2026 Tanzania with Brooke

2026 Tanzania with Brooke *Trip Prep Guide*

🎉 HELLOOOO EVERYONE—I’m SO pumped for our Tanzania trip this summer! 🌍✨

This is going to be an epic, bucket-list adventure, and I seriously cannot wait for all of you to experience it with me.

Since the trip is getting closer (eek!) and it’s such a big adventure, I know there are tons of questions floating around. Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered! Below is a full rundown of everything you might be wondering about, plus what you can ask me or Linus at Shiri Adventures.

From flights ✈️, packing 🧳, visas 📝, to what to expect on the ground, we’ll make sure you’re totally prepared for every step of this amazing journey.

Let’s get ready for the adventure of a lifetime! 🐘🌿

I wish I could call this a “mini guide” for our trip… but let’s be real—it’s probably going to turn into a long page that I keep adding to, ha! 😅

For quick reference, here’s how the guide is organized:

This way you can jump straight to whatever you need, and I’ll keep updating it as we get closer to our adventure!

What to Expect


Flexible Schedule
Each day will have a general plan—set start times, target lunch, and return to the lodge—but it’s more of an outline than a strict schedule. Especially on safari and summit days, timing may shift depending on wildlife sightings, weather, or other factors. The goal is to make sure we don’t miss any incredible experiences.
Long, Full Days
Even if there’s not a ton of physical activity on safari, the long days in jeeps—sometimes traveling between parks—can be surprisingly tiring. Summit days will also be physically demanding, so plan for early mornings and full, active days.
Daily Itinerary Updates
Each evening, you’ll get the next day’s plan via the WhatsApp group. Make sure you’re in the group and checking notifications so you stay in the loop!
Your Guides
Linus from Shiri Adventures will be joining us on the tour! Between him, me, and the local guides, we’ll have answers to most questions—but sometimes we may need to confer before giving a final answer.
Tanzania Lodges & Power ⚡
Some lodges have sensitive electrical grids. Brief power outages can happen, but they usually come back on immediately and haven’t caused issues—just something to be aware of.

Safari Expectations 🐘
Jeep Rotation & Group Bonding
We want everyone to experience all the guides and meet the full group! Each day, we’ll rotate jeep seating to encourage new connections. If you came with a friend or partner, you can stick together as a unit while rotating.
Wildlife & Flexibility
Wildlife doesn’t follow a schedule, which is part of the magic of safari. Plans may shift to maximize sightings, but the goal is always a comfortable, memorable experience.
Photography
A professional photographer will join us during the safari portion, and photos will be shared after the trip.

Mount Kilimanjaro Summit Expectations 🏔️
Early Starts & Full Days
Summit days will begin early and require steady pacing. While physically challenging, the guides are there to support everyone, and safety is the top priority.
Gear & Preparation
A high-quality base layer and proper hiking gear are essential. I’ll be sharing a detailed packing and gear guide to make sure everyone is fully prepared.
Team Spirit & Support
We’ll hike as a group, encouraging each other along the way. Everyone moves at their own pace, but camaraderie makes the climb an unforgettable experience.
Photography & Memories
Bring your cameras! The summit is a once-in-a-lifetime moment, with plenty of opportunities to capture incredible views. But if you’d prefer to enjoy the views and/or focus on the hike, don’t worry I will be taking tons of videos and photos!

Mount Kilimanjaro Day-to-Day Itinerary

This will be the general overall plan for our summit:

Safari and Zanzibar Day-to-Day Itinerary

This is subject to change and we’ll remain flexible so you’ll notice there are no official timestamps for activities, but this is the overall plan:

Trip Prep & Insurance

There are several recommended vaccines for travel to Tanzania, but none are strictly required except in specific cases. I didn’t get any myself, but choose what you feel comfortable with.

The only required vaccine is Yellow Fever, and it’s ONLY REQUIRED if you’re coming from—or spending more than 12 hours in—a Yellow Fever endemic country. Here’s a map from the US CDC showing these countries.

For example, if you’re flying from the US to Tanzania with a short layover (under 12 hours) in Ethiopia (a Yellow Fever endemic country) and you do not need the vaccine.

