Overlooked vs. Useless
Jul 18th, 2011, 08:56 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Overlooked vs. Useless
We're in the last week prior to our departure for a first safari to Tanzania. I've read through a number of posts on this forum, and there is a wealth of information here -- much more than anywhere else. Thank you to everyone who has been so generous with your information and time.
As I'm finalizing our packing list (and after a trial packing or two), I wonder what, in your safari experiences, were
a) the thing you forgot to take and missed not having the most
and
b) the most useless thing you took and lugged unnecessarily all around Africa?
I realize that many responses will be situational, but there may be a few more universal truths too.
TIA,
Bill
As I'm finalizing our packing list (and after a trial packing or two), I wonder what, in your safari experiences, were
a) the thing you forgot to take and missed not having the most
and
b) the most useless thing you took and lugged unnecessarily all around Africa?
I realize that many responses will be situational, but there may be a few more universal truths too.
TIA,
Bill
Jul 18th, 2011, 09:43 AM
#2
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 5,215
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You are welcome. Your safari will be great, I'm soooo envious!!
a) I do not forget it, and one of the things I find most useful is a very small AA cell type flashlight. Put it in your pocket anytime you may be out after dark. Don't leave home without it.
b) too many clothes
regards - tom
a) I do not forget it, and one of the things I find most useful is a very small AA cell type flashlight. Put it in your pocket anytime you may be out after dark. Don't leave home without it.
b) too many clothes
regards - tom
Jul 18th, 2011, 02:15 PM
#4
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 8,675
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Often more cloths than needed, when you'd think after all these years I would have figured out 
As tom, I always have my Maglite, fits in pocket or bag... very useful. And, always extra batteries.
Repellent and SPF, that I never seem to have need, nor use. But, that's me... not saying everyone shouldn't have with.
As tom, I always have my Maglite, fits in pocket or bag... very useful. And, always extra batteries.
Repellent and SPF, that I never seem to have need, nor use. But, that's me... not saying everyone shouldn't have with.
Jul 19th, 2011, 03:03 AM
#6
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 12,268
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Cutteradvanced.com a good repellant that is not toxic
extremely hard to find included in a good MEDICAL kit.
The Tanzania Trots are no fun without medication #1
cause of traveler disability ruined safaris worldwide.
mdtravelhealth.com good medical info.
onebag.com helps me a lot with packing.
extremely hard to find included in a good MEDICAL kit.
The Tanzania Trots are no fun without medication #1
cause of traveler disability ruined safaris worldwide.
mdtravelhealth.com good medical info.
onebag.com helps me a lot with packing.
Jul 19th, 2011, 04:59 AM
#8
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 14,440
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I put in what I thought was this link.
http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...sh-you-had.cfm
Maybe I pasted something else by mistake. Now my imagination is running wild too.
http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...sh-you-had.cfm
Maybe I pasted something else by mistake. Now my imagination is running wild too.
Jul 19th, 2011, 09:10 AM
#9
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 770
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm totally with Tom regarding a small flashlight and too many clothes. I also recommend eye drops if either sensitive to dust or allergens. On my first safari to Botswana (March) we plowed through tall grass and pollen flew all over. I had swollen red eyes and could barely see. Luckily the camp I stayed at had steroidal eye drops and that saved me and the trip. Now I never go to Africa without eye drops (and of course I've never needed them since!).
Jul 19th, 2011, 01:26 PM
#11
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 794
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'll second the spare batteries. I needed some AA batteries for my flashlight, and I had neglected to bring any.
I also needed the little allen wrench for the quick release plates on my telephoto lens, but this is a very specific need on my part.
Not quite packing related, but I also had a misconnect on my trip due to a late arriving flight into JNB and had to contact my agent to rebook a flight and get me overnight accommodations in Lusaka. This ended up quite expensive to arrange on my cell phone since roaming charges ended up at $2.89 a minute. So, what I needed here was a means of contacting my travel agent cheaply when things went wrong.
This was my third safari, so I didn't have much with me that I didn't use. The things I didn't use, I was glad I didn't have a need for (e.g. first aid kit, repair kit, etc.)
