TANZANIA SAFARI PACKING LIST
Kindly see the bellow safaris gears and if you require any additional information, please kindly feel free to contact Lights on Africa.
VISA TO TANZANIA:
Visas are required for visitors traveling to Tanzania. Foreign nationals may apply for a visa online in advance of travel. Applicants may complete the e-visa application form and make payment online with a credit card or bank transfer. Alternatively, visa can be obtained at the Airport on Arrival BUT can cause delay on queuing.
For e Visa Application: https://visa.immigration.go.tz/
For Visa Guidelines: https://visa.immigration.go.tz/guidelines
First Aid:
Sun block and after sun or sun screen lotion, Towel – travel towel is light and takes very little space, Skin cream, Insect repellent, Anti-malaria medication, non water/antibacterial soap – very handy in the Land rover etc. Book to read between game viewing and other leisure time, Cold/flu tablets, Allergy remedy, Some people take a basic antibiotic in case, Prescribed medicine (enough to last your trip) If you have specific medicine requirements then take it with as it might not be available in the areas you are going on safari in.
General
Binoculars (essential safari gear), Camera and film (can be expensive and/or difficult to obtain), lens cleaner If taking a digital camera: memory stick(s)/data card(s), charger and extra batteries
The recommended camera for a safari is a 35mm camera with automatic exposure and interchangeable Lenses. For the best results in photographing wildlife and birds, you should have a zoom lens. Remember to bring extra batteries for every camera and flash unit.
Clothes:
Bright colors are definitely to be avoided Clothing in neutral colors: khaki, light brown/green, tan. Avoid bright colors and white for improved game viewing. Comfortable non-synthetic short- and long sleeved safari shirts, Comfortable non-synthetic shorts and long trousers. Sweaters for the cold nights and mornings.
HEALTH
Vaccination against cholera and malaria is recommended. Yellow fever vaccination is required for ALL persons from yellow fever endemic countries/regions. Please bring proof of your vaccination in the form of a stamped health card/certificate from your health center in your country of origin. It is advisable to bring anti-malaria pills, better still, to start taking the pills two weeks before arrival, during your stay, and after departure.
Covid-19 vaccines
As of January 2023, travelers to Tanzania are no longer required to show any Covid-19 documentation (proof of vaccination or PCR test) upon entering the country. Tanzania Specialist is not responsible for travel restrictions due to Covid-19 in transit airports.
Others:
The best choice of vaccines for your trip depends on many individual factors, including your precise travel plans. Vaccines commonly recommended for travelers to Africa include those against Tetanus, Diphtheria, Polio, Typhoid, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Yellow fever, Malaria Rabies and Meningitis.
Certificate is required for entry into, or travel between, some African countries. Several of these vaccines require more than one dose, or take time to become effective. It is always best to seek advice from your doctor on immunization well in advance, if possible around 6 weeks before departure.
Medical Facilities
Arusha, Dar es Salaam,have excellent medical facilities. Most camps and lodges have a doctor on call who is experienced common travel related ailments.
Insurance
Travelers should have medical insurance, as they will be responsible for all medical expenses they may incur. Trip cancellation insurance is strongly advised. The cost of your safari is an investment which you will want to protect.
Food and water:
It’s best to drink bottled water when travelling through Tanzania/Kenya – numerous brands are widely available and served in all restaurants and lodges. Steer clear of ice, raw vegetables, and salads when eating at street restaurants. High-end lodges and restaurants will clean their produce in antiseptic solution, but should you feel wary about anything on your plate, leave it. Try to avoid eating in empty restaurants – the food may have been sitting out for some time – and order your meat well done. On the coast, seafood and fish are usually fresh, but again, make sure everything is well cooked. While on holiday, it’s always better to err on the side of caution.
Money :
The unit of currency is the Tanzanian shilling/(Tsh) and there are no smaller denominations. It’s best to carry as little cash as possible when travelling to avoid further inconvenience if anything should be lost or stolen. That said, major currencies (like the US Dollar, the English Pound, and the Euro) are easily changed in large towns, although US Dollars are sometimes preferred. Forex bureaux offer faster service than banks and although the exchange rates are only nominally different, the bureaux usually offer a better rate. The banks around the country have ATM machines that allow you to withdraw cash from your VISA/MASTERCARD. Credit cards are accepted only at major lodges and hotels.
