Safari Packing List – Camping

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Safari Packing List - Camping

Please review the suggested Safari Packing list when preparing for your Camping Safari with RA Safaris.

Laundry services are not available for camping safaris, but if you prefer to wash your own laundry there are clothing lines to dry items.

If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Essentials

  • Passport/IDs and extra copies
  • Credit cards/ Bank card
  • Cash to exchange to local currency (USD, Euros and British Pounds are easiest to exchange) 

Health and Hygiene

  • Daily toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, etc)
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Soap
  • Face towel
  • Body towel
  • Sunscreen
  • Mosquito repellent
  • Lip balm
  • All prescription or over-the-counter medications you regularly take at home. 
  • Anti-malaria medications (Please discuss with your doctor first)
  • Contact lens solution (if needed, as is difficult to find and very expensive in Tanzania)

Clothing and Shoes

Weather in Tanzania can be sunny and hot, or cool and rainy.

Rainy season is expected from the months of March – end of May and November – early December, however rain may occur sporadically throughout the year. A rain jacket is suggested, even during dry seasons.

Most campsites have water and toilet facilities. Slippers or shower sandals are suggested.

  • Several light-weight shirts or tops
  • A sweater or light jacket, as nights in Ngorongoro, Usambaras and Serengeti areas can get very chilly.
  • Several pairs of comfortable pants for walking or sitting for long periods of time
  • A pair of hiking shorts or pants
  • Shower shoes/sandals
  • Swimming costume/swimsuit (most accommodations have a swimming pool)
  • Rain jacket
  • Sport shoes or hiking boots

Accessories

  • Sun glasses
  • Sun hat/Cap
  • A day bag such as a purse, satchel or small backpack to carry your personal items
  • Flashlight or headlamp (with extra batteries)

Electronics

Tanzania and Kenya use the Type G plug (similar to British Style).

Voltage in East Africa is 230 V  (50 Hz). while it is compatible with most of Uk and Europe, it may not be compatible with USA, Canada and Asian types. You may require a voltage adapter.

USB ports are widely available in Tanzania, and even in your safari car, also.

  • Power bank or solar charger
  • Charging cables
  • Camera + extra batteries or charging system

Extras

  • Reusable water bottle
  • Handkerchief
  • Travel pillow
  • Sleeping Bag

Camping Items Provided by RA Safaris

Our Camping Tours include:

  • canvas tents
  • sleeping pads
  • a full camp kitchen, with stove, cups, plates and other necessary items
  • camping table and chairs, or overnights at campsites that have these facilities
  • campsites will have access to water and toilet facilities, as well.

Important Visa/Immigration Information

All travelers entering Tanzania, even for tourism purposes must have an appropriate visa.

Depending on your country of citizenship, you may obtain this visa on arrival. However, to save time, you may consider applying for the convenient tourism e-visa.

Learn more at Tanzania Immigration website.

Some travelers may require a Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate in order to enter Tanzania. 

Learn if you need one, (opens PDF) and ensure you travel with this certificate.

Please Note: Even if you are not a citizen of the listed countries, if you have previously traveled to one of the named countries you will require a Yellow Fever Card.

Items NOT to bring

Some well-meaning travelers like to bring pencils, small toys or other items to share with children.  While we know the idea has good intentions, we advise against this.

First of all, most of the items can be purchased locally (and therefore support the local economy) and, 

Secondly, this can encourage a habit of begging from children.

We prefer instead to give gifts through schools and other appropriate settings to encourage children to pursue their education, not look for a handout for tourists.

RA Safaris supports a local school in West Kilimanjaro, and can help facilitate donations of school supplies, sanitary products for girls or other forms of charity.

If you wish to make time to give back during your safari, please reach out so we can ensure this happens in the most ethical and sustainable way.