Complete Tanzania Safari Packing List

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Packing for Tanzania can be a challenge. There are so many small encapsulated adventures awaiting you there. Trying to pack for all the possibilities can be difficult. We have put together what you must have if you are heading on a Safari.

Add to this that there will be restrictions on luggage on many of the local airlines flying you to your safari destination. Typically 15kg – 20 kg depending on the carrier.

The Travel Basics Checklist: These are things that you cannot get into the country without or are not able to buy while traveling.

1. Passport: You will not be able to get into the country without this and you may not even be able to get on the plane to leave your home country.
2. Visa: This you can buy ahead of time or you can get it when you arrive at the airport. The Visa is 50.00 USD for most countries and 150.00 USD for US Citizens.
3. Travel Vaccination Certificates: You need to ensure that you have had all the necessary vaccinations to enter the country before arriving. Ensure you have copies of the vaccination receipts with you detailing the time and date of the vaccination.
4. Airplane Tickets: You will not get on the plane without a ticket to get to the destination.
5. Trip Itinerary: It is important to make sure that you have all the contact details of where you are going and staying on your trip to ensure you are ready for arrival.
6. Copies of Documents: You want to have extras of all your important documents as well as backups on your phone.
7. Back up Passport Photos: These are always important to ensure you have with you in the event there is a problem with your passport.
8. Driver’s License if Renting a Scooter: If you are thinking about renting a scooter you are going to need to have a copy of your license with you.
9. Credit Cards: Having a card with you will ensure that you can take care of any fees and reservations that cannot be paid for with cash.
10. Cash: USD is the best cash to carry and you want to make sure you do not have bills that are older than 2004.
11. Money Belt: You need to ensure that your valuables are safe, and this can be done with a money pouch, money belt, or money bra. This way if you are pickpocketed you are going to have a backup of whatever you need in your secret wallet.

The Health Important Checklist: These are all the medicinal and first aid items you need while traveling.

1. First Aid Kit: This is standard wherever you go and should include all the basics you would find.
2. Anti-diarrhea Pills: You can get food poisoning anywhere in the world at any time and that means that you need to have a plan. You want to stay hydrated, specifically in places that are hot and humid.
3. Antibacterial Gel: This is important because there may not be any soap on hand, and you want to be safe.
4. Your Medication: If you take a prescription, it is important to ensure that you take it with you so that you will have medication on hand when the moment arises.
5. Medical Bracelets: If you have any condition like epilepsy, you want to make sure that you have all your details with you.
6. Malaria Prophylaxis: Ensure you have your own medicine with you.
7. Birth Control/Condoms: It is important to always be safe.
8. Insect Repellent: There are bugs in every location, particularly those that are hot and humid. You will want to be prepared.
9. Sun care Needs: It is important to take a high proof sunblock as well as a hat, sunglasses and everything to shade your face.
10. Contact Lens: Make sure you have contact lenses and your solution.
11. Travel Sickness: It is important to have these since you never know when you might need them.
12. Toiletries: You want to have all the equipment you might need.
13. Toilet Paper: it could come in handy.

The Safari List: If you are going on a safari, there are some items that you must have in order to ensure you are comfortable. Many of these items are also listed above on the health list so there is no reason to repeat them.

1. A Great Sun Hat: You are going to need to ensure that you have a great hat to keep the sun off your neck and out of your eyes.
2. Comfortable Hiking Shoes: Trekking in the jungle will be hot. Your footwear can make that venture easy or hard. You need shoes with a great grip as well as shoes that are breathable.
3. A Camera You Know How to Use: When you are on a once in a lifetime trip, you do not want to have technical issues and miss out on a great photo.
4. Layered Light Clothing: Because the weather can vary from day to night with hot days and cool night, it is important to ensure that you have clothing that is light and breathable, long sleeves and can be layered. Canvas and cotton are a few great options to allow you to be comfortable. Also, focus on lighter colors like tan and white. Many insects are attracted to darker and bright colours.
5. Food Rations: Depending on your safari you may need to bring your own rations. Make sure that you check out the options that are available to you and you know what is being supplied by you and the tour company.
6. A Sleeping Bag: You may need too bring a sleeping bag if you are going to be camping during the safari. You will want to speak to your tour company to ensure you know what to expect each night of your agenda.
7. A Tent: Tents can be very comfortable if you know the features you are going to need. If you will be camping you will want to use a tent. You may bring your own or rent one. It would be wise to speak with the tour company so that you will know what to expect.

Talk to Your Guide

The best advice is always to speak with your guide and learn exactly what you need to bring as well as ask them what people normally forget. Most tour companies will be able to provide you with a list of what they provide and what they recommend.

Read More: Fifteen Things You Must Do in Tanzania[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]