Rules can change, so check your home country’s Tanzanian embassy website or your local disease control center. If you’re from the US, here’s the Tanzanian embassy’s vaccine page.

If you’re concerned about a layover in a Yellow Fever country, it’s best to book the vaccine early, as it’s not widely available everywhere.

I always recommend travel insurance for trips like this—especially if your credit card doesn’t already provide coverage.

A good one is Travel Insurance Master. They provide free quotes from top travel insurance companies tailored to your needs, and you can choose the plan that works best for you.

You’ll need a visa to enter Tanzania, which costs $100 USD.

The easiest way is to apply online—I’ve done this every time and it’s worked perfectly. You can also get a visa on arrival if needed (cash only), but it’s faster and smoother to handle it ahead of time.

The type of visa depends on your nationality: Americans must apply for multiple-entry visas, while most others can use single-entry visas. For more details, check the Tanzania visa site.

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your last day in Tanzania. That means:

  • Kilimanjaro trek: September 1, 2026 → passport valid past March 1, 2027
  • Safari: September 7, 2026 → passport valid past March 7, 2027
  • Zanzibar extension: September 11, 2026 → passport valid past March 11, 2027

If your passport expires sooner, make sure to renew it as soon as possible.

Packing & What to Bring

I’ve put together packing guides to help you get ready and plan everything you’ll need for the trip:

Yes—I highly recommend packing light! I’ve done this trip carry-on, and it’s definitely doable.

You will need to check a bag on our Arusha → Serengeti and Kilimanjaro → Zanzibar flights, since these are smaller African airlines with stricter weight limits.

Packing light overall will make things much easier, and you’ll naturally need less for the safari portion anyway.

For our Arusha → Serengeti flight, we’ll be on a small bush plane. Hard-top luggage isn’t allowed, and there’s a strict weight limit, so I recommend bringing a soft duffel bag and a backpack. We’ll go over all the details closer to the trip in the WhatsApp group chat.

For those also doing Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar, we can store extra luggage at the Arusha hotel while we’re on safari and pick it up when we return.

  • 15kg (33lbs) total, including your personal item
  • No hard-sided luggage – must be soft-sided, a duffel, a backpack, etc.

Because of the Serengeti flight luggage restrictions, I’ll be adjusting my usual carry-on setup. Here’s the plan I’m aiming for (though I may tweak it along the way!):

  • Roller carry-on + backpack personal item. In the roller, I’ll include a small packed-down bag that will double as my day pack.
  • I’ll leave the roller at Gran Meliá Arusha with my Zanzibar items (minus one swimsuit).
  • My backpack will carry my clothes, while the packed-down day pack serves as my personal item/hand luggage.

Food & Drink

As someone can EAT, I want to know the food situation. Here’s what mealtime looks like each day:

  • Breakfast: on your own at the hotel or lodge before heading out
  • Lunch: prepared by the safari lodge while out on excursions, or at the resort in Zanzibar
  • Dinner: team dinner together each night at the lodge or resort

On safari, all meals and drinks are included (except liquor/spirits). In Zanzibar, the resorts are all-inclusive, so we’re fully covered there too! Lunches can vary, so if you’d like to bring extra snacks from home, make sure they’re sealed and in their original packaging when traveling to Tanzania.

Our guides will provide bottled water throughout the day. I usually carry my own filtered water bottle just in case, but on my previous two trips, there was always plenty of water available for the group.

Hopefully all dietary restrictions were noted when you signed up, but if not, please share them in the WhatsApp group! We can accommodate almost anything—just let us know your needs, and we’ll make sure the kitchens are informed.

Money, Tipping, & Payments

Safari:

  • Standard rate: $10–$15 USD per day, per person for your guide.
  • Tip daily rather than in a lump sum, since you won’t have the same guide each day.
  • Maasai guide: $10–$15 USD per day, plus a couple of dollars for any assisting children.
  • For 5 days of full-day game drives, total tips: $60–$95.

Zanzibar:

  • Standard rate: $10–$15 USD per tour.
  • For 4 tours (2 optional), total: $40–$60 if you participate in all.

