Lynda,

I am most impressed! I'm going to copy this. And minus the wine gum and coffee (um, you're taking coffee to KENYA?) and slippers I should be just fine.

I can't tell you how excited I am for you. What a fabulous trip you'll have. Thanks for sharing this comprehensive list for the rest of us slackers.

Oh, and also, although you are no doubt much classier than I am, I'd probably ditch the:

-suede shoe brush and small shoe sponge of the hotel variety
-2 travel fans for Zanzibar
-small travel-size spray sanitizer (you never know)
-travel lint roller

Mostly because I always tend to forget I even have all those itsy-bitsy things when I'm away.

And yet again: I showed this to my friend, and we agree: more socks! Just thin cotton ones, but you're going to want to keep your ankles covered in the evenings.

Pepto or something else milder than Immodium in case you have minor stomach upset.

And by the way, my friend is enamored of all your laundry pack stuff. I'm of the "Oh, I'd just bring more socks and underwear and wouldn't bother with the soap, clothesline, etc." camp. So different strokes on that one.

Hi Lynda,

Yes a very comprehensive packing list! For the first trip I certainly did overpack, clothes and bits & pieces. Now I am (or like to think I am) very careful in not overpacking, have to be this June as I have a 10kg weight restriction. I also do my own washing each day, so I have a 2 tshirt limit, and a better one for night, though I rarely change for dinner. But I looked at the places who are off to and they seem large and more upmarket, so maybe they do more of the dress up thing at night. I only ever take summer pj's as rooms are always warmish, and I would not take slippers. I take only 2 pr socks and to me that is fine. I have only been to Kenya and Tanzania in the warmer months, so I do not know what it will be like in winter, but in South Africa in July, I would have 2 pr of gloves and a scarf and beanie and a balaclava. The wind factor in an open vehicle first thing in morning and when the sun goes down is not something to underestimate.
I am on certain amounts of medication, and of course I have to take that, but otherwise only bandaids, antiseptic and panadol (for headaches). Other stuff like imodium I never used and most of the camps have something similar, not that I have ever needed it. One thing I always carry, is clean needles. Do take sunscreen. I use bug spray provided. I always have antiseptic wet ones and tissues for the comfort stops. For laundry, I take 2 cakes of laundry soap.

You do have a lot of things that you think you may need, but experience will show you that you can do without. If all of your stuff weighs 13 lbs that gives me great hope for my luggage weight staying around 22 lbs.

You will use a lot less than you think! Good luck with the packing but you really seem to have it under control and keep the list and revise it when you get home, and delete as you think necessary. I have a summer and winter list and it makes the whole job easier without a doubt!

Kind regards,
Kaye

very good, but do you really need a stapler, ruler, white out, glue, calculator and paper clips while on safari? I'd leave all that out and free up a pound or two. just your books, a few pens and pencils should do it. Be careful with the 95% Deet, especially around your face. Get some Airborne to take before/during flying to prevent catching a cold. I agree with Leely-more socks! Even with soaking, the African soil doesn't seem to come out. Have a great trip, you're going to love it, and to think, next trip you won't have to fret so much! Travel safe!
Dennis

btw-Happy 30th Anniversary! What a place to spend it, huh?
Dennis

I was looking at my own packing list recently and decided to only take 2 t-shirts based on the reasoning that I always buy t-shirts when I'm on vacation, so I'll just buy a couple while in Tanzania and wear them.

Also, I tend to shop for used paperbacks before any long trip. That way, when I'm done, I just leave them behind without having worried about spending a lot.

I'm a morning coffee drinker too......i'm very very happy with what is provided in all camps across Africa.

Take the candy, if you need to.

Hari

Keep the laundry kit...you'll have to wash your own underwear. The braided line works quite well, by the way. You should have clips on the end, however, as you won't find many places to use suction cups. Forget the coffee kit...you'll probably be awakened each morning with a soft "Jambo!" and a cup of coffee or tea delivered by a camp employee. I would also agree that you've got too many shirts and not enough socks. You can get laundry done anywhere. If the slippers are of the bedroom variety, I would exchange them for a pair of rubber thongs. You can use them in your tent or room at night and also at the pool, should you go swimming.

I don't know how you would use the umbrella. It wouldn't be practical in the game drive vehicle. If the rain jacket isn't sufficient, perhaps a small, inexpensive poncho would be more usable. Just toss on the poncho and keep your camera gear under it. That saved the day (and camera) for me in Botswana this February.

Take all the sundries you mentioned. If you or a fellow traveler gets sick, they can be a trip-saver. Don't forget Dramamine or the equivalent, as it can get bumpy over the North Atlantic. You might also consider a sleeping aid.

I found that attaching a small caribiner on my camera or day bag came in handy. I used it to clip my Tilley hat by its strap to the bag when I wasn't wearing it.

Place a small blank sticker on each film roll. Number and label them as you finish each roll. Those zebras can all start to look alike after a while!

Hey Lynda!
Woo Hoo! Can't wait to meet you in London soon!

My thoughts:

For laundry, I just took one type only of travel wash liquid - most camps had some available for us anyway so I didn't use it often and it was only for underwear/ swimsuit - the rest of our clothes we put into camp's laundry system. Unless you're intending to wash all your clothes and not just undies, do you need wrinkle free stuff, special swimsuit wash etc? I didn't even take a clothes line - we just hung our undies around the tent on the towel rails and backs of chairs outside on the verandah if need be! As for a laundry bag, I just took a few plastic carrier bags - take up next to no space at all...

I'm with Dennis. I don't think you're going to need so much stationery!! Why so many different types of journals/ notebooks - on the 9 week Africa trip I took 3 identical journal notebooks and used the back pages of whichever one was current to make any field notes during the day that could then be written up properly in the main journal entry made at the front. What is the clipboard for? And I'm definitely not clear on the purpose of the stapler, highlighter, glue, tape, refills, erasers and so on... I doubt you'll want to waste precious trip time assembling your trip scrapbook - any spare time you'll either catch an extra nap or spend it enjoying the environment. Take enough pens or pencils to last you for the trip - and if you run out I'm sure the camps will have pens you can have or buy.

In terms of tips, I just took a pack of envelopes, though note cards are a nice touch.

Other than that, great and thorough list...

PS Unless you're wedded to the Starbucks coffee brand, you could skip that too - my husband loves his coffee and was perfectly happy with the coffee provided in African safari camps...

Hi Lynda,
I agree with the coffee removal. We did get coffee/tea and bisquits delivered to our tent each morning. You'll have to ask at the Sopa for am coffee and possibly other similar lodges - they will do it. Your coffee will be brought to you with warmed milk and nice brown sugars - delish.

We just draped our drying linens on the shower rail etc. Most camps seem to have soaps. Rather than toilet paper we just used all purpose facial wipes but really only used the back of the land cruiser loo, once.

Ditch the antihistimine if also bringing benadryl - you can purchase a non drowsy benadryl. Don't think you'll need a face net. Cortisone cream .1% will surfice for all burns, stings and itchy owies etc. I do believe, but check that most of the vehicles do have first aid kits.

Sorry to be a slasher but do save room for all those souveniers - less is more when shlepping.
Enjoy!
Sherry

Coffee? Please!
You're going to two countries that probably produce the best coffee anywhere in the world. And compared to Starbuck's are pure gold. They even sell instant Kenyan/Tanzanian coffees if you wish to bring some home (besides, of course, their regular ground coffees. Admittedly, decaf is difficult to find, if at all; unless you only drink decaf... leave the coffee and machine at home. You can put your order in after dinner for your next morning's beverage of choice.

While I've had a script of Cipro for every trip I've taken anywhere, I've only used this once... and that was in France; never in Africa. Nor any other tummy remidies. Of course, we're all different, but you can take one kind, but not all. If for some reason, either, of you has a serious problem, and staying at lodges, there is a doctor on call for more potent meds.

Sounds like you're opening a stationery store or a home office. Leave some of those items behind. As to duck tape or masking tape, I simply wind a few feet around a thick black marking pen if needed for fixing tears or other things to be repaired.

Unlike many others, I take enough "wears" for an entire trip. I'm not on vacation to do laundry of any kind. And, as to the quick dry, I've tested these with my regular Jockey or Vic Secrets cottons - they both dry in the same amount of time... and that's saying something in a hot and humid NYC summer bathroom.

