Whether you are experienced when it comes to safari tours or it is your first time, it is important to know exactly what you need to bring with you in order to not only get the most out of your safari in Tanzania but also to make sure that you- and any other guests that are going with you such as if you are going on a family vacation-, are as well-prepared for any possible situation that you might come across.  If you are struggling to think of absolutely everything that you will need to bring with you, have no fear, as we are here to help you out!

If you need more information about What to Expect: Camping in the Serengeti you read more here

Safari Packing List

In this Tanzania safari packing list, we will go through all the items you need to take with you and explaining as to why you should bring them with you.

Let’s get started.

Travel Documents and Currency

This might seem like an obvious item to take with you, but it can be very easy to forget them if you are in a hurry. The documents and currency that you will need are as follows:

• Passport: This is a no-brainer, but it can sometimes be tough to remember to pick up your passport on your way out of the door. Make a note about remembering your passport somewhere that you can be sure that you will see it- such as on the fridge or on the bathroom mirror- to help you keep it in mind. You will also need to make sure that your passport has a minimum validity of six months.
• Plane Ticket: Another obvious necessity, but again, it can be easy to forget them when you’re in a hurry.
• Visa: E-visas are recommended as they can be ordered in advance, and they can be useful when it comes to avoiding any potential issues with obtaining a physical visa once you get to Tanzania. However, if it is necessary, they are available upon arrival in the country.
• Travel Insurance: This insurance will keep you covered for issues that might pop up during your trip to Tanzania, such as cancellations, flight delays, evacuations, theft or loss of property, and any necessary medical expenses.
• Currency: It is best to be as prepared as possible when it comes to the money that you bring with you, so a mixture of debit or credit cards as well as cash is going to be your best bet. When it comes to what currency you are able to use in Tanzania, you can use US dollars so long as they are dated after 2006 as they are accepted in most major establishments in the country. You will also need to make sure that you have some Tanzanian shillings, as they will often be used in smaller establishments.

Versatile Clothing

Clothing can be a tricky element of a safari to pin down, as you never know exactly what you are going to get when it comes to the Tanzania weather.

Tanzania experiences both wet and dry seasons, with the dry seasons falling between January and February and then from June to October and the wet seasons lasting from March to May (this is the more prominent wet season), and then November and December.

For a safari in the dry season, you aren’t likely to see any rain, but it is best to pack a few jackets just to be sure.

Otherwise, light clothing will suffice. The wet seasons will call for heavier clothes, such as scarves and thicker jackets.

There are also general clothes that you will want to make sure that you pack no matter what season you travel in, such as the following:

• Long Sleeved Shirts
• Trousers
• Shorts
• Waterproof Jacket
• T-Shirts
• Socks
• Warm Sweaters
• Swimsuits
• Hats

As whole, lightweight outfits in neutral colors are a practical choice for a safari, but remember that layering is your best friend!

Sturdy and Comfortable Footwear

You might be doing a fair amount of walking during your safari (especially if it is a walking safari specifically) and so comfortable footwear is a must.

A pair of sneakers that you are willing to let get dirty is a great idea, whilst hiking boots that are sturdy and offer a great deal of ankle support are also a necessity.

If you are planning on doing some relaxing at the beach as well as embarking on your safari, don’t forget your flip-flops or sandals!

Medical Kit

A basic first aid kit will help to avoid any unexpected mishaps or illnesses on your safari.

From regular painkillers to medications to avoid sickness and diarrhea, you will definitely want to make sure that you are stocked up on the essentials so that you can continue to enjoy your trip even if you have to deal with any medical problems.

Some of these essentials include:

• Antibacterial medicines
• Anti-malaria medications
• Antidiarrheal medications
• Band-aids
• Gauze and Bandages
• Adhesive Tape
• Hand Sanitizer
• Eye Drops
• Nose Spray

Even the smallest first aid kit will suffice, as long as you have the right tools to deal with any cuts, bruises, or reactions that might occur!

Toiletries

When it comes to toiletries, you will want to bring the same kind of items as you would on other vacations, such as the following:

• Toothpaste
• Toothbrush
• Soap
• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Mouthwash
• Deodorant
• Travel Towels
• Hairbrush
• Lotions
• Feminine Hygiene Products (if necessary)

A safari is also going to be prone to insects, so make sure that you also get yourself some strong insect repellent as well as these essentials in order to avoid being swarmed or bitten

Sun Protection

You will also need to keep in mind that you are going to be outside for a long period of time whilst on safari, so protection from the sun is crucial.

