SERENGETI SAFARI 101 – WHAT TO PACK?
Packing for Safari in Tanzania can be intimidating, especially if you have not experienced a trip to the bush before. Therefore, we have created a list to prepare you for your adventure ahead.
How much should I pack?
We have to be able to carry everything in our vehicles or fit them on small planes. So the more people per vehicle, the smaller your bags need to be. We highly recommend soft-sided duffel bags that are easy to pack in vehicles and planes and a light day-pack backpack for cameras, binoculars, water & other personal items.
Please consider that internal flights in Tanzania have luggage restrictions of 15kg per person unless a private charter. We can happily arrange for luggage to be stored in Arusha or another city while on safari.
What Travel Documents do I need?
A valid passport; Six months before expiry and at least one completely free page per airport you have to go through, including transit. Tourist visas; Please check relative country websites for visa requirements for your nationality.
A copy of the flight itinerary. A copy of medical insurance and evacuation details in the case of an emergency; the closest definitive medical care is in Nairobi. A Credit/Debit card (Mastercard or Visa are widely accepted). Cash; tipping is by definition a voluntary gesture – it is a standard practice in the Tanzanian safari industry, and the staff highly appreciates it. In our camps and lodges, there are communal tip boxes, the content of which is shared by the whole staff.
What To Wear
Much of the safari occurs at high altitudes, and dawn, dusk, and nights can be cold, while mid-day can be extremely hot. Having a few layers will help you to be comfortable at all times. Choose browns and greens that will blend in with the environment. Hi-tech fabrics are not necessary but may be more comfortable. A good guideline is to pack three complete sets of clothing.
Please note that it is illegal to wear army camouflage clothing in Tanzania. We expect rain between October and May (We recommend a waterproof jacket). June, July, and August can be pretty chilly so remember to pack something warm for the early mornings and evenings.
Packing Check-List
1-2 good fleece or sweaters. A light waterproof/windproof jacket. 2-3 pairs of shorts/skirts (optional). 2-3 pairs of trousers/pants (the trousers that become shorts simply by unzipping the legs are great). 2-3 pairs of shirts for day wear (t-shirts, short sleeves, and long sleeves all work however long sleeves do provide more protection from the sun, and you can always roll the sleeves up or down). 3-5 pairs of socks. Swimming attire. Please pack comfortable clothes and a hat.
Footwear
Comfortable sandals or light shoes for walking around camp and in the vehicle.
Comfortable, sturdy walking shoes (especially if you are doing a walking safari). Flip-flops are optional for showering or around a swimming pool. High-heels are impractical even in the most luxurious lodges.
Extra Gear
Binoculars are the one piece of equipment you don’t realize how badly you need and people always regret not having them. You will be glued to them if you have them, and the extent to which they enhance the safari experience far outweighs the cost of a reasonably good pair. A good quality camera, a spare battery, and a charger.
Sunscreen (minimum SPF factor 30+) and moisturizing cream depending on your skin’s sensitivity. Please consider the environment when selecting your sunscreen. Lip salve or lip sunscreen. Insect repellant. Sunglasses (polarized). If required, please pack spare reading glasses. Contact lenses can get dirty, and dust may irritate (if you are doing a gorilla trek or chimp trek, then contacts are helpful because they don’t fog up when you’re wearing your mask). Please pack all your personal medications and a small First Aid kit. Dehydration is the most common problem we encounter- if you can get a pleasant-tasting Oral Rehydration Salt mix, bring out a few sachets. Small flashlight/torch for use in your tent.
Health-Related Concerns
If you have any medical condition, food allergies, or a special diet such as vegetarianism and have not informed Entara, please do so now. Bring a stock of any medication you are on to cover you for the entire trip. If you carry EpiPen, please bring spares as they are unavailable in East Africa. For those with other needs, for example, sleep apnea machines, we can accommodate almost any need if given enough prior notice to make necessary arrangements.
COVID Restrictions
Your safety and health are of the utmost importance to us; we follow guidelines provided by the Government of Tanzania to the hospitality industry as updated in March 2022.
Travellers who are fully vaccinated are exempted from RT PCR and Rapid Antigen Test Requirements. Unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated travellers will still need to present a negative PCR obtained no more than 72 hours before departure. All travellers must fill out a Traveler’s Health Declaration Form 24 hours before travelling. You will receive the codes generated by the online forms by email. Please remember that you must present them on arrival. Wearing a face mask is mandatory in airports and border crossings. Check for changes to COVID regulations closer to your date of travel.
If you have any questions regarding your safari, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@entara.co.tz
We cannot wait to welcome you!
