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Safari Packing Lists to Tanzania

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Assuming that your intend on traveling to Tanzania during your stay in Africa, you should make every effort to pack your belongings into one large waterproof duffel bag or backpack and one 'carry on' style bag for cameras, valuables and day trips. Chances are you will have limitations in your safari vehicle and, in some cases, travel on small aircraft (if part of your itinerary) limits you to 15 kgs / 33 pounds. If you plan on doing a lot of souvenir shopping, you might consider carrying another bag tucked in your suitcase to help judge your limits.
11 years ago, October 31st 2012 No: 1 Msg: #162658  
Packing Lists

Assuming that your intend on traveling to Tanzania during your stay in Africa, you should make every effort to pack your belongings into one large waterproof duffel bag or backpack and one 'carry on' style bag for cameras, valuables and day trips. Chances are you will have limitations in your safari vehicle and, in some cases, travel on small aircraft (if part of your itinerary) limits you to 15 kgs / 33 pounds. If you plan on doing a lot of souvenir shopping, you might consider carrying another bag tucked in your suitcase to help judge your limits.

Important - For persons crossing the Atlantic Ocean from North America and connecting in Europe to Africa, International air carriers limit carry on bags to one and checked bags to two per passenger. Persons departing from Europe have weight restrictions on bags as well, varying with the carrier.

If you are doing a lot of traveling and need to carry more than the suggested items, keep in mind that you may be required to leave them at the town hotel.

Laundry service in Africa is often a bargain. Camping safaris generally include laundry service free of charge.

Advice - The customs and culture of East Africa, especially in coastal areas and Zanzibar are conservative. Revealing or very tight clothing should be avoided.

MEN'S CLOTHING (suggestions)
1 pair of comfortable shoes that would be appropriate for a nice restaurant
1 pair of sturdy shoes or boots for hiking, preferrable waterproof*
1 pair of sandals to use when walking to the shower at camps, etc.
3-4 pair of socks
1 nicer long slacks for use in restaurants (please note that shorts are not appropriate in Zanzibar Town)
1-2 pair of long casual slacks
1-2 pair of shorts
1-2 belts
1-2 swimming suits
3-4 golf/tee shirts
2 long sleeve casual shirts
1 dress shirt (tie optional depending on if you think you might visit a top restaurant)
1 sweater or light jacket
1 rain poncho
1-2 hats (VERY IMPORTANT FOR SUN PROTECTION)*
1 pair sunglasses*
Prescription glasses if used with back-up pair suggested (note: contact lenses are difficult to use on safari due to the high amount of dust.)

WOMEN'S CLOTHING (suggestions)
1 pair of comfortable shoes that would be appropriate for a nice restaurant
1 pair of sturdy shoes or boots for hiking*
1 pair of sandals to use when walking to the shower at camps, etc.
3-4 pair of socks
1-2 pair of panty hose
1 nicer skirt for use in restaurants (please note that shorts are not appropriate in Zanzibar Town)
1-2 pair of long casual slacks
1-2 pair of shorts
1-2 belts
1-2 swimming suit
3-4 casual short sleeve blouses
2 long sleeve casual blouses
1 sweater or light jacket
1 rain poncho
1-2 hats (VERY IMPORTANT FOR SUN PROTECTION)*
1 pair sunglasses*
Prescription glasses if used with back-up pair suggested (note: contact lenses are difficult to use on safari due to the high amount of dust.)

TOILETRIES
You should bring a tooth brush, tooth paste, razor, shaving cream and other toiletries with you as those available in Africa are expensive and often not of good quality.

Insect repellent with Deet.*
Sun screen with high level of protection*
Common drugs such as aspirin, cough drops, Pepto, etc.
Vitamins that you might normally take
* These items are very strongly suggested.

If you suffer from motion sickness, don't forget to use your preferred medication – patch or tablets.

ACCESSORIES
Some other things you might consider for your trip:binoculars

water bottles
pens, paper, journal
a good novel or two
Zip-Lock type bags to keep the dust and moisture out of stuff and keep your wet swimsuit in
A couple large plastic trash bags to wrap stuff in should it rain (your bags may travel on racks on top of the vehicle)
Money belt or similar. The best is a pouch that fits in front inside your shirt or slacks.
Additional Packing List for Camping Safaris (Basic Trips)

two or three medium size towels
soap (in a plastic soap dish for easy travel) & shampoo
sleeping bag
Tip - If you are not planning on camping often, you can usually find buyers for sleeping bags and other items if they are in good, clean condition.
Warm clothing for the evenings (Ngorongoro night time temp. often drops to about 5 C)
(head) flash-light
First aid kit
Rain gear

