After years of living in Tanzania and helping guests prepare for safari, Cynthia and I have learned that a few well-chosen gadgets can make traveling a whole lot easier. Some of these are things we use ourselves, while others are products we think solve a real problem when traveling halfway around the world. From keeping your phone charged on a full-day game drive to finding out whether your luggage decided to take a vacation of its own, here are nine travel tech essentials worth considering for your next African adventure.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This comes at no additional cost to you. Some of the products featured here are items we use ourselves; others are products we’ve researched and would confidently recommend to fellow travelers.
Universal Travel Adapter ⭐ Essential
Tanzania primarily uses Type G electrical outlets, but many travelers continue on to Kenya, Zanzibar, Europe, or other destinations before heading home. A quality universal adapter keeps you ready for almost any outlet you’ll encounter, whether you’re at an airport, hotel or safari camp. And you’ll already be prepared for wherever your next adventure takes you.
USB Charger
Traveling with electronics means traveling with chargers. Between phones, cameras, watches, earbuds and power banks, it’s amazing how quickly you can run out of places to plug everything in. This 65W multi-port USB charger lets you charge several devices at the same time from a single outlet.
On safari, some camps and lodges have a central charging area with a limited number of outlets. With one charger handling several of your devices, you’re using only one outlet and leaving the others available for your fellow travelers. Everyone is a happy camper. 😊 Just remember, you’ll need to use it with your universal travel adapter in Tanzania.
Power Bank
A power bank can be a game changer for travel and everyday life. This one is small enough to carry in your pocket, backpack or day bag. You’ll be surprised when on safari how quickly your device batteries can drain and need to be recharged. On safari, your camera may be on much more than usual because that great shot can disappear in the time it takes your camera to wake up.
Its 20,000mAh capacity is within the limit generally permitted for carry-on air travel, but power banks must be carried in your hand luggage rather than checked baggage.
Knowing my phone and camera can stay powered all day removes any worries.
Long Charging Cable (6 foot)
Something we don’t always think about or always need, but there are times when the only available charging outlet is slightly farther away than your standard cable will accommodate. Having that extra bit of length can make all the difference. I have found that not all camps while on safari have charging ports beside the bed. When I don’t need the full length, I just keep it rolled up and use as much as is needed.
It’s a tiny item but a huge convenience. I’ve included 2 different links depending on your preference. One is USB-C to USB-C and the other is USB to USB-C.
🟩 View USB-C -> USB-C on Amazon
Apple AirTag (or Tile Tracker)
Anyone that has ever traveled and had to change flights knows that luggage can wind up somewhere different than your destination. It amazes me how the airport groundworkers manage to do it. But, mistakes happen. Having a tracker in each piece of your luggage can give you that peace of mind knowing your luggage is close by and not off on its own adventure. It’s not a bad idea to include a tracker in your camera bag and backpack as they can help you locate your belongings.
I’ve included links for trackers that cover both Apple devices as well as Android.
Camera Lens Cleaning Kit
In case no one mentioned it, safari excursions are extremely dusty. You’ll find it in places you did not even know dust could reach. Having a cleaning kit for your camera and phone is essential. It can be the difference between a good photo and an exceptional one. I use it on the rims and lenses of my sunglasses and glasses. To me, this kit has everything, air puffer, cleaning brushes and cleaning cloth. For very little money, this is one of those items that’s well worth packing.
Portable Luggage Scale
Safari flights can have surprisingly strict baggage limits, especially when smaller aircraft are involved. A portable luggage scale takes up almost no room and lets you check your bags before heading to the airport. It’s also handy if Zanzibar or another destination is part of your trip and you’ve somehow managed to acquire a few extra souvenirs along the way. This has been an invaluable travel item, and I use it everytime we travel. It has saved us multiple times from overweight baggage and mine has been within a few ounces with the airport scales at check in.
Portable SSD Backup Drive
You’re halfway around the world and you’ve spent a lot of time, travel and money getting here. Those photos and videos are priceless because they capture an adventure you may never repeat. Backing them up is one of the smartest things you can do.
A portable SSD gives you a second copy of your photos and videos without taking up much room in your luggage. Many newer phones, tablets and some cameras can connect directly to external storage, making it easy to back up files while traveling. And if you’re like me and take a ridiculous number of photos and videos, moving them to an SSD can free up valuable space for the next day’s adventures. Just check your device’s compatibility before you travel.
Noise-Canceling Earbuds
I don’t know about you but airplane travel is a constant noise that makes it so I don’t really relax. Having a set of Noise-Canceling Earbuds can be a game changer. And, you can listen to your own music or podcasts. Also great if your layover has you sitting for a while until your next flight. This particular set hooks over the ear rather than relying on the earbud alone to stay in place. For me, those are much less likely to fall out at the most inconvenient time, not to mention they are so much more comfortable. The over-the-earning set is waterproof and makes them great for exercising, running, biking or hanging out on the beach on Zanzibar. Perfect for long international flights and airport layovers.
Final Thoughts
The best travel gear isn’t necessarily the most expensive or the most high-tech. It’s the stuff that solves a problem when you need it.
If you’re planning a safari with Wilderness Legends, you’ll receive a detailed packing guide before your trip. In the meantime, these nine tech essentials are a good place to start.
Affiliate Disclosure
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This comes at no additional cost to you. Some of the products featured here are items we use ourselves; others are products we’ve researched and would confidently recommend to fellow travelers.