A pair of flip-flops work well as slippers, for the shower, at the pool. Some of the higher-end properties (Kirawira) actually provide slippers and bathrobes. For sleeping I buy a supply of Tall Men's XL V-nect T-shirts... they're cheap, wash easily and if left behind somewhere, it's no major loss. In June the weather is warm enough not to really need the bottom part of long PJs, besides, most of your accommodations are lodges which are more than comfy at night.

One kind of antihistimine is more than sufficient; leave the face net at home, though it doesn't weigh much, I've only used mine in the Outback in OZ. Tissue packs serve well for a runny nose or for potty stops. Either sani-wipes or liquid Purell-type, but not both. The latter can open and spill all over everything.

What's the difference between swimsuit wash and a package of suds or a simple bar of soap. Unless you hit the chlorine pool, and even if you do, cool water is sufficient.

Lynda, a good assortment of clothing and stuff, but you can leave some of it home and lighten your load. You'd be surprised how much of what you are planning to take that won't be touched or worn.

One more thing - sorry.
Is the 95% deet diluted - sometimes they'll make it sound like it's 95%, when in reality, 95% was added to the inert ingredients to which it then becomes less of a solution. If it's 95%, do be careful - we used to see people coming into the ER convulsing/or nerve damage from using such high % of deet. Anything above 35% doesn't seem to be nec.
As Dennis stated, do not use this stuff around your head and particularly on the back of your neck. The most effective places to put it are on your pulse points on wrists, back of knees and around ankles and shoulder caps - don't swim in the stuff and don't spray on the spine.
I really don't think you'll be around to many wettish areas attracting mossies - perhaps I'm wrong.

Sorry, once again for being an alarmist.
Sherry

Sherry is absolutely correct... not on the face, back of neck. Just dress appropriately from dusk to dawn; put on other exposed skin only - wrists, ankels (though you should wear socks at night), legs if you wear shorts instead of long pants.

Do not spray so much in your room before heading to dinner, away from your bed as you don't want this settling on your bed linens, especially pillows. And remember to wash the stuff off before retiring to bed.

25-35% Deet is more than sufficient.

Sandi, ever tried to pack enough underwear for a 9 week trip? Sometimes one has to wash! 10-14 days I'll often pack enough underwears for but any longer and the 'wear gets washed along the way!

or just go natural and let the wind blow where it may no soap, no closelines, no worries!

edit, clotheslines

Lynda:
I am very excited for you.

Wow Linda! You are a jewel. This will be helpful for our trip in August.

Also, thanks for keeping up the East Africa Trip Report Index.

Thanks again,

Kevin

Thanks LyndaS. I'm impressed with your list...and I thought I was organized. This will give me something to strive for.

Debbie

Lynda, have you used Wrinkle Free before? If you have, and you like it, go ahead, but if not, try it out before you go. I used it once, and found it useless, so I banished it forever from my luggage.

I agree about the coffee. It'll be delivered right to your door in the mornings.

I agree with everyone else. Leave the coffee paraphernalia at home and just have coffee delivered to your tent/room with your morning wake up. We've been pretty happy with the coffee provided at camps. The only thing I bring is a travel mug for our morning game drives.

If you want coffee to take home, Nairobi Java House is the best local coffee we've found, particularly their expresso roast. They also produce a Kenya AA and Ethiopian but we found these a little light for our tastes. We also tried some Dorman's last time and it wasn't nearly as good but perhaps we just picked the wrong variety. Kenya produces some good coffee but not all of the stuff that's sold locally is, so you have to be careful what you buy. There's a branch of Java House at the airport right next to the BA gate (prices slightly higher than in town).

I also bring enough underwear so that I don't have to wash, so no laundry stuff for me. Everything else goes into the camp laundry.

I too am puzzled by all of the stationary items.

Is your 8 lb bag a Micato issued one? We bought some inexpensive duffle bags that weighed just over 2 lbs each for our last trip.

From reading the packing lists here, I think I bring far more clothes than everyone else but far less other stuff

Wow, this is fabulous feedback! Thankyou everyone! I printed this off before dashing around on some 'last minute errands' and read it in the car (Jim was driving, not me)- fabulous input. And, hopefully all of the input will be of value to others - maybe this thread can be the 'ideal Fordorite Packing list' by the time everyone puts in their input and we refine it.

So, yes, I do see the point, and agree, about about the coffee - as my mom would say 'it's like bringing coal to Newcastle' - never thought about that! The coffee is scratched.

As both pairs of my socks were ankle socks, one has been scratched, and a knee high has been added instead. They are the Tilley (yes, we support Alex Tilley singlehandedly) quick dry kind and I really hate wearing socks and shoes (as opposed to sandals) so I think two pair will be good.

The slippers, I should have qualified are not really slippers, but packed for the same reason that ShayTay & Sandi mentions - in the lodge and by the pol. They are Clarke's slip on sandals, I use them as house slippers as I have planterfastitus (sure, try & spell that right?) so I always have to have arch support. They double as pool shoes as they can get wet, no problem there. This getting old really is for the birds - makes the packing list grow!

Leely, yes, I agree with ditching the shoe brush and shoe sponge - who really cares if our shoes are dusty. And, the travel lint roller is gone gone gone - it was so 'cute' I just couldn't resist it - but nope, gone now!

Austkaye - just to let you know the 13lbs was ONLY my clothes - none of the 'stuff' was in the bag at that point!

Dennis, Kavey, Sandi and Patti - re the stationary items - I see now I went a little overboard there! You guys are right, I am NOT opening a stationary store here - I really do get carried away sometimes with my 'things'. Gone are the ruler, paper clips, glue and white out. I like that cute little stapler though, it's really tiny and one just never knows! Oh and gone is the clipboard - I was on a cruise once and wished I had one for writing stuff out on the balcony - but, I can always use my journal book to write on!

Kabey - the reason for the journals - one is a field journal that I have made up with notes (many) for the trip and room for writing notes while 'out and about'. The good leather bound one is the one I will write the actual journal in, back in the room, from the notes jotted on the game runs, etc. The other one is a very small spiral notebook with tear out pages for whatever, but probably Jim will use this for his photography notes.

Re the Deet - I promise I will be careful & not get it around my face - it's Muskol from my 'Manitoba' days where the mossies are so big that they can carry away your steak from the BBQ... But, maybe I will just bring those OFF wipes, instead of the Muskol.
Gone too is the Purell - you guys are right, the antiseptic wipes are good enough.

Shaytay - the clothesline does have the clips at the end, not those useless suction cups! Hopefully I will have something to clip it too....
And gone is the umbrella - you are right, my jacket and two of those cheap plastic poncho raincoats (which I forgot I bought for this trip!) will suffice. The sleeping aid is actually the Benadryl - doctor reccommended it to me years to sleep on the plane & it actually works! This is also why I have the non-drowsy antihistamine Sherry, - if the fly bites really bug me during the day I can take that and not fall asleep in the van! The dramamine is the Gravol. And, yes I do have a number on the both the film canisters and the films themselves, I travel there with the canisters, but throw them out as I use them and just bring the film itself home. Those numbers, as you mentioned, have been a life saver for me many times!

Gone are the wrinkle free and swimsuit wash, yes, I can see where the swimsuit wash is unecessary and I as I haven't used the wrinke free before, I will take Celia's advice and NOT use it. I can be such a wuss sometimes on presentation, but I really have to remember that we are ALL in the same boat (jeep?) on safari!

Gone are the face nets - what can I say, the guys at the travel store saw me coming....

Patty - thanks for the info on the Java House - I put this in my notes - and the 8lb duffle is indeed Micato issued - way too heavy in my eyes, it is TOO well made.

And thanks Dennis for the congrats on the 30th aniversary - I agree, it's a great place to spend it!

My favorite line here is Hari's - 'take the candy' - I like that advice!

I can just see all these pounds shedding as I write, it's like going to Weight Watchers - I LOVE it guys!

THANKS!

Lynda - I am glad you learned some things from everyone here. I got some great ideas from you, some reassurance from others, so we all benefit! Happy Anniversary and happy safari!

Sharon

Don't throw away those film canisters until you're away from the dust! It gets into everything and don't know if it can make it into a film roll, but it's so fine it just might!

Cooncat- have you started to pack yet? You leave the same day as me don't you - the 26th?
Dennis - that is is GOOD point, I have an xray-proof bag that I keep the films in, but that will be back at the lodge. Good point -I wouldn't have thought of it.
And thanks Kevin for your kind words on the list & the index - I do love to do 'organizing' things as you can tell by my office kit!!!

