Kenya & Tanzania: A Classic Safari

Deposit Information:

The deposit and the fees for the optional Protection Plan or Cancel Fee Waiver [CFW] coverage are due at time of booking. Your deposit is CAD $750.

At the time of booking, please have the following information ready:

• Tour Name and Departure Date Desired
• Traveler Name(s):  Please have first and last names as they appear on the passport or driver's license.
• Traveler's Address(es)
• Traveler's Phone Number(s)
• Emergency Contact Information: This would be a relative or friend whom we could contact during the tour in the event of an emergency. Please provide their name and phone number(s).
• Interest in purchasing a travel protection product (US and Canada)
• Interest in extending your trip by staying in a Tauck recommended hotel before your trip begins or after it ends
• Interest in our specially negotiated airfares.

Regarding your final payment:

Final Payment is due to Tauck 90 days before departure for lands trips, and 120 days before departure for cruises and rail journeys. If your deposit was made by credit card, final payment will be automatic unless you opted out at time of booking. Bookings without full payment at this time may be subject to cancellation without notice. Failure to make payment will be a considered a cancellation by the guest and all applicable cancellation fees will apply.

Effective for plans purchased as of August 2025:

Tauck's Guest Protection

Tauck's Guest Protection provides you with cancellation protection before your journey begins as well as insurance benefits while you are traveling. Guest Protection includes the following:

Cancellation Waiver – Provided by Tauck:

Under Tauck's Cancellation Fee Waiver you can cancel your tour for ANY REASON up to the day before departure and receive a money-back refund (except in Extreme Circumstances*) on the land tour cost, based on your original method of payment.

*Extreme Circumstances: In the event of an act of God, war (whether declared or undeclared), terrorism, accident, natural disaster, outbreak of disease, or other event or circumstance beyond our control that contributes to or results in cancellation rates above our historical cancellation rates in the absence of such event or occurrence, Tauck reserves the right to issue a credit to you in lieu of a money-back refund, applicable to a future Tauck journey.

Travel Insurance Benefits – Underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company.

• Trip Cancellation – If you must cancel your tour due to a covered reason, the plan provides coverage for the amount you paid for your travel arrangements. Since the non-insurance cancellation waiver takes care of the land package cancellation fees already, this benefit reimburses the airfare cancellation charges up to the value of your original airfare purchase.
  
  
• Trip Interruption – If you have to interrupt your tour for covered reasons, the plan provides reimbursement to catch up to your tour or return home.
  
  
• Travel Delay – Provides reimbursement for missed, prepaid travel arrangements if you are delayed by a common carrier, natural disaster, unannounced strike, or other reasons as cited in the plan.
  
  
• Medical Expense – Reimburses covered medical expenses incurred in the event you become injured or sick during your trip. 
  
  
• Baggage / Personal Effects Protection – Provides reimbursement in the event your luggage or personal effects are, lost, stolen, damaged or delayed during your trip.

• Worldwide Emergency Assistance Services – Provided by Carefree Travel Assistance; 24-hour emergency telephone assistance hotline for medical and travel related problems.

The cost of Tauck's Guest Protection (CAD) is:

$425 per person – Costa Rica: Jungles & Rainforests; Mystical Peru

This protection provides insurance coverage that applies only during the covered trip. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home and automobile policies. If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer, insurance agent or broker.

This optional Guest Protection must be requested at time of booking and fee must be included with initial payment. Fees are based on costs as of August 2025, and are subject to change. Details will be provided with written confirmation of your tour reservation. Guest Protection does not protect travel agent commissions. Reimbursements will be made according to original method of payment. The amount of any refund shall be reduced by any recoveries obtained by you from any third parties. 

The Guest Protection plan waives cancellation fees, provided we are notified of cancellation before your tour departs. Tour cancellation fees are waived regardless of reason, without written notice, and Tauck will refund land tour cost. 

Note: All Guests, regardless of residency, who book a Tauck journey have the option of purchasing the Cancellation Fee Waiver provided by Tauck in the event they need to cancel their trip after making their reservations. Tauck's Guest Protection, which includes both the Cancellation Fee Waiver and the Travel Insurance Benefits and Assistance Services, is not available to residents of Puerto Rico.

To obtain your state-specific Certificate of Insurance that contains the complete terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the certificate, visit http://www.affinitytravelcert.com/docs/TACGPPINTL

If you cancel within 10 days of initial deposit

Within the first 10 days after you place your initial deposit, you may cancel your reservation for any reason with no cancellation fees.