As well as sunscreen, and bring some after-sun lotion as well.

Electronics and Gadgets

As well as your phone, there is no doubt that you will want to capture the moments you experience during your safari, so a camera is sure to be on your list of essential items.

Don’t forget the charger for your camera (that goes for your phone too!) and spare batteries, as well as an extra memory card. Universal plug converters and binoculars are a must too!

Don’t forget to keep any electronics protected at all times, especially if you are planning to be in Tanzania during the rainy season.

Some extra protective coverings or waterproof bags to keep them in might prove useful.

Baggage

Make sure that you have all of the different kinds of storage necessary for all of your belongings. This could include the following:

• Backpack
• Waterproof Duffel Bag
• Day Pack
• Zip Lock Bags

Utilizing these different kinds of baggage will make it easier to decipher your everyday items from your specific safari items.

Final Thoughts: what to pack for your Tanzania Safari?

So there you have everything that you will need for a safari trip to Tanzania!

As long as you stay well organized and make a thorough plan before you leave, you are sure to remember all of the essentials and have an incredible experience on your journey!

Knowing the best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro is an important consideration before the attempt. It does not only affects your successful hike but also your overall experience. To your benefit, we have created a list of things for you to consider so as to make a good decision on what time you should hike Africa’s highest mountain.

Factors you should consider when choosing when to hike Mount Kilimanjaro (best time to climb mount Kilimanjaro)

Weather is the ultimate factor, the Kilimanjaro being near the equator faces only dry or wet(rainy) seasons with dry season favoured as it makes the hike less challenging and on the other hand having more success chances. However, the rainy season is less favourable as you will slog through very deep mud in the first days, at a higher altitude and you will have to fight your way through ice, snow, fog with moisture in your clothes, and the gears. In fact, you will not only be facing a challenge to the summit but risking your health through the process.

Tip: bad weather on the Kilimanjaro will ruin your overall experience, in the same way as your photos, and will also make the hike twice as hard.

See the table below to know more about the month by month temperature, precipitation, cloudiness, and crowds.

Number of people on the mountain, many hike enthusiasts are on the mountain in favourable weather, but if you prefer a hike with fewer visitors you should opt for the low season and carefully choose a route

Budget, on the peak season there are many group hikes and of course, this will slightly reduce the cost of the trek.

The views, if you prefer to have a certain experience like summiting on a full moon, a snowy summit, stunning sunrise, and sunset views, therefore dates are to be considered as it will influence these aspects.

• summiting on a full moon is possible within each month, however, some months are less cloudy so you get an even better experience, as a result, peak dry season (August) is the best time for a clear full moon. we also have estimated full moon dates worth to consider

• A snowy summit, in some months the Kilimanjaro can have less snow meanwhile other months can be very snowy. For instance, you can favour a snowy summit (peak wet season) or a summit without snow. In fact, this will be down to the dates & your decision on when you should hike Kilimanjaro.

• Sunset and sunrise views, during the dry season, there it is less cloudy and you will have an even better view of the sunrise and sunset.

Month by month weather on the Kilimanjaro, the best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro

Below, is a month-to-month breakdown of the weather and other things you should consider before deciding when to hike Mount Kilimanjaro.

Late March – mid-June.

The rainy/wet season is usually from April to May, however, late March and early June are what we consider as a grey area. In fact, it can rainy or dry with weather changes. Normally, rainy seasons can start earlier in late March and end in mid-June

Late June – August

It is expected to be past the rainy season, yet, the weather on Kilimanjaro will be dry and a bit colder, therefore, June is quiet but the number of hikers will increase as the year progresses.

August – October

August and September are the peak season for hikers on the Kilimanjaro. During this time, the weather is good with many clear days and it is a bit colder. So, these conditions are good and will last until mid-October before the buildup for the short rains begins.

October/November

The number of hikers starts dropping in late October to November. Thus, the weather is more unpredictable as short rains may have started or looming, this short shower rains. However, it will last for short spans in the day but, as long as you are equipped you will withstand the occasional rain showers which wouldn’t present any major problem to you.

November/December

short rains will last up to December. And with a few situations, they will be prolonged to early January. In the same way, the temperatures will have dropped and the shower rains will make it more challenging. Therefore, You should be equipped.

December/January

The four to six weeks around Christmas and New Year are the second peak climbing season on Kilimanjaro. There will be many trekkers despite the high chances of rainfall and thick clouds in the lower regions.

