A brief summary Classic Kenya and Tanzania
We got back early August, but just got around to posting. This trip is amazing! We were overwhelmed with the geography, the animal life, the people, and the quality of the Tauck drivers and TD's. Actually would go back in a second, except it's a long ride (lol).
A few notes - I brought only Safari clothes - I'd recommend a few lightweight dresses and sandals for evening - you are at the Four Seasons and the Fairmont for a few nights, and most travelers I was with had clothing with them other than Safari outfits. As a matter of fact, you really didn't need "Safari clothes" per day - lightweight slacks and layered tops worked great.
I did not see any mosquitos (right time of year for us); used DEET but didn't get bitten at all, and stopped the malaria medication after a few days (I was very sick to my stomach and either had to skip the tours or stop the medication).
The gift shops, even in the nice hotels, sell VERY LITTLE, so make sure you bring everything you need. I tried to see if I could buy an outfit but stock is very limited.
Overall it's an amazing experience and I would highly recommend!
Comments
I agree you don’t need safari clothes. I have taken this tour twice and although it’s too long ago to remember the first time, we last took it in 2019 and stayed at those hotels, No one wore dresses. I suppose it depends on each group who you end up traveling with. Last year we were in Tanzania and everyone wore clean safari gear in the evenings.
I actually question wearing dressed and sandals in the evening because that is when mosquitos are most active and generally go for the ankles. Malaria carrying mosquitoes fly low at night, you are not likely to see them. It’s also cooler at night, so most may want to wear an extra layer.
I personally recommend wearing long sleeves and pants and shoes and socks most always on these tours. Been to sub Sahara Africa nine times and leaving for there against in a couple of weeks.
Question about laundry. Do you have an option to request cold water wash/low heat drying? A lot of clothes will get ruined if not washed properly. Just wondering because that would determine what to pack. Thank you
No idea, you just need safari type clothing, nothing fancy, avoid white. We have never had an issue with laundry on our safari tours apart from a safari shirt way back in about 2007, which must have been washed in very hot water and ruined it.
Packing tips from a retired Flight Attendant:
Pack mix-and-match clothing that doesn't require special laundry needs or ironing, especially on your African tours. Wear your touring (walking/running/hiking) shoes on the plane and pack your lighter shoes (sandals/Birkenstocks) flat against the side of your suitcase. Place each "suitcase shoe" inside a hotel shower cap to keep your packed clothing clean. If you're attending a planned tour group meal, accessorize with a scarf. Keep it simple, you're there to explore and have the greatest experience ever!
We have done this tour four times. You may be most comfortable if you have one set of country club casual clothes for the dinner at the Mt Kenya safari club, and you will encounter people at the Four Seasons who flew in on their own jet and are dressed to the nines. Other than that just safari clothes. Most people go to Africa more than once … it gets into your blood. So if you buy safari clothes you will likely use them on other expeditions. I have worn mine many times. Regardless of the location, if you are on safari and are wearing safari clothes, people get it. If you are just wearing sloppy clothes … well … you just look sloppy.
That’s so funny SeaLord! I’ve encountered .private jet people definitely in sloppy clothing…..they don’t need to prove anything when they swan in on a jet.
Mary Margaret that was excellent advise.
Thanks everyone. By the way, does light gray count as a safari colors?
Yes, light gray is ok.
Not everyone sticks to ‘safari colors’ but do avoid black and dark blue as they attract tsetse flies, they were around last time we were in Tanzania. Also, the dust is reddish so it’s best to avoid white as it tends to make stains.
Actually, at the Four Seasons if you don’t leave your room until after dark, you can probably go naked. They make their own power, so the whole place is so dimly lit after dark it is difficult to read the menu. When we chose.a table for dinner it was always a table that had a light above it. That is a limited selection. I get a bit annoyed when I can’t see what I’m eating.
Yes, it really is very dark in the dining room. When we were there in 2019, our small group were the only people in there apart from a couple sitting on the other side of the restaurant. They must have complained we were being too noisy and we were asked to be quiet. The food was all buffet and generally disappointing. It’s definitely one of my least favorite hotel experiences in Africa.