How to Prepare for Safari
At Good Earth Tours, we’re dedicated to making your African adventure as safe, comfortable, and unforgettable as possible. From thrilling safaris to trekking the legendary Mount Kilimanjaro or unwinding on pristine beaches, our expert team is with you every step of the way. With 30 years of experience and deep local knowledge, we ensure every detail is meticulously planned to keep you secure, comfortable, and well taken care of.
What to Expect
Safety and comfort are our top priorities. Whether exploring the Okavango Delta on mokoro or witnessing the Great Migration, we work tirelessly to create seamless, stress-free journeys. Our experienced guides and representatives are always ready to handle any situation that may arise, allowing you to focus on making memories.
Keep reading to find all of our tips from packing to visa applications and what to expect in each country, so you can set yourself up for the greatest adventure!
Tanzania
Climate
Tanzania has a warm, tropical climate with wet and dry seasons.
Rainy Seasons (March–May & November): Lush landscapes, afternoon showers, and fewer crowds.
Dry Seasons (June–October & December–February): Warm and sunny, with prime wildlife viewing. Temps range 60ºF–85ºF (16ºC–29ºC), with cooler mornings and evenings.
Language
The official languages are Kiswahili and English. English is widely spoken in urban areas and tourist centers.
Currency
The Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) is the local currency, available in both notes and coins. Importing/exporting Tanzanian or Kenyan currency is illegal. Foreign currency (USD, EUR, GBP) can be exchanged at banks, exchange bureaus, and international airports. USD bills should be issued after 2009 for acceptance.
Electricity
Tanzania uses 220/240 volts with UK-style three-pin plugs. Travelers from North America will need plug and voltage converters.
Good To Know
Photography of locals requires permission. Respect cultural customs and ask your guide to ask for permission before taking photos.
Kenya
Climate
Kenya has a warm, tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons.
Rainy Seasons (March–May & November): Afternoon showers with lush scenery and fewer crowds.
Dry Seasons (June–October & December–February): Best for wildlife viewing. Temperatures range from 55ºF–85ºF (13ºC–29ºC).
Language
English and Kiswahili are the official languages. English is spoken widely, especially in urban and tourist areas.
Currency
The Kenyan Shilling (KES) is the local currency. USD, EUR, and GBP can be exchanged at banks, exchange bureaus, and major hotels. Credit cards are accepted in many lodges but carry cash for remote areas.
Electricity
Kenya uses 220/240 volts with British-style three-pin plugs. Travelers from North America will need plug adapters and voltage converters.
Good To Know
Avoid photographing government buildings or military personnel. Always ask permission before photographing locals.
Botswana
Climate
Botswana has a semi-arid climate with distinct wet and dry seasons.
Rainy Season (November–March): Afternoon thunderstorms, lush landscapes, and birdwatching opportunities.
Dry Season (April–October): Cooler mornings and evenings with excellent wildlife viewing. Temps range from 45ºF–85ºF (7ºC–29ºC).
Language
English is the official language, with Setswana being widely spoken.
Currency
The Botswana Pula (BWP) is the local currency. USD is widely accepted at lodges and camps, but having local currency is useful for small purchases.
Electricity
Botswana uses 220/240 volts with British-style three-pin plugs. Travelers from North America should bring plug adapters.
Good To Know
Botswana is home to many eco-friendly lodges. Pack light, neutral-colored clothing and avoid single-use plastics.
South Africa
Climate
South Africa has a varied climate depending on the region.
Summer (November–March): Warm temperatures (70ºF–95ºF / 21ºC–35ºC), with occasional rain.
Winter (May–August): Dry season with cooler temperatures (40ºF–70ºF / 4ºC–21ºC), great for safari.
Language
South Africa actually has 11 official languages, but English is commonly spoken, especially in tourist areas.
Currency
The South African Rand (ZAR) is the local currency. Credit cards are widely accepted, and ATMs are available in major cities.
Electricity
South Africa uses 220/240 volts with Type D, M, and N plugs. Travelers should bring plug adapters.
Good To Know
South Africa has world-class safari lodges and urban attractions. Malaria-free reserves are available for those concerned about taking malaria medication.
Rwanda & Uganda - Gorilla Trekking
Climate
Both Rwanda and Uganda have an equatorial climate, with rainfall spread throughout the year.
Dry Seasons (June–September & December–February): Best for gorilla trekking, with less mud and clearer trails.
Wet Seasons (March–May & October–November): Lush landscapes but muddy trails, making trekking more challenging.
Language
Rwanda: English, French, and Kinyarwanda.
Uganda: English and Luganda.
