Safari Packing List

Large Duffle Bag, to contain everything you’ll need while on safari
Daysack, 25-35 litres, for personal use while on safari; for ready-access items
Sleeping Bag, rated to -10C if climbing Kili with us, or +5C if on safari only (not applicable to lodge safaris)
Waterproof rucksack liner or heavy duty plastic sack (only if incorporating a multi-day walking safari)
Elasticated waterproof rucksack cover (only if incorporating a multi-day walking safari). Sleeping mattresses are not required as we provide these for you.

Clothing

Sweat-wicking T-shirts / vests – Fleece.
Insulated down jacket or similar (only if climbing Kilimanjaro or Oldonyo Lengai or Mt Meru)
Down mittens or similar (only if climbing Kilimanjaro or Oldonyo Lengai or Mt Meru)
Thermal long-johns for summit night (only if climbing Kilimanjaro or Oldonyo Lengai or Mt Meru)
Lightweight walking trousers (for active safaris that incorporate hunting or trekking, avoid jeans or heavy cotton as they chafe and dry slowly)
Underwear (briefs are usually better than boxer shorts which gather and chafe)
Very good quality hiking socks and thin liner socks. (We advise that socks should be at least a size too small otherwise they stretch and bunch causing blisters)
Breathable lightweight waterproofs
Jacket and trousers, (for active safaris that incorporate hunting or trekking),
Waterproof walking boots, sturdy and worn-in, (if your safari incorporates active elements
otherwise comfortable leather shoes will suffice – Calf gaiters, (only if climbing Kilimanjaro or Oldonyo Lengai or Mt Meru)
Balaclava, (for ascents of Kili or Oldonyo Lengai only) – Wide brimmed sun hat to protect face, ears and neck

Hygiene

Toothbrush, toothpaste & deodorant –
Flat packed Wet Ones, travel wipes, or similar for personal hygiene on the mountain.
Kleenex tissues in plastic travel pouches or toilet paper
Hairbrush / comb
Sanitary products
Lip salve with UV protection
Vaseline, to prevent chafing skin and heel friction blisters

Health

Malaria Tablets (if you choose to take these. Most will seek advice from their GP. Note: some anti-malarial courses need to commence several weeks before departure
Sun cream. Note: some argue that most sun creams are carcinogenic and either organic sun barriers or loose-fitting clothes that cover the skin are regarded by many as preferable.

Documents

Passport (with additional 6 months’ validity after proposed trip return date)
Tanzanian Entry Visa. (If flying to Nairobi and taking the bus to Arusha, Kenyan visas can be bought on arrival at Nairobi airport.)
Air Travel Documents – Cash in US dollars in denominations of $10 and $20 (tipping allowance and local purchases, taxis, meals, etc)
Credit Cards (recommended for eventualities only & obtaining extra cash from ATMs)
Travel Insurance Documents
Vaccination Certificates (where applicable) – Traveller’s Cheques are not recommend as they are subject to extremely poor conversion rates in Arusha.

Other stuff

Camera and film or Digital Camera and spare memory cards & batteries & charger
Sunglasses with UV-filter lenses
High energy snacks (Cereal bars, dried fruit and nuts)
Spare Contact Lenses and fluid, if worn – Watch
Head torch with spare batteries
Water bottles & Camelbak (3 litres carrying capacity if climbing)
Water Purification Tablets / Iodine drops
Ear Plugs (in the event of attempting to sleep near barking dogs)
Plastic bags (for dirty washing, used wrappers, etc.)
Telescopic walking poles (optional – and for use on active safaris & climbs only)
Mobile phone. There is signal reception in much of the national parks and safari areas. Note: It is a very good idea to unlock your phone before you come out so that a local SIM card can be used. This will make calls home very inexpensive.
Personal Small First Aid Kit
Pain Killers (Ibuprofen)
Diamox (Acetazolamide) if you are climbing Kilimanjaro– Paracetamol
Zinc oxide tape and small scissors.
Compeed Blister Pads
Immodium / Loperamide anti-diarrhoea tablets
Any medication you normally use
Dioralyte sachets or similar re-hydration packs.

Note that your guide or safari liaison will carry a more comprehensive medical kit containing additional Acetazolamide, Ibuprofen, Anti-inflammatory gel, bandages, Loperamide, Amoxycilin, Oral Dexamethasone, and several other items.