If you cancel more than 10 days after initial deposit

Regardless of reason, cancellations of confirmed bookings result in costly penalties and fees from hotel, ship operators and other travel providers.  Therefore, a cancellation will result in a fee that increases as the days until departure shorten.  Tauck's Guest Protection Plan provides you with protection that reduces these fees as outlined below.

 

Cancellation Fees with Tauck's Guest Protection Plan:

Guests choosing to purchase Tauck's Guest Protection will incur the loss of  the Guest Protection fee, per person.

 

Cancellation Fees without Tauck's Guest Protection Plan:

90 days or more before departure   =          Loss of Deposit, per person.

89-30 days before departure              =          Loss of 15% of cost of tour, not including air (if applicable) per person 

29-1 days before departure                =          Loss of 25% of cost of tour, not including air (if applicable) per person 

 
Tour Interruption Fees

If you have to interrupt your tour en route, you may be entitled to a refund for the unused land portion if it exceeds 24 hours; certain restrictions apply. Such refunds are based upon the number of overnights missed less a fee of $40 per person per day for unused transportation and other fixed expenses.

Partial Room Cancellation

A person who cancels or leaves a tour while a roommate remains constitutes a cancellation of one type of accommodation and rebooking of another type of accommodation. The price charged to the remaining person is the new, higher price for the new accommodation.

 
In the event of an unforeseen circumstance beyond our control, Tauck reserves the right to amend the cancellation terms outlined herein.

Click here to find Tauck's Travel Terms & Conditions.

Passport Information Requirement: Tauck is required to obtain passport information for all guests on this tour. It is necessary for Tauck to provide agencies we work through this information well in advance of this journey's start date. Passport information that is not provided to our office at least 60 days before departure may result in the delay of producing your tour documents. Passport information can be submitted to Tauck via My Account on tauck.com website or by completing the attached form and emailing it to: passportinfo@tauck.com.

Passport & Visa Requirement: U.S. citizens will require a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond completion of this journey. Up-to-date visas for Kenya and Tanzania are also required. Your passport must contain at least four blank visa pages.

Your visa application requires a detailed summary of your Tauck itinerary, which is included in your Journey Confirmation or can be found on the Overview page in the Documents section of My Account. Please Note: As a visa is an official government document, Tauck is unable to apply for a visa on your behalf and we are very limited with the assistance we are able to provide.

Please Note: E-visas are available for both Kenya and Tanzania. Visas may not be processed more than 3 months prior to departure and, once obtained; you should print out a copy for one or both countries, before departing for your journey.

For Tanzania to obtain your evisa, please visit: https://immigration.go.tz/. The point of entry into Tanzania is Arusha, Tanzania. Visa fees are not included in the tour cost.

For Kenya to obtain your eTA (evisa) travelers from the U.S., Canada, U.K. Australia and many other countries should visit: www.etakenya.go.ke. The point of entry into Kenya is Namanga, Kenya. Visa should be submitted no more than 90 days and the processing fee of $34 USD is not included in the tour cost.  It is recommended that families apply as a group. 

Please Note: Guests who choose to alter their air arrangements to fly round trip via Nairobi may be required to obtain a multiple-entry visa, rather than the single-entry Kenyan visa required for our program.

As an alternative to obtaining a visa for these countries on your own, Tauck has collaborated with VisaCentral in the U.S. to assist our guests with processing and issuing their visas. Visa kits may be downloaded through our tauck.com website. The visa fees are not included in the tour cost, and payment should be made directly to VisaCentral.

Please Note: While Tauck has an affiliation with VisaCentral for processing visas, you are not required to process your visa through VisaCentral, and may elect to choose other visa services or work directly through the appropriate consulates or embassies.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Failure to obtain ALL necessary documentation prior to your tour may result in being denied entry into a country, or delays in entry until proper documentation can be obtained.  In consideration of the larger group (and to maintain our planned itinerary), travelers who have failed to obtain the necessary documentation in advance may need to remain at the airport, and could thus be responsible for arranging (and paying for) their own transportation to join the group.  Tauck will not be responsible for obtaining any missing documentation, nor will Tauck be responsible for any expenses incurred, missed tour components or other losses resulting from the failure to obtain proper travel documents in advance.

Non-U.S. citizens should check with the Kenyan and Tanzanian Embassies or Consulates to determine necessary travel documents.

