SAFARI PREPARATIONS

What to take & do

Having decided that you are going to Tanzania for you African Safari, the next question for most people is what should they take?

First of all, carefully choose what you are carrying your safari items in, not just for the trip to Africa, but also for yourself and for those who may have to carry it in Tanzania. A canvas bag with good locks will suffice. Solid suitcases are burdensome for all concerned.

Your choice of clothing is mainly dictated by the climate that you encounter.

In the winter months of June and July, a light sweater or windcheater is strongly adviced. For the warmer remainder of the year, lightweight clothing in enviromentally-friendly coloring such as light Khaki or green is recommended.

However, if you are climbing Mount Kilimanjaro or Meru, warm clothing is necessary all year round. This should include a balaclava and gloves for very cold night conditions, as well as sun-protective items sun as barrier cream and dark glasses for the daytime sun.

Almost all Safari facilities have same day laundry so you can travel with no more than three changes of clothes in the bush: one in the laundry, one that you are wearing and a spare set in the cupboard.

Short sleeved shirts or T-shirts are the norm and shorts or long trousers are acceptable. But you may want a long sleeved shirt and long trousers at night to keep the mosquitoes at bay. Sandals or tackies by day are also acceptable although once again, boots or shoes with ankle socks are advised at night.

Hats are very much a matter of choice. But you will need one that protects you from the rays of the hot lunchtime sun. And you will also need sunglasses.

So that has finally kitted you out. Now you have to decide what additional items you need to bring.

You may want to pack a camera, lenses or video camera of your choice. An adequate supply of film, batteries and cleaning equipment (the dust is pervasive) is advised. Many places you will stay have shops with films and batteries as well as other tourist mementos.

Binorculars, prefarebly lightweight are very important. A lightweight but powerful torch is another essential particulary as most safari camps turn off their generators at a given time each night.

In many cases, tap water at lodges and camps is not potable. We strongly recommend you stick to bottled water, which undergoes a different process of purification. Remember to use bottled water even for brushing your teeth. Our motto is always “better safe than sorry”. You may find water in flasks in your bathrooms; this is boiled water and is safe for brushing your teeth. Most lodges / camps will give you a 500 ml bottle of drinking water per person per day which you may also use to brush your teeth.

The Salads and other vegetables and fruit should be quite safe to eat at safari facilities. But if you are personally buying them at a market or from a roadside vendor, make sure they are well washed before consuming. Remember at all times those who have lived in the tropics for years have hardier stomachs than visitors.