Jambo Rafikis!
This weekend, the two of us, Mefi & Georgie, fly to Tanzania to visit the camps we love, game drives and long-overdue catch-up with friends and ground teams. We spend most of our year getting guests ready for exactly this moment, so this time we're turning the lens on ourselves. We both grew up in Tanzania, so this always feels like going home. It’s extra special that we get to go on Safari together for the first time, to the place where Journey to Africa was born. Tanzania is the place that shaped our love for the wild and wonderful corners of Africa, and its incredible people.
Walking in the Ngorongoro Highlands. I can’t wait to be up there soon!
You can find a Safari Packing Guide on our previous blog. This is the other stuff: like small decisions and random admin that make the difference between arriving frazzled and arriving ready. This is what our own prep has looked like this month as we got ready for our long awaited Tanzania time!
1. Check your passport before anything else.
From Mefi
My passport expires next May, which put it right in the danger zone for Tanzania. Most East African countries expect at least six months of validity beyond your travel dates, and airlines can refuse boarding if you fall short. I renewed mine here in Houston, and the whole process was super quick.
Our tip: look at your passport the day you book, and check that you have a at least a couple of blank pages too. It's the one thing we can't fix for you from the bush!
2. Do the visa, but don’t panic if it doesn’t come through!
From Mefi
I applied for my Tanzania e-visa a few weeks ago, and it got … rejected! I think because of my passport expiring, so I had to start again. It hasn’t come through yet but hamna shida - no problem. I will take the printed proof of payment with me, and they should be able to find it on their system. If not, I have spare $100 to get the visa on arrival. This is a good test for us to make sure we experience everything our guests might with visa issues, queues, etc, so we know how to best prepare our guests.
Our tip: Apply at least two weeks ahead. If it doesn’t come through, save a copy of your approval on your phone and print one for your carry-on. And bring $100 as backup.
3. Switch to WhatsApp!
From Mefi
I learned this one the hard way the other day. I spent twenty minutes on an international call with the Tanzanian insurance helpline, and the phone bill that followed was eye-watering. A WhatsApp call over wi-fi would have cost me nothing. Most of the places we stay have wi-fi, either in the rooms or in the main area, so Whatsapp is best for calling home too or sending us the occasional picture of your travels! Whatsapp for the win!
Our tip: Before you leave, download WhatsApp and save our numbers - we will have formed a group chat. Most camps have wi-fi in the main areas, which is plenty for a quick text/call home.
We love whatsapp on Safari, and keeping in touch with our guests!
4. Bring the camera (yes, the big lens too).
From Georgie
Mefi nearly left her camera at home to save weight this time. I told her she'd regret it, and I'm happy to report her 70–300mm lens is coming with us. Phones are brilliant for landscapes, camp life and the people you meet. We are extra excited that we have one of our favorite photographers in Tanzania, Fahad Fuad, joining us for a few days to get some moments of us on Safari.
Our tip: pack your camera gear in your carry-on, bring a spare battery and extra memory cards, and practice with your settings at home before you go.
5. Watch the weather, then relax about it
From Georgie
I am based in Kenya, and we are seeing a lot about the start of the super El-Nino. Tanzania's short rains usually arrive in November, and forecasts are showing showers rolling in a little early this year. I spotted the forecast last week, and the plan is simple: a jacket, quick-dry layers, and shoes that can handle a bit of mud.
Safari vehicles carry ponchos, and when the rain comes you're usually tucked inside the vehicle or relaxing in your tent with a cup of tea. Rain also brings fresh green landscapes, dramatic skies and beautiful light afterward. The smell of the dry plains once they have finally drunk up the rains is something else - petrichor, it’s called. The smell of new life to come!
Our tip: pack layers you can add and peel off through the day. Early mornings on a game drive are chilly, even in Tanzania. You don’t need heavy rain gear - lodges have ponchos, umbrellas etc. Also, if you want the most accurate weather app, get Windy - it’s what all the pilots and remote camps use here.
7. Remember to enjoy the downtime too!
Our first week is a run of back-to-back lodge visits, drives, night game drives, walks and all that good stuff! We have to remember to enjoy that cuppa tea in the afternoon, that morning coffee with a view. Those little moments where you can breathe, and just be present for awhile. Wildlife and game drive excitement will always be the driving part of your Safari, but for us - these little peaceful pockets in the day are sacred too. Chai tastes the best in the wild - fact!
Our tip: tell us in advance how you like to travel. We'll share it with your guides so your days feel like yours from the start.
8. Think about the people
From Mefi & Georgie
Some of our happiest Safari moments have nothing to do with wildlife. I'm having dinner with old friends in Arusha and we're catching up with guides and the ground teams we've known for years and email almost everyday! Safari time is a time to connect, and laugh and learn.
Our tip: share what lights you up, whether that's birds, photography, culture or kids who want to drive the vehicle (with supervision!). It helps us choose the right lodge vibe, guide, and location for you.
Excited to catch up with old friends - our guides, ground partners, lodge teams and everyone in between!
Follow along!
We'll be sharing news from the bush on Instagram stories throughout the trip. Come along for the ride, and if a Tanzania Safari is on your list, we'd love to start planning yours.
Asante sana,
Mefi & Georgie