English is commonly spoken in both countries, particularly in tourism-related areas.
Currency
Rwanda: Rwandan Franc (RWF).
Uganda: Ugandan Shilling (UGX).
USD is accepted at hotels and lodges, but exchanging local currency is recommended for small transactions.
Electricity
Both countries use 220/240 volts with British-style three-pin plugs. Travelers should bring plug adapters and voltage converters.
Good To Know
Gorilla trekking permits must be booked in advance.
Only a limited number of visitors are allowed daily, and strict rules apply for gorilla conservation.
Passports & Visas
Visitors must have a current passport that remains valid for at least six (6) months beyond their scheduled departure date & has at least 3 or more blank pages for new visas and stamps during your travels.
Most visitors require visas except citizens of certain Commonwealth countries. It is advisable to obtain your visas before your departure as several airlines insist on them before departure. However, they can also be obtained at the port of entry (i.e., Airports or border crossings).
Health & Immunization
Both Eastern and Southern Africa offer modern medical care in major cities and towns. We recommend bringing any personal medications you regularly use, as access to specific brands may be limited in remote areas. If you’re arriving from a country where yellow fever or cholera is present, you may be asked to show a valid vaccination certificate. To stay healthy and comfortable, many travelers also speak with their healthcare provider about taking anti-malarial medication—typically starting a few days before travel and continuing during and just after your trip.
Insurance
For added peace of mind, we encourage all guests to arrange personal travel insurance. A good policy should cover medical care, trip interruptions, luggage, and other personal items for the duration of your safari.
Security
Like in any international destination, it’s always smart to stay aware of your surroundings. We suggest leaving valuable jewelry at home and avoiding dimly lit or deserted areas at night. Keep your belongings close in busy places, and as a general rule, avoid accepting food or drinks from strangers. Our guides are always available for local advice, so don’t hesitate to ask!
Tipping
Tipping is a customary way to show appreciation for those who enhance your safari experience, including staff and guides. While not mandatory, it is greatly appreciated if you are satisfied with the service.
Recommended Tipping Guidelines (per group per day):
Safari Guide: $30 to $45 per day, typically given at the end of the safari.
Hotel/Lodges: We suggest contributing around $5 per day to the communal tip box, usually found at the reception or front desk, to support the entire staff.
Transfer Drivers: A tip of $2 to $5 for their services is recommended.
Food & Drinks
Food on safari is a highlight for many of our guests! Whether dining at a lodge or enjoying a freshly prepared meal from our talented camp chefs, you’ll find a delicious mix of local and international flavors. We recommend drinking bottled water during your stay, which is readily available and provided on all of our safaris. Alcohol is widely available throughout East and Southern Africa, and you’ll find a variety of local and imported beers, wines, and spirits to enjoy.
Safari Packing List
Here are some helpful packing lists to get you ready for Good Earth Tours safari!
Clothing
- Lightweight long-sleeves & shirts for protection from the sun
- Sweater or jacket for layers on cold nights
- Hat
- Bathing suit (if you are stay at a lodge/hotel with a swimming pool)
- Socks & undergarments
- Pants
- Comfy neutral sleepwear
- Lightweight hiking/walking shoes (ideally broken in already)
- Sandals for while at your accommodation
- Capris or cargo shorts
- Sunglasses
- Scarf or handkerchief to protect from the dust on game drives
- Reading glasses (if you wear contacts, bring glasses as they can be very dusty)
- Remember to bring enough clothing for the entire safari as you may not have the opportunity to have them washed (however, most lodges do offer laundry service at extra cost)
- Clothing should be light/neutral colors as tsetse flies are attracted to dark colored clothing
Personal Items
- Sunscreen
- Chapstick with SPF
- Toiletries
- Prescriptions to last the duration of the trip
- Ziploc bags for camera and toiletries
- Ibuprofen
- Bug repellant
Other Items
- Camera – a 300 mm lens is recommended
- Extra camera batteries
- Chargers & power banks
- Flashlight
- Binoculars (each of our vehicles has 1 – 2 binoculars)
- TSA approved locks for baggage
- Video camera
- Small gifts for Maasai children – pencils, pens
- Wildlife guides
- Small day pack
- Notebook & pen
- Aluminum or metal reusable water bottle
- Money belt
- Snacks
- Chewing gum for motion sickness
- Passport* & copy of the bio page, kept separately in case of emergencies
- Flight tickets
- Travel insurance
- US Dollars (All currency must have been printed within the last 20 years to be deemed valid)
* Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates & that it has at at least 3 or more blank pages for new visas and stamps during your travels.