Security:
Tanzania is a safe country to travel in. Tanzanians are warm-hearted and generous people and are eager to help visitors get the most out of their stay. Tanzania is a true example of tolerance and cooperation in our modern world, with an evidenced multicultural diversity that has co-existed for centuries and has a lot to offer the world by its example.
As in all countries, a little common sense goes a long way and reasonable precautions should still be taken, such as locking valuables in the hotel safe, which frees your mind to absorb the natural beauty and incredible sights that will stay with you forever.
LANGUAGE
Swahili is the national language, but English is widely spoken.
Transportation
As much of the journey involves exciting, and sometimes long days on the trail of wildlife, the quality of the ground vehicle is of the utmost importance. Each comfortable Seven-passenger safari Land Cruiser is limited to 7 guests, thus affording everyone a window seat and access to the roof hatch. In case of internal air travel we also utilize the best airlines, those that employ the use of twin-engine aircraft for travels over the more distant terrain, taking in panoramic views of the African terrain.
Safari Drivers
The Safari Drivers is an agent of our Company – Arusha or of our Partners in Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya or Zanzibar. He will be your guide, companion and teacher, giving briefings, answering questions, and providing insights that will help make your journey even more memorable. Each one is a seasoned professional, speaking several languages including local dialects, with an in depth knowledge of the cultural and natural environments you will see along your way.
TIPPING GUIDELINE!
Although not mandatory, tipping is an admirable way to share your satisfaction with your guide and varied staff service you will receive while in Tanzania. Your tips not only help boost the confidence of those in the service industry, but also allow you to give back to the communities on an individual basis. As with most tipping, there are no specific rules in Tanzania, but these guidelines may help you determine the appropriate amounts in certain situations. For ease of tipping, you should carry a quantity of one dollar bills with you for the smaller tips.
Another factor to remember is that a tip is an appreciation therefore no matter the amount you are giving out as a tip, you should not feel bad for giving a small amount as a tip. It is also important to consider your budget and not go into extra expenses in trying to give a good tip to service provider during your safari to Tanzania.
Tipping your guide/driver
It is customary to leave a tip for your guide/driver at the end of your trip. What you choose to give is entirely up to you, A decent safari guide is essential for a successful safari in Tanzania. Safari guides keep you safe within the wild, is chock filled with attention-grabbing data concerning the wildlife and region, and point out the often near-hidden animals that you travelled all this way to see. Our advice is to tip your guide around $25 to US 40 per day, This should be shared by all the passengers in the Vehicle.
Other Services tipping guidelines
-Generally, Lodges and Hotels/Tented Camps have community tip jars for their staff, such as porters, food servers, cleaning staff and service staff, and the tips are shared equally. In these settings, you may tip US $3 to US $5 per person per day.
-Tips for city transfer drivers in Arusha and Dar es Salaam may be US $3 to US $5 per transfer dependent on the distance and time taken.
– And tips for staff in city hotels and beach resorts, including housekeeping, may be US $1 to US $2 per person per day.
-Hotel and airport porters may be tipped US $1 to US $2 each time you use them, and in restaurants, the rate of tipping is typically 10% of the total bill.
NATIONAL PARKS RULES
Please observe rules of various parks for your own safety. These rules include discouraging you from feeding the wildlife, potentially interfering with the natural habitat that exits and making noise.
TIME ZONE 3hrs + GMT
East Africa is eight hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time, and 8 hours ahead of Eastern Daylight Time
ELECTRICITY 220 – 240 V AC, 50 Hz
The voltage is 220 as in Europe; however, the plugs are different than those in North America, parts of Europe and the rest of the world. As outlets may vary, we suggest you travel with a variety of international adapter plugs as well as a voltage converter, which may be purchased as a set. The most commonly used adapter plug has 3 square prongs.
It is important to note that lodges in the game parks may turn off their generators during the day and late at night, meaning that no electricity is available. Plan ahead to re-charge video camera batteries at applicable times of the day, or carry extra batteries.
INTERNATIONAL DIALING CODE + 255 for Tanzania, followed by local number.
Safari Checklist
The following is a checklist of useful items you might want to bring along on your safari: Some are not necessary.
