Insect repellent

Trixie

We are on the September 17 safari and I am wondering if anyone that has taken this trip, can inform me if there was insect repellent in the rooms? Or at the front desk to purchase? Thanks in advance!

Dottie D

Hi Trixie,

Our trip is finally getting closer, isn't it. Looking forward to meeting you.

We went to the Travel Clinic last week for our shots. Their recommendation for insect repellent was Ultrathon 12 hour, which you can get at Amazon and REI, among other places. It would be nice to know if the lodges have something available also, but we do plan to take plenty with us.

See you soon.

Dottie

British

Some of the places do have little sachets of repellent that are like wipes. I think I read on the forum recently someone mentioning they were in short supply. I would still take my own with me. I do not recall whether repellent is in the hotel gift shops, in fact, on my Tanzania tour, I felt the hotel gift shops were very sparse compared to my previous tour around 2007. Those will be your only chance of stores, you will not be visiting any civilization.

[Deleted User]

Like others have said, you'll find some repellent wipes in the rooms.

Our advice is to get the repellent you want before you leave and take it with you. I don't recall repellant for sale in any of the shops, but even if there were, I'd be leery of what they contain. We felt much more comfortable with products purchased at home and under US government supervision.

Same with sunscreen or, for that matter, any personal product.

Trixie

Thank u all. We had OFF in our rooms in Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe on previous Tauck trips.
We will be traveling carry on only and that is why I was hoping to have it at destination.
Will try to get 3.4 oz max. Dotty.... We shall c u soon. Arriving the evening of the 16th.

AlanS

Only a few places had a few packets of wipes. I wouldn't count on it. Bring your own. We didn't need much- just applied it to face, neck, hands- exposed skin. Also, don't forget to treat your clothes with Permethrin (Sawyer's, etc.) before you go. It is also available from Amazon and the usual suspects.

Cadoge

Two weeks ago about half of the lodges had insect wipes. We took a supply of Ben's Deet wipes needed to use them. Just used on our exposed arms, hands and neck, once in morning and again in evening. Also, be aware most of the gift shops in the lodges do not carry such supplies, nor many sundries. Have a wonderful trip.

Trixie

Thank you Cadoge. Really looking forward to this trip.

BayStater

For the reasons previously mentioned, I'd also recommend bringing your own w/ DEET. The wipes (available from brands like OFF & others) make it easier for carry-on only, not being liquid and all. I'd rather be safe than sorry in this case.

As with others, I'd also highly recommend treating your clothes/gear with Permethrin (Sawyer's, etc.).