Would you believe, when trying to figure our where on both of our itineraries Lynda and I might run into one another, she actually told me what she'd be wearing! Less than a month out and she knows! Sorry to tell Lynda, but I laughed so hard I almost "peed my pants" (of the Pirates of Pensance fame uttered by Richard Gere) Name the movie!

"Coals to Newcastle" - thanks Lynda, that was on the tip of my tongue but couldn't remember Newcastle!

Kavey - for 9-weeks, believe both Patty and I would find a local store and buy more "wears."

Though Sherry's idea for "au naturale" sounds good and we all look better without VPL and the clothes fits way better. Then there is what the army guys do, turn them inside out! Ugh! Too nasty! Pass on that one... rather au naturale with a sticky back sani-pad.

There are solutions to all situations.

Sandi, whilst I could have found a store for more "wears" during the first 2.5 - 3 weeks most of the rest of it was on safari and last I looked there weren't any department stores selling knickers in the middle of the game parks! Honestly, we spent 5 weeks straight on safari, a lot of that in Botswana flying from one small camp to another - there was NO place to buy underwear and packing enough for that length of time would have meant wearing nothing BUT underwear!!!

Lynda,
If "face nets" = mosquito head nets, I have to say I am very pleased we had ours. On our first trip, whilst I adored the mokoro experience, I sat with my winter scarf wrapped around as much of my face as I could manage, even when it got a bit warmer, and even then I inhaled more insects than I care to think about... On this last trip we wore our head nets and whilst the other guests giggled for the first minute we definitely got the last laugh as they choked on all the insects!

Kavey,
But Lynda's going to Kenya/northern Tanzania where a head is definitely not needed

That should be head NET

Good point - then I'd definitely skip it. It's mainly only over water that the little critters gather in such high densities...

Regarding leaving the film rolls in the canisters...

I used heavy-duty Ziplock freezer bags (quart size) to carry my film rolls in. I ran a couple rows of staples down the bag from top to bottom, creating three compartments that the film rolls fit into. The airport screeners especially loved it. They could see all the film rolls and didn't have to open 30 film canisters if I chose to have it hand-inspected.

Lynda,

Yes, it was funny.

On our last trip, my 14 yr old cousin was with us to Livingstone and Botswana. While in Livingstone he bought 10 days supply of candy to take to the Kwando camps as he was sure he wasnt going to be able to get any candy for that duration of time. He stocked up on every brand he could get his hands on at a gas station near Songwe village. The only thing i remember is something called a milo candy bar, tastes like Malt balls.

Hari

So, you see guys - I can use my stapler on the trip to do what Shaytay suggests!! (I like that idea though - it does definitley appeal to the orgaznizer in me) I did the canisters in the plain ziplocks on the way home from our 7 week cruise in 2003 - 60 rolls of film, we were leaving from Rome - had them in ziplock bags VERY visible, no outside canisters and they STILL insisted on putting it thru the X-ray machine. By then, after 7 weeks of travel I had lost count of how many times they had been thru various x-ray machines - I, even though I am usually a very pleasant person, was really pissed at them for that! So for the next trip I bought the x-ray safe bags - only trouble is I was told in New Orleans that I couldn't leave the X-ray bags in my carry on as they couldn't see thru them! You just can't win.... No wonder digital was invented.
Inside out Sandi - now it was my time to laugh so hard! Oh, perish that thought! Poor army guys.... I've figured out the PL re Shery's au natural - but what's the V?
Re what I'll be wearing a month from now - I can take that organized thing too far though sometimes can't I! Actually, I just meant that I would have that vest on because I will by then have tons of souvenirs and be overweight again and have to stuff all I can in my vest pockets!
Patty, I was so relived to hear that a head is not needed in Kenya - now there's a few pounds saved! The face nets, Kavey, are indeed the mossie head nets. You know, they really don't weigh anything at all - maybe I will still keep those on the list - just in case!

V=Visible as in Visible Panty Lines
sandi-TMI on the sticky back sani-pad

Ew, I managed to miss the turn them inside out and the sani pad thing! ROFL!

Think I'll stick to a minute's washing every few days so I can have a fresh pair every day without filling my entire case with knickers. (What can I say, my knickers are large, as is my derriere!)

This thread has taken a terrible turn. As the seemingly only serious person on board here I will get back to my lecturing.
Re:
Benadryl taken while flying is very dehydrating. If your wrenched up in a pretzel for hours on end in a tin box, drink gallons of water. This will not only prevent you from sleeping in hideous clot forming positions but will get the blood flowing by making you get up every 5 min. to wait endlessly in line for the til (loo).
If other drugs are avail. besides benadryl, take them instead - my flying fave is valium (diazapam) - it lets me get comf. enough to rest or not care without putting me in an ambien clot inducing, coma-like state.
Peace;
Sherry

This has sure turned into a hoot of a thread.

Dennis - very good. Leave it to a guy to notice Visible Panty Lines, the reason for thong panties. Not all that comfortable, but no lines or go au-naturale. As to the "liners" - to avoid the dreaded laundry.

Kavey - absolutely, right on; nowhere while on a long safari to "shop" at least not for knickers. I'd opt for "wears only" big bottom or not... go native a la the Himba!

Still no one named the movie - "Pretty Women" when leaving the opera in San Franciso, Julia says to the elderly women when asked how she enjoyed, commented "I almost peed my pants." Taken aback, Gere reinterpreted the comment as "almost as good as Pirates of Pensance." I amaze myself with the minutea in my brain.

OK back to the serious then...

I didn't bother with PJs, I took thermal long johns and a thermal vest that could be worn under my normal clothes should I have needed and also as nightware if I needed. This was for a winter trip in Southern Africa where nights are COLD. Even then I found the beds toasty warm (thanks to the hot water bottles) and didn't bother with nightware anyway. That said, I find nightclothes uncomfortable - if you wear PJs normally it makes more sense to take them.

I always take ciprofloxacin in my med kit - I don't use it on all trips, of course, but when I need it I'm sooo grateful for it. This last India trip was the first one I've ever been on where Ciprox didn't clear up the food poisoning infection within a day or two.

I usually also take a few sachets of electrolytes incase I am ill/ dehydrated - really helps the body recover.

I take some non-medicated eyedrops for when my eyes are simply itchy from the dust or just a touch dry - something I suffer from anyway.

I usually have some hydrocortisone/ betnovate cream for any rashes/ bites (small tube), an insect bite pen thing - the ones with ammonia in that stop the bite swelling if applied ASAP, chapstick, sunblock, moisturiser, bandaids, crepe bandage incase my knee goes or I twist an ankle (something I am prone to), savlon wipe sachets and some insect repellent. My medikit is probably bigger than most people and of course, on any one trip one uses only a fraction of it, but most of the items have been used on one trip or other and I'm extremely grateful to have them when I need them!

Hmmm... Kavey on safari in 'wears only might be construed as an offence against nature!

Like Sherry - on flights, instead of a downright sleeping pill, I go for the Ativan (lorazepam - 1/mg) to cut the edge which allows me to drift into sleep. Sleep for a 2-3 hours, then awake (cleareyed), drink water, walk, exercise, read. Another pill for a few more hours of Zzzzzzs. Never more than two pills per flight; in all manages to provide me enough hours of sleep on those long flights.

No VPL = stolen boxers from DH - most comfortable and sexy in a non victoria secret oleladyish kinda way. Much better if seen from outside thru mesh tent windows than a throng, ewww - enough to send frightened water bucket filling African running!
- sorry, who started this, Dennis.

Sherry -

Forgot about the guys tapered boxers. Gotta find the few pair I have. Use to wear them over my bikini bottoms when walking on the beach... they're somewhere around here.

I'm to blame. I started it with the initials... Dennis just chimed in with the explanation. Ooops just thought everyone would know!

Very informative (and amusing) thread!

Lynda, I too suffer with plantar fasciitis and am interested in your Clarke's. Would you be able to post a link to a picture of the ones you wear? Thank you for that and for sharing your packing list...I leave in 7 weeks

Hey, don't blame me...I don't even know what a sticky back sani-pad is! I guess I could google it...

duh! never mind...

Dennis, the name is pretty self-explanatory but, as a man, you're excused from knowing...

See where this comprehensive packing list has gone..........right into TMI! Great for a laugh and so much has been learned by all... especially for Dennis!

Just got back from very serious intense meetings at lawyers and bankers, read the turn of this thread since yesterday and haven't stopped laughing! Love it - just what the doctor ordered....
Have to run to the airport at the moment to drop off our son who is returning home, but Calo I will see what I can find on the Clarkes as soon as I get back - and now I know how to spell that darn foot infliction I have! Thanks!
Hari, did your nephew run out of candy??? This is serious stuff for me - I'm not sure I can live without those darn candies!