I also needed the little allen wrench for the quick release plates on my telephoto lens, but this is a very specific need on my part.
Not quite packing related, but I also had a misconnect on my trip due to a late arriving flight into JNB and had to contact my agent to rebook a flight and get me overnight accommodations in Lusaka. This ended up quite expensive to arrange on my cell phone since roaming charges ended up at $2.89 a minute. So, what I needed here was a means of contacting my travel agent cheaply when things went wrong.
This was my third safari, so I didn't have much with me that I didn't use. The things I didn't use, I was glad I didn't have a need for (e.g. first aid kit, repair kit, etc.)
Jul 19th, 2011, 03:17 PM
#13
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 346
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The thing I was most happy I brought to Tanzania was prescription Azirthomycin for traveler's diarrhea
Also agree the light source - I brought a tiny camping headlamp, very useful for reading or going out after dark.
Too many clothes seems the theme for what you can live without - agree with that.
Also agree the light source - I brought a tiny camping headlamp, very useful for reading or going out after dark.
Too many clothes seems the theme for what you can live without - agree with that.
Jul 19th, 2011, 03:26 PM
#14
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 14,440
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Extra batteries are a good idea. I bring several camera batteries even when they are rechargeable, just in case there is a problem recharging.
At one place I stayed for 3 nights (not in Africa) my charger blew the fuse and the entire guesthouse went dark, kitchen and all. That meant no charging for me, so I was happy to have enough camera batteries to get me through that stay.
Electricity in wild places can be fickle so I like to be prepared. I also bring 2 chargers and 2 adapters, again just in case I lose one or break one, or who knows. It's like that song, for wont of a nail...
I've encountered people on trips who had battery problems and they can get pretty desparate. I don't want that to be me.
At one place I stayed for 3 nights (not in Africa) my charger blew the fuse and the entire guesthouse went dark, kitchen and all. That meant no charging for me, so I was happy to have enough camera batteries to get me through that stay.
Electricity in wild places can be fickle so I like to be prepared. I also bring 2 chargers and 2 adapters, again just in case I lose one or break one, or who knows. It's like that song, for wont of a nail...
I've encountered people on trips who had battery problems and they can get pretty desparate. I don't want that to be me.
Jul 19th, 2011, 06:03 PM
#15
atravelynn
You originally posted a lot of Playgirl pictures.
You originally posted a lot of Playgirl pictures.
Jul 19th, 2011, 08:40 PM
#17
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 5,215
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
"I've encountered people on trips who had battery problems and they can get pretty desparate."
My last safari in South Africa camp a lady had a Canon DSLR -but- had forgotten her battery charge!!! The camp nor guides had the type of charger for her/that Canon battery. You know how each camera seems to have its own uniquely designed battery. Anyway, even thought I use Nikon, Canon and Nikon batteries are all basically 7.4V L-ion batteries. So being the boy genius that I am, I was able to rig up my Nikon charger to charge her Canon. Not the first time I've had charger "issues" in a safari camp.
regards - tom
ps - she gave me a kiss!!!
My last safari in South Africa camp a lady had a Canon DSLR -but- had forgotten her battery charge!!! The camp nor guides had the type of charger for her/that Canon battery. You know how each camera seems to have its own uniquely designed battery. Anyway, even thought I use Nikon, Canon and Nikon batteries are all basically 7.4V L-ion batteries. So being the boy genius that I am, I was able to rig up my Nikon charger to charge her Canon. Not the first time I've had charger "issues" in a safari camp.
regards - tom
ps - she gave me a kiss!!!
Jul 20th, 2011, 03:42 AM
#18
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,859
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Luckily we did not forget -- azithromyacine, the miracle one-day cure, a "sock" lens cover for dusty roads and quick removal, and a blow up pillow as back support on the plane ride and as camera stabilization during game drives.
Others will disagree, but I thought a mono-pod for the camera was unnecessary as well as a ton of animal ID books (the guides and camps all have them).
Enjoy, enjoy enjoy!!
Others will disagree, but I thought a mono-pod for the camera was unnecessary as well as a ton of animal ID books (the guides and camps all have them).
Enjoy, enjoy enjoy!!