Printable Version
Amani Tours can also rent you equipment for a fee
Packing List for Kilimanjaro climbs (Click Here for More Info. )

Important Equipment to Bring

waterproof rucksack & daypack (optional waterproof cover)
Sleeping Bag (comfort temperature down to -10 degrees Celsius)
Hiking Boots: This is the most important item on the list. You'll need a comfortable/waterproof pair of hiking boots which offer plenty of support. Make sure they are broken in before you get to Kilimanjaro! Light trainers might also be useful
warm heavy weight gloves/mittens
wide brimmed hat
warm scarf
snow-googles/sunglasses
sweaters/jumpers
trekking pants and jacket (wind- and waterproof)
long sleeved shirts
2 to 3 pairs of shorts
several pairs of socks
set of thermal underwear (top & bottom)
sun protection cream
2 x 2 litres water bottles (camel bags preferably)
headlamp(plus spare batteries & bulb)
first aid kit and insect repellants
toiletry requirements
Additional Equipment as Required

walking poles
waterproof anorak or raincoat
pair of gaiters
balaclava (woollen sock that fits over the head with slits for only the eyes and mouth)
inflatable sleeping pad/mat (otherwise we provide for free a simple one)
pair of light loose fitting cotton trousers
warm jersey/sweater (wool)
2 - 3 packets of moist towelettes.
whistle
some plastic bags
roll mats and insolation pads
travel pillow
Swiss army knife, stuff to fix the sleeping mat, journal and pen, duck tape
we can also rent you equipment for a small fee

IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW (also see Travel Tips and FAQ)
You will need visas for entry to Kenya and Tanzania. Though you can get these in Africa, your travel will go smoother if you get them in advance through the respective embassies.

Make a photocopy or list of the following items: Passports (including the page with the visa stamped in them and the pages with photos and data), plane tickets, yellow booklet showing your yellow fever vaccination, list of all medications you might require, listing of all travelers’ cheque numbers, list of serial numbers for cameras, etc. Keep this list someplace apart from where you keep these other items.

Keep track of your passport above all. Loss of a passport can destroy your trip and cost considerable money during the time required to replace it.

On your international flight, pack as if the airline might lose your bags. Keep things you will need right away in your carry-on. It seldom happens, and almost always the bags arrive a couple of days later, but this way, if the bags do not arrive with you, you will be able to continue on your safari while the airline finds them.

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR BAGS GET LOST AT THE AIRPORT
We naturally hope you don't lose your bags, but it does happen. If your bags do not show up, do the following:

Report the problem to your air carrier INSIDE THE AIRPORT at the Baggage Claim - before passing the CUSTOM -and fill out the required paperwork.

Request compensation for your inconvenience (often $50.00 for emergency purchases and a bag with simple toiletries and a tee shirt). Ask them when they expect the bag will arrive and tell them where you will be based on your itinerary.

LEAVE THE KEYS AND/OR COMBINATIONS WITH THE AIRLINE so they can clear the bags through customs.

Ask the airline to go with you to advise Customs Officer that bags were lost so there will be no problems further in getting your bags cleared when they arrive. Tell your safari driver and ask his office work with the airline to get your bags to you at the earliest convenience. Reply to this

11 years ago, February 8th 2013 No: 2 Msg: #166098  
To add to the comment above, here is a good article that I found on a blog regarding what to pack for a Safari.

Essential items for a Safari

One extremely common question we get from travelers planning on going on a safari is “What do I pack for an African safari?” So we’ve compiled a few basic rules of thumb you can follow:

Clothing

The one term that your going to hear echoed time and time again regarding this issue is to “travel light”. This is out of sheer necessity for the fact that your guide has a lot of equipment he has to carry in order to make your trip hospitable, and very little room in a safari truck to store it all. Most safari operators will ask that you bring a total of three bags: one suitcase, one overnight duffle bag, and one day pack. It is also important to remember that most lodges will hand wash and air dry your clothing for you during your stay, so try to avoid clothes made out of delicate fabrics. Most operators will also include in their packet a recommendation for the colors of your clothing. These will typically include base colors like brown, olive green, and khaki. These colors may change slightly depending on the season.

Film, Film, Film

The traditional rule of thumb for packing for an African safari was to sit down and plan out how much film you intended to use, and then pack double that amount. Since film has given way to digital cameras we suggest that you show up with an empty memory card, and maybe pack a second just in case.

Gifting

While you are doing your best to adhere to the 3 bag rule it is also important to remember to leave enough empty space for the things you are sure to bring back with you from Africa. You are sure to discover that there is no shortage of distinguished sculptures, handmade jewelry, and unique trinketry that you will find hard to resist while exploring a new and beautiful culture.

Article found at blog.northstarexplorers.com Reply to this

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