Lots of Questions
My wife and I will be taking Tauck’s “Great Migration: Tanzania and Kenya” in August 2026. We have been on many tours with Tauck. This one is far different. I have many questions. So here I go.
Is there anyone who has an in-depth day-by-day description of the trip? That would be really helpful.
Now for communications and electronics. Is there coverage for mobile phones at the hotels and camps or out in the bush? Is there a US cell service that works well in Kenya and Tanzania? How does one charge the electronics? Should I bring a charging power bank? Will there be WiFi or some kind of data service like streaming?
I have a cpap I sleep with that runs on electric and needs distilled water. Will I be able to run that?
In our “room” will there be potable water? Will there be a sink and shower? Are there any restrictions to the use of water?
Are there bugs, insects and mosquitoes around camps? What type of bug repellent did you use?
Was there a way to keep up to-date with the world news?
There is a battery of shots that are needed for the trip. What shots did you get? When did you get them? Did you have any problem with the shots? Did you have any problem getting visas? Are there any things to look out for?
What are the best things to pack? I heard lite colors are best. I assume including socks. Any thing best to bring? As for the luggage, I typically have two carry ons, b one with my cpap and the other my camera. Will they let me have both of these carry ons during the trip? How strict are they on the bags weight?
As floor money, did you use dollars or credit card or local currency?
Is there anything I should lookout for with the air trip to and from the tour in Africa? How bout the planes during the tour?
I hear that in Tanzania zip lock plastic bags are illegal. That I need silicon bags. Is that right?
I know this is an extensive list of questions. I don’t expect anyone to answer all these questions. I’d appreciate any that are answered. Thanks.
Comments
The best thing to do for all these questions is to read all previous posts on Kenya and Tanzania over the past few years as most are answered there. Come back here if you can’t find all the answers. I’ve been on four tours to this area with Tauck but not the Migration one as I think it isn’t necessary to spend all that extra money for everything you will see on a regular tour plus the tour is too short
For anything to do with shots, talk to your doctor who knows your health records
British, I know a few of these questions are I answered in all the responses in the threads of the East Africa discussion group. I was looking to create one place all the questions and answers could be located to help future travelers going to Kenya and Tanzania. It’s too bad I have had only one response. Ricwig
For reference only. The following is what I got by passing your questions to Gemini AI model. Hope it helps.
" For travelers planning a 2025 Tauck East Africa safari, here is an in-depth summary based on community discussion and official guidelines regarding trip logistics, electronics, and health requirements.
Communications & Electronics
Mobile Coverage: Service is available at most hotels and lodges, but coverage in the bush is intermittent. Major parks like the Maasai Mara have decent signal near main roads, but remote areas of the Serengeti may have no service.
US Cell Service: Verizon offers a TravelPass for $12/day or a monthly international plan. T-Mobile provides high-speed data (up to 5GB or 15GB depending on plan) in 215+ countries, including Kenya and Tanzania.
Charging: Lodges typically use 220-240V power with Type D or Type G (UK-style) outlets. Generators may be turned off at night (often around midnight) in remote camps. It is highly recommended to bring a power bank for game drives and a universal travel adapter.
WiFi: Most accommodations offer WiFi in communal areas (lounges/dining), but it is often too slow for streaming and is best used for basic messaging or email.
Health & CPAP Support
CPAP Machines: Most lodges can support CPAP machines, but because some camps turn off generators at night, you should notify Tauck in advance to ensure they can provide a continuous power source or battery backup.
Distilled Water: You must request distilled water for your CPAP in advance, as it is not typically available in remote safari camps without prior arrangement.
Vaccinations: Consult a travel clinic at least 4–6 weeks before departure. Common recommendations include Yellow Fever (required for entry into Tanzania from Kenya), Typhoid, Hepatitis A/B, and Malaria prophylaxis.
Accommodations & Water
Rooms: Safari "tents" are luxurious, featuring permanent floors, ensuite bathrooms with sinks, and flushing toilets.
Water: Do not drink tap water. Potable bottled or filtered water is provided for drinking and brushing teeth in your room and on safari vehicles.
Bugs: Mosquitoes and tsetse flies are present. Use a repellent with at least 30% DEET or Picaridin. Permethrin-treated clothing is also popular among travelers.
Packing & Luggage
Colors: Wear neutral, lite colors (khaki, tan, olive). Avoid blue and black, as they attract tsetse flies, and avoid camouflage, which is reserved for military use.
Luggage Restrictions: For internal flights on small planes, Tauck usually provides a specific soft-sided duffel.
CPAP Exception: Most airlines allow a CPAP as a medical device in addition to your standard carry-on, but you should verify this for the small bush planes used during the tour.
Weight: Strict weight limits apply (often ~33 lbs total per person) due to small aircraft capacity.
Plastic Bags: Tanzania has a strict ban on single-use plastic bags. Ziploc bags are prohibited, though those used for toiletries are sometimes tolerated; silicone or mesh bags are safer alternatives.
Money & Travel
Currency: US Dollars (printed 2013 or later, in pristine condition) are widely accepted for tips and small purchases. Credit cards are accepted at major lodges and gift shops, but cash is needed for local markets.
Visas: US citizens require a visa for both countries. Kenya now uses an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), and Tanzania offers an e-Visa; both should be secured weeks before travel.
Air Travel: Internal flights are often on small, unpressurized planes (12–20 seats) that fly at lower altitudes, providing excellent views but requiring adherence to strict luggage volume limits.
This is great and saves a lot of work for anyone prepared to make answers. Many questions can be answered like this including weather etc and has been for years but not many people think of using the internet.
Thanks, ginger_201. This is the tour specific info we are looking for.