Mount Kilimanjaro:

  • Recommended: $10–$15 USD per climber, per day for guides and porters.
  • Tip at the end of each day or at key milestones.
  • For the full climb, this usually totals $100–$150 USD per climber, split among guides and porters.

Other Tips:

  • Keep small bills handy for bathroom attendants, lodge/resort staff, and extra help—about $5–$10 USD per day.
  • If you run out of cash, no worries—you can Zelle or Venmo me, and I’ll pass it along to the Shiri Adventures team.

Safari: Most of the lodges only take cash for laundry.

Zanzibar: Vendors often prefer cash, so have small bills on hand. Independent activities in Zanzibar: If you leave the resort outside of our planned group excursions, you may need cash for any personal activities.

2 weeks prior to the trip.

So:

  • Kilimanjaro final payment due: August 10, 2025
  • Safari final payment due: August 18, 2025

I recommend getting some cash before you leave for the trip. Airports usually have ATMs if you need to top off, especially before heading to Zanzibar. If you need help finding an ATM while on the trip, just let us know and we’ll make sure you can get cash easily.

Currency: On my past trips to Tanzania, I haven’t needed to do any money conversion—most places accept US dollars and/or credit/debit cards.

Cards:Visa and Mastercard work best. Bring multiple cards just in case one is frozen or lost—this is always a safe travel practice.

Notify your bank: Let your credit card companies know your travel dates so transactions in Tanzania aren’t flagged as fraud.

Almost everything is included in your trip!

  • Meals: All meals on safari are included, prepared by the lodges. Zanzibar resorts are all-inclusive.
  • Accommodations: Lodges and resorts throughout the trip.
  • Transfers & Guides: All transfers, park fees, and professional guides.

What’s not included:

  • Spending money for souvenirs, extra snacks, or personal purchases.
  • Tipping for guides, porters, or staff.
  • Optional add-ons: Sunrise hot air balloon ride, snorkeling/diving excursions.
  • Safari: We’ll visit a fantastic cultural and heritage center, and you’ll also have the chance to buy souvenirs.
  • Zanzibar: During our Stone Town & Changuu (Prison Island) tour, there will be opportunities to shop for local crafts and keepsakes.

Tip: Bring cash in small bills for purchases—most vendors don’t accept cards. However, on our safari souvenir shop does accept credit cards!

Medical & Wellness

Whether to get vaccines beyond the required ones is entirely up to you and your comfort level. I’ve been on safari in Tanzania twice and haven’t taken any optional vaccines myself. Do whatever makes you feel safe and comfortable—your health always comes first.

Totally up to you. I have bug spray wipes and bracelets on my Tanzania safari packing list, but I haven’t needed them on the safari I’ve done. Having them for peace of mind is nice, though. Our beds will also have bug nets, which will help protect us!

Cell Service & Wifi

I have an international phone plan, so I get (slower) cell service in Tanzania. If you don’t have one, I’d definitely recommend an eSIM—Airalo is the one all my friends use.

During the safari itself, it’s unlikely you’ll have service either way since we’ll be far from any cell towers. I usually keep my phone on airplane mode until we’re back at the lodge.

In Zanzibar, I had no issues with service. And of course the summit to Mount Kilimanjaro we will not have service.

As for Wi-Fi, resorts and safari lodges generally have reliable connections, so you should be able to check email, browse social media, and even stream videos without much trouble.

Camera & Photography

You’re probably wondering whether you should bring a nice camera and lens. While I’ll definitely be bringing mine, here’s my usual recommendation:

Other Random Tips & To-Dos

If you tend to get hungry often or stick to a strict eating schedule, bring some snacks! Just let your guide know—especially on safari—so they can store them in the cooler for you.

On safari, it’s really important that we stay quiet around wildlife. Some animals are more sensitive than others, and we’re in their home, so respecting them is key.

Always listen to our guides. They’re not only a nearly endless source of knowledge, but they’re also responsible for keeping us safe. Following their rules and suggestions ensures everyone has a better experience.

I also highly recommend downloading the island of Zanzibar on Google Maps for offline use. It’s a handy backup in case you get separated from the group or explore on your own during free time.

