Tanzania Safari Checklist

Clothing

Your clothing should be lightweight, breathable, hand-washable, and quick-drying.

• Shorts, mid-thigh or longer
• Long pants (zip-off pants are very useful)
• Short-sleeved shirts
• Long-sleeved shirts
• Undergarments, socks
• Sport bras for women (roads can be bumpy)
• Rain jacket and pants or rain poncho
• Sun hat with brim and chin strap
• Bandana (for dust, washing, etc.)
• Belt
• Pajamas
• Swimsuit (and cover up for women)
• Sweater, jacket, windbreaker
• Clothes line, sink stopper, detergent

Footwear

• Sturdy, comfortable walking shoes, closed toe, preferably waterproof
• Tennis shoes, sandals, dressy shoes, and/or flip flops
• Comfortable, breathable socks

Baggage

• Suitcase or duffel (20kg/44lb max for internal flights)
• Day pack for daily activities and easy access (rain cover is nice)
• Waterproof plastic bags for storing clothing and gear (ziplocs work)
• Packing cube, compression bag, clear toiletry bag for airplane
• Money belt, security pouch, document organizer

Electronics

Store electronics in sealed water-proof bags (double bagged if possible).

• Headlamp or flashlight
• Camera, lenses, filters, memory disks (you will not be able to download)
• Video camera, tapes/disks
• Tripod
• Cell phone
• Batteries
• GPS (for Geocaching)
• Alarm clock
• Calculator (for currency conversion)
• Electricity adapter

Safari

• Strong binoculars
• Quality camera with long lens
• Wide brimmed hat with strap
• Animal and bird guide books
• On your safari, take along any items you need for the day in a separate day pack: sunglasses, camera and video (lenses, batteries, disks, tapes), binoculars, water, snacks, bandana, hat, wet-wipes, hand sanitizer, etc.
• Camping safaris: Sleeping bag

Toiletries

• Soap
• Shampoo, conditioner
• Shaving supplies
• Nail clippers, file, brush
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
• Deodorant
• Moist towelettes (handi-wipes)
• Hand sanitizer
• Lotion (Badger foot balm is also helpful)
• Hairbrush, comb, mirror
• Small towel and washcloth
• Toilet paper
• Facial tissue
• Sunscreen
• Lip balm with sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Q-tips
• Sewing kit
• Feminine products
• Cosmetics

Gifts for Guides, Local People

• Shoes, t-shirts, hats, warm clothing
• Nerf football, frisbees
• Candy, energy bars
• Pens, school supplies

Kids

You really only need one first aid kit in your travel group, so coordinate with your travel companions.

• Games, toys, books
• Swim toys
• Gifts for local children

First Aid

• Ibuprofin, Aceteminophen
• Bandaids/plasters
• Disinfectant, antiseptic cream, antibiotic ointment
• Gauze bandages and tape
• Throat losenges
• Vitamins
• Diahrea medicine
• Antihistemines
• Ace bandage
• Melatonin, Acetazolamide, or other sleep aid
• Malaria pills (talk to doctor)
• Antibiotics (talk to doctor)
• Prescription drugs (talk to doctor)

Documents

• Document organizer
• Passport
• Visas for all countries as necessary
• Airline tickets, e-tickets (make sure name on ticket matches name on passport)
• Copy of Almak Tours’ travel itinerary
• Medical insurance card
• Address book
• Business cards
• Make copies of passport, visas, drivers license, airline tickets/schedule, travel itinerary, credit cards (front and back), travelers checks’ numbers, frequent flyer numbers, travel insurance, and emergency contact information. Leave a copy with someone at home and put a copy in a travel companion’s luggage and email them to yourself (or Google Docs).
• Yellow fever certificate and vaccination records

Beach

• Swimsuit and cover-up
• Beach sandals
• Reef shoes (for sharp rocks and coral)
• SCUBA/snorkel equipment (mask, snorkel, fins, wetsuit)
• Underwater camera

Other

• Sunglasses with straps
• Eyeglasses, contacts, solution
• Binoculars
• Pocket knife
• Notebook, pencil and pen
• Playing cards, games, crossword puzzles, books, frisbee, football, kite
• Energy bars, hard candy, snacks, and comfort foods
• Duct tape (can be wrapped around water bottle)
• Matches or lighter
• Cash, travelers checks, credit cards (including some small bills, U.S. dollars must be newer than 2002)
• Guide books, maps, language books
• Umbrella, particularly useful in the rainy season
• Salt, pepper for bland food, flavoring for coffee
• Water bottles and Camelback (useful on bumpy roads)
• Steripen, water filter, iodine or chlorine dioxide purification tablets
• Bottled water is also available for purchase at hotels and markets

Packing for the Flight

• U-shaped neck pillow (blow-up)
• Books, magazines, e-reader
• Toiletries (3 ounces/container, 1 quart clear bag)
• Snacks
• Water bottle (empty through security)
• iPod, MP3 player and headphones
• Cell phone
• Eye shades, ear plugs
• Melatonin or other sleep aid