Packing list for Tanzania, travel insurance for Tanzania, and taking your belongings

What to take with you to Tanzania: spotlighted

• Documents: Passport, valid for at least 6 months after the end of your trip. An online and/or offline copy of your passport.
• Money: Enough Tanzanian Shillings (TZS) in cash (preferably small) for most of your holiday – US dollars are also acceptable, but they must be new and free of tears. Debit and credit cards for the big cities.
• Care: Enough sunscreen, as it is cheaper and easier to find at home (read more about sunscreen and sun block).
• Outdoor and practical: sunglasses and something for your head (read more about a hat, travel cap or cap here!
• Clothing: light and neutrally colored tropical clothing that is best for safaris and warm areas if it covers your body because of the mosquitoes. A not too thin sweater for the cooler hills.
• Shoes: suitable, light shoes for walking and the tropics. And possibly travel sandals, tevas or open shoes.
• Medicines and travel pharmacy: a small first aid kit with plasters, painkillers, anti-diarrhea, disinfectant and of course good anti-mosquito repellent (see also DEET anti-mosquito repellent).
• Technology and equipment: world plug type D & G (see also world plug or travel plug), power bank for your multi-day nature trips.
• Women: menstrual products. You can even take some extra to leave somewhere. Also check the Binti project and Reenpad if you want to contribute.
• Extras: a reusable bag. Plastic bags are prohibited, so don't bring them! (Wet), biodegradable wipes for toilet visits.

What are some other options for packing as well?

• Reusable water bottle with filter (read more about drinking bottles).
• Mini binoculars or monocular.
• Water shoes, given the coral and rocks in the water at various locations.
• Mosquito net, impregnated or not (read more about mosquito nets or impregnated mosquito net or mosquito net).
• Sandals/slippers for at the hotel.
• Headlamp (read more about headlamp or flashlight) and entertainment for evening adventures.
• Money belt if you want to feel a bit safer (but not really necessary).

What should you keep in mind when traveling to Tanzania with your belongings?

• That you will spend quite a bit of extra cash on tips (10%). 
• The culture of the regions you are going to - in Zanzibar and Islamic regions for example: no bare shoulders or knees, not even on the beach in local neighborhoods.

Are there mosquitoes in Tanzania?

• There are mosquitoes throughout Tanzania.
• Mosquitoes in Tanzania can transmit both malaria and dengue.
• Mosquitoes are particularly active at sunrise and sunset.
• More about protection against mosquitoes and insects.

Are there sandflies in Tanzania?

• Sand flies are not a big problem in Tanzania, but have been found in the north of the country (where they can transmit leishmaniasis) and tourists report sand flies on some islands.
• If you are already protecting yourself against mosquitoes, you probably don't have to worry about sand flies.

Can you buy DEET, or other mosquito repellents, in Tanzania?

• DEET is available at large pharmacies in Tanzania and also natural mosquito repellent. But… the choice is a lot more limited and often a lot more expensive than at home because it has to be imported.

Can you buy a joint or weed in Tanzania, or take it with you to Tanzania?

• Weed is illegal and foreign tourists are severely punished with prison sentences.
• Even small amounts can cause big problems. So: Hakuna matata? Only without a joint.
• So you are not allowed to take it with you!