We strongly recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents are misplaced, lost or stolen.

To facilitate Travel Requirements, destinations are increasingly utilizing online forms that require digital proof that you've successfully completed your submission (via an email, QR code, etc.) To ensure smooth travels and peace of mind, we strongly recommend all guests carry a personal smart phone and sign up for international data plans before traveling overseas.

TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN AS A GUARDIAN: If you are traveling as the guardian of a child/children, we strongly suggest that you carry a letter from both parents of the child authorizing emergency treatment in the event of illness or accident. For travel abroad, many foreign countries have specific entry requirements for children under 21 who are traveling internationally without BOTH parents. (These requirements are in response to the increased incidence of children being abducted and taken abroad.) PLEASE NOTE THAT TAUCK IS NOT RESPONSIBLE for the disruption of travel caused by improper documentation for children traveling without both parents.

HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS

Please check with your health insurance provider to determine whether you are covered while traveling. If you will not be covered under your current policy, we strongly suggest that you arrange for adequate coverage while on tour.

VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Some of the countries visited on this itinerary may require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against certain diseases in order to enter the country.  These requirements are subject to frequent change as outbreaks occur and subside in different areas, and it is therefore crucial that you obtain the very latest information on entry requirements as you prepare for your journey.

Regarding the Yellow Fever Vaccination: 

While not a Tauck requirement, guests are advised to bring proof of Yellow Fever Vaccination or a doctor's note stating why they are unable to get the Yellow Fever vaccination for entry into Kenya. Please be advised this regulation often changes. 

Please consult with your personal physician about receiving a Yellow Fever vaccination. Please Note: Vaccinations are not required for travelers age 65 and older, or for other individuals with certain medical conditions. Guests who receive the yellow fever immunization should bring proof of vaccination (obtainable from your physician) on tour. Guests who do not receive the vaccination (whether due to age or another reason) should bring a note from their physician explaining why the vaccine was not administered. Vaccinations received before 2017 are valid for 10 years. Vaccinations received after 2017 are valid for life, regardless of age.

For the most current information, please consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) by clicking here and the World Health Organization (WHO) by clicking here. You may also wish to visit the web sites for the embassies of the countries you will be visiting.  Besides providing details on vaccination requirements, these sites can also provide information on vaccinations that may be recommended (but aren't required) and other potential health issues for which no vaccines are available.

Any decisions relating to your health, of course, should not be based solely on information provided by a web site.  It is critically important that you consult with your personal physician prior to your journey to obtain any required vaccinations and to review any optional recommendations offered by the CDC or other sources.

Please be sure to discuss your journey with your physician at least four to six weeks in advance of your departure, as certain vaccinations take time to become fully effective.  Also, be certain to ask your physician for proof of any vaccinations you receive, and to pack this proof along with your other travel documents in your carry-on luggage (not in your checked luggage).

Researching and complying with vaccination entry requirements for the countries visited on this itinerary is the responsibility of the traveler and not Tauck. Tauck is therefore not responsible for any expenses incurred or disruptions to travel caused by improper or incomplete vaccinations, or by the failure to provide proof of required vaccinations.

If you do not obtain the necessary vaccinations and proper documentation, you may be denied entry into one or more countries, or temporarily quarantined until the necessary vaccinations are administered, or until proper documentation is provided. 

All travelers to Africa should be in reasonably good health. There is a not a significant amount of walking on this tour; however, the walking that is done takes place over uneven terrain, occurs frequently in warm weather, and includes climbing in and out of safari vehicles. As noted above, you will take 4 on-tour flights that use single or twin engine propeller planes accommodating 18-50 passengers. We strongly advise that guests who require assistance walking or who travel with oxygen tanks may not fully enjoy this very active journey.

There are certain rules and regulations that one should be aware of while on safari. It is important that you listen to your tour director, local guide or ranger, as they are trained to be aware of the environment around them. Guests should be aware that while on safari, you will be traveling in smaller groups and will travel on small bush planes and/or helicopters.

Guests will share smaller safari vehicles, where they will be required to rotate not only safari guides, rangers and cars, but also seats within the car. Please note that there are limited medical facilities, and guests will not have exclusive use to a vehicle should they need special attention or consideration.

The safari vehicles are not air conditioned. The cars have six window seats, with roofs that lift up for animal viewing. Please note that the areas traversed on game drives are typically unpaved and will often be bumpy and dusty.