January-March

Mid-January to mid-March is a good time to hike the Kilimanjaro. The weather is reasonable, not too cold, not too wet, and there aren’t as many climbers. The days are mainly dry, beautifully clear with few clouds and occasional brief showers. This period is the warmest with clear skies from morning to evening.

Tips you should consider if your preferred time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro does not fit your travel period

Finally, You may find that your travel period is at a less perfect time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro to fit your preferred considerations being weather, number of hikers, views, budget while this happens you should not stress out here are tips you should consider

–              Consider the Rongai route, this route is on the northern side of the mountain. It is much drier than other Kilimanjaro routes

–              If you prefer fewer crowds you should consider Rongai, Shira, and lemosho routes which are less crowd

Why do 40,000 people a year seek to hike the world’s highest freestanding mountain and highest in Africa?. The mountain is so popular, now well known as “Everyman’s Everest”.

Below, are the top ten reasons why you should hike Mt Kilimanjaro, from the most practical to the most profound:

1. Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest point and one of the seven summits. It needs no technical skills or climbing equipment to conquer the summits. In other words, a beginner without any experience on big mountains can safely and successfully make it to the top.

Note: Technically, the easiest to climb of the world’s Seven Summits is Kilimanjaro.

2. A week’s walk from the equator to the north pole. Kilimanjaro is a snow-covered mountain on the equator. Climbing Kilimanjaro is like hiking from the equator to the North Pole in a week. It provides dramatic changes in vegetation and animal life day by day. Making it one of the world’s greatest wonders

3. A world on its own. Did you know? while the entire United States enjoys 7 climatic zones, Mount Kilimanjaro enjoys 5?. The Mountain guarantees an experience that is out of this world, scenic changes in vegetation and climate creates that feeling of “traversing through different worlds within just a few hours.”

Kilimanjaro’s 5 climatic zones.

Cultivation: Farmlands, small villages, coffee and fruit plantations.

Rain forest: Most wildlife is be found here.

Heather-Moorland: Shrubs and unique flora are everywhere.

Alpine Desert: Unique landscapes featuring volcanic rocks in varied shapes and sizes, and also extreme temperatures.

Glacier Summit: An arctic zone.

4. Kilimanjaro is a pristine getaway to connect with nature. Staying a minimum of four nights of camping and walking through different vegetation is refreshing and will make you reconnect with nature especially when coming from major cities.

5. The mountain that inspires. Whether you want to inspire yourself or others towards a cause hiking Kilimanjaro can be it, Kilimanjaro belongs to Tanzania, the first nation in East Africa to win independence from colonial powers (it was then called Tanganyika). Before independence in 1959, soon-to-be President Julius Nyerere said: “We, the people of Tanganyika, would like to light a candle and put it on the top of Mount Kilimanjaro which would shine beyond our borders giving hope where there was despair, love where there were hate and dignity where before there was only humiliation.” Today, the summit is called Uhuru Peak–Uhuru is the Swahili word for “Freedom.”.

Fact: President Nyerere went on to inspire freedom & liberate east & southern African countries

6. A hot spot for studying climate change, global warming is one of the most debated topics with many arguing for & against it, from prominent global leaders to young activists all with great conviction to their arguments. The Kilimanjaro shrinking glaciers have been used for so long as evidence to support arguments for global warming therefore it is one of the best places for you to clear your doubts and take a stand.

7. Hiking Kilimanjaro is not very difficult but also not an easy task with many hikers claiming it is one of the most challenging tasks they have done both at a physical and mental level. Climb Kilimanjaro, stand on the roof of Africa and see the world in a different way. A mountain top is a place for vision, inspiration, and a new beginning. As the famous song by Juluka goes: “I’m sittin’ on top of Kilimanjaro, I can see a new tomorrow. I’m sittin’ on top of Kilimanjaro. I cast away all my sorrows.

Tip: Kilimanjaro is a worthy accomplishment to brag about.

8. Kilimanjaro, Picturesque & Stunning. the scenery from the trail start to the summit is amazing, from its green vegetation, the kissing rock to the summit. You will be rewarded with great scenes, views of sunrise, sunsets, the summit and if planned well great view of the full moon

Other reasons why you should consider hiking the Kilimanjaro

9. Africa’s best safaris, as you will already be in Tanzania a safari to Serengeti & Ngorongoro crater is a worthy extension one not to miss considering these wildlife destinations are arguably the best in the world. However, they are just the tip of the iceberg with over 26 national parks in Tanzania

Tip: Tanzania is home to half of the world’s lions.

10. Beach extensions, Tanzania has a large coast but the archipelago islands of Zanzibar are the most known for clean, crystal waters and stunning beaches.