Tanzania travel tips

Below are items we suggest to bring on safari based on weather and climate conditions. Almost all necessities can be bought in one of the big towns or cities near destinations visited and we are happy to assist or advice you if and when you require personal items to be bought in Tanzania.

CLOTHING
When you are packing your clothing, pack as little as possible. The climate in sub-Sahara Africa East Africa is moderate to warm throughout the year. The long rainy season is late March-May, the short rain season is November-December, and the year is dry and sunny. You should pack: a sun hat, sun cream, both long and short pants, light cotton clothing that covers all of your body, insect and mosquito repellent, warm clothing such as a light sweater and trousers for the evenings and night and a fleece and rain jacket during the rainy season.

While in the bush, you are advised to wear colorless clothing that provides camouflage in the natural environment so as not scare the animals. The most preferred colors are: gray, light green, light brown or any pale color and if climbing Kilimanjaro: bring gloves to help you with the sharp rocks you might encounter.

MEDICAL ITEMS AND VACCINES
Although African Big Cats safari jeeps have first aid kits, we suggest you also bring your own medical kit including: painkillers, diarrhea ’stoppers’, antihistamine for allergy relief, tweezers, scissors, band aids, sunscreen / sun cream, antiseptic for cuts, lip balm, and insect repellent spray or jelly. Additionally, you should also bring personal sanitary items such as tooth brush, tooth paste, contact lens, and other toiletries. Please buy your own travel insurance from your home country.

Vaccinations and Inoculations: Routine vaccines for African travel include protection against chickenpox, measles, polio, influenza, measles, diphtheria, mumps and rubella, pertussis, and tetanus. Additionally, a “booster-shot” for Meningitis or Rabies is advisable. We also advise you consult a travel medicine clinic or personal doctor before traveling to East Africa to receive the right medical advice. Finally, when traveling to Africa please consult your doctor on the appropriate anti-malaria medicine for you. There are no vaccines available at the moment but protection against malaria is necessary when traveling in the wild.

ELECTRONIC ITEMS AND TECHNOLOGIES
Phone: local Sim-cards and carriers are available for as little as $2, which allows you to make local calls, receive text messages and receive international calls. Additionally, many of your accommodations will have Wi-Fi available but please know the communications infrastructure is limited in East Africa and you may not be able to contact anybody for several days.

Electricity is generally available, but expect black-outs. All power plugs can be used by having a UK-adapter with you.

A camera with film, memory cards and USB devices for transferring information will help you preserve all of your memories in Africa but please know that electricity blackouts are frequent which may hinder you from charging your batteries.

PASSPORT AND VISA
Please ensure to bring travel documents such as: passport(s), Visa(s), travel insurance, credit cards, plane tickets, passport photos, and cash for Visa’s.

MONEY ISSUES
Banks, ATM’s and exchange bureaus are available in all major town and cities. Please authorize your bank or credit card to accept withdrawals abroad and know that a small fee will be charged to your accounts for withdrawing money, depending on your bank.

African Big Cats covers the cost of all accommodations, meals and transportation expenses, except for items not mentioned in your safari package and you should have cash available for tips and additional drinks at your accommodations but there should not be a great need to carry large amounts of cash. If you choose to carry large amounts of cash, please ensure your own safety.

The rate of exchange at present is: $1.00 US = to 2,210 – 2,225 Tanzania shillings (TSH). For comparison: one soda will equal 2000TSh, one beer will equal 4000Tsh.

FOOD
All lodges, camps and accommodations that African Big Cats Safaris uses offer various kinds of food options, including vegetarian, Halal or Kosher meals. All special meals must be communicated in advance in order for us to accommodate you. Bottled mineral water is provided for all meals and we strongly suggest to hydrate regularly as traveling in Sub-Saharan Africa can be taxing upon your body.