Please note that all Tauck guests will dine at Tauck Designated tables for meals. The majority of meals while on safari, are buffet due to the international guests that stay at the lodges.

A NOTE ON THE SCHEDULED HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE: The minimum age to participate in the hot air balloon ride is seven. There is no maximum age, although you must be reasonably mobile, fit to fly, and prepared for an adventure! Balloon passenger weights are calculated at an average of 176 lbs (80 kg) per person. If you weigh more than 50% above the average weight (i.e., 265 lbs/120 kg), you may be charged an additional fee.

AN IMPORTANT NOTE ON SUPPLEMENTAL OXYGEN AND MOBILITY ISSUES: This Tauck itinerary cannot accommodate oxygen tanks, wheelchairs or motorized scooters.  Oxygen tanks are strictly prohibited in many foreign countries on regional flights aboard small aircraft, such as those intra-tour flights featured on this Tauck journey.  Likewise, the very limited cargo capacity on such flights prohibits the transport of wheelchairs or motorized scooters.

Guests should also bear in mind that the infrastructure in many foreign countries, particularly in developing countries, often presents severe and even insurmountable challenges for those with walking difficulties or other mobility issues. The responsibility of the Tauck Director is to ensure that the larger group enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing individual assistance to any one guest.  Guests requiring such individualized assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied companion who can provide it.

SPECIAL DIETARY REQUESTS

The restaurants, hotels, caterers and numerous other partners we work with all do their best to accommodate special dietary requests from Tauck guests. However, given the diverse nature of those food providers (from small wineries to grand hotels to world-famous restaurants in more than 70 countries worldwide), some of our partners are better able than others to accommodate such requests. We therefore cannot guarantee that all dietary requests can be accommodated at every meal. Also, please note that where dietary requests can be accommodated, choices will frequently be limited.

Some of the countries visited on this itinerary may require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against certain diseases in order to enter the country.  These requirements are subject to frequent change as outbreaks occur and subside in different areas, and it is therefore crucial that you obtain the very latest information on entry requirements as you prepare for your journey.

Regarding the Yellow Fever Vaccination: 

While not a Tauck requirement, guests are advised to bring proof of Yellow Fever Vaccination or a doctor's note stating why they are unable to get the Yellow Fever vaccination for entry into Kenya. Please be advised this regulation often changes. 

Please consult with your personal physician about receiving a Yellow Fever vaccination. Please Note: Vaccinations are not required for travelers age 65 and older, or for other individuals with certain medical conditions. Guests who receive the yellow fever immunization should bring proof of vaccination (obtainable from your physician) on tour. Guests who do not receive the vaccination (whether due to age or another reason) should bring a note from their physician explaining why the vaccine was not administered. Vaccinations received before 2017 are valid for 10 years. Vaccinations received after 2017 are valid for life, regardless of age.

For the most current information, please consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) by clicking here and the World Health Organization (WHO) by clicking here. You may also wish to visit the web sites for the embassies of the countries you will be visiting.  Besides providing details on vaccination requirements, these sites can also provide information on vaccinations that may be recommended (but aren't required) and other potential health issues for which no vaccines are available.

Any decisions relating to your health, of course, should not be based solely on information provided by a web site.  It is critically important that you consult with your personal physician prior to your journey to obtain any required vaccinations and to review any optional recommendations offered by the CDC or other sources.

Please be sure to discuss your journey with your physician at least four to six weeks in advance of your departure, as certain vaccinations take time to become fully effective.  Also, be certain to ask your physician for proof of any vaccinations you receive, and to pack this proof along with your other travel documents in your carry-on luggage (not in your checked luggage).

Researching and complying with vaccination entry requirements for the countries visited on this itinerary is the responsibility of the traveler and not Tauck. Tauck is therefore not responsible for any expenses incurred or disruptions to travel caused by improper or incomplete vaccinations, or by the failure to provide proof of required vaccinations.

If you do not obtain the necessary vaccinations and proper documentation, you may be denied entry into one or more countries, or temporarily quarantined until the necessary vaccinations are administered, or until proper documentation is provided.  

AIRFARE: Airfare to and from this destination is not included in the journey cost. If purchasing your air elsewhere, it is very important to provide us with your confirmed arriving and departing flight information no later than 3 weeks before your arrival date. Flight information can be submitted to Tauck (or verified, if you've already provided it) in the My Account section of Tauck.com.

