What to bring on an overland safari
By huntley@escape4africa.com at July 30, 2010 | 11:09 am | Print
First and foremost, your sense of adventure! And whilst you are packing, maybe drop your sense of humour into the backpack as well; your fellow travellers will love you for it.
Obviously some people will want to bring hair dryer / straightening iron; so essentially just use the following information as a guideline.
Medical / Health:
Overland vehicles carry a first aid kit that is for use in emergencies and passengers are asked to replace any item they use. However, we would strongly advise you to bring a personal medical kit. Any reputable medical store will be able to provide this.
Suggested contents include:
Lip balm – Sunscreen – Moisturiser – Adhesive bandages – Insect repellent – Anti-histamine cream or tablets – Pain killers – Anti diarrhea remedy – Water purifying tablets – Dehydration salts – Sterile dressings – Antiseptic cream.
Malaria is endemic in most parts of Africa. It is your responsibility to provide anti-malaria tablets and other preventative measures. You should consult your doctor as to the correct prophylaxis for the countries to be visited. It is also useful to avoid being bitten through the use of an insect repellent containing DEET and wearing long sleeved shirts and trousers at night.
Luggage and what to pack:
As a guide we recommend you keep to your airline’s restriction ie. 20kg or less. Most people bring along a backpack (preferably with built-in frame) and a day bag. Large suitcases are not recommended, as these can be difficult to store on the truck. Most people make the mistake of bringing too much clothing. Clothes should be easy to wash and dry, but avoid nylon and other synthetics which can be very uncomfortable in hot weather. Please remember that Africa can be colder than you might expect, particular at night and in the early morning.
The following is a suggested list of clothing and accessories:
2 long sleeved shirts/blouses – 3-4 short sleeved shirts or T-shirts – 2 pairs trousers or 1 pair and 1 skirt – 1-2 pairs shorts – Tracksuit pants – Heavy sweater – Light sweater – Underwear – Hat – Water/windproof jacket – Boots or trainers – Sandals or thongs – Set of smart clothes and shoes – Swimsuit – Sleeping bag, sleep sheet and roll mat – Money and traveller’s cheques – Vaccination certificates – Passport (plus photocopy) – Camera (film / extra memory card) – Personal toiletries and towel – Water bottle – Watch (inexpensive) – Sunglasses (inexpensive) – Flashlight and spare batteries – Small sewing kit – Washing soap for clothes – Plastic bags – Clothes line and pegs – Small scrubbing brush – Penknife – Music (some vehicles are equipped with stereos)
For trips that include the optional Gorilla trek, we recommend that you bring hiking boots and wet weather clothes as well as gloves (such as gardening gloves).
If you wear glasses (or contacts) it is also advisable to bring a spare pair, the nearest optometrist might be a country or two away.
If you wish to sleep out on warm nights you will need to bring a mosquito net and ground sheet.
Tips:
• Remember to set your digital camera to the highest pixels. You just might want to enlarge some great pictures when you get home
• The craft markets in Malawi is generally the cheapest
• Spare pillow case that you can put a jumper in at night for an extra pillow
• Bring some pocket tissues and the waterless hand cleanser
• If you have an airplane pillow for the driving days it makes it easier to sleep
• Bring books to read and exchange with the group
• Remember to bring a lock for your locker on the truck
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