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Packing suggestions and additional travel tips

Assuming that you intend on embarking on safari during your stay in Africa, you should make every effort to pack your belongings into one large waterproof duffel bag, a backpack (for day trips) and one 'carry on' style bag (for cameras and valuables). Chances are you will have limitations in your safari vehicle and in some cases; travel on a small aircraft (if part of your itinerary) limits you to 15 kg / 33 pounds. If you plan on doing a lot of souvenir shopping, you might consider carrying another bag tucked in your suitcase to help judge your limits.

Important: For persons crossing the Atlantic Ocean from North America and connecting in Europe to Africa, International air carriers limit carry on bags to one and checked bags to two per passenger. Persons departing from Europe have weight restrictions on bags as well, varying with the carrier.

If you are doing a lot of traveling and need to carry more than the suggested items, keep in mind that you may be required to leave them at the town hotel.

Laundry service in Africa is often a bargain. Luxury camping safaris generally include laundry service free of charge.

Please Note: The customs and culture of East Africa, especially in coastal areas and Zanzibar are conservative. Revealing or very tight clothing should be avoided.

MEN'S CLOTHING (suggestions)

1 pair of comfortable shoes that would be appropriate for a nice restaurant
1 pair of sturdy shoes or boots for hiking, preferable waterproof*
1 pair of sandals to use when walking to the shower at camps, etc.
3-4 pair of socks
1 nicer long slacks for use in restaurants (please note that shorts are not appropriate in Zanzibar Town)
1-2 pair of long casual slacks
1-2 pair of shorts
1-2 belts
1-2 swimming suits
3-4 golf/tee shirts
2 long sleeve casual shirts
1 dress shirt (tie optional depending on if you think you might visit a top restaurant)
1 sweater or light jacket
1 rain poncho
1-2 hats (VERY IMPORTANT FOR SUN PROTECTION)*
1 pair sunglasses*
Prescription glasses if used with back-up pair suggested (note: contact lenses are difficult to use on safari due to the high amount of dust.)

WOMEN'S CLOTHING (suggestions)

1 pair of comfortable shoes that would be appropriate for a nice restaurant
1 pair of sturdy shoes or boots for hiking*
1 pair of sandals to use when walking to the shower at camps, etc.
3-4 pair of socks
1-2 pair of panty hose
1 nicer skirt for use in restaurants (please note that shorts are not appropriate in Zanzibar Town)
1-2 pair of long casual slacks
1-2 pair of shorts
1-2 belts
1-2 swimming suit
3-4 casual short sleeve blouses
2 long sleeve casual blouses
1 sweater or light jacket
1 rain poncho
1-2 hats (VERY IMPORTANT FOR SUN PROTECTION)*
1 pair sunglasses*
Prescription glasses if used with back-up pair suggested (note: contact lenses are difficult to use on safari due to the high amount of dust.)

TOILETRIES:
You should bring a tooth brush, tooth paste, razor, shaving cream and other toiletries with you as those available in Africa are expensive.

Insect repellent with Deet.*
Sun screen with high level of protection*
Common drugs such as aspirin, cough drops, Pepto Bismol, etc.
Vitamins that you might normally take

Please Note: Items with an * (asterisk) beside them are strongly recommended.

If you suffer from motion sickness, don't forget to use your preferred medication – patch or tablets.

Additional accessories:

  • binoculars
  • water bottles
  • pens, paper, journal
  • a good novel or two
  • Zip-Lock type bags to keep the dust and moisture out of stuff and keep your wet swimsuit in
  • A couple large plastic trash bags to wrap stuff in should it rain (your bags may travel on racks on top of the vehicle)
  • Money belt or similar. The best is a pouch that fits in front inside your shirt or slacks.

Additional packing list for Camping Safaris (on the more basic trips)

  • two or three medium size towels
  • soap (in a plastic soap dish for easy travel) & shampoo
  • sleeping bag
  • Tip - If you are not planning on camping often, you can usually find buyers for sleeping bags and other items if they are in good, clean condition.
  • Warm clothing for the evenings (Ngorongoro night time temp. often drops to about 5 C)
  • (head) flash-light
  • First aid kit
  • Rain gear

Note: we can also rent you equipment for a fee.

Additional packing list for Kilimanjaro climbs

Important equipment to bring

  • waterproof rucksack & daypack (optional waterproof cover)
  • Sleeping Bag (comfort temperature down to -10 degrees Celsius)
  • Hiking Boots: This is the most important item on the list. You'll need a comfortable/waterproof pair of hiking boots which offer plenty of support. Make sure they are broken in before you get to Kilimanjaro! Light trainers might also be useful
  • warm heavy weight gloves/mittens
  • wide brimmed hat
  • warm scarf
  • snow-goggles/sunglasses
  • sweaters/jumpers
  • trekking pants and jacket (wind- and waterproof)
  • long sleeved shirts
  • 2 to 3 pairs of shorts
  • several pairs of socks
  • set of thermal underwear (top & bottom)
  • sun protection cream
  • 2 x 2 litres water bottles (camel bags preferably)
  • headlamp(plus spare batteries & bulb)
  • first aid kit and insect repellants
  • toiletry requirements

Additional equipment as required:

  • walking poles
  • waterproof anorak or raincoat
  • pair of gaiters
  • balaclava (woolen sock that fits over the head with slits for only the eyes and mouth)
  • inflatable sleeping pad/mat (otherwise we provide for free a simple one)
  • pair of light loose fitting cotton trousers
  • warm jersey/sweater (wool)
  • 2 - 3 packets of moist towelettes.
  • whistle
  • some plastic bags
  • roll mats and insulation pads
  • travel pillow
  • Swiss army knife, stuff to fix the sleeping mat, journal and pen, duck tape

Note: we can also rent you equipment for a fee.

IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW:

You will need visas for entry to Kenya and Tanzania. Though you can get these in Africa, your travel will go smoother if you get them in advance through the respective embassies.
Make a photocopy or list of the following items: Passports (including the page with the visa stamped in them and the pages with photos and data), plane tickets, yellow booklet showing your yellow fever vaccination, list of all medications you might require, listing of all travelers’ cheque numbers, list of serial numbers for cameras, etc. Keep this list someplace apart from where you keep these other items.
Keep track of your passport above all. Loss of a passport can destroy your trip and cost considerable money during the time required to replace it.
On your international flight, pack as if the airline might lose your bags. Keep things you will need right away in your carry-on bag. It seldom happens, but the bags may arrive a couple of days later however, in this way, if the bags do not arrive with you, you will be able to continue on your safari while the airline finds them.

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR BAGS GET LOST AT THE AIRPORT:

We naturally hope you don't lose your bags, but it does happen. If your bags do not show up, do the following:

Report the problem to your airline carrier INSIDE THE AIRPORT at the Baggage Claim - before passing the CUSTOMS -and fill out the required paperwork.
Request compensation for your inconvenience (often $50.00 for emergency purchases and a bag with simple toiletries and a tee shirt)
Ask them when they expect the bag will arrive and tell them where you will be based on your itinerary.
LEAVE THE KEYS AND/OR COMBINATIONS WITH THE AIRLINE so they can clear the bags through customs.
Ask the airline to go with you to advise the Customs Officer that bags were lost so there will be no further problems in getting your bags cleared when they arrive.
Tell your safari driver and ask his office to work with the airline to get your bags to you at the earliest convenience.