TAUCK AIRPORT TRANSFERS are included at the start and end of the journey between the airport and the Tauck hotel. Airport transfers are available for any pre tour or post tour hotel stays immediately consecutive to the tour, providing flight information is received in the Tauck office no later than three weeks in advance. Details on locating your transfer upon arrival to the tour start city will be included in your final documents.

AIRLINES and CHECKED LUGGAGE: Due to space limitations during your Tauck journey, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one average-size suitcase per person. Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and are free to revise luggage policies without notice. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies. PLEASE NOTE that if you are booked on a tour that includes on-tour flights, the checked luggage weight restrictions for these flights may be lower than the weight restrictions for your international flights.

Special Luggage Restrictions for this Tour

All guests will receive a special medium-sized duffel bag before departing their home (including international guests). In order to provide you with them, Tauck must have your email, contact phone and address for shipping for all guests traveling on the tour.

These journeys include multiple internal flights on smaller planes, so guests (both domestic and international) will be issued a duffel bag for the journey; this duffel will be your only piece of checked luggage used during specific intra-tour flights on your tour.

While larger suitcases are prohibited, each guest is allowed a small carry-on, in addition to their duffel bag. To help with your packing, Tauck will provide you with a duffel bag that has been specially designed to provide more than adequate space for essential items needed while on safari on days 4-8.

Duffel bags will be used on Days 4 - 7 and 11 - 13 of your tour, when your group will be traveling to the Serengeti and Maasai Mara on intra-tour flights via a small to mid-sized aircraft, with limited luggage storage. Please know, casual attire is acceptable on this tour, and all lodges offer laundry service.

Upon receipt of the Tauck duffel bag, PLEASE ENSURE YOU BRING IT WITH YOU ON TOUR. Beyond what is available for guests outside the continental U.S., we do not have a supply of bags available on tour for every guest on tour. If you forget your duffle bag at home, one will not be provided for you on tour.

Your primary luggage will be safely stored in Arusha until your arrival on Day 7 Your primary luggage will be safely stored in Nairobi Serena Hotel until your
arrival on Day 13

In addition, you are limited to one soft-sided, carry-on bag per person not to exceed 11 lbs. (5 kg) that is no larger than an average knapsack.

IMPORTANT: Duffel Bag Notice and Usage for Tauck Guests on Intra-Tour Flights: If you reside in the mainland of the United States, Alaska, or Hawaii, the duffel bag will be sent to your home and should arrive approximately two weeks before your departure for Tanzania.

If you reside outside of the continental U.S., you will receive your duffel from your Tauck Director while on tour. Upon receipt of the Tauck duffel bag, PLEASE ENSURE YOU BRING IT WITH YOU ON TOUR. Beyond what is available for guests outside the continental U.S., we do not have a supply of bags available on tour for every guest on tour. If you forget your duffle bag at home, one will not be provided for you on tour. 

Checked Luggage – General

Due to space restrictions, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one medium-sized duffel bag (provided) per person weighing no more than 33 pounds (15 kg) and with overall dimensions (24" x 12.5" x 13") and one soft-sided carry-on weighting no more than 11 lbs. (5 kg).

Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and luggage exceeding airline standards for size or weight may result in expensive overage fees or other consequences.

Airlines are free to revise luggage policies without notice, and certain airlines have different baggage allowances for different classes of service. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies.

Tauck luggage tags will be provided by your Tauck Director on Day 1 of your itinerary. Please do not attach a Tauck luggage tag to any carry-on items, as the Tauck tags designate luggage that is to be handled and transferred by ground operators and hotel staff during your journey.

Carry-on Luggage - General

Although oversize bags and wheeled, carry-on luggage are popular for airline travel, they are often not convenient or appropriate for safari vehicle travel or for many on-tour flights. Most modern safari vehicles offer limited space for numerous or larger items. Space under seats is typically small, and designed to accommodate items like coats, hats, purses, and small camera bags, etc.

For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece, and that you bring only those items you need handy during the day such as make-up, medications, valuables, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the seat must be stored in the luggage truck, and will be inaccessible during daytime travel.

Please Note: Tanzania has adopted a regulation prohibiting the use or possession of single-use plastic bags (not including small Ziploc bags), which have become an environmental issue there.  This new regulation is particularly noteworthy because it becomes effective on June 1, 2019.  Penalties for violating the regulation have not been made public, but for guidance, in nearby Kenya the penalties are extremely severe: a fine of up to $40,000 or four years in prison for simply possessing a plastic bag. In banning plastic bags, Tanzania is joining more than 60 other countries that have banned, partly banned or taxed single-use plastic bags, including China, France, Rwanda and Italy. 

