Preparing for Your Trip

What to pack

Safari dress is casual and your wardrobe does not require any “special purchase” items. The emphasis should be on cool, loose and good coverage if you are sensitive to the sun. In a few areas like Ngorongoro highlands, it can get quite chilly at night so be sure to bring warmer layers. It is preferred that your daytime clothing be in neutral colours to blend in with the surroundings. In tsetse fly areas black and blue clothing is not recommended as the insects are attracted to this.

Please note that while camping you will have no access to electricity for shavers or hair dryers. In hotels, you will occasionally find 240 volt AC/55-cycle with three pin square ‘British’ type sockets so you will need to bring an adaptor for your appliances. In some camps you will have access to inverters to charge phones and camera batteries only.

Safari Clothing

  • 2-3 pairs of sturdy cotton shorts
  • 2 pairs of lightweight cotton pants
  • 1 skirt or dress slacks for hotel evenings
  • 2 long-sleeved shirts
  • 4-6 short-sleeved shirts or t-shirts
  • changes of underwear and some warm socks for evening
  • 1 warm sweater or fleece jacket
  • 1 lightweight waterproof jacket or parka
  • 1 pair walking shoes, tennis, or running shoes
  • 1 bandanna (these have many uses)
  • 1 pair sandals or rubber thongs (great for camp showers)
  • 1 shade hat with wide brim or baseball cap
  • 1 bathing suit (some lodges have pools)

Safari Equipment

  • 1 duffle bag (depending on your itinerary you can always leave some belongings in Arusha, thus keeping down the safari luggage)
  • 1 small padlock to lock suitcase or duffle
  • 1 daypack
  • wide-mouth plastic water bottle, minimum 1 qt. capacity that can be refilled with 100% safe filtered drinking water from our camps
  • toilet kit – we supply shampoo and conditioner in our camps but not all lodges do
  • sunscreen
  • flashlight (head lamps are great) with spare batteries
  • nylon stuff sacks or plastic bags to organize clothes, laundry, and other items in your duffle
  • binoculars, essential for good wildlife viewing
  • camera to capture all of the memories
  • snacks: trail mix, nuts, hard candies, decaf beverages, powdered electrolyte replacement drink mixes such as Gatorade. Our vehicles are also equipped with great snacks and we can cater to all dietary requirements.

Travel Requirements

Visas for Tanzania can be obtained on entry for most countries. As the prices and entry requirements can change, we suggest all travelers contact their nearest Tanzanian Embassy for exact details.  Obtaining your visa from the Tanzanian Embassy in your home country will save you having to wait in the “Visa” line at the airport.

Health & Safety

When planning your Tanzanian holiday you should consult your personal doctor or specifically a travel doctor who will be able to advise on any medications or inoculations you may require. Depending on age, travel history and medical situation the recommendations may differ.

While in Tanzania on safari with African Environments all leaders are trained to Wilderness First Responder level, an advanced first aid qualification designed for leaders in the outdoors. Our vehicles are equipped with safety equipment including a first aid kit.

We recommend all clients take out a reputable travel insurance policy.  We can also arrange a local emergency services coverage if you like. Please discuss this with our travel expert.

What to Expect

Tanzania is peaceful, developing African county with vast and wild wilderness.  Nearly one-third of its land mass is safeguarded under some sort of land or wildlife protection.  Tanzania’s natural attractions – the mountains, animals, rare cultures, beautiful beaches and exotic locations – have helped develop a healthy tourist industry, allowing millions of people to earn a good living. However, poverty can still be seen and it is advisable to act as respectfully as possible. Please talk to your guide about taking photographs and various customs and actions that may offend while in the country.

Tanzanian people by nature are extremely friendly and warm but bear in mind that crime does exist, as in all cities around the world. Your leader will brief you fully on arrival regarding personal safety. Please do not hesitate to ask as many questions as you need.

While traveling in Tanzania with African Environments you should expect a wonderful and memorable adventure very far from your normal lifestyle. There will be great food, big smiles, new sights and smells, most probably dust or mud and a many stories. Get ready to have fun!