We are traveling from Newark to Arusha via Amsterdam on Northwest/KLM. Do any of you freqent visitors to Tanzania have advice as to whether we should check our luggage or carry it on? Thank you.

For our two trips to Åfrica, we carried on our luggage.We had more than enough.Many camps do laundry,which made it easy.We carried on a roll-on and a tote,one of which had camera equipment.I hope this helps.

We just got back from a safari in Tanzania. We were fearful of losing luggage so carried two duffel bags on board (one each) that held basic clothes and necessary items to get us by if the checked luggage didn't make it. We only checked one bag. All made it both ways, but I would do the same again--dress in safari gear and take enough clothes on board to get by simply.

Thanks for the replies. I'm sure that we can make it with the carry ons and that may allay my fear about the luggage getting to Arusha either before or after we do.

Like previous poster we check one bag each and carried on necessities for day or so plus camera gear, binocs. One year luggage was "lost" for couple of days.We met up with it in on day while in Serengeti. Wife and daughter were very appreciative. Have a great safari. Dick

What is the total weight of the items you're carrying on? KLM has a 26 lb total weight limit for flights originating from areas other than the US (economy class.) That would include your "carry on" bag plus the personal bag. When I flew United/Swiss last June, I was able to carry on my case plus my camera bag on the domestic flight, but Swiss in Chicago wouldn't allow me to carry them both on for the flight to Zurich, as they considered my camera bag to be too big for the "personal item." I had to check my regular bag.

Shape matters, too. One year in Amsterdam, one of our travelers had to check his small duffel bag at the door of the plane because it was too "square." When he got it in Arusha, all the batteries for his camera had been stolen out of the bag...most likely in Amsterdam.

If you can carry everything on, that would be wise, but check out the rules, as you don't want to have to check your bag in Amsterdam. Take along a lock, just in case. Also, remember the rules regarding flying with liquids.

Enjoy Tanzania!

We just got back form Africa, it was great. Only thing bad was they lost our luggage still have not seen it, it is still on safari.We did 19 days with our carryons,but made it ok. I would pack better in carryons if I had know. Two zip-offs two long sleeve shirts, 4 t-shirts, all light weight and easy wash.I always over pack. We could not buy anything at safari camps,they had no stores. Pack light and take carryon.

"Lost luggage" that was checked is all too common now. At EVERY safari camp we were at last Sep there was always someone who was waiting for their lost luggage. Ourselves included for the first two days!!!!

regards - tom

I always carry on as much as I can. Depending on the airlines, that can be 100% of my gear or just the most crucial elements.

I use a safari vest (which I've never worn on the actual safari) and stuff the pockets. I also wear a light jacket with pockets filled. I even wear 2 pairs of trousers! Anything not with me, I assume can get lost and sometimes it has, but it has always turned up eventually.

Have a wonderful trip!

I too will be traveling to Tanzania in January. Am wondering what everyone that carried on their luggage did with the DEET they packed. Were you able to get a 3 ounce container and if so where?

deep woods off contains 25% deet and is available in a 30ml pump spray

For products that don't come prepackaged in 3 oz. containers for carry-on, here's an idea:

Buy a product such as hair spray in a travel-sized container. Empty it, wash it out, and add your DEET product. While you can purchase products such as Nalgene bottles that come in 3 oz. sizes, the TSA may not allow them through Security as the weights are not preprinted on the container...at least that's what a TSA agent told me at DFW.

Many of the empty plastic bottles available for use with some sort of liquid, have a label on the outside that specifically indicates the contents to be 3oz or 100ml. Suggest you DO NOT remove these when filling with whatever kind of liquid - shampoo, conditioner, lotion, etc.

Good point, Sandi. The TSA agent said that he's not in the business of trying to guess the weight or volume of liquids. If he allows one person's container through and not someone else's, he could be facing discrimination charges.

We went all carry-on (even through heathrow so we had to cram everything into one carry on each).

For sunscreen/bug repellant we got some wipes. They were packed individually like moist towelettes and didn't count as liquids. They were great to have, too; it was easy to put on without getting slippery hands.

we did the same for wash cloth type things as well.

And one really nice thing about the Amsterdam airport is that they have terrific little (free) carts right outside the gate, so you don't even have to carry your carry-ons. It's actually feasible to take a long walk in between flights, just to keep your circulation going.