Like any travel adventure, packing can be a daunting task, especially for something as unique and fun as an African safari! 

Whether you're journeying through the sweeping plains of East Africa or the diverse landscapes of South Africa, having the right items packed ensures a comfortable, convenient, and effortless travel experience. Let Tauck steer you in the right direction and help take the stress out of packing with this helpful guide.

East Africa has a tropical climate influenced by its proximity to the equator and varying altitudes. It experiences two rainy seasons and two dry seasons, making it a year-round destination.

Summer (December – February)

• General Weather:
• Warm, dry conditions with occasional short showers.
• Temperatures:
• Daytime: 75–95°F (24–35°C).
• Evening/Morning: 55–65°F (13–18°C).

Autumn (March – May)

• General Weather:
• Daily afternoon showers, sometimes prolonged. Higher humidity compared to other seasons.
• Temperatures:
• Daytime: 70–85°F (21–29°C).
• Evening/Morning: 55–65°F (13–18°C).

Winter (June – August)

• General Weather:
• Dry, sunny days with little to no rain and low humidity.
• Cool mornings and evenings.
• Temperatures:
• Daytime: 70–85°F (21–29°C).
• Evening/Morning: 50–60°F (10–15°C).

Spring (September – November)

• General Weather:
• Intermittent, light rains in the afternoons or evenings.
• A mix of sunny and overcast days.
• Temperatures:
• Daytime: 70–90°F (21–32°C).
• Evening/Morning: 55–65°F (13–18°C).

What type of suitcase should I bring?

For more information, please refer to your journeys "Air Information and Luggage Restriction" informational item in the "Needs to Know" section on My Account or on Tauck.com.

What kind of clothes should I pack?

The most important tip we can give for all guests joining us on our African safaris is to pack light. Prioritize practical, lightweight, and versatile clothing that can be used for game drives and times of leisure. Focus on packing earth-toned colors such as khaki, olive, and tan to help blend into the natural surroundings as well as to help keep cool under the African sun. Also keep in mind, while comfort is key, it's important to consider layering as temperatures can change throughout the day. We recommend packing:

• Lightweight, breathable shirts – both short- and long-sleeved for sun protection and layering.
• Convertible or lightweight long pants and shorts – quick-drying is ideal, but not necessary.
• A light jacket, fleece, or windbreaker - perfect for early morning game drives and cooler evenings.
• A pair of comfortable walking shoes - sturdy, worn-in sneakers or lightweight hiking shoes are ideal, heavy boots are not necessary.
• A sun hat - highly recommended for protection against the sun.
• Formal evening attire is completely optional – while safari lodges are informal, you may wish to dress up slightly for welcome and farewell dinners.
• Swimsuit (optional) – many lodges feature pools to enjoy during downtime.

Tips and Things to Avoid:

• Avoid dark colors such as black and navy, not only do they absorb heat, they can also attract tsetse flies. However, these colors can be worn during the evening hours.
• Camouflage prints are not recommended for travel in Africa and are illegal in many African countries.
• White can be worn, but is not recommended as it can get quite dirty.
• Clothes should be comfortable and washable—game drives can be dusty,
• Laundry services are available at most lodges for a nominal fee.
• Remember that formal and resort attire is not required.

Tauck Tip: Packing cubes can be a huge help in packing and organizing clothes, as well as saving space!

Still don't know where to start? We've partnered with Necessary Gear, a trusted source for expertly curated travel essentials, to make preparing for your safari seamless. Click here to explore their tailored recommendations.

Preparation is key. When packing, we highly suggest bringing a travel-size personal kit filled with medication for any common ailment you may experience including, but not limited to, upset stomach, headaches or allergies.  

