- 1). Purchase or borrow a sturdy suitcase with wheels, but make sure it is not too heavy. Many airlines limit international travelers to two suitcases that weigh no more than 50 lbs. each. Be sure to take just a few pairs of shoes, and leave hardcover books at home. You will pay a hefty overage for heavy baggage. Go to the website of your airline to determine its checked-bag rules.
- 2). Don't forget your passport, and ensure that it is valid for at least six months beyond the date of your trip. Check that your destination country allows you to get your visa upon landing. Bring along your proof of immunization; not every country requires it, but it's a good idea to have it just in case.
- 3). Toss in a guidebook. Rough Guides has excellent ones covering East African countries.
- 4). Find comfortable clothes, mostly made of cotton, to bring along. Many tourists who go to East Africa choose Kenya and Tanzania as their vacation destinations so they can go on safari and swim in the ocean, and these activities lend themselves to casual clothing. Unless you are attending an elegant event, there is no need to pack dress clothes. It also is wise to leave expensive jewelry at home.
- 5). Bring sneakers and comfortable sandals for walking in town and on the beach. You will be near the equator, so pack sunglasses, sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat and a long-sleeved shirt or two if you burn easily.
- 6). Parts of Kenya and Tanzania are cool at night, so take a lightweight jacket or cotton sweater. If you are going to Zanzibar, a Tanzanian island, take along modest clothing. Zanzibar is overwhelmingly Muslim, and it is best not to offend anyone. Zanzibaris, in general, are welcoming of tourists and understand that the extreme humidity means guests wish to be comfortable. There is no need to be covered from head to toe, but be sure you are not wearing anything tight or revealing.
- 7). Those who are climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania will need a lot of gear, including a backpack, a fleece coat and waterproof hiking boots.
- 8). Bring travel-sized paper products. Paper is expensive in East Africa and many places do not have adequate supplies of toilet paper, napkins and paper towels. Hand-sanitizing wipes also are good to have.
- 9). Pack bug spray or wipes with 10 percent DEET. Malaria is prevalent in East Africa, and your best defense is to keep the mosquitoes from biting you.
- 10
Bring some coloring books and crayons or colored pencils. You likely will be visiting tribal villages where the way of life is simple and the people have very little. A small gift for the children there is a nice gesture, and you will be amply rewarded with wide smiles and many thanks. - 11
Leave some space in your suitcase for souvenirs. Kenya and Tanzania have many shops that sell wood carvings, tribal clubs, beads, shells, wall hangings, paintings, kanga cloth, sandals and baskets.
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