To make your trip to Tanzania and your safari experience more comfortable and safe, we have compiled a list of useful items to bring with you.

First of all, it is important to discard the image of “Africa is hot”. It can be surprisingly cold depending on the location and season. Don’t forget to prepare warm clothes.

Also, you may not like insects, but as you venture into the wilderness, you need to be prepared. Make sure you have insect repellent and other essential items.

In addition, we also introduce some useful items that will take your safari experience up a notch and make your long flight more comfortable. We hope you will use this article to plan the best trip to Tanzania!

Clothing

Toiletry

Dentifrice set

You must have one, as they are not available at the lodgings. If you forget, you can buy one at any Tanzanian supermarket.

Wet wipes for sterilization

For hygiene purposes, we recommend carrying these in your bag and sanitizing them frequently.

Facial soap, lotion/milky lotion, shavers, etc.

Liquid containers larger than 100 ml are not allowed in carry-on baggage. If the volume is large, take it to a suitcase to be checked in at the airport.

Soap, shampoo and conditioner

Soap or body soap and shampoo are provided at the lodgings. Conditioner may not be available. Most safari lodges do not have sewerage facilities, so eco-friendly biodegradable items are welcome.

Toilet paper

Public toilets are often out of toilet paper, so it is a good idea to have one in your bag.

Nail clippers

Place in checked luggage (suitcase) on the plane.

Chamois towel

Required if camping in the field. Safari lodges provide bath towels and face towels, so you don’t need to bring one. (To conserve groundwater in the savanna, the author uses chamois towels instead of towels from the lodge.)

Laundry detergent and string

If you would like to wash your underwares or small clothes by yourself, it’s a good idea to have those. Since there is no sewage treatment system in savanna, eco-friendly detergent is recommended.

Ziploc

Ziploc bags are useful in a variety of ways, such as for storing in-flight snacks, for storing uneaten food from breakfast at the lodge for a picnic, or for storing equipment to protect it from dust and sand. The use of plastic bags is prohibited in Tanzania, but Ziplocs are considered OK.

Others

Anti-sickness medication

Recommended to be taken 1 hour before landing at Kilimanjaro Airport. During the descent of the plane, the plane may be shaken as it passes through the volcanic zone where air currents are easily disturbed. Taking anti-sickness medication will make the car ride from the airport relatively easy. When using a domestic Cessna flight, it is advisable to take anti-sickness medicine even if you normally do not suffer from motion sickness.

Medicine to carry with you

Gastrointestinal medicine, eye drops, cold medicine, laxatives, anti-diarrhea medicine, painkillers, etc.

Instant food from your country

Tea, sweets, freeze-dried food, seasonings, etc. will relieve travel fatigue.

Phone chargers

You can charge your phone at your hotel or in a safari vehicle. Plug conversion adapters are a good idea, but many places have sockets that are compatible with plugs from all countries.

Camera and chargers

Camera can be recharged in hotels and safari vehicles.

Camera memory card

Be careful not to forget or lose it, as it is small.

Soft bag like a Boston bag

After arriving in Arusha, replace your big suitcase with a soft bag to make it easier to carry your luggage between the car and your lodgings. Cessna users may be restricted from using large hard suitcases, so check with them and place a soft bag in your suitcase. Suitcases can often be checked free of charge at hotels in Arusha.

Binoculars

A good quality telescope will make your safari more enjoyable.

Folding umbrella (rain gear)

During the rainy season (February-May, November-early December), you may have a chance to use it. Umbrellas are available at the lodges too.

In-Flight Items

Pillow for in-flight use

Since it will be a long flight to Tanzania, it is advisable to choose one that fits you properly if you are flying economy class. It will take up space in your baggage bag, but it is worth it.

A pen

To fill out forms at Kilimanjaro airport. Pens are often not left at the airport, so it is convenient to have one readily available.

Warm clothes

For arriving in Doha or Addis Ababa in the middle of the night or when it is chilly on the plane. Fleece, light down jacket, etc.

Relaxing clothes, underwear for one or two nights, slippers/sandals

Makes long flights easier. Also useful in case of lost luggage. Slippers can also be used in safari lodgings.

Snacks from your country

Pack some snacks for a long flight. For instant foods, ask CA to put boiling water and they will do it for you.

Toothpaste, face wash set, mini towel, and cream

For washing your face at the airport at the transit airport and for moisturizing on board.

Air footrest

An air-inflated footrest can be placed in front of the seat to make long flights relatively comfortable.

Drinking water (purchase after passing through airport security)

You should consciously drink plenty of water on the plane for your health. You can get enough drinks on board, but if you are too lazy to call CA, it is recommended to buy them before boarding.

Mobile battery

This contains a lithium-ion battery and should be placed in your carry-on luggage. They are not to be placed in the suitcase checked at check-in.

Wireless earphones

Contains lithium-ion batteries and should be placed in your carry-on luggage. They should not be placed in the suitcase checked at check-in.

Safety pins or clips

If you wish to insert a local SIM card into your SIM-free phone.

Valuables

Passport

Must be valid for at least 6 months at the time of visa application

Photocopy of the facing page of your passport

In case you lose your passport, it will expedite the local procedures. It is also a good idea to keep a photo of your passport in your cell phone (you can also put it in a locked folder to protect your privacy). It is better to keep several in a separate bag or suitcase from your real passport.

Visa

Apply online at least 2 weeks before your travel date. After receiving the application by e-mail, print it out and carry it with you. As with the passport, it is a good idea to keep several copies in a separate bag or suitcase in case you lose it.

U.S. dollar cash

Must be new U.S. dollar bills from 2006 or newer. U.S. dollars can be exchanged into the local currency, the Tanzanian shilling, at Kilimanjaro Airport. Euros and other currencies can also be exchanged for the local currency at Kilimanjaro Airport, but the U.S. dollar rate is better.

Travel Insurance Certificate

Travel insurance attached to a credit card is acceptable. Check the terms and conditions.

Air ticket printed on paper

It is advisable to specify your seat and in-flight meal on the official website.

Credit card (VISA or MasterCard)

For food and beverages in transit, and for shopping at supermarkets and souvenir stores in Tanzania.

Phone

Don’t forget your charger. Checking in online with your phone will save you waiting time at an airport.

Items that cannot be brought into Tanzania

Plastic bags

Substitute eco-bags, non-woven bags, waterproof bags, etc. Ziploc bags are acceptable. Be careful to keep plastic bags out of sight especially at Kilimanjaro airport.