Getting Ready for Your Tanzania Safari
If you've planned a safari in Tanzania and got an 'all-inclusive package,' where meals and a place to stay are already sorted, you might be thinking
Do I just need to pack and go?. Almost, but not quite.
Before you jet off to Tanzania, there are a few things you should get ready. This guide breaks it down for you—from essential documents and vaccinations to a handy packing list, making it a breeze to prep for your safari in Tanzania.
Flights to Tanzania
Tanzania has three main airports where you can land: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar Es Salaam (DAR), and Abeid Amani Karume International Airport in Zanzibar (ZNZ).
Since these airports are quite far from each other, it's smart to choose the one closest to your safari destination. In most cases, JRO is your best bet. Even if flying into Dar Es Salaam seems cheaper at first, keep in mind you'll need another flight or a long bus ride (which could be up to 12 hours!) to reach the Northern parks. Plus, you might have to stay overnight in a hotel.
If you're starting your adventure from Zanzibar or Dar Es Salaam, consider taking a connecting flight directly to the local Arusha airport instead of Kilimanjaro International. We can pick you up there, saving you a 40 km journey to your safari starting point.
Generally, it's a good idea to fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), only 50 km from Arusha, the safari hub of Northern Tanzania. This is where most safaris begin.
Once your flights are booked to Kilimanjaro International Airport, share your flight details with us. Trip Champions offers a convenient pick-up service directly from JRO to your designated hotel.
Important Stuff for Your Tanzania Safari
Passport
Make sure your passport is up-to-date and will be valid for at least 6 months after you arrive in Tanzania. It should also have 3-4 blank pages for stamps.
Tip: Bring a photocopy of your passport, just in case.
Vaccinations
For Tanzania, you'll need a Yellow Fever vaccination if you've been in a risky area 12 hours before landing. Carry the certificate with you.
Note: Tanzania's COVID-19 rules may change, so check with us for updates.
Immigration and visas
You need a visitor's visa. Get it at the airport or online before your trip. We recommend applying for an online visa. The online option can save you from waiting in line.
Travel Insurance
Consider getting travel insurance. You can choose plans that cover just your trip stuff like flights and bags, or ones that also help with medical costs during your travels.
Travel insurance, especially if you're climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. It can cover various things, from flights to medical expenses
Money
For your trip to Tanzania, most costs are covered in the safari package. But for extras like drinks, souvenirs, and tips, it's good to have some local currency, TZS, or USD in cash.
Before you go, tell your bank about your travel plans and make sure your debit/credit cards work internationally. Use a 4-digit PIN for Tanzanian ATMs.
If you bring cash, Tanzanian banks in cities like Arusha or Moshi can exchange US dollars, Euros, or British Pounds easily. While USD is widely accepted, local currency is needed for supermarkets.
Get Ready to Pack!
Check our detailed packing lists for safaris in Tanzania and climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.
Planning to climb Mount Kilimanjaro? Don't forget your essentials! Here's a quick guide to packing for your safari:
Clothing:
Wear light layers.
Choose sensible clothes.
Evenings and early mornings can get chilly, so pack accordingly.
Tanzania is warm, but the sun is strong, so bring a hat and sunscreen.
Footwear:
Skip the fancy shoes and high heels.
Opt for a good pair of walking shoes.
Great for evening walks or a walking safari in Arusha National Park.
That's it! Keep it simple, stay comfy, and enjoy your Tanzania safari!
Forget the idea of a 'safari uniform'—you can wear what you like. While neutral colors like khaki are common for staying clean, you're not stuck with just khaki. Animals don't mind colors; they see in black-and-white and don't care about your clothes' hues..
There is a popular misconception that colored clothes may scare the animals. This is not true: to the best of our knowledge most animals see in black-and-white, and they don’t care about the color of your clothes. In fact, they do not distinguish between a safari car and passengers, and perceive them as a whole.
You can pack whatever you want, but leave the camouflage for the Tanzania People’s Defence Force. General khaki is perfectly fine!