I'm back - Calo I can't find the exact sandals on the internet for some odd reason - just bought them, but maybe they were last year's stock or something!
But, here is a website for a similar pair to mine - they are very comfy
http://www.softmoc.com/ca/systemshow-item_I76165

Calo/Lynda,

Regarding Achilles tendonitis, as a marathon runner.....i would like to request you to stretch you calf muscles as many times a day as possible. Let me know if you need help on the techniques of specific stretches.

Also, if you wear high heels at any time, it is not going to help you....as your calf muscles are contracted the entire time. Not good!!!

Hari

I would be interested in those stretch techniques, Hari. If you have time, please email me at lyndadswain at telus dot net. The constant wearing of arch support at all times has really, really helped over the last few years, but I'm sure it can't hurt to do the stretch exercises either.
I truly wish someone would have told me years ago what high heels will do over time - as I am not a runner, nor a soccer player, the doctor told me it was more than likely the wearing of high heels that gave me the plantar facsiitus in the first place.

Lynda, found this on a couple of exercises:
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/fact/thr_report.cfm?Thread_ID=144&topcategory=Foot

Lynda,

Will email it to you in a couple of hours.

hari

Thanks Kavey, I have printed these out, and thanks Hari - I got the email!

Lynda,

Goodluck!!! The calf stretches from Kavey's link are alternate stretches to the ones i emailed you. However, the calf stretch using a step, works deep!!!

Hari

Hello Lynda,

Thanks so much for posting your packing list! Incredible! Especially the fact you've preweighed everything.
I was quite nervous about the forthcoming weigh-in but more confident now. I really agree with "Kavey" about the eye drops, if only for washing away dust etc. Do you have scissors for the tape? And what about the CHOCOLATE? A serious omission I think - at least enough to get you as far as Nairobi!
Might I add a suggestion or two? I was relieved to have packed a sportsbra for the bumpy mountain roads in Bali and that will be the first thing into my duffle for Africa (and I'm not a full figured girl either.)
Also, I'm a big fan of the movie "Out of Africa" and will be taking a walkman loaded with the soundtrack so I can swoon to the music as I sail over the Mara!
Thank you Patty for the coffee recommendations and to everyone else who has tweaked the perfect packing list!
Lynda, have a fabulous time and I can't wait to hear your adventures.

Lynda, I mean to listen to the soundtrack from a balloon! (wouldn't the little planes be too noisy?)

Thankyou carolines - I can't believe I forgot the chocolate! I have just added it to my carry on, see, it won't take up any weight at all in the duffle!
The scissors, yes, I do have a small pair of folding scissors in my 'portable stationary store' , I guess I forgot to list them in the original - they were probably hiding. And, two sportsbra's are on the list - looks like I missed those too in my post - but they are upstairs waiting to be packed.
The Out of Africa soundtrack sounds like a good idea, I will ask Jim to put it on the ipod. I watched the movie the other day - what an incredible movie - I loved it!
Thanks for the missing items suggestions!

Lynda,

I'm also bringing the Mozart clarinet concerto (partially featured on the soundtrack) as it is SO beautiful, brings tears to my eyes and we plan to listen to it on our camp verandah one lazy morning as we watch the animals at the waterhole (Little Governor's) and pinch ourselves as we won't hardly believe we're ACTUALLY in Afree-kah!(as Sandi says...that's how we say it around our house now!)

What day do you actually depart?

Sorry Lynda, just one more question: How do you arrange to hug cheetahs???

Caroline-
We leave next Friday (May 2th) - 10 more sleeps!! (but whose counting...)
I think Sandi's Afree-kah has caught on everywehre, I have been saying it too - it's catchy! (thanks Sandi!)
We have booked a car and driver in Nairobi - his name is Kennedy and he has arranged with the KWS Animal Orphanage to get us in to hug the cheetahs! Some people were saying that not everyone gets to go in to do this, so a few of us asked Kennedy to pre-arrange this for us and he did! Let me know if you need his contact info? When do you leave, and refresh me where you are going?

LyndaS:

Have a wonderful trip!! Please give those Cheetahs an extra scratch under the chin from the northern Canadians.

k

Lynda,

You must be on pins and needles until next Friday! We had almost gone on the Stanley safari too, but as more holiday time opened up we changed our plans.
It's been difficult for me to read postings lately because to my husband's dismay I tend to second guess our plans when I read a negative post...for the same reason I've been reluctant to post our itinerary etc. for fear we've made some wrong decisions and this will prey on my mind until next February!

But here goes (and we did try to incorporate Fodor's advice with logistics and time constraints as well as our desire to see much of what we've been reading about!)

After 2 days in England (Air Canada, arriving Feb.3) we fly overnight (Kenya Airways) to
- Nairobi (Norfolk), 2 nights
Then
-a.m. fly to Amboseli (Tortilis), 2 nights
-a.m. fly to the Mara (Little Governor's ), 3 nights (and balloon)
-a.m. fly via Nairobi to Lake Manyara where we pick up our private guide (Lake Manyara Serena), 1 night
-a.m. game drive Lake Manyara followed by drive to Ngorongoro (Gibb's farm for lunch) - (Ngorongoro Serena Lodge), 2 nights
-a.m. drive to Serengeti, Serengeti Serena, 3 nights
-a.m. fly to Arusha, day and overnight at Arusha Coffee Lodge
-a.m. fly to Ruaha (Ruaha River Lodge),
3 nights)
-a.m. fly to Dar, boat to Lazy Lagoon
3 nights
-late afternoon flight to Nairobi, overnight
-day in Nairobi (Norfolk again) for last minute shopping etc.
-night flight to London
-2 nights London (Windsor)
-p.m. flight return to Canada

In Nairobi we've so far arranged a driver for Karen Blixen's, the Giraffe Centre, shopping and a visit with our two elephant foster "kids" at Daphne Sheldrick's.
All the properties were booked and confirmed several weeks ago (we learned from this board that the early bird gets the camp!)
I guess I really should be posting this elsewhere on the forum...! But, there you are and hopefully when you arrive home you can offer additional pointers especially on the Serena properties you mught be staying at!

Again, hope you and your husband have a fabulous time. (By the way, have you been to Borneo yet? So far our best travel experience ever!)
Caroline

Greetings All:

This is Jim … the other half of the fabulous Lynda’s encounter with something she has been wanting to accomplish since 2001, when, and following until now, has been subject to re-routing due to various certain factions’ ideological imperatives. These have caused us to route around one of our desired objectives – up close, and personal with the people and the flora and fauna of East Africa. Finally, at last … to have the dream realized.

Having traveled to many enjoyable places around the globe and experiencing many different peoples and their cultures, is soon to be augmented by another of my DW’s ultimate wants and musts – East Africa. South and West Africa were good; but, something is to be said for the absolute heartland of the entire population of this somewhat small, albeit mostly blue and wide planet – a must, and finally, a go-to place. We both look much forward to this wonderful adventure.

I have, in days past, asked in the morning – Where are going tomorrow, only to be greeted with a detailed itinerary of the upcoming day’s events. Gee … and all I wanted to know was which country we would be visiting. This, of course, in places where countries are somewhat close-by to each other, and we were visiting many. To this day I still get a good ribbing about my comment. She is a seasoned planner, and a good one. Our usual gang of traveling companions counts on having her daily guides in hand and knowing what they should expect.

This trip opens new opportunities and challenges for us.

My packing list will be somewhat minimal, due to a strong military and Scouting influence, along with what an orientation toward what I ‘really need’ vs. what I ‘might need’. For the esthetics and others, Lynda comes adequately prepared! Absolutely amazing what you can do with a quick rinse to a khaki bush shirt with convertible bush-rolled sleeves and proper plaquet inserts in the cuff area for bug control and, later, looking reasonable, at dinner!

I thank all the Fodorites who have contributed to our wonderful odyssey preparations and to your collective knowledge and wisdom. I will have the opportunity of meeting a few of your during our travels – to, during and from – this wonderful adventure and very much look forward to doing so.

In particular, your comments and editorials about the ‘refined’ packing list, left me laughing (and somewhat moist-eyed)

Cheers to all

Jim

Jim, what a pleasure to see you post here - cannot wait to meet you in London!

Pleasure to finally meet you Jim, albiet by cyberspace.