Mount Kilimanjaro Physical Preparation

Shiri Adventures has a recommended work out plan that you can find here

Training for Kilimanjaro is all about building endurance, strength, and stamina so your body can handle long days at altitude. Focus on cardio exercises like hiking, running, cycling, or stair climbing to improve your aerobic capacity. Strength training for your legs, core, and back will make carrying your pack much easier, while balance exercises can help on uneven terrain. Practice hiking with a loaded backpack on trails or stairs to simulate real conditions, and gradually increase your distance and elevation gain over time. If possible, include some hikes at higher altitudes or hill climbs to help your body adjust to lower oxygen levels. Consistency is key—regular training over several months will make the climb far more manageable and enjoyable.

Kilimanjaro’s high altitude can affect everyone differently, so it’s important to be prepared. Common effects include mild headaches, shortness of breath, fatigue, and sometimes nausea as your body adjusts to lower oxygen levels. Most of these symptoms are manageable with proper pacing, hydration, and rest. That’s why our guides monitor everyone closely every morning and evening to track how your body is responding. Listening to your body, taking breaks, and following their advice will help you acclimatize safely and enjoy the climb.

Before climbing Kilimanjaro, it’s important to take care of your health and prepare medically. Make sure your routine vaccinations are up to date, and check if any additional vaccines or medications are recommended for travel to Tanzania. Malaria is present in some regions, so discuss prophylaxis with your doctor if you’ll be in lowland areas before or after the climb. Staying well-hydrated, eating properly, and getting enough rest in the weeks leading up to the trek will help your body handle the physical demands. Finally, talk to your doctor about altitude sickness prevention and any personal medical considerations—this ensures you’re fully prepared for a safe and enjoyable climb.

Some climbers choose to use medication to help prevent or manage altitude sickness, with acetazolamide (Diamox) being the most common. I took Diamox when I hiked the Salkantay Trek in Peru. It can help your body adjust to higher elevations more comfortably by reducing symptoms like headaches, nausea, and fatigue. However, it’s not a replacement for proper acclimatization, hydration, and pacing—those are still the most important strategies. Always consult with your doctor before taking any medication, especially if you have preexisting conditions or take other prescriptions. Our guides will monitor everyone closely, and if anyone shows signs of altitude sickness, they will provide guidance and ensure you get the care you need.

Packing & What to Bring

I’ve put together packing guides to help you get ready and plan everything you’ll need for the summit:

Layers are key: base layer, insulating mid-layer, and waterproof outer layer. Thermal tops, fleece jackets, and moisture-wicking socks. Don’t forget a hat, gloves, and sunglasses for sun and cold protection. Make sure to check out my packing list and blog post for more details!

You need mid- to heavy-duty waterproof trekking boots with good ankle support, a sturdy sole for rocky and uneven terrain, and enough room to wear thick wool socks for cold conditions. They should be well broken-in before the trip to avoid blisters. Full mountaineering boots are usually unnecessary, but lightweight shoes like trail runners are not suitable because they lack warmth, support, and protection, especially for the cold summit night where temperatures can drop well below freezing.

I would also recommend a camping shoe that you can wear around camp and give your feet a break. These can be Crocs, Tevas, etc. Again I have option in my packing list for your camping shoes.

The essential accessories are a headlamp (with spare batteries) for the overnight summit push, trekking poles to reduce strain on steep ascents and descents (which can be rented), and a daypack (20–35L) to carry water, snacks, and layers. You also need a reliable hydration system (2–3 liters) since staying hydrated is critical at altitude, plus sunglasses and sun protection for intense UV exposure.

For comfort and protection, bring gaiters (to keep out dust and scree), warm gloves and a hat, and merino wool socks to manage moisture and warmth. Small but important extras include a sleeping bag liner, dry bags to keep gear waterproof, and a power bank or solar charger because there’s no electricity on the mountain. These accessories are considered essential because they directly affect safety, warmth, and your ability to reach the summit successfully.

For health and safety, bring personal medication (Diamox, Tylenol, etc), hand sanitizer, and, wet wipes. Practical extras include lip balm and high-SPF sunscreen (strong UV at altitude), sunglasses, inflatable pillow, and earplugs (noisy camps). Pack snacks/electrolytes for energy. Small but useful additions are cash for tips and a lightweight towel.

