Always
try and pack as little as possible as you will regret carrying to heavy a
bag/backpack, especially if you are going to have to walk some place. Don't be
tempted to bring too many clothes, I guarantee that half of them you won't
wear.
What you pack all depends on whether you are going on a two week
holiday, long journey spanning across several countries, the time of year you
are travelling and how you are travelling.
If you are going on an organised safari you may be
limited to baggage size you can take on your
safari vehicle - so check
first with your operator.
If you are travelling independently it is
advisable that you take abackpack (Rucksack) rather
than a suitcase - you may have to walk distances to find accommodation etc. and
a backpack will make like a lot easier.
It is wise to line you baggage
with polythene to protect it against dust and damp. Make sure that it is the
right size or a good strong make and sits comfortably on your back.
We
have a small selection of backpacks and DayPacks available in our
Travel Gear Shop
Passports: - see our separate
section Visas: These will generally be
inserted or stamped into your passport. see our separate section Travel insurance: see our separate section Cash: - See our separate section
If travelling to
several countries take a few passport photos for visas etc.
Make sure
you have all your valuable documents in a day pack that is with you all the
time.
Clothing The rule is take as little as possible - it
all depends on which area of Africa you are travelling around and the climate
at time of travel
1 x Long-sleeved shirts/blouse, 2 x Light long trousers will help
protect you against the sun and insect bites. 2 x Skirts/Dresses 3 x
T/Shirts 2 x shorts 1 x Swimsuit 1 x small towel (Sarong is
better) 1 x Hat that shades your neck 3 x pairs Socks Cotton Underwear
and socks 1 x good pair of well broken in Walking boots 1 x
Plimsolls/Sandals or flipflops
Pocket knife - Swiss Army is the best Small Sewing kit Twisted
elasticated clothesline (no need for pegs) Electrical adapter (if needed)
Camera, film and extra batteries Binoculars Small battery operated
alarm clock Day pack Sun glasses Ziplock Plastic bags for
electronics and film Lighter Small torch (Flashlight) black outs are
frequent in most of Africa Mosquito net impregnated with
permethrin Water Bottle - in case bottled water is not
available
Toiletries: toothpaste, soap, shampoo - although you can purchase
these items along the way Pkt. baby wipes or wet wipes (if travelling in
remote regions). Malaria tablets Insect repellent containing DEET
Some kind of pain killer Antiseptic/Antihistamine Cream Band aid and
bandage Sun lotion Immodium and other Anti-diarrhoea
medicine Rehydrating Salts Iodine tablets and water filters to purify
water if bottled water is not available.
Prescription medications: make
sure you have enough to last during your trip, as well as a copy of the
prescription(s).
If you wear glasses or contact lenses, you should have
with you a spare pair of glasses or enough lenses and cleaning solutions to
last your trip. Also carry with you a copy of your prescription.
If you
take oral contraception you should have enough supplies to last your trip.
Bearing in mind the widespread AIDS epidemic, syringes & needles (in
more remote areas these may be in short supply) and condoms or femidoms are
necessary items.
Reading Material
If you like to read alot a good option
is the buy a Kindle(click for UK OR USA
) - Books are heavy to carry so if you don't have a
Kindle you need to limit
yourself.... take one good novel that you can swop with other travellers and a
couple of reference books and
maps
you need to limit
yourself.... take one good novel that you can swop with other travellers and a
couple of reference 