Safari Packing List

What to Pack on Safari

Baggage should be of the round squashy type rather than hard suitcases that are difficult to fit into jeeps. Try to use something that is both lockable and water proof as luggage can often end up sitting on the roof of the vehicle. It should be noted that the luggage limit per person on domestic flights is 15-20 kg per person (checked-in and hand luggage).

On your inbound flight, don’t check in items that you absolutely need (such as medicines), as it is not uncommon that checked-in luggage gets misdirected and arrives in Tanzania a couple of days after you. It is better to have such items in your hand luggage.

You can leave extra luggage in a locked storage room at our office or the Hotel for no charge.

  • You can leave valuables in a safe deposit box at the Hotel or our office for $5/day.

Footwear

  • Sturdy, comfortable shoes, preferably waterproof. They will get dirty.
  • Tennis shoes or sandals for lounging in the evening
  • Comfortable, breathable socks

Clothing

  • Shorts, mid-thigh or longer
  • Lightweight, breathable pants
  • Short-sleeved shirts, cool and breathable
  • Long-sleeved shirt or sweater for evenings
  • Rain racket and pants or rain poncho

Baggage

  • Day pack, for you to carry
  • Large duffel bag or backpack

Sleeping, for camping safaris

  • Sleeping bag
  • Sleeping pad and repair kit
  • Tents are supplied by Porcupine Expeditions at no charge
  • Foam sleeping pads are provided by Porcupine Expeditions at no charge

Other

  • Water bottles, and water purification tablets or purifier

Bottled water is also available normally provided by Porcupine Expeditions

  • Sun hat with brim
  • Sunglasses
  • Bandana (for dust, etc.)
  • Money ($400 or more in cash and/or travellers cheques, including some small U.S., Euro, or Tanzanian bills)
  • Headlamp or flashlight
  • Camera, film/disks, mini-tripod
  • Video camera, tapes
  • Maps, guidebooks
  • Batteries
  • Binoculars
  • Notebook, pencil, and pen
  • Pocket knife
  • Electricity adapter
  • Energy bars, hard candy, snacks, and comfort foods
  • Playing cards, games, books, Frisbee, football, kite
  • Chocolate or pens for village children, momentos for guides and other travelers
  • Umbrella, particularly useful in the rainy season, can be purchased in the market for around $2
  • Plastic bags and zip-lock bags for waterproofing
  • Sewing kit
  • Salt, pepper, spices for bland food
  • Business cards
  • Alarm clock
  • Calculator (for currency conversion)
  • Swim suit for hotel swimming pool

Toiletries

  • Toilet paper (and baggie to carry used paper while walking)
  • Small towel
  • Soap
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Handi-wipes (moist towelettes for cleaning)
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Lotion
  • Glasses, contacts, solution
  • Comb, mirror

Documents

  • Passport
  • Yellow fever certificate
  • Tanzania Visa
  • Medical insurance
  • Address book
  • Vaccination records
  • Airline tickets
  • Cash, travelers cheques, credit cards
  • Maps, guidebooks
  • Make copies of passport, TZ visa, airline tickets/schedule, travellers cheques numbers. Leave a copy with someone at home and put a copy in a separate place in your luggage.

First Aid

  • Ibuprofen, Aceteminophen, or Paracetamol
  • Throat losenges
  • Band aids
  • Moleskin
  • Sunscreen (SPF 15+)
  • Lip balm with sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Disinfectant, Antiseptic cream
  • Bandages and tape
  • Diahrea medicine
  • Antihistemines
  • Ace bandage
  • Melatonin (1-3mg) or other sleep aid
  • Malaria pills (talk to your doctor)
  • Antibiotics (talk to your doctor)
  • Prescription drugs (talk to your doctor)
  • Diamox (talk to your doctor)

Gifts for Guides, Locals

  • Shoes
  • Any warm clothing
  • T-shirts
  • Hats
  • Nerf football, frisbees
  • Candy
  • Pens

Packing for your flight to Africa

  • U-shaped neck pillow (blow-up)
  • Books/magazines
  • Toiletries
  • Snacks
  • Water
  • Walkman and music
  • Eye shades, ear plugs
  • Melatonin or other sleep aid
  • Critical items (in case baggage is delayed)