When packing for your trip, the Africa travel advice below clarifies items to bring while on safari along with other Africa travel tips based on weather and climatic conditions. Most of the supplies needed can be purchased in Arusha, though technologies such as tablets, cameras, and binoculars should be purchased prior to arrival as prices are double those in the US and UK in Arusha.
Clothing Considerations
Note that the climate in sub-Sahara East Africa Tanzania is moderate to warm all year long with high temperature in Serengeti area fluctuates between 70-84 degrees and low temperature fluctuates between 47-57 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year. In the area of Zanzibar, the high temperature fluctuates between 80-92 degrees and low temperatures fluctuates between 72-76 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year. The long rainy season in the Serengeti area is March-May with the short rainy season November-December. The long dry season is from July-October with the short dry season January-February.
- Travelers should bring appropriate footwear such as hiking shoes open shoes-sandals. Light cotton clothing that covers your whole body is ideal for sun protection and protection from insect bites. Sun hat and sun screen or creams should be used.
- Long and short trousers. Light cotton clothing that covers your whole body is ideal for sun protection and to prevent insect bites. You should also pack a set of warmer clothes to wear at night such as fleece, sweater, sweatshirt, and a rain jacket during the long rainy season (March-June) or short rainy season (November-December).
- While in the bush, it is best to wear light earth tones (beige or light green), that provides a camouflage to blend into the natural environment so as not to scare away the animals. We recommend bring the following colors : Light green, tan, gray, or any pale colors.
- Appropriate footwear such as hiking shoes, open shoes-sandals.
- If climbing Kilimanjaro, bring gloves.
Medical Items and Vaccines
Though there will be a first-aid kit available in your jeep, you may want to bring your own medical including aspirin or a similar pain reliever, antihistamine for allergy relief, diarrhea ‘stoppers’, scissors, tweezers, band aids, antiseptic for cuts, sunscreen / sun cream, lip balm, and insect repellant spray or jelly. Deet is an excellent product to repel mosquito’s. Personal medications that are taken regularly should be brought from home to accompany the visitor. Personal sanitary items such as tooth brush, tooth paste, contact lens, and other toiletries. Purchase travel insurance from your home country.
Vaccinations and Inoculations: Routine vaccines for African travel include protection against measles, influenza, chickenpox, polio, measles, mumps and rubella, diphtheria, pertussis, and tetnus. A travel medicine clinic, your doctor or the Center for Disease Control (CDC) should be consulted so you receive the inoculations you need within the time period prior to your travel date. Vaccines needed in all African counties include hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and yellow fever. You will need a yellow fever documentation certificate in specific sub-Saharan countries. There is a special risk for hepatitis B in sub-Saharan Africa. Pre-exposure vaccinations to meningitis are recommended for visitors coming into close contact with animals in remote areas of the African bush, such as the Serengeti. In the “meningitis belt” of sub-Saharan Africa along the east-west strip of the equator during the dry season (December-June) and during epidemics, meningitis exposure vaccines are highly recommended. There is no vaccine to combat malaria so consult your doctor or travel clinic to prescribe the specific anti-malaria medication they recommend you take prior to, during your travel to Tanzania.
Electronic Items
- Mobile phone. You can buy a SIM card for around $2 . You can make local calls, send text messages, and receive international calls.
- A converter (to 220V) and an adapter that have a square plug. Tanzanian electrical outlets are the kind used in the UK.
- Camera along with film / memory card for camera.
- Flashlight and batteries
Documents
- Visa and Passport.
- Copies of your travel documents such as passport, travel insurance, visa (s), plane tickets, credit cards, passport photos, and $100 cash for a visa if you plan to get it upon arrival at a Tanzanian international airport or a land border crossing.
- Travel Insurance documents.
Money Matters
The amount of money you bring depends on your personal spending and shopping habits. Tanzania Roadside Expeditions covers all meals, lodging, and transportation expenses while you are with us, except free-time expenses and alcoholic beverages. A first class hotel can cost $200 per night and economy class is around $100. You will need cash for tips.
- Banks and ATM’s are available in all major cities.
- The exchange rate fluctuates, but the general rate of exchange is: $1.00 US = 1,500 Tanzania shillings (Tsh).
- * Books
- *A fanny pack and day pack for taking your lunch.
Food (for vegetarians)
Tanzania Roadside Expeditions provides non-vegetarian foods but vegetarian foods can be provided upon request. Bottled water will be provided for meals. Bottled water can also be purchased. Travelers to sub-Sahara Africa should drink water regularly to prevent dehydration.
Flights
Tanzania Roadside Expeditions is partnering with a domestic American travel agency, Travel Time Travel Agency, Inc. / Bailey Travel: A Member of the Tzell Travel Group. If you would like assistance with your flight arrangements, contact Cheryl Tobin, Cheryl@trvltime.com and 717 299 6600 ext. 508