• Don't forget prescription medications – be sure to bring enough for your trip along with a copy of your prescription from your doctor.
• Insect repellent with DEET is highly recommended for protection against mosquitoes and other insects.
• Sunscreen (SPF 30+) – the African sun can be intense, even on cloudy days.
• Lip balm with SPF protection – to prevent chapping from the sun and protect against wind exposure.
• Antibacterial wipes or hand sanitizer – for hygiene during game drives and excursions.
• Travel-size first aid kit – include pain relievers, allergy medication, and remedies for an upset stomach.
• Make a copy of all important personal travel documents – Before leaving on your journey, be sure to make multiple copies of all personal travel documents you'll be using on your journey. These include your passport and visa information for the countries you'll be traveling to. We strongly recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents are misplaced, lost or stolen.
• Charger and adapters. In many of the accommodations on your journey, the electrical current is between 220 – 240 volts. It is highly recommended to bring an electrical converter and an adapter. Please reference the guide below to determine which adapters you will need for the countries you will be visiting. Having the appropriate adapters is key to ensuring your devices are charged and ready to go at all times.

• Kenya and Tanzania
• Socket Type: Type G
• Voltage: 220 – 240V
• Frequency: 50 Hz
• South Africa
• Socket Types: Type D, M and C
• Voltage: 220 – 230V
• Frequency: 50 Hz
• Rwanda
• Socket Types: Type C and J
• Voltage: 230V
• Frequency: 50 Hz

Should I bring my camera?

Yes! Capturing the awe-inspiring landscapes and incredible wildlife is a highlight of any safari. While not necessary, packing the right gear and equipment will help to make the most of your safari experience. 

Recommended Equipment:

• Binoculars (7x50 recommended) – for close-up wildlife viewing.
• Camera with extra memory cards and batteries – a 200mm+ telephoto lens is ideal for wildlife photography.
• Smartphones are awesome too - If you don't have a fancy camera, no problem! Any smartphone device works perfect for capturing the beauty of safari!
• Protective gear for electronics – dustproof covers and waterproof bags to safeguard your devices from the outside elements.

Am I forgetting anything?

While we have covered most of the essentials, here is a list of a couple items that may come in handy during your time on safari.

• A lightweight daypack – perfect for carrying your camera, water bottle, and personal items during game drives.
• Reusable water bottle – stay hydrated while reducing plastic waste.
• Collapsible umbrella or rain poncho – useful during the rainy season.
• Sunglasses with UV protection – to shield your eyes from the bright sun.
• Travel alarm or phone with alarm function – many lodges may not provide alarm clocks.
• A neck pillow - perfectly doubles as a pillow to sit on during bumpy game drives.

What about money? Should I contact my bank in advance?

When traveling abroad, it's important to know the local currencies of the countries you'll be traveling to as well as if they accept your country of origin's currency. We also advise to tell your bank ahead of time that you'll be traveling abroad to prevent any unnecessary inconveniences when making credit card purchases. 

For U.S. residents, U.S. dollars are widely accepted in many African countries and can be used to pay any personal expenses while on tour like laundry, souvenirs, massages and alcoholic beverages. You may wish to carry some cash in U.S. dollars, in small denominations, for miscellaneous use when only a small amount of currency is required. Bills should be crisp and of the newer variety (with the larger presidential portraits). Bills printed prior to 2005 will not be accepted.

For information regarding exchange rates in the countries you may be visiting on safari, please click the links below:

Tanzania: Tanzanian Shilling
Kenya: Kenyan Shilling
South Africa: South African Rand
Rwanda: Rwandan Franc

In East Africa, American Express, Visa, and Master Card are all widely recognized credit cards and are accepted at most hotels, shops, and restaurants. Expect to pay surcharges of up to 10% for purchases made with credit cards in Tanzania and Kenya.

While ATM machines are becoming increasingly popular, they are not widely available at this time. We suggest that you contact your bank in advance of departure to make certain that you'll be able to use your card at locations abroad.

Visa and Master Card Traveler's Checks are widely accepted as well (US Dollars or South African Rand checks are recommended).

As in most countries, we suggest you do not carry large amounts of cash.

We have compiled a reading list of recommended books to give you more information about the destinations you will be traveling to on your upcoming journey!

You can view the reading list here.

Kenya and Tanzania are truly year-round destinations, as the climate frequently features warm, bright days and cool, crisp nights. Daytime temperatures throughout the year typically range from 60 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit, or 15.5 to 35 degrees Celsius; evening temperatures can be cooler, ranging from 50 to 60 F, or 10 to 15.5 C.

Late afternoon rains are customary. The rainy seasons are March through May (the "long rains") and October through December (the "short rains"). During these times, rain occurs mostly in the late afternoon, and is generally brief. The spring months are preferred by some for smaller crowds, verdant scenery, and delightful temperatures.

To read about current weather conditions, we suggest you log on to the Internet website by clicking here.