Things To Know Before Your Tanzanian Safari: Tanzania is an East African country known for its vast wilderness areas. They include the plains of Serengeti National Park, a safari mecca populated by the “big five” game (elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino), and Kilimanjaro National Park, home to Africa’s highest mountain. Offshore lie the tropical islands of Zanzibar, with Arabic influences, and Mafia, with a marine park home to whale sharks and coral reefs.

A Tanzania safari is the ultimate travel adventure. You’ll never know what to expect on a trip. In some cases, the trip is full of lions traversing the Central Serengeti with their young. Other times, you might follow the rains to catch that once-in-a-lifetime glimpse of wildebeest crossing the Mara River from Tanzania into Kenya — only to find yourself caught in a treacherous rainstorm en route to camp, when you just so happen to spot lions playing in the puddles.

Things To Know Before Your Tanzanian Safari:

To make the most of your once-in-a-lifetime Tanzania safari, here are a few things to keep in mind.

Bring Mosquito-Preventing Gear

The mosquitoes aren’t just annoying, they can also infect you with malaria, so wear thick enough clothes that mosquitoes and flies can’t bite through. I speak from experience, having suffered through a safari in thin leggings and sandals.

Avoid Navy Blue

Tsetse flies abound in the Serengeti, and they can spread sleeping sickness, not to mention nasty bites. Tough clothes will keep them from biting you, but avoid navy blue, too, as they’re attracted to this color.

Bring Warm Clothes

I bet you didn’t expect to pack warm clothes for a trip to sub-Saharan Africa, but the nights and early mornings can actually get pretty chilly. I always bring at least one sweatshirt and a light outer jacket or vest so I can remove layers in the Jeep.

Pack Motion-Sickness Medicine

If you’re prone to motion sickness, beware: Being on Safari could mean some upset stomachs. The trip starts with a tiny plane ride into the Serengeti, followed by days spent in a vehicle. My fiancé is prone to motion sickness and only had issues on one especially bumpy day. Just pack your medicine to prevent any issues!