Africa is beautiful. A trip there will fill your soul with sunshine.

Africa is beautiful, but you have to accept its shortcomings. It's worth a visit! Below are some tips that I hope will be helpful to other travelers. Preparation & Essentials: 1. Documents: Electronic visa (the travel agency helped me apply for one in January; visa-free travel wasn't available then). 2. Cash: The two of us exchanged USD 500 + one credit card. USD 100 was in single dollar bills for tips. Make sure the bills are from 2013 or later. ***Note: If you're going to both Tanzania and Kenya, the shillings are not interchangeable, and the exchange rates differ significantly. Exchange a small amount of each, but using US dollars is often very convenient. 3. SIM Card: If visiting both Tanzania and Kenya, it's recommended to buy a dedicated SIM card online, as the SIM cards for these two countries are not interchangeable. Alternatively, using your phone's international roaming package with a daily cap of CNY 30 is very convenient. Safari: We went specifically to see more animals and exciting moments. You can communicate with the driver and guide to depart earlier in the morning or return to the hotel later, as many animals rest during midday. 4. Bag: Bring a large outdoor backpack to store all your documents, photography equipment, and money. Keep your bag with you at all times! 5. Clothing: Sportswear, light and breathable base layers for morning and evening are very comfortable! Pack a waterproof and warm jacket – rain on the savannah can come unexpectedly! Slippers (I wore slippers throughout the safari for comfortable photo-taking and resting; remember to wear socks, don't go barefoot!). ***It's recommended to pack clothes according to the number of safari days, as you'll get covered in dust and sweat after a day out! 6. Medicine: Huoxiang Zhengqi (a traditional Chinese medicine), allergy medication (essential for those prone to allergies), gastrointestinal medicine, motion sickness patches (medication makes you drowsy, and you need to be alert to see the animals), and ibuprofen (Tanzania has some high-altitude areas, which can cause headaches). Mosquito Repellent: Wear mosquito repellent bracelets on your wrists and ankles, 24 hours a day. It's recommended to bring an electronic mosquito repellent or repellent patches. I didn't bring any and regretted it – the mosquitoes were relentless. Dust Protection: Many people mention sunscreen, but dust protection is equally important on safari, as it's all dirt roads! A face mask that covers your neck is essential. Bring several replaceable masks based on the number of days you'll be on safari. A nasal irrigator is also recommended, as your nostrils will be filled with black dirt. 7. Hat: ***Be sure to bring a hat with a string so it won't blow away. It's easy to lose your hat when standing up to take pictures with the car roof open during the safari. 8. Daily Necessities: Insulated water bottle, neck pillow, lumbar pillow, essential toiletries such as toothbrush, toothpaste, and facial cleanser. You can also bring travel-sized shower gel, shampoo, and a hairdryer. Pack a few pairs of disposable underwear and socks just in case. Sanitary napkins are essential if needed, as they are not readily available locally. Bring large packs of tissues and wet wipes, as you'll spend most of the day in the car during the safari. Nail clippers and dental floss are also useful. 9. Other: Snacks! I brought a bottle of Lao Gan Ma (chili sauce), and it was the best decision ever. Lunch during the safari is usually a packed lunch from the hotel, which can be bland, but Lao Gan Ma makes all the difference! I also brought four packs of instant noodles, which was a lifesaver for my taste buds. The guide and driver usually provide bottled water in the car, and there's a car refrigerator. If you prefer other drinks, you can buy them at a convenience store and ask the guide to keep them chilled. A bottle of ice-cold cola at noon is incredibly refreshing!