Packing
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Packing List

Carry on

  •  Valid passport (International arrival)

  •  Valid visa

  •  One other picture ID (e.g. driver’s licence)

  •  Photocopy of passport page to carry in wallet

  •  Air tickets

  •  Expense money

  •  Malaria pills (see your travel doctor)

Packing Your Duffel Bag

Clothing and equipment :

Please travel light. You will be allowed two separate pieces of luggage on safari: one duffle bag and one day pack. There will be opportunities to do laundry along the way and it is always easier in airports and in camps to move a lighter bag.

  • · 1 rolling duffle bag. A duffle bag should be strong and durable, preferably of nylon, with full length zipper and handles. Due to the limited space on the safari vehicles, all your clothing and gear must fit in this bag. I often bring a second empty bag so I can buy souvenirs.

  • · 1 small padlock to lock suitcase or duffle after you arrive.

  • · 1 day pack; for camera gear, water bottle and personal items needed during the day. Some packs have side pouches which are great for storing water bottles.

Travel Documents: A valid passport is required for your trip; be sure to check the expiry date. It is a good idea to carry a photocopy of the photo page and the entry stamp page of your passport as an additional piece of identification.

YOUR PHOTO-COPIES SHOULD BE STORED IN A DIFFERENT PLACE THAN YOUR TRAVEL DOCUMENTS.

Clothing for All Safaris

  •  On safari most people wear shorts and a T-shirt during the day and put on long sleeved shirts and long pants in the evening for warmth as well as protection from mosquitoes. Should you be particularly sensitive to the sun a loose cotton shirt is essential during the day. Remember that layering your clothing will keep you warmer than relying on one thick item.

  •  2 pairs khaki cotton pants (jeans are rather hot)

  •  2 pairs sturdy shorts

    • (I am a big fan of zip-off pants)

  •  1 skirt or dress slacks for hotel evenings (optional)

  •  2 long sleeved shirts (for sun protection as well as warmth).

  •  1 light sweater or sweatshirt

  •  1 lightweight, waterproof windbreaker

  •  1 pair sturdy walking shoes or running shoes

  •  1 pair sandals or rubber thongs (for showers, pool)

  •  3-5 short-sleeved or T-shirts

  •  5 changes underwear and socks

  •  1 bathing suit

  •  2-4 bandannas or handkerchiefs (many uses!)

  •  1 hat with a brim (baseball caps cover your nose but not your ears).

Equipment Requirements:

  •  Good quality sunglasses plus protective case

  •  Toilet kit including bio-degradable shampoo and soap

  •  Flashlight with spare batteries

  •  Handiwipes or ‘Babywipes’

  •  Stuff sacks or plastic bags; to compartmentalize items within duffle

  •  Ziplock-style plastic bags and heavy duty garbage bags

  •  One roll toilet paper (usually the driver has some)

  •  Repair kit: needle and thread, nylon cord, ripstop tape

  •  Personal first aid kit; see separate list

Optional Items:

  •  Camera (film if you haven't arrived in the digital age)

  •  Binoculars

  •  Paperback reading and writing material (keep weight at a minimum)

  •  Money belt

  •  Snacks; trail mix, nuts, hard candies, powdered drink mixes

Definitely Required:

  •  Aspirin or Tylenol for mild pain or headache

  •  Imodium for diarrhea

  •  Topical antibiotic (e.g. Neosporin), for cuts, bites or sores.

  •  Insect repellent. The principal active ingredient is N, N-Diethyl-Metatoluamide (DEET), an effective repellent will have 75% content or highergher. Liquid drops are best for skin application unless your skin is sensitive, sprays may be taken for clothes. Trip leaders recommend Avon’s ‘Skin So Soft’ body oil as an effective repellent.

  •  Sunscreen or block. Sun can be very strong a #10 or higher screen will be needed for the first few days if you are pale; #4 or 5 may be adequate thereafter. Bring a hat, bandanna and sunglasses. A-Fil Sun Sticks are best for lips and nostrils.

Personal Choice:

  •  Something for sleeplessness, plane rides.

  •  Cold capsules and/or allergy capsules .

  •  Diarrhea prophylactics.

  •  Tetracycline, all Rx, may decrease or prevent diarrhea when taken in small daily doses. Please consult with your physician.

  •  Eye drops

  •  Foot powder

  •  Spare glasses or contact lenses

  •  Personal drugs properly labeled with prescriptive forms

  •  Feminine stuff; will not be readily available for purchase