Travel Tips

Sunglasses

Light cotton scarf (great sun protection)

Breathable shirts (short and long-sleeved) – avoid dark colors like black or blue, which attract tsetse flies

Neutral/bush colors if doing walking safaris

Medium-weight fleece for cool evenings

Lightweight rain jacket

Zip-off trousers or lightweight pants

Casual-smart outfit for dinners at lodges

Comfortable walking shoes or sandals (hiking boots only needed for mountain treks)

Torch or headlamp (plus spare batteries)

Painkillers (headache tablets)

Anti-diarrhea tablets

Rehydration salts

Band-aids/plasters & stretch bandage

Sunscreen (SPF 30+) & lip balm

Moisturizer for wind/sun protection

Malaria prevention (ask your doctor)

Yellow Fever vaccine (ask your doctor)

Antihistamines (tablets and cream)

Wet wipes & hand sanitizer

Prescribed medication (please inform your guide of any medical conditions or medication)

Daypack or light sports bag.

Toiletries (many lodges provide the basics).

Multi-plug adapter.

Spare camera battery.

Binoculars (one per person is ideal).

Wallet or small purse for daily spending.

Camera, memory cards & chargers – vehicles have UK-style three-pin sockets (charging only while driving).

Swimsuits

Sun hat & sunglasses

Reef shoes

Insect repellent

Light scarf or wrap for modest dress in villages

Snorkeling gear (optional – also available to rent)

Note: Tanzanian coastal areas are mostly Muslim communities. Swimwear is welcome at beaches and resorts, but when exploring towns or villages, we kindly ask that shoulders and knees remain covered for both men and women.

Tanzania has a strict ban on plastic bags. Please leave them at home—including bin liners and duty-free carriers. The only exception is small zip-lock bags used for toiletries in carry-on luggage (as per airline rules), as long as you take them with you when you leave.

Keep your bags locked during travel.

Soft duffel bags are ideal for safaris (suitcases don’t pack well in vehicles).

On light aircraft, a strict 15kg limit applies—extra luggage may incur fees.

Store extra bags securely in Arusha if needed.

Pack essential clothes & items in your carry-on in case of delays.

Avoid placing items like scissors, lighters, or nail clippers in your hand luggage.

Always carry travel insurance.

Bring USD, EUR, or GBP cash – ATMs dispense Tanzanian Shillings (TSH) only.

Use new USD notes (2016 or newer) – older bills may not be accepted.

ATMs have daily withdrawal limits (Tsh 200,000 to 800,000).

Only a few lodges/shops accept credit cards (Visa or MasterCard), and may charge a 4–5% fee.

Tipping is an important part of tourism in East Africa. Here's a simple guide:

Safari Guides: $15 per guest per day is standard (Example: 4 guests on a 4-day safari = $240 total)

Use the communal tip box at reception or bar $5–$10 per person per night is appreciated.

Head Guide: $80–$100

Assistant Guide: $60–$80

Mountain Chef: $50–$70

Porters: $25–$40 each.

Feel free to tip more for exceptional service!

Your itinerary.

Emergency contacts.

Travel insurance policy.

Vaccination certificates (Yellow Fever, etc.).

Valid passport (at least 6 months before expiry).

Addresses for sending postcards or sharing travel updates.