What to bring
Important to put in carry-on luggage:
- Plane tickets / Passport
- Medications, including Malaria Prophylaxis (carry in original bottles; bring any necessary prescription documents)
- Travel and Medical Insurance Papers
- Immunization Records
- Some cash (minimum 100 USD for visa entry)
- Credit card/ATM card with a 4-digit pin
- Extra change of clothes / toothbrush in case of luggage delays
Other recommended items:
- Clothes:
- underwear/socks (enough for days of travel)
- T-shirts (with sleeves)
- Pants (please no shorts that are too short. Close to knee or longer is preferred.)
- Sweatshirt or Fleece Jacket
- 2 pairs of shoes (walking shoes + sandals)
- Cap or Hat
- Mosquito repellant
- Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher is recommended)
- Toiletries – strongly recommend bringing 100% natural and biodegradable products
- Headlamp + batteries
- Camera
- Large and/or small day pack – for personal items while on safari
- Bandana (safari roads are dusty!)
- Wrist-watch (with alarm)
- Money belt
- Plastic bags or Zip-lock bags (the big ones – always comes in handy)
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Small lock for bag
- Binoculars
- Voltage converter (TZ outlets use 220-240 V)
- Good books or journals
It is strongly recommended that you bring your preference of insect or mosquito repellent. Especially in the early morning and evenings, mosquitoes can be present. Some flies and ticks can also be a nuisance depending on the geographical location.
It is highly recommended that you bring your preferred form of sun protection while on safari. This can include SPF30 or higher sunblock, hats, sunglasses, and thin long-sleeve shirts and pants.
Because Tanzania is close to the equator, UV rays are strong.
In safari vehicles
We currently have electronic charging options in our 4×4 safari vehicles. Keep in mind you will need adapters for Tanzania plugs (3 square prongs) at 220-240V.
At lodges or campsites
Depending on a lodging or camping safari, the answer can differ.
In selected lodges and luxury hotels and camps, options for charging electronics will be available. However, be aware that electricity is subject to frequent outage.
In a camping safari, you will not have the option for charging electronics at camp sites.
Money and tipping questions
Tips to your guides, drivers, and porters are a way to show you appreciate their hard work to make your journey enjoyable. Misele Safaris is proud to have some of the best people in the business doing what they love.
Misele Safaris is a fair employer and all Misele staff are fully salaried, however tipping is part of the safari culture and is recommended and appreciated.
The current mid-range rate for safari guides are as follows:
| Group of 1 – 3 persons | Group of 4-6 persons | Group of 7-10 persons | |||||||
| Standard | Select | Luxury | Standard | Select | Luxury | Standard | Select | Luxury | |
| Safari guide | 25 | 30 | 35 | 30 | 35 | 45 | 45 | 55 | 65 |
| Camp Chef | 10 | 12 | 15 | 15 | 20 | 25 | 20 | 25 | 30 |
| Driver | 10 | 15 | 20 | 15 | 20 | 25 | 20 | 25 | 30 |
| All rates are in USD per day per staff | |||||||||
Typically in Tanzania you do not need to tip at restaurants or hotel staff. However if you are impressed with the services, tips are appreciated.
In Stonetown, ATMs and bureau du change are widely available. You can also change common currency, such as US Dollars or Euro, with most hotel receptions.
Outside of Stonetown, ATMs and bureau du changes are not typically available. Please be aware as you make your plans for Zanzibar.
Phone and wifi
In most safari lodge, camp, and rest areas, you will be able to make and receive phone calls on your mobile phone if you have service to the local network.
You can get access to the local cellular network either though purchasing a local pre-paid SIM card, or through an international roaming plan from your home cellular network.
Outside of major hotels in urban areas, wifi service will not be available.
To access the internet while on safari, you will need to have access to the local cellular network and data. This can be done through either purchasing a pre-paid local SIM card and selecting a data plan option, or through your roaming data options from your home cellular network carrier.
Safety
Safaris are typically safe and you should not be overly concerned for safety of valuables. However, continue to practice normal precautions and do not flash and leave valuables out in the open.
We strongly recommend that valuables which are not necessary for your trip should be left at home.
You may also choose to store smaller valuables in the Misele Safaris’ office.
Misele Safaris is highly selective for quality, service, and safety of all accommodations for our travelers. Our negotiated accommodations must meet the highest standard for safety, and we do not tolerate petty theft or any history of compromised safety to our travelers.
Campsites within national parks are regulated by the Tanzania National Parks Authority. They are not fenced areas, which means that animals may occasionally come close to the campsites. Practice regular precautions, such as use of flashlights, avoid provoking or luring animals close to the camp, and avoid storing any food inside tents.
Your safari guide will be with you at campsites, and will provide additional safety details during your briefings
Tanzania prides itself as one of the safest places for safaris. Our Misele Safaris guides are well trained to observe and detect animal behavior, and are cognizant of maintaining Misele Safaris 100% safety record.
Animals do get close, but it is part of the excitement and thrill of being on safari.
Misele Safaris’ guides will provide in-depth briefings on your safety while on safari, and travelers are reminded to continue these practices while inside the national parks. Always keep in mind that we are humans in their space, and not vice versa!
If your questions have not been answered in our FAQs, please feel free to reach out to us directly at travel@miselesafaris.com. We are happy to help you during your travel preparations!