Quick Checklist and information for your trip

PASSPORTS & VISAS:

• Nancy will apply for your Visa, have no worries this will be done 60 day before your trip.
• Print 2 copies of your Visa. One for immigration one for you.
• Take a photo of your passport and also a spare printed copy in your suitcase 
• ALWAYS keep your passport and money on your person. DO NOT LEAVE IN THE ROOM

FIRST AID KITS & Medications

• Small first aid kit (band aids etc) bring any over the counter medication that MIGHT need - we don't have Walmart
• Prescriptions?  Make sure to bring a few days  extra- just in case you get stuck somewhere.  
• Motion Sickness? See your doctor and be prepared! 

TRAVEL INSURANCE/ MEDICAL INSURANCE/EVACUATION COVERAGE

• When traveling to Tanzania, it is required that you have travel insurance in place. Travel insurance can cover you for unexpected events such as trip cancellations, medical expenses and hospital benefits, personal accident and liability, abandoning your trip, delayed departure, accommodation coverage, personal belongings and baggage, personal money, passport and travel documents, legal expenses and more.
  There are different types of travel insurance policies available depending on your needs. It is also recommended to check with your health insurance provider to understand how your policy might cover you overseas in case of a medical emergency.
  For emergency medical evacuation, look at Flying Doctors Society of Africa and their short-term coverage.
  
  Here is an insurance website that provides information for several different insurance companies, along with some good general information.
  
  

TIPS

• Tips are not included in the trip.  Its customary to tip, but we can handle general tipping of hotel staff and drivers. About $15/day per person per night for lodge staff.  About $20/day per person per day for guides.  We will handle this base tipping for you before we depart. Always feel free to tip more as you travel to special people.
• Tipping $1 at public restrooms so bring $1 bills . You will have washroom attendants keep the place spotless.  
• Bar staff - just like at home, be sure to tip at each order - drink prices are about the same so tipping is as well Shillings or dollars are good

SPENDING MONEY

• Cash is KING but we Tanzanian Shillings are required as of 2025!  Many places do not have credit card options.  We will immediately take you to a cash convertor on Sunday and teach you to exchange dollars for Tanzanian Shillings - Please have newish American dollars to convert. You can also use an ATM - check with your bank for fees.
• $50 a day is an amount we always calculate for spending money per person.  Your meals are included but its always great to have money for shopping and tipping. 
• Your money should stay with you at ALL times as well as your passport.  NEVER leave anything at your room - ever.  

Meals and snacks

• Bottled water will be available to you to purchase 24/7 - Free water is available in our vehicles and available for purchase at our lodges and tented camps.  
• Use bottled water for brushing teeth - water is NOT safe for us to drink
• Fruit juice fresh made is everywhere and delicious - make sure to try avocado juice!
• Every morning we will meet for a western style breakfast.  
• Lunch will usually be a box lunch or we will return for a hot lunch back out our lodge or camp. 
• Bring snacks we never know how long we will be out 
• Packets of electrolytes are a must for your water
• At the end of the day, we arrive at the lodges/camps.  Wash up, plug in, unpack, figure laundry then relax.  We will let you know what time dinner is.  All places have beautiful common areas to have a cocktail/coffee/tea but feel free to go off by yourself, journal, find peace. 
• Dinner will often be buffet style or choice
• All locations will have a bar, but we also will be stopping at shops to pick up supplies as well.

ELECTRONICS & ELECTRICITY

• You will need a Type G converter like this: https://a.co/d/3Znc2bX 
• USB plugs work everywhere
• Bring extra cords for everything in case yours break
• Extra battery pack is a must for emergencies - to charge phone
• Forget blow-dryers, curling irons etc - there is not enough power out on safari and who cares what you look like this is all about inner beauty and having fun
• Land Ranger vehicles are equipped with power strips to charge as we travel!
• Fans are not always available but you can bring a rechargeable one: https://a.co/d/g9Vi2Ev THERE IS NO AIR CONDITIONING 
• WIFI is available at the lodges/camps in the main area only.  And it is slow.  WHATS APP is the app used to make calls and send text messages over WiFi.   
  
• Rechargeable headlights are very useful - flash lights too!

SUIT CASES: TRAVEL AND LUGGAGE

• Small (22') soft sided wheelie duffel bags, duffel bags or back packs.  On safari one is always on the go and your luggage will be loaded in the back  of overland vehicles.  NO RECTANGLE SOFT SUITCASES OR HARD SHELL SUITCASES   
  
• Compression packing cubes FABRIC ONLY NO PLASTIC 
• Plastic is banned in Tanzania so do not bring ziplocs bags or any plastic
  
• .We always recommend your personal supplies stay with you in your day pack as you travel. 
• Bring an empty folded duffel bag or two that you can check on the way your home that will hold all your purchases - any size

The important stuff: Toilets and Showers

• We will stop for you any time, no worries, and there are many public restrooms as we travel
• On safari we go behind a tree or behind the vehicle.  DO NOT LEAVE TOILET PAPER 
• At the lodge or bush camp.  All rooms have en-suite bathrooms and showers.  
• Scorpions are a thing.  Wear flip flops in the shower and make sure to really look around with a flashlight before you hop in.  DO NOT LEAVE SHOES ON THE FLOOR - be sure to shake them out
• All lodges have soap and shampoo 

BEFORE YOU LEAVE HOME

• Call your bank to let them know your travel plans if you use a debit or ATM card
• Call your credit card company to let them know you are traveling 
• Call your cell phone company to see if they have travel rates.