- Alarm Clock – travel size
- Converter/Adapter- electricity is 220V. As outlets vary you should travel with a set of international adapters
- Batteries – extras, for all of your appliances and cameras
- Calculator – pocket size for currency conversions
- Camera equipment and film
- Moisturizing cream
- Correspondence address list
- Hat, visor or scarf
- Insect repellent with DEET (20%)
- Keys – extra set of luggage keys
- Laundry soap
- Medication – over-the-counter or prescription medicine you take on a regular basis
- Passport, traveler’s cheques, credit cards, driver’s license, a copy of your passport
- Pen and paper for notes
- Prescription glasses if you wear them (and a copy of your prescription)
- Reading materials
- Sunglasses (two pairs in case one is lost or misplaced)
- Sunscreen
- Tissues and moist towels
- Toiletries and cosmetics
Basic Swahili
English is the official language of Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda and is understood by most people you will encounter. It is also spoken in Zanzibar. In Rwanda, both English and French are considered official. However, Kiswahili is the national language in the wider East Africa . If you say something in Kiswahili you may get special results.
Below is a simple guide to Kiswahili words and pronunciation:
a as in father,
e as in bed,
i as in tin,
o as in or,
u as in truth
Helpful Words and Phrases
General
Hello! Jambo!
How are you? Habari?
Good, fine, very well Nzuri
Bad Mbaya
Thank you (very much) Asante (sana)
Please Tafadhali
Good-bye Kwaheri
Welcome! Karibu
Danger Hatari
Friend Rafiki
Sorry Samahani, Pole
Excuse me, please Samahani
On Buying
How much Bei gani?
Expensive (very) Ghali (sana)
Shilling(s) Shillingi
Please give me discount Tafadhali nipunguzie
Shop Duka
Money Fedha (Pesa)
Family Words
Man (men) Mwanaume (Wanaume)
Woman (women) Mwanamke (Wanawake)
Child (Children) Mtoto (Watoto)
Old Man. men and Woman/women Mzee (Wazee)
Girl(s) Msichana (Wasichana)
Boys (s) Mvulana (Wavulana)
Numbers
One Moja
Two Mbili
Three Tatu
Four Nne
Five Tano
Six Sita
Seven Saba
Eight Nane
Nine Tisa /Kenda
Ten Kumi
Twenty Ishirini
Twenty five Ishirini na Tano
Fifty Hamsini
Hundred Mia
One Hundred Mia moja
Two Hundred Mia Mbili
Days of the Week
Sunday Jumapili
Monday Jumatatu
Tuesday Jumanne
Wednesday Jumatano
Thursday Alhamisi
Friday Iumaa
Saturday Jumamosi
Bar and Restaurant
A lot, plenty Nyingi
Another/more Ingine
Beer Pombe
Big Kubwa
Bread Mkate
Butter Siagi
Coffee Kahawa
Egg(s) Yai (Mayai)
Enough Basi/Inatosha
Fish Samaki
Food Chakula
Fruit(s) Tunda (Matunda)
Ice/Cold Barafu/Baridi
Meat Nyama
Milk Maziwa
Onion Kitunguu
Potato (es) Kiazi (Viazi)
Rice (cooked rice) Mchele (Wali)
Small, little Kidogo
Sugar Sukari
Sweets Peremende
Sweet Tamu
Tea Chai
Vegetables Mboga
Warm, hot, fire Moto
Water Maji
Time
What time is it? Saa Ngapi sasa?
Now Sasa
Minute Dakika
Morning Asubuhi
Evening Jioni
Afternoon Alasiri
Today Leo
Yesterday Jana
Tomorrow Kesho
Time (hour) Saa
Night Usiku
Day time Mchana
Game Animals
Leopard(s) Chui
Rhinoceros Kifaru (Vifaru)
Buffalo(s) Nyati
Lion(s) Simba
Elephant(s) Tembo, Ndovu
Cheetah Duma
Baboon, monkey Nyani
Chimpanzee, apes Sokwe
Zebra Punda Milia
Giraffe Twiga
Impala Swara
Hyena Fisi
Wart Hog Ngiri
Boar Nguruwe Mwitu
Hippo(s) Kiboko (Viboko)
Read more information here: https://www.lightsonafrica.com/tanzania-safari-packing-gear-list/
You are mostly welcome to Tanzania and see you soon.