You are in most capable hands with Lynda. You both sound like gems.
Enjoy your wonderful trip!
Best regards;
Sherry
- Lynda's email buddy from the small state. Happy late Easter btw - hope you enjoy your goodies

How lovely to hear from the other half of this soon to be traveling pair. And thank you for the benefit of Lynda's contributions here on Fodor's. Her undertaking of the "index" has been a wonderful tool for everyone. I'm sure you'll have a wonderful experience during your safari in East Africa.

Lynda, just thought I'd let you know I finally got around to getting a pen to sign the print so now it's all ready and waiting for you in a postage tube - now I just have to make sure I don't forget to bring it WITH me to the restaurant!!!

Jim,

Everyone here in Fodor's land loves Lynda! You're one lucky man--especially if she takes care of the packing.

Have a great trip. I'm certain you will.

Hi Jim,

Welcome to Fodors. You have a real Star in Lynda - her attention to detail is absolutely amazing and she is never hesitates to help and advise. Thanks to Lynda I'm getting to 'Hug those Cheetahs' (not Kick them!!LOL) too.

Hope you both have a wonderful trip and a fantastic 30th Anniversary.

Imelda (Lynda's other e-mail buddy from the Emerald Isle)

Aloha Jim, your wife is very entertaining, I can see why you kept her for 30 years. Does she take her own portable stationary store everywhere she goes? Have a great trip, i know with Lynda's planning, nothing will be left behind!

Thank you Lynda for the good advice and Jim for stopping in to say hello. Maybe you'll get hooked to this board as well.

Good information on packing list on this thread and even better dialogue!

Thankyou guys for all the wonderful things all of you have said - it really is like a big family here! Now it's my turn to get misty eyed...
And I just can't beleive - ohmigosh - ONLY 7 MORE SLEEPS!!!!
(but, as family, remember I can't bring home gifts for everyone.....)

Lynda and all,
I am a new poster to this board, and am going on the Stanley Wing Safari in June (leaving the states June 14). I am now sure that I have not put enough time into planning my packing, but intend to make up for lost time. Can any of you tell me if there is another thread somewhere that addresses the vaccinations that are necessary (or would be good to have) to go to Kenya and Tanzania?

I think I better get my scale ready to start weighing luggage -- have never really dealt with that before!

I am going with my husband (we come home on our 20th anniversary) and my 15 year old daughter.

Can't wait!

Mary

You can do a search on this board. In the box on the top of this page, type in the word "inoculations" or "Hep A" or "Tetanus" (all without the quotes" ") then click the search button on the right of the screen. In the left column will appear all threads that contain such information.

However, you can always check the cdc site at www.cdc.gov/travel Then select the country/ies where you will find detailed information. Bear in mind that the CDC can be alarmist, but they have to tell all and then you in consultation with your own physician discuss your particular needs.

Note, however, that general practitioners may not be as knoweledgable as a tropical diseases specialist, many of which are affiliated with hospitals. Though you'll find them listed in the yellow pages under "Travel Medicine/Physicians"

Of course, you'll need a malaria med. Most these days take Malarone, though some may take doxycycline (an antibiotic). You'll find details on the CDC site.

For inoculations, Hep A and Tetanus and a Polio booster, especially for adults who haven't had anything since childhood. Your daughter, may not need all of these. The reason to discuss with her pediatrician.

But read the threads for the various comments. None of us here are physicians and can advise only on our own experiences.

I can't believe you haven't received any information from Micato regarding inoculations, etc.

Happy travels.

mrm512 - good advice from Sandi.
Attaching a discussion thread on vaccinations: http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34794727

Hello All:

For anyone wanting a different link to travelers' advisory warnings / precautions regarding international travel, you might want to try a link to the Government of Canada Travel Medice web site www.travelhealth.gc.ca/

Cheers

Jim

Hi Jim:
Ditto re nice to meet you. I am very excited for both of you and I am sure that you will have a great trip.

Lynda, just think--you will soon be adding your own trip report to the index!

Now that will be interesting, bat - I guess I can say all kinds of good things about my report!
Once we get back I have the newer, more detailed one that I can put up - I arranged everyone's trip in date order from the oldest to the newest and also made sure that the specific camps/lodges were named in each report - I hadn't done that in any of the original ones I put up. That way someone can find reports on a particular lodge they are staying at. It's all ready to go - just havn't found the time to start a new thread and paste it in yet - but I will whejn I get back!
CAN'T WAIT TO GO!!!

Thanks for the advice on immunizations. I do have contact information for a travel doctor, so I am going to call his office tomorrow. Our regular docs don't seem to have a handle on this at all, and the health dept. wants us to get every innoculation known to man.

On another subject, Lynda, when did you receive the bags from Micato? I saw an old post of yours that looked to me like you got them about 2 months in advance. I am less than 4 weeks away, and have gotten nothing but some preliminary information from them. I have not been in contact with them much, so maybe I need to call someone there.

Thanks,
Mary

Lynda,
This thread has been most informative and amusing. We leave in 1 sleep and used your packing list (and everyone's comments) to make sure we covered all the bases. It is also our first safari and were worried we would forget something.

We will post a trip report upon our return. Thanks everyone.

Lynda & Jim,
Happy anniversary and hope you have a wonderful trip! Can't wait to hear all about it.

mrm512-
Yes, that is strange that you have not received the bags yet - they must really be behind! Call Fran at the New York office, and tell her I sent you (Lynda from Vancouver) she'll know exactly who I am - and tell her you REALLY need those bags to pre-plan the packing! I probably did get them earlier as Fran knew I wouldn't leave her alone until she sent them to me. They are huge - but caution, they do 8 lbs in themselves!
Did you get the pre-safari book with all sorts of information in it? In there, it does mention about the innoculation requirements - it says that at this time none are REQUIRED, but to check with your local travel health clinic for recommendations, which is what I did. Just as you say though, they did recommend one of everything and we walked out of there 500.00 lighter in the pocket. (ouch). And we even had a few from prior that were still good! (Hep A or B or something like that)
Have you obtained your visas yet - the info was in the same package - hope so as time is getting 'iffy' on that if you are going to do it in advance for both countries. Fran told me that we could obtain the Kenyan visa upon arrival, but that we would need to get the Tanzanian visa in advance.
With the bags, you will get flashlights, luggage tags and a really nice bound detailed personalized safari info book with what you will be doing each day.
Are you going earlier than most to Nairobi, or are you staying over somewhere - as your safari starts on the Monday June 19, correct?

And Peter_Joanne - wow, tommorrow -I am so excited for you guys and will look forward to your trip report! Where are you going, maybe we will be in the same place at the same time? Where in Canada do you live - I'm in Vancouver.

mrm512 -
Just wanted to say hi and that I am going on the Stanley Wing safari, but I leave the states on June 10. I received my Micato bag last week.

Just to let everyone know, I did receive my bags and other items yesterday (Monday). Those bags are huge. My daughter and husband are balking at using them due to the sheer size and weight. I cannot seem to get them focussed on what they need to be packing! I think my (15 y-o) daughter thinks she can bring her whole wardrobe, as usual. Believe me, I have tried to tell her otherwise. I thought I read somewhere that they provide a safari-type hat on the tour -- do you know if that is true? I might have been reading something from another tour company. Another question for Lynda -- I see you have gloves packed "for the balloon ride." What is that about?

As for the innoculations, I have arranged to go to a "travel doctor" in my area on Thursday for whatever shots we need. I still am not keen on getting anything other than the malaria pills, but since I am taking my daughter to get them, I will go ahead and get them myself. I hear you about the money part!

I did get my visas done already, so that isn't a problem.

I am headed to NYC this weekend and then I guess I will be focussing full time on the Africa trip. I wish I was half as organized as Lynda!!!!

Mary

Mary - Re the other inoculations, note that the Hep A and Tetanus will serve you well whether at home or traveling. You can get Hep A at the finest restaurants in the world, and anyone can trip on the piece of wood and be infected with Tetanus. Both inocs last for 10-years. And though Polio has technically been eradicated, there are occasional breakouts around the world. The polio booster will last the rest of your life.

Yellow Fever is no longer a requirement for entry into these countries if traveling from western countries. If, however, you plan to be traveling within the next six (6) months to another country, do check whether they have a requirement for Yellow Fever if you had previously been to Kenya/Tanzania.

Better safe than sorry.

