We have booked an OAT trip, leaving US for Kenya and Tanzania safari on Jan. 8. We think the itinerary meets our requirements. Now we need to have your expertise on practical clothing to bring, how concerned should we be about the food, do you really think we need to bring a 'cushion' for the bumpy landrover drives, would you bring gifts for the schoolchildren, and finally.......what about buying tanzanite jewelry and other suggested gifts???What do you suggest? Thanks Fodorites!

OAT will likely give you good info.

Here are past threads on packing with hints that OAT might not include.

Lynda’s packing list—the most extensive

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...4&tid=34802443
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Other packing info
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...4&tid=34639696

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...4&tid=35165024

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...4&tid=34782437

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...4&tid=34606894

http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...4&tid=34934728

Even what you wished you had brought
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...4&tid=34929931

There has been info on the cushion you are seeking. I think Magellan has this.

Gifts--Give these only to the adults in charge and not directly to the children. You could pack up a duffel of pens, pencils, including sharpeners, erasers, paper, balloons, paints, markers, etc.

You can ask before departing about a school you could stop at, so your guide is aware.

No jewelry or gift ideas, sorry. Have a wonderful time.

On a safari with Kibo Guides, one of the outfitters for OAT in Tanzania, a bank club director who traveled for a living said, "This is the best food I've ever had on a trip!"... this from a person who regularly went to Paris, New York, etc. We were in their mobile camp at the time. I believe OAT uses Ranger Safaris in Tanzania for the Kenya/Tanzania combo trip, but I don't think you have to worry about the food. If you have special dietary requirements, let OAT know and they will pass those along.

Packing... go light! Laundry is done at all the camps, so you don't need to take a lot of stuff. OAT used to provide a duffel bag for their safaris... don't know if they still do that. They should provide you with a handbook, but you'll find a lot of good info in the links that Atravelynn has provided. Magellan's has several versions (inflatable, memory foam, etc.) of seat cushions. Here is one:

http://www.magellans.com/store/Healt...refchan=Search

I took the cushion, but found I really didn't need it. One of the other travelers used it, though.

OAT usually stops at a school on their safari. If school is in session, you'll probably get to visit a classroom. If you bring school supplies, you'll provide them to the headmaster or a teacher for distribution. Any of the items Atravelynn has suggested would be good. Most of their lessons are written on a blackboard and are copied by the students (few if any textbooks are available.) Paper, pencils, or pens for the older students are welcome. In fact, you'll find a lot of locals will ask for a pen. If you have a pack of ballpoint pens handy, it's nice to share.

You'll probably stop some place in Arusha where you could buy Tanzanite. Some of the outfitters stop at the Cultural Heritage Centre, but they can be somewhat overpriced. There are so many different grades of the stone that it's hard to know if you're really getting a bargain, or getting taken.

You might want to take a gift for your guides... up to you. Of course, a generous tip is the best gift. A handheld game with extra batteries was a great gift that a fellow traveler gave our guides on one safari (Nice, Aknards!) Our guide in Nairobi asked if we had any American magazines. Those might make interesting gifts, as well.

Oh yeah the food question. I would not doubt for a moment the story about the bank director. That attests to the quality of the food. As for the safety of consuming what is served, the last thing OAT wants is a vehicle full of sick passengers. Reputable companies such as OAT and the places they stay take great care that the food served is ok. I would not hesistate to eat anything offered, including salads, vegetables, fruits, etc. I always have eaten everything at lodges and camps and avoided street vendors for the most part and never had a problem.

Thank you all so much for your suggestions and facts. We've also enjoyed reading trip reports. Anyone out there taking the OAT Kenya/Tanzania tour on January 8th???