Does your luggage need to be huge and require from you to pay for excess baggage fees? Absolutely not! We strongly encourage minimalism while packing for a safari in Tanzania. First of all, on safari, it’s rare to spend even two nights in a row in the same place, and daily unpacking and moving your luggage from the car to the room and back can be exhausting – even if not for you, then definitely for the poor driver or hotel receptionist.
Do you have to look like Indiana Jones?
The days of hacking through the bush with a machete are long gone and probably won’t return. In every national park, it’s forbidden to go more than 20 meters away from your vehicle, except in designated picnic and toilet areas. You’ll spend most of the tour inside the vehicle. So, knee-high military boots are not necessary. Flip-flops? Well, proper footwear is definitely more rational, but wearing sandals isn’t going to significantly increase your chances of death or injury. We know tour organizers from Poland who recommend military uniforms to their clients, believing they work best! Well, after dozens of safaris – including private ones in my own car – I found out that the key to comfort on a safari is light, breathable clothing, preferably made from natural materials. A dress? Why not! But ideally, it should be made of good-quality cotton or linen, and a long one. Protect your skin on a safari.
Must haves
A hat is a must, along with sunglasses – remember that in Tanzania you’re very close to the Equator, and the sun can be dangerous, even on cloudy days. It’s wise to bring an extra scarf or shawl, which can come in handy in many situations – when it’s chilly in the early morning (as most safaris start early), or when clouds of dust rise on the savanna roads. A piece of fabric like this has many uses.
If you’re allergic, sensitive, or mosquito-prone, consider more protective clothing. Let’s not fool ourselves – even on a 5-star safari, you’ll encounter bugs. From cockroaches and beetles to mosquitoes, bees, and even the infamous tsetse flies. Can a tsetse bite cause African sleeping sickness? Yes – but not every bite. Is it life-threatening? It can be. However, the disease has been largely controlled over the past decades and poses more risk to livestock and wild animals. Tsetse flies are different from those known in Europe – their bite feels like a horsefly’s and they don’t fly off at the first sign of movement. They’re sneaky and very annoying. Their presence and aggressiveness depend on the season. When they’re particularly active, rangers hang up black and dark blue cloths in certain places – those colors attract tsetse flies. So now you know which colors to avoid on safari. Binocular is always a great idea while trying to spot the wildlife but if you don’t have one at home, keep in mind that most safari guides and tour operators are well equipped with binoculars.
Should I bring any medication on safari?
Malaria, Dengue, Chikungunya – the list can sound long, exotic, and scary, but remember: to most Africans, our flu sounds terrifying too! In Tanzania, you can find good local medications for these diseases. We won’t recommend whether or not to take popular pills like Malarone – that’s a personal decision – but from experience, we can assure you that local doctors are trained in dealing with these illnesses. Keep in mind that preventative medications have side effects, and it’s worth checking if you even need them. Maybe you’re going to a malaria-free zone? Maybe long sleeves at night, a mosquito net, and repellent will be enough? Read HERE about malaria prevention.
We want to stress the importance of recognizing symptoms, since tropical diseases are often mistaken for a regular flu. A disease brought back to Europe can cause much more trouble when seen by doctors unfamiliar with something like Dengue. So, if you develop a runny nose, mild fever, persistent headache, or overwhelming fatigue, we recommend a visit to a pharmacy and taking a rapid malaria test. Better yet, buy two – take one there and keep the other to repeat at home after a month, as malaria can incubate for up to 30 days. The test costs around $2. For skeptics, a blood test can be done at any local clinic, costing between $5–$15, with results usually in 30 minutes.
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