Tanzania: What to pack

Tanzania is a diverse destination in terms of landscapes, containing arid savannas, snow-capped mountains and sandy beaches. What to pack in your suitcase for Tanzania depends on whether you plan on a big game safari, a seaside getaway, or a climb on Mt. Kilimanjaro slopes. It is important to consider the specific activities you plan to do.

Here are several tips on packing for Tanzania trip:

• Pack a strong backpack for multi-day treks and a durable duffel bag for safaris since hard suitcases are unsuitable for transporting in safari jeeps. If neither is in your plans, obtain a sturdy suitcase that meets your needs in terms of size. If your bag does not come with padlock protection, buy a lock separately as luggage theft can be a problem in Tanzania.

• Carry a small handbag to store necessary travel documents and money. A money belt is also recommended for traveling anywhere in Africa. Unless you have checked your belongings into a reputable hotel, you will have to keep this safely on your person while traveling in Tanzania.

• Pack light loose cotton clothes, sunglasses, sunscreen, a swimming suit and a good hat. If you will be climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro, pack thermal underwear, a warm sweater and jacket, thick socks and durable hiking boots.

• Seal your toiletries within a small plastic bag to be stored either in your suitcase or handbag, depending on which items you wish to be easily accessible.

• Pack your camera gear in a protective case deep within your suitcase. For photographing wildlife in Tanzania, a 300mm telephoto lens is recommended.

Please note, to avoid extra carrying charges on the trip to Tanzania, ensure that the weight of your bag remains under 25 lbs.

Tanzania: How to Get Around

The bus is the most common way to travel around in Tanzania. Most buses have a simple design, and the roads are poor, although 1st class air-con buses are available on the Dar-Moshi-Arusha route. Nearly all buses go in and out of Dar es Salaam. The main bus station in Dar (where all buses go), Ubungo, is 8 km west of the city center. A number of the better "intercity buses" provide you with complimentary drinks and biscuits. Scandinavian Express is a good choice if you want to travel by bus, as their routes cover much of the country, although they have fallen on hard times of late. They operate their own terminal in downtown Dar es Salaam.

In Dar, shared taxis, called Dalla-Dallas, can be taken cheaply to most places within a city.

Dalla-Dalla

Private taxis are also a convenient choice, but be sure to negotiate the price before you use them. Fellow travelers might be able to offer advice about a reasonable fare. Some places (e.g. Dar Es Salaam Airport) have a strong taxi cartel and post fixed prices.

If you can afford it, flying around Tanzania is faster and safer. Even the busiest roads are in poor condition, and bus drivers are not known for their patience or great driving skills. Road accidents claim more lives in Tanzania than any other cause of death, so be careful.