Hi Mary-
Those bags are huge, aren't they? They actually weigh a walloping 8lbs....
You are right about the safari hat - but it is given to us at the safari briefing on Monday morning. I think I recall it comes with a Nairobi info pack and some pre-stamped postcards so that we don't have to spend time looking for a post office!
The gloves are for the 'optional' balloon ride offered in the Maasai Mara - did you book it as well? It's expensive, but it was on my list of 101 Things To Do Before We Die, so what could I do, right???
A few people told me it can can get quite cold up there in the balloon in the very early morning and to bring gloves and a toque (ski cap) - but since we will have our Tilley hats, as well as the Micato hats, I didn't pack the ski cap.
You'll just be going as we come back (we took the optional Zanzibar extension on the end of the trip) so we'll both have some great stories to tell in July!
Now I'm dying of curiosity as to where you are going before the safari - do you have a long stop over in London or Amsterdam?

Lynda,
We are not stopping anywhere before the Africa trip. We get into Nairobi the evening of June 15 (if I have all of my time changes and dates right). I think this is one they added late and is not in their brochure. Anyway, I am pretty sure it filled, or more than filled so they seem to be doing a great business.

I am having a hard time deciding what to pack. Like I said in another post, I am going to NYC this weekend, so I have not been 100% focussed on the safari, but I know I am going to be freaking out next week.

Our trip ends on June 28, and back to the states on June 29. It will be here before I know it.

We are doing the balloon ride. I didn't realize it would be that cold. I will probably just put some of those throw-away stretch gloves in somewhere since they take up no room.

The bag from Micato is huge, but I am not sure yet if I am going to use it or not. It probably depends on the weight of all of my other junk.

I can't remember now when you said you were leaving, but I think it is soon. I cannot imagine how excited you must be. Have a fabulous time and we can compare notes in July.

Mary

Hi Mary-
We are leaving Fridy evening!!! Ohmigosh!!!
I remember Fran telling me they were thinking about adding some more of the Stanley Wing's as they had filled up very early on. We booked last August, and Fran told me they closed ours at 16 people, in January I think it was.
I'm not too sure if you have to use the bags or not - I'm sure you probably wouldn't really HAVE to, but I do remember Fran telling me that they send them out to use so that they can get everyone's bags off of the small planes very quickly and easily - just pull all of the green bags in the hold!
Back last summer, there was a trip report that someone's (not with Micato) luggage got pulled off at the wrong camp - this is probably why they do it.
Fran did tell me when I emailed here that if we were a pound or two over that would be OK, and I look at the size of it as being good to bring back lots of souvenirs!

Well, here it is - ZERO sleeps to go so I thought I would finish this thread with how I did on that packing!

My Micato duffle bag empty weighed 8 lbs. Bad start. My clothes weigh 13 lbs. My 'stuff' - which is half of the 'things' listed at the start of this thread (because Jim is taking the other half in his duffle), weigh 15 lbs. So, I am in the end 36 lbs for the inter-Africa flights.

Now, I did add 10 lbs to this for gifts for Kennedy's (Nairobi car & driver for the first day) 2 girls - a bag each full of goodies for them! So for the international flight the bag will be 46 lbs, but those will come out in Nairobi and it will be back to 36 lbs.

My carry on shoulder bag weighs 16 lbs (that's all those wine gums in there - they'll be gone soon!). My purse is my second carry on for the international flight, probably weighs 5 lbs - most of the weight being my paperback the 'Constant Gardener' - but will be emptied and not used inter-Africa. I'll use my Tilley vest for what's in the purse within Africa.

What did I ditch? Well, the clothes stayed exactly as is - couldn't get any 'skinnier' than the list at the top of this thread. The jury is still out on the small coffee (1 lb 4 oz) maker and the small bag of sugar & creamer - if Jim is overweight that will have to go. I brought just the basics for my 'stationery store', in the end it weighed 4 oz INCLUDING the tiny travel stapler, Dennis!

Oops, I hit post instead of the enter key!
I did ditch a few small items in each category as I went along, as per the suggestions on this thread - the travel lint roller, the shoe stuff (who cares if you sandals are dusty), the Purell sanitizer, and the travel umbrella.

So, that's it - I'm off to to see how much Jim's weighs now - but just wanted to let everyone know how I did!

Bye, bye - I'll miss all you guys - 'see' you in three weeks!

This thread has been so instuctive and entertaining. Thanks for starting it, and I hope you have a wonderful safe trip.

Can't wait to read your report. (I'm betting the coffee maker goes with you!)

CW

We'll miss you too! It'll be quiet around here with you, sandi and cooncat1/2/3 gone

Lynda,
I think we'll pass each other in the air when you're coming back and I'm heading out. Have a great trip! And thanks again for the packing list. I just copied it and cut it in half.

Have an AMAZING time Lynda and mind those Cheetahs.

Leely,
Remind me when you're leaving again.

Patty, June 15. THREE WEEKS!

Woohoo!!!

lynda:
Just in case you see this--I am sooo happy for you!

Leely,
Are you on Micato Stanley Wing safari June 15? I am on that trip; just wondering.

Mary

Hi Mary,
No, I'm going on a private safari with a couple of friends. I'm sure you'll have a lovely trip. Did you tack on a beach extension or are you sticking to the Stanley?
Leely

No, we aren't extending the trip. By the time we leave and return, it will be close to 3 weeks and that is enough for my husband to take off from work! This is the first time we have been to Africa, but I can see us travelling there again in years to come, maybe after retirement.

Have a great time on your trip! Maybe our paths will cross.

Mary

bookmarking

Wow! Thank you so much! As a solo traveler, I will have to figure out how to pack items couples tend to share between 2 bags. Including reading matter. (For long flights I sometimes bring novels in French because I read it so slowly.)

Don't forget to refer to Lynda's appendum to this original list. She covers what worked and what didn't.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34902894

Juliet

Hi Lynda
We are also going on a safari in Aug '07 and landing in Nairobi and would love to take a suitcase for the orphanage.
Do you know how would go about it?
Can I do it even tho I'm not traveling with Micato or is if just their thing?
Ruth

Ruth, that is very kind! I will do some checking & get back to you on this!

Hello Lynda . Really enjoying all the posts and information. My Husband and I are off to Africa in October for just under a month and would be very interested in how your trip went. I am also interested in how your packing was. Did you find that you did not use some things/needed others? We are also bringing things down to an orphanage in Uganda/ but that will be from our British airways flight so weight of luggage will not be a problem. We are also going to drop off some items to a clinic in Zanzibar at the end of our trip, so will have to add the extra to our luggage for that on the smaller/restricted weight flights. I am hoping to leave some of my souveniers that I purchase on Safari in Nairobi airport before flying to Zanzibar at the end of our trip, and then picking up again before our flight back to Canada. Has anyone else done this in Africa? I tend to do this whenever I travel and know I will pass through an airport again.
I am from Vancouver island so interested in how the Vancouver/Canada souveniers went over.
Debbe

Hi Debbe-

Sorry I didn't see your post until today - I was in E. Africa when you posted!

In Sept. BA is reducing the weight allowed to 50 lbs - just thought I'd let you know that in case you hadn't read it. And, to add insut to injury - if you are going exonomy, you are only allowed one suitcase each (stil a 50 lb max). We flew World Traveller Plus so we were allowed two each. And they are VERY strict on any of their rules.

The Vancouver/Canada souvenirs went over very well - both last year (that is when this list was from) and this year again! Lots of the people in the lodges wanted a Canada pin - I had a few, next year I will bring more! also brought Canada keychains, these wwent over very well too.

For what worked and what didn't on this list - see this link:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34902894


Ruth-

If you are still out there, yes, you can contribute to the orphanage, they would LOVE that! I can put you in touch with someone - justlet me know!

From Canada, you should still be allowed 2 bags with a max weight of 23kg each in either WT or WT+ http://www.britishairways.com/travel/bagchk/public/en_us#americas

As long as all of your flights are on one ticket, the higher of the limits should apply. But if you've purchaseed your LHR-Africa segment separately, then the allowance would be only 1 bag.

You can get a very compact travel sized Purell (1oz) which lasts quite a while and I wouldn't go anywhere without it!!

You are indeed right Patty - sorry I forgot about the checked through rule as we were going to stop in London (best laid plans of mice & men) on the way there and our agent had said good thing we were booked into WT+.

I thought I should copy the 'final list' here on the bottom of this post as to all that was REALLY required!


