General Packing List

General Packing List

  • In general, pack lightly. Leave room for gifts and souvenirs. Soft sided luggage packs more easily into the safari vehicle.
  • Always carry passport, airline tickets and money on your person. A fanny pack or moneybag that hangs around the neck works well.
  • In case luggage doesn’t arrive the same day you do, put enough clothing and supplies for the first day in your carry­on luggage.
  • If taking a domestic flight luggage weight restrictions range between 15-­20 kgs (33­-44 lbs) total per person.
  • If climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro or Mt. Meru, additional supplies will be needed. 

Footwear

  • Sturdy, comfortable shoes, preferably waterproof. They will get dirty.
  • Tennis shoes or sandals for lounging in the evening
  • Comfortable, breathable socks

Clothing

  • Shorts, mid­thigh or longer
  • Lightweight, breathable pants
  • Short sleeved shirts, cool and breathable (neutral colours are best, avoid black, dark blue and bright red)
  • Bathing suit if staying at a lodge with a swimming pool or if visiting Zanzibar
  • Long sleeved shirt or sweater for evenings
  • Rain jacket or rain poncho
  • Women: Lightweight dress/skirt that covers knees (for visiting villages), shoulders should be covered also in the village.
  • Men: short sleeve shirts with collars (for visiting villages or evening dining at the lodges).
  • Keep valuable jewellery to a minimum

Note: Laundry service is available at most lodges either at a nominal cost or free of charge in some cases.
Baggage

  • Day pack, for you to carry
  • Large waterproof duffel bag or backpack

Other

  • Sun hat
  • Maps, guidebooks
  • Scarf (for dust and/or sun)
  • Batteries
  • Sunglasses
  • Binoculars (2 pair are standard in each vehicle - Nikon Monarch 8x36)
  • Money (small Tanzanian bills and/or small US bills for small purchases and tips. Larger US bills and/or travelers checks for bigger purchases)
  • Journal/notebook, pencil and pen
  • Pocket knife tips
  • Electricity adapter
  • Energy bars and snacks
  • Headlamp or flashlight
  • Playing cards, games, books, Frisbee
  • Camera, film (film is available but expensive), mini ­tripod
  • Mementos for guides and other travellers
  • Personal music device
  • Video camera, tapes
  • Travel pillow

Toiletries

  • Small towel
  • Roll of toilet paper (for some public restrooms)
  • Soap
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Hand­-wipes
  • Lotion
  • Glasses, contacts, solution
  • Comb, mirror
  • Shampoo (without heavy fragrance)
  • Unscented Deodorant (use cologne/perfume sparingly, if at all, in case it might attract bees or other insects)

Documents

  • Passport (with visa stamp or completed visa application with $50 or $100 US cash, exact change)
  • Yellow fever certificate (REQUIRED if travelling from or through an endemic zone )
  • Medical and Travel Insurance
  • Address book

First Aid

  • Ibuprofen
  • Antiseptic cream
  • Band Aids
  • Bandages and tape
  • Sunscreen (SPF 15+)
  • Diarrhoea medicine
  • Anti­-malaria pills
  • Antibiotics
  • Insect repellent
  • Antihistamines
  • Lip balm with sunscreen
  • Prescription drugs