested list of first aid supplies:
Antiseptic ointment
Antihistamine cream and tablets
Nurofen or equivalent painkiller
Eye-drops
Anti-diarrhoea treatment
A couple of bandages
Medication for personal allergies, asthma, etc.
Insect repellent containing Deet
Rehydration sachets or vitamin tablets
Assorted plasters
Photography and electrical equipment
We recommend you bring:
A strong bag or carry case to protect the camera - zip-lock or plastic bags are useful for dusty or sandy conditions.
Spare or extra batteries
Memory or storage media (2 memory cards in case one gets corrupted)
Binoculars
Photography etiquette
It is forbidden in Tanzania to take photos of anything military. Bridges, border posts, and airports are also sensitive, so be careful or be prepared to have your film or camera confiscated. Please act with discretion and respect when taking photos of people - it is always better to ask first before you snap away.
Electrical charging and power supply
All our safari vehicles have power or charging points. Please bring travel adaptors to ensure they are suitable for your appliances and devices.
Phones and Wi‑Fi
Most lodges and tented camps have Wi‑Fi.
Some campsites have Wi‑Fi, but this should not be relied upon.
The signal strength is variable.
Buying a SIM card with data is possible if you want to use it.
You will need to make sure your phone is unlocked. For this purpose, you can also buy a reasonably cheap phone in Tanzania.
There are Vodacom and Airtel shops in Arusha that will be able to help and advise with this.
All towns and cities have their share of petty crime, and sensible precautions need to be taken. Wearing expensive-looking jewellery or watches and carrying cameras will draw unnecessary attention. You may find a simple money belt more discreet than a bag.
Always be aware of your surroundings, and when approached by people you do not know, be very careful. At night in towns, it is best to use a taxi rather than walk around the streets. Single women, in particular, need to be careful, and we suggest that it is safer to be in a group.