LADIE'S

4 t-shirts
2 short sleeved shirts or blouses
(just to look a little dressier at dinner)
1 long sleeved shirt for evenings (re mosquitoes)
1 black pants - comfy but nice ( traveling & dinner)
2 convertible pants
1 capris
1 multi pocket safari vest (lightweight)
1 fleece hoodie or sweater for warmth 1 rain/wind jacket - 'packable' is best
1 pr walking sandals
1 pr closed in shoes
1 pr pyjamas - light weight 'summer' flannel is good
2 pr socks - quick dry
6 pr underwear - quickdry if possible
3 bras
1 bathing suit
1 cover up (double duty - pool & around room as robe)
1 hat - we use Tilley hats, or the one Micato provides

---------------------------------------

MEN'S

3 short sleeve shirts (Cool Max is good)
1 long sleeve shirt
2 polo shirts (Cool Max is good)
2 pr khaki pants (like Dockers)
2 pr convertibles
1 pr walking sandals
1 pr closed in shoes
4 prs socks
8 underwear
1 fleece jacket (light but warm - Columbia type is good)
1 stuff in sack rain jacket
1 multi-pocketed vest
1 bathing suit
1 light weight cotton bath robe
1 hat - Jim prefers the Tilley hat
---------------------------------------

NOTES:

- Smalls (underwear & socks) has to be laundered in the sink at night, shirts/pants can go to lodge's laundry
whenever you are on a two night stay.
- fleece hoodie is a must for warmth at the crater & Mt Kenya


OTHER THAN CLOTHES:

PERSONAL TOILETRIES
shampoo, conditioner (shampoo provided in every camp, but not always conditioner)
facial cleanser, body wash, moisturizer, deodorant
small washcloth - not always provided!
All toiletries should be in small, disposable containers - ie I packed 4 little shampoos (hotel size) & tossed the containers
as I used them

OVER THE COUNTER DRUG STUFF
a few bandaids - I used a few times
small tube of neosporin - I used a few times
Gravol-didn't use, but you never know
Immodium - same as above
Contact C - hubby used
Advil - used a few times
Non- drowsy antihistamine- I used for the 'rash'
Rolaids or Tums - hubby used

SUN AND BUGS
Cortate cream/ after bite - I took both & used both
pkgs of OFF wipes (insect repellent) - I liked these, easy to carry
small bottle of insect repellent - some lodges had this
sun-burn lotion SPF 30- I burn easy - a must for me

BUSH LOO STUFF
travel roll of TP- I used a whole roll
antiseptic wipes - used extensively
a few sandwich bags - used for bush breaks for the TP

LAUNDRY STUFF
small bottle of hand wash soap-Zero is good
twistable pegless clothes line
Tide To Go pen - invaluable to me!

MISCELLANEOUS:
one paperback book - not much time to read
a small field guide - not necessary, Micato drivers have, probably others do too
a few pens - a necessity
pencils & erasers - if you sketch or do crosswords
small note cards with envelopes - for drivers tips
journal book - VERY important to me!
small notebook - out in the field notes if your journal is of 'good' type
small exchange calculator - I found it handy
cheap dollar store plastic file pouch (8 1/2 x 11) - good for balloon certificates & itinerary
portfolio or zipped pouch for valuables for safe - to have your valuables in one place for the safe
airline neck pillows (inflatable) - doubles as a cushion in the vans
camera's & gear
some sheets of bubble wrap - for fragile purchases or gifts given to you
small Kleenex packages (2)
converter and adapters for the area
very small multi plug outlet - only one electrical outlet in your room usually
binoculars - Micato vans had, but I like mine
travel alarm clock - used when wake up calls were not early enough for us
extra batteries
extra sunglasses & sunglass cords
small basic sewing kit - just enough to fix a hem or two
duct tape - travel compact roll from Magellans or some around a pen
flashlight or reading light
small travel coffee mugs - optional but we like coffee on the early morning game runs
suitcase locks , combination is better - for locking bags while at lodges, etc or use cable ties

Linda, bless you for consolidating "The List." I'm doing a trial packing run this weekend, and this is really going to help me.

Thanks are echoed!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks so much Lynda. We are starting our purchasing and this will help so much. I am getting so excited about the trip. Reading your posts is so inspiring and I look forward to the rest of them. I keep hearing that even though this is our first trip to Africa, it will not be our last. I can't wait to be "captured" by Africa. We leave on Aug. 19.!!!!!

Thanks again for updating your list.

Ndonna

Lynda:

I am a canadian also and just wanted to point out that if you are flying out of london arpt you can buy the best wine gums in the world at the duty free. I got 3 boxes for 5 pounds and then you don't have to lug them all the way with luggage. Also gatwick sells dairy milk chocolate.

I am with you, I need my candy. We are off to Egypt for almost 4 weeks and making sure I p/u some wine gums in Frankfurt!

Have a great time, and ps the Kenyan coffee is great.

LindaS....Hi, sorry I haven't checked this site for some time but glad to hear from you regarding taking things for the orphanage. I would appreciate it if you could email me at Ruthhargis@cox.net with the information I will need to do this, since I don't go on this site often...Thanks, Ruth Hargis

Good "final list" thank you LyndaS.

Lynda - Thank you so much for the very comprehensive packing list. We are leaving for Tanzania/Kenya in 12 days (OMG 12 DAYS!!) and your list has saved me a ton of time. I also loved your info on how you put together your journal for the trip, and I'm doing the same. I tend to be very organized, so the journal is right up my alley!

A big thank-you to everyone on the board that has posted info on luggage, adaptors, tipping, and all those other things I had no idea about. I've been lurking for months but haven't posted much because I didn't even know enough to know what questions to ask!!

We are leaving on July 4th and I'm so excited I start getting teary just thinking about there....not sure what I'll do when I see my first giraffe, lion, hippo, etc.

I will post a trip report from a first-timer's point of view when we return.

THANKS EVERYONE!!

I have been so busy since we returned on Monday that I have not had time to start my trip report. Here are just a few suggestions.
1. We organized the tip money in envelopes labeled with each lodge before we left. They were marked Chitabe Guides, Chitabe Staff, etc. We put the suggested amount in each envelope. If after we were there we decided to we added some extra money to the envelope. We found this system very easy.
2. I took a golf wind shirt and found it to be invaluable. The biggest problem with the cold is the wind when you are driving. I wore this under a fleece and a down jacket and it was perfect.
3. Sports bras. Definitely a necessity.

More updates later.

Those last two tips are great. Just what I am looking for at this point. What part of Africa were you in? We leave for Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda on Aug. 19. I am starting to feel overwhelmed at this point. Shopping and wanting to do all at one time. Please keep the pointers coming. Any suggestions as to the order of planning at this point. I am trying to be organized, but seem to be stressing at this point. THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT I AM JUST SO EXCITED THAT I CAN'T HARDLY STAND IT.

Nancy

Bookmarking for my September trip to S. Africa and Mozambique. Thanks for all of the great tips.

The one thing that I wish that I had taken is a fingernail brush. Nail got pretty grimy by end of trip. Gail

Wish I had had a scarf for the early mornings. I did have gloves thank goodness. An insulated headband was great for the ears!!!!!!!

Aha...this list resurfaces at just the right time. I recently returned from Africa and on my way back through the Amsterdam airport, what did I see but a bag of wine gums.

Ever since I read this thread I wanted to try them, and couldn't quite grasp what would make them worth 2 pounds of my weight allowance.

Lynda, you should be proud of your influence! I remembered your packing list 2 whole years after you wrote it.

My verdict--wine gums are similar to but definitely better than American gummy bears (but I still wouldn't bring 2 pounds of them!).

Ann ! After taking the 2 lbs the first year, I only took two small bags the next year (and they waere mostly consumed on the long plane rides there and back) as I found I just didn't eat them very much at all in Africa - I think it was because I was always so full from all that food we were eating, I never had the urge to snack on candy! I just knew there was reason that I should go on a permanent safari!

What a great memory you have though!

It is almost a year since we went to Africa for 6 weeks, and I am still trying to lose the weight!!!!
We travel constantly so it is not easy, but the South Africa portion of the trip with the food and wine was mostly to blame!!! Plus, on safari you do not get any exercise, even with the walking safari excursions which we requested!!!!!!!

How ironic that this wonderful list should be topped.
I was just thinking that I'd like to see it to help me hunt and gather for my July 21 trip.
Lynda goes so far to even weigh out the packed items - how great is that.

I bought brown and olive clothing dye and added a bit of black to deepen - so t-shirts are done and the bin is filling - thanks atravelynn for that tip.
On to photo equipment and my wheelbarrow filled with meds.

Thanks for helping keep my wandering mind focused.
Perhaps I won't need the Louis Vitton trunks and traveling valets after all

Sorry, I'm computer illiterate. Can someone explain to me how to print out just Lynda's revised packing list without all the responses?

