Charging Electronics on Safari: Plugs, Power and Tips

Cameras, phones, e-readers and headlamps all need power, and on safari that power does not always come from a wall socket in your room. Many Tanzanian lodges have reliable electricity, but remote tented camps often run on solar systems or generators with limited hours.

With a few simple habits, you can keep everything charged without spending your evenings worrying about batteries.

Plugs and voltage in Tanzania

Tanzania mainly uses the type G plug, the three rectangular pin design used in the UK, and the supply is 230V. Travelers from the US and much of Europe will need adapters. Some properties also have other socket types, so a universal adapter is the safest choice.

Most modern phone, camera and laptop chargers are dual voltage, but check the label. Single-voltage US devices such as some hair dryers or shavers will need a converter, or are best left at home.

Power at lodges and camps

Larger lodges usually have power in rooms, sometimes with backup generators. In tented and mobile camps, charging may be limited to a central charging station in the main area, or power in tents may be available only at certain times of day. Many camps do not support high-wattage devices such as hair dryers.

Ask us what to expect at each property on your itinerary. Knowing in advance avoids surprises.

Where power in rooms is only available at certain hours, it often runs in the evening and early morning. Plug in as soon as power comes on, and charge the items you need for the next morning first.

Charging in the safari vehicle

Many safari Land Cruisers are fitted with charging points, such as USB ports or an inverter, so you can top up batteries between sightings. Bring your own cables and a short charging cable for each device.

Vehicle power is shared, so be considerate with fellow passengers and avoid charging large laptops while driving.

• Universal travel adapter with type G compatibility
• USB charging cables for every device
• A multi-port USB charger to charge several items from one socket
• A power bank, checked against airline rules
• Spare camera batteries and memory cards

Smart charging habits

Make it a routine to plug in camera batteries and power banks the moment you return to your room or camp each afternoon. Carry at least two spare camera batteries on game drives; cold mornings and heavy video use drain them faster.

Switch phones to airplane mode in areas with no signal, as constantly searching for a network drains power quickly.

Photographers should also bring enough memory cards to avoid deleting images in the field, plus a simple way to back up each evening, such as a small portable drive. Downloading files to a laptop takes power, so many guests prefer backing up to a phone or drive instead.

Power banks and flights

Lithium batteries and power banks generally must be carried in cabin luggage on flights rather than in checked bags, and there are capacity limits. Rules vary by airline, so check before flying, including on small bush planes.

A mid-sized power bank is usually plenty for a few days of phone and camera top-ups.

Label your cables and chargers with a small piece of colored tape. In shared charging stations, it is easy for identical white cables to get mixed up between guests.