Safari Packing Guide

Q : What camera equipment should I bring?

A : If you have signed up for a photography tour you will be bringing equipment above and beyond what a normal game viewing safari would require.  A detailed list and more information can be found here.

Q : How much luggage should I bring?

A : For international travel, most airlines allow checked luggage with a maximum length of 62 inches weight of 50 pounds per bag. Check your carriers website for more information. For smaller internal flights, there is a baggage restriction of 33 pounds per person. Excess luggage is charged at $2 per pound if it can be accommodated on the flight. On most tours we WILL be taking an internal flight at the end of the tour. We recommend packing light and to keep in mind this 33 pound limit. No formal clothes are needed and laundry services are available at most lodges and camps either free of charge or for a small fee ($2 – $3 per item).

Please read below an excerpt from KLM Airlines regarding carry –on luggage.

“When luggage is carried on-board the aircraft, it must be of a size and shape to allow for storage in aircraft overhead compartments, or underneath the seat in front of the passenger. Each person is allowed to carry on-board the aircraft one piece of luggage. This piece of luggage must not exceed 45 linear inches (9 inches by 14 inches by 22 inches) and also must not exceed 40 pounds. In addition to this one piece of carry-on luggage, customers may also carry on-board a purse or briefcase or laptop computer. In addition, each passenger may carry a coat, umbrella or other “special” items.”

KLM Airlines

Please keep all critical items and valuables in your carry-on shoulder bag or on you including passport, tickets, wallet, medications, toiletries, camera, glasses, etc…

Avoid packing camera equipment or CF Cards in your checked luggage. If you do have to check your camera equipment be sure to have airline approved cases for protection such as Pelican Cases.

If you decide to check your luggage, please protect yourself from the consequences of the airline losing your luggage by packing critical items and also two changes of clothes in a carry-on bag.

Q : What if I forget something or my luggage is lost or delayed?

A : You are flying to a remote location where it may be impossible to purchase items in the event you forget something or your luggage is lost or delayed. Make yourself a checklist and pack with care.

IMPORTANT: Delayed or lost checked luggage is possible on international air carriers (i.e. KLM and British Airways) arriving into Kilimanjaro, Nairobi or Dar es Salaam. We recommend that you carry – on as much as possible. We recommend one 22 inch suitcase (normal carry – on size which fits in typical overhead bins) and one separate camera bag and/or shoulder bag per person.

If you choose to check in your luggage, it is essential that you carry – on ALL important items, including but not limited to: prescription medicine , camera equipment, essential toiletries, and at least two separate changes of clothing.

You are allowed to carry – on 3 oz containers of any toiletries you may need such as sunscreen or contact lens solution in a single, quart – size, zip- top, clear plastic bag.

As you pack, ask yourself… “would my trip be ruined if I did not have this item?” If the answer is yes, pack it in your carry – on bag!!

Q : What other items should I bring?

A : Here is a packing list we suggest for other items:

Other Items

• Passport, plane tickets, safari itinerary and emergency contact documents
• Travel safe pouches or packs. See Walk About Solutions website for ideas
• U.S. dollars – from 2006 and later – in large and small denominations and credit cards
• Small flashlight and/or headlamp
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen and lip balm
• Insect repellant (with DEET) – spray and wipes
• Contact lens solution, spare glasses and extra contact lenses, if applicable
• Waterless antibacterial gel, hand wipes and Kleenex
• Camera, extra batteries and charger (See Photo Tips for more information)
• UK plug adapter and transformer/voltage converter (More info here – Electrical FAQ’s)
• Small battery operated alarm clock, watch, or SmartPhone
• Journal or notebook for recording daily observation and pens
• Snacks – nutrition bars, nuts, candy, etc…
• Zip lock bags for toiletries, camera equipment, snacks etc… and small trash bags
• Personal toiletries (all rooms at each lodge/camp have soap though some may not have shampoo)
• Small medical kit including aspirin, anti-malaria pills, cold and allergy medicine, cream for itches and rashes (i.e. Benadryl itch relief stick), bandaids, stomach ache medicine (i.e. Imodium), probiotic, prescription antibiotics effective against a broad range of bacteria including travelers diarrhea (i.e. Ciprofloxacin commonly known as Cipro), and any prescription medications.

Q : What clothing should I bring?

A : Tours filled with wildlife viewing are extremely informal and the main goal is to pack lightly and smartly. Loose fitting, casual and comfortable clothing is recommended. There is little or no opportunity for fashion while on a tour, though you may wish to bring a nice outfit for a special dinner. All the lodges allow casual clothing and traditional safari wear while dining.

Some lodges and camps will launder your clothes for free or a small fee ($ 2 – $3 per item) within 24 –hours.

• Be prepared for daily highs ranging from the mid 80’s and lows in the 50’s and 60’s except during the cold season (June, July and August) when the lows can drop down into the 40’s.
• At higher elevations it can significantly colder during the night and early mornings (7,500 – 8,000 feet).
• There is a large temperature range each day and it is recommended to wear layers enabling you to adjust to the varying temperatures. It can be quite cold on early morning game drives and long pants and a warm sweater are needed. In contrast, shorts and t-shirts can be worn on afternoon game drives as it can get hot during mid day especially with the strong equatorial sun shining down in a convertible vehicle.
• It is important that you wear a wide brimmed hat and apply sun block frequently to all exposed areas.
• Dark colors tend to attract unwanted insects. The tsetse fly (active only during the day) is attracted to dark colors (primarily dark blue) so these should be avoided when game driving in tsetse areas including the woodlands of the West Serengeti, Tarangire and few parts of the North Serengeti.
• We recommend you wear long pants and shirts when game driving an area known for concentration of tsetse flies. Lighter and more natural colors such as khaki, brown, beige, olive and green should be worn during the day. During the nights, the color of your clothing is irrelevant.
• From dusk to dawn, it is recommended that you protect yourself from mosquitoes by wearing pants, long sleeved shirts, socks and shoes plus insect repellent.

Here is a recommended clothing packing list:

Clothing for Safari

• One pair of comfortable walking shoes (i.e sneakers, cross training or light hiking shoes)
• One pair of sandals or flip- flops
• Casual, comfortable and loose fitting in khaki, brown, beige, green and olive colors made of natural fabrics such as cotton
• T-shirts and light tops
• Long- sleeved shirts/blouses
• Shorts
• Light long pants or convertible long – short pants
• One warm fleece or sweater
• One swimming suit
• Cotton socks and underwear
• Pajamas
• Hat and bandana
• Heavy sweater, warm gloves, knit hat and scarf for the cold season (June- August)
• Optional: lightweight jacket or windbreaker

Clothing Specific for Gorilla Trekking (rain is common and can be unexpected):

• Waterproof clothing (jacket with hood + trousers)
• Waterproof bags for cameras/passports/money, etc…
• Hand gloves (warm and waterproof), to protect from rain, dripping vegetation, and stinging nettles common in jungle areas
• Hiking boots – moisture resistant with good mud-grip soles
• Gaiters to protect your trouser legs and boots from mud/wetness