Just highlight the list itself in the posting, go to the Edit drop down options and select Copy.

Open a Word document, again go to Edit and select Paste -- the list should magically appear in the new document.

Occasionally it gets a bit messed up in the transfer, so you might have to tidy it up....good luck!

Thanks.

Oh my Cybor, you are almost on top of your wonderful trip! I was wondering about you the other day, if you had gone yet, and I was going to email, but got buried in books (as usual...)

Can you repost your itinerary on a spearate thread, I'd love to see it, it's been a long time since I've seen it and can't remember!

I am SO excited for you!

Yes, Cybor, please re-post your itinerary. I know you are going to Chitabe but that's all I remember. Have an amazing trip. It is right around the corner!

I would add prescription meds including anti malarial medication
Emery boards
clear lens glasses for night drives -- I need something to block the sand and dirt as I wear contacts
passport and copy of passport in another location -- usually exchange with traveling partner and leave one home with someone trustworthy
travel documents
foldable tote -- to bring things back

ttt

Bring about 50 American $1's for tips. It is very difficult to get them once you are there.

I topped this thread from 2006
Times are a changing....shall we add

1. Change your facebook settings so there are no e mail notifications in your in box while you are away on your trip.

2. Ask your friends to temporarily (or permanently) stop sending you those cute cartoon e mails while you are away.

Pepto, sleeping pills, and a very small good quality brush to get dust out of camera lens. My point and shoot lens would not open from the dust. Brushed it out and then took many more phots.

GOOD point on the funny cartoon emails - it overloaded my remote mailbox on trip we were on!

Lynda,

Here is a good packing list site that is pretty comprehensive.
It's more general but could be helpful.

It's called www.PackingWiz.com

I just found this wonderful thread as I was searching the forum for packing advice! I am going to South Africa only this June, so my question is: should I pack anything different as i know this was a trip to a different part of Africa.

My itinerary is:

1 night Johannesburg (3-hour tour of Soweto that afternoon)
3 nights Londolozi (Sabi Sands)
4 nights Phinda (KwaZulu Natal)
4 nights Kwandwe (they provide extra warm "safari suits")
3 nights Jeffrey's Bay (for surfer hubby)
4 nights Cape Town

My biggest dilemma right now is which jacket. In addition to a fleece to layer, I can either bring my very warm, tan, microfiber, down-filled jacket that goes down to below the rear end OR a lighter weight LL Bean jacket like this in the Mariner Blue color http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/32937?feat=56539-ppodxs&dds=y (fleece lining and windbreaker outer material, shorter than other jacket).

The blue is lighter in actual weight so in some ways prefer that (will likely wear on plane but overall, cutting weight is good - I will have the small safari plane weight restriction of 44 lbs. total, including carryon bag). But I'm afraid the color is too bright to be ideal for safari (I know there is much debate about whether and how much colors matter) and also, maybe I will wish I had the warmth of the tan down one?

I know I need especially warm clothes for the winter game drives.

Don't know how much difference the color makes. Last year on our &beyond safari everyone did wear neutral colors -- grays, tans, khakis, browns. But my heavier jacket -- from Land's End -- sounds more like the LL Bean one. Combined with a fleece and scarf, it did the job.

Thanks, Shouldbewriting. I am still undecided. Every little thing is making me nuts!

By the way, I just saw your post about cash at Dubai airport for tips - that never occurred to me! So were you able to get cash there for tips? I didn't think about having to figure out what are appropriate amounts to tip in Dubai currency, but I'll be in the same boat, though we only have a 9-hour layover, we do get the free hotel room via Emirates and will use it.

I take a couple of warm, lightweight sweaters (think cashmere) instead of the heavy jacket. The weather changes so quickly, it's nice to be able to remove and add as needed. If it's really cold, there are blankets on the safari vehicle and you can sit in the front with heat. I've never taken a heavy jacket, but gloves and earmuffs (or the preferred hat for most) are necessities. We've been in rain, below zero and hot - all in a day or two. Layers!

Interesting - thanks, Christabir! Do you have an opinion on whether the blue color (if I do take the lighterweight jacket) would be ok? Again, it's like the mariner blue color on this jacket (fourth color from the left) http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/32937?feat=56539-ppodxs&dds=y I've seen comments not to wear dark blue as it attracts mosquitoes and tse-tse flies but i know this is winter so probably not too many mosquitoes (still taking malarone anyway and will put on insect repellent) and there are no tse-tses in South Africa - are there?

If it's cold enough for that heavy jacket, then tse-tse flies won't be a problem. You won't wear it much, except when it's basically dark, so it doesn't matter what color. But as I said, you need more layers, not a heavy jacket. I would try to dye it beige or brown to tone down the color, but I am one of the few that cares about the safari colors. What the heck is a safari suit?!! (and where is Kwandwe)?

Info on malaria:
http://www.sanparks.org/parks/kruger/tourism/malaria.php

(Prophylactics not necessary in June). Personally, and I get slammed here often for this, I don't take the meds in winter - I don't take unnecessary meds. We were in SA last June, including Kruger for 10 days and KwaZulu natal (higher risk) for 10 days. No mossies. It's a personal decision.

It's a nice time to go. Enjoy!!

Oops - malaria risk in Phinda Oct - May (very low risk, they spray at Phinda).

The point about my Land's End jacket -- and your LL bean one -- is that it is windproof in a way that sweaters are not. Underneath mine I wore a short sleeve tee and a lightweight fleece, so layers are definitely the way to go; by lunch time it could well be hot. I run cold now that I'm older, but as I said earlier, those from cold climates will likely not be as affected as others from warmer ones. I would be more concerned about personal comfort than color; it looks to be quite a subtle blue.

I spent as much time as you, maybe longer, obsessing about every scenario and detail. In the event tipping in Dubai was a non-issue. The guy from the hotel was waiting right where we got off the plane, so there was no time to find an ATM, and he showed no sign of wanting a tip. He got us to the room in record time. I think we may have left a few dollars for room service, which I would recommend you try if tired -- food is reasonably priced and really quite good. The airline also provides a free cafeteria style breakfast in the terminal, but I did not think much of it as they had no fresh milk for tea, coffee or cereal. On the way home we had the room service breakfast in the comfort of the room and liked that a lot better.

We took malarone at the advice of our HMO, but did not see a single mosquito. Our guides said they never took anything, indicating that it may be hard to get malaria; however we suffered no side effects and were happy not to be risking any unwanted souvenirs!

Sorry - I wasn't clear (again). I do take a fleece. Besides the warmth, it's a great pillow on the flight.

thank you everyone again. Kwandwe is in the Eastern Cape, near Grahamstown as I understand it - about an hour and 45 minutes drive from Pt. Elizabeth if I remember correctly. They were an &Beyond camp up until very recently but now are self-managing.

This press release talks about how they were changing up their winter program with longer drives starting later in the morning and ending before dark I guess as it is apparently especially cold there in winter. http://www.andbeyond.com/press_room/press_releases/294/the_hottest_safaris_in_africa_this_winter The description of the safari suits is

"Each guest will be given an &Beyond winter safari suit to keep them toasty warm for the duration of their adventure, especially handy on morning and evening game drives exploring Kwandwe’s Big Five wilderness. Designed exclusively for &Beyond , these full-length, hooded jackets have detachable mittens that can be removed quickly for those must-have photographs, and three snug layers to provide comfort from the winter elements."

Christabir, I was thinking about what you said about layering sweaters and fleece, but also thinking I wanted wind protection, as you are saying, Shouldbe and I happened to be going to REI today so I checked everything out and ended up buying this thing that may work well http://www.rei.com/product/816055/rei-windbrake-thermal-fleece-jacket-womens it is a very lightwieght fleece jacket, black (hopefully that color will be ok) that is super warm and windproofed. I tried it out as it was windy and chilly hear tonight and it works well! Trying to lose weight as it is snug on me and if I want to put anything under it other than a long sleeved t-shirt, 'twill be tight!

Re the Malarone - yes I've read many a debate about it - since we're taking our 10 and 13-year-olds especially, I'd rather be safe than sorry so we plan to take it.

topping for wish list.

Ohmigosh, I had forgotten how much this thread had me laughing !

7 years ago, I just can't believe it - so hilarious!!!

It even had a guest appearance too (Jim), I really hadn't remembered that.

And, I have to say as we are about to embark on our 4th safari in May, that revised list still works and hasn't changed.

But most of all - thanks to all of my Fodors buddies, I learned a lot from this thread!

It's baa....aaack!

Have a nice trip Lynda.