Remember to bring:
A light jacket or sweater
Several long-sleeved shirts
Hat or cap to shield from the sun
1 or 2 pairs of sturdy, comfy trousers
Swimsuit (lots of lodges have pools)
Comfortable walking shoes
Pack these essentials for a great time on your Tanzania safari!
Other Things to Consider:
Binoculars
The safari cars from Trip Champions can be prepared on request as well as wildlife books. But if you prefer your own, bring them along.
Electric Outlets:
In Tanzania, the outlets are usually three-pronged, similar to those in the UK. Bring an adapter or get one there if your country uses a different type.
The hotels provide socket adapters to anyone having European-type power plugs. You will also find some in our safari cars.
USB Cable:
Carry a USB cable for your gadgets. Many safari cars have USB ports for keeping your phone or camera charged.
Drinking Water:
Your Trip Champions Africa guide gives you 1.5 liters of bottled water daily. More is available if needed. Hotels and lodges also provide clean water.
Snacks
You can bring your own snacks if you want. But don't worry, we've got you covered with a packed lunch or a hot meal during your safari. Some folks find the packed lunch really satisfying, but if you're feeling extra hungry before dinner, that's okay too.
If you have specific food needs, you might want to pack your favorite snacks from home. But, if you're curious about local treats in Tanzania, your safari guide can help you find fresh fruits (like bananas or mangos), peanuts, or local donuts from shops near the national parks. Enjoy your munchies on the go!
Safari Packing Checklist
When getting ready for your safari, keep it simple. You don't need tons of stuff, but you also want to be comfy. Remember, you'll be moving with your bags during the safari, so don't bring too much. Here's a handy packing list based on our years of safari know-how:
The Essential Safari Packing List:
Remember that you will spend a great deal of time in the safari car, viewing wildlife. However, you may participate in walking safaris or cultural tours throughout your safari, so you should have practical, comfortable, and sturdy walking shoes. Please leave high heels, fashion sneakers, and platforms for other occasions.
Weather in Tanzania can vary depending on the altitude and time of day. It is wise to bring layers for added warmth, especially in the early mornings and late nights.
The Essential Safari Packing List
1-2 long-sleeved shirts
Warm sweater or light jacket (it gets chilly in the Ngorongoro!)
Regular, light shirts or T-shirts (one for each day of the safari)
1-2 pairs of light cotton trousers
Shorts or a loose skirt (especially for the ladies)
Swimsuit/trunks (in case there's a pool)
A hat for the sun (a visor or cap works too)
Tips
Many safari-goers wear khaki or neutral colors to blend in with nature. Dust is a thing, so khaki items hide it better than white.
Medications:
Every Trip Champions safari car has a basic first-aid kit.
Bring your prescription meds.
Think about antimalarial drugs, motion sickness tablets, antihistamines for allergies, an inhaler if you have asthma and insect repellent.
Sun Protection
Don't forget sunscreen! The sun in Tanzania is strong, especially in higher areas like Ngorongoro. Get SPF 40 or higher.
That's it! Pack smart, stay comfy, and enjoy your Tanzanian safari!
More Safari Tips
Food on Safari
Many hotels and lodges we work with provide three meals a day. But safaris can make you hungry! So, you might want to pack some extra snacks like biscuits, chips, cookies, or fruit.
Some fruits (such as bananas), or nuts (like cashews or peanuts) may easily be purchased locally as you drive through local Tanzanian villages.
Local Treats
You can easily buy fruits (like bananas) and nuts (cashews or peanuts) in Tanzanian villages as you drive through.
Essentials for Your Backpack:
Don't forget sunglasses, even if it's cloudy. They'll protect your eyes from wind, dust, and bugs when you're peeking out the window or through the car's open roof.
Bring an adapter for your electronics (Tanzania uses three-pronged plugs).
Photocopies of your passport and important travel docs.
Camera and all your photo gear.
Hand sanitizer or disinfectant.
Personal hygiene stuff, like sunscreen and insect repellent.
A notebook and pen for jotting down your safari adventures.