Shiri Adventures will provide most of the big logistics:

  • Tents and communal camp equipment – for dining and resting.
  • Meals and snacks – prepared by camp staff.
  • Porters and guides – to carry most of the group gear, set up camp, and ensure safety.

This means you don’t need to carry heavy loads for the entire trek; your personal day pack will hold the items you need on the trail each day.

What You Need to Bring

Even though much is provided, there are several personal items you’ll need for your climb:

  • Day pack – for your daily essentials like layers, snacks, camera, and sunscreen.
  • Water bottle or hydration reservoir – staying hydrated is critical; many trekkers bring both a reusable bottle and a bladder system for convenience.
  • Trekking poles – highly recommended to reduce strain on knees during long descents.
  • Sleeping bag – the nights on Kilimanjaro can be very cold, so a high-quality, warm sleeping bag is essential.

If you prefer not to travel with trekking poles or a sleeping bag, rental options are available. Details and arrangements for renting these items will be shared via the group WhatsApp closer to the trip!

Food & Drink

We will have all our meals freshly prepared by our mountain chef. Breakfast is warm and substantial to help give us energy to start the day. Porridge, eggs, toast, sausages, fresh fruit, tea, coffee, and hot chocolate. The lunches are usually hot meals (rice or pasta, veggies, chicken or beef, sometimes fish, plus soup). Dinners will be hearty and warm – typically soup to start, followed by a main course such as stew, curry, pasta, or potatoes with veggies and protein. They will accommodate for a vegetarian diet. These meals are specifically designed to be high in energy and easy to digest in high altitude

Hygiene & Water

Staying clean and hydrated on Kilimanjaro is totally manageable with a little preparation. We’ll have drinkable water available at each campsite, so keeping up with hydration won’t be an issue, and there will be bowls of water for showers each day. Bring travel-size toiletries, a toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable wipes, and a quick-dry towel to make washing easier. Hand sanitizer and tissues are also essential, especially on multi-day hikes. Even small habits—like washing your face and hands each morning, brushing your teeth, and keeping your socks dry—can make a big difference in comfort and morale during the trek.

Trekking Tips

Trekking Kilimanjaro is as much about pacing yourself as it is about endurance. Start each day slowly and remember the “pole pole” (slowly, slowly) approach—this helps your body adjust to the altitude and conserve energy for the long ascent. Stay hydrated throughout the day, and eat regularly to keep your energy up. Listen to your guides for advice on when to take breaks, and don’t push through discomfort—your safety and well-being come first. Make sure your gear is comfortable and properly fitted, including boots, layers, and trekking poles. Even small habits, like keeping your socks dry and adjusting your backpack, can make a big difference on multi-day hikes.

Safety & Health

Safety is the top priority on Kilimanjaro, and being prepared can make a huge difference in your experience. Each morning and evening, we’ll be closely monitored by our guides and medical staff to check how everyone is adjusting to the altitude. Always listen to your guides—they know the mountain, the trails, and how your body should respond. Stay hydrated, pace yourself, and speak up if you feel unwell; altitude sickness can develop quickly, even in experienced hikers. Stick with the group, follow all park regulations, and wear the right gear for changing weather conditions. By respecting the mountain and following safety protocols, you’ll help ensure a successful and enjoyable trek.

Extra Details to Know

  • During the trek, Shiri Adventures will take care of the rest of your belongings. All extra luggage will be safely secured and stored at base camp or their facility while you summit, so you don’t have to worry about your luggage while hiking. This includes items like your suitcase, spare clothes, or any equipment you’re not using on the trail that day. You’ll have access to everything again once you return from the summit, giving you peace of mind so you can focus entirely on the climb!
  • You can totally bring your own snacks, but don’t feel like you need to! We will be well fed, I think the only item I will bring is electrolytes, and I included those in the “What do you recommend for gear” question.
  • The porter weight limit is 33lbs per person. You should carry anything essential you may need during the day hike (jacket, camera, snacks, water bladder/bottle, etc).

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