upcoming Africa trip ... gift ideas needed?

Old Dec 2nd, 2016, 04:45 AM
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upcoming Africa trip ... gift ideas needed?

We are in the beginning phases of planning a trip to Africa this spring. Yes, we are scrambling. story of my life lately.

Grandparents are looking for Christmas gift ideas for kids... they can't do clothes (too specfiic) and kids are past toys age. (kids are teens) I am thinking a great time to get a few things we would use, so I am reaching out to the oh-so-wise fodors board for ideas.

- good binoculars? thinking in the $100 and under range. A set for each?
- water bottles with tables or filtrations? do people take them?

that's all I've got. need help.

thanks all-knowing posters.
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Old Dec 2nd, 2016, 06:12 AM
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Depending on where you're going maybe a book on the wildlife they'll see? I always carry Martin Withers' Wildlife of East Africa when I go. Will they have their own cameras? Maybe memory cards and a shutterfly gift card for processing when they get back? Tilley hats?

I wouldn't bother with water bottles. You get bottled water or refillable bottles at most camps now.
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Old Dec 2nd, 2016, 08:14 AM
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Africa is a big continent. Where are you going?

No tablets or filtration needed - I drink the tap water unless I am instructed not to. The water in Sounthern Africa is generally safe to drink and lodges spend a lot of money on safe water systems. But reusable water bottles are good, if they are used many, many times.

Binoculars are a must for me. Check Cabelas or B&H for good options in your price range. 8x42 or 10x42 seem to be the most popular for safari. I have a set of Nikon Prostaffs that I love. No sharing!

Power packs (batteries) for gadgets. Great for the flights and if no power plugs.

Teens are tough to buy for. I would consider some clothing items for safari. Some specific pieces are useful.
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Old Dec 6th, 2016, 08:34 AM
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Absolutely binoculars....a pair for each. It's the one thing I would never go without. We found great ones in the "bargain cave" of Cabelas. Agree with 8x42 or 10x42.

A journal. So many things happen that's it's hard to remember it all upon returning home. Even the most minimal notations help jog the memory later.

The gadget that lets you download daily photos to an iPad. I lent mine to numerous people during our trip. Plus lots of memory sticks for cameras. We use many smaller ones and rotate so not all photos are in one place in case of loss or damage.

A good safari hat. Some tour operators give out inexpensive ones, but they usually don't fit. A good hat is a must.

Bandannas. I used them for everything.....warmth, dust, bad hair.

Enjoy!
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Old Dec 7th, 2016, 03:34 PM
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Hi all! Thanks for the great ideas. sorry I've gone dark - chaos getting flights booked and itinerary nailed down.

We are going to Kenya. staying in tented camps for the bulk of the visit. THey will have phones (no data!!!) . Kids now just use those for cameras. I will have a good camera and a small backup they can use. In the process of buying another extra battery for mine (I already have 2... but can't have enough!) I think I will get an extra battery for the mirrorless dslr that can be used for good closeup stuff.

I will look for binocs. I think some are waterproof/fogproof. A nice bonus if we get that rain shower (we are going in April, so will be prepared for rain). Maybe I will do a variety and do 8x42 and 10x42 and they can swap.

I like the idea of downloading photos to an ipad. If we end up with wireless, we can then import them to the cloud as a backup.

extra power packs is a great idea!

safari hat is on the list. looking at Tilleys and Wallaroo? I like the idea of packable/crushable. My son may do baseball hats, but I can't with a camera.

Bandannas. good idea. I know we used buffs when traveling before - same idea. they were awesome for hair, etc.

also thinking lightweight pashmina. good for cold planes, tablecloth, sarong....

you are getting the creative juices flowing!
thanks all!
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Old Dec 8th, 2016, 05:08 AM
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April is the start of "long rains" season in many parts of Kenya and Tanzania. I'd be sure you have very reliable rain gear that you might not need there other times of the year.
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Old Dec 8th, 2016, 10:58 AM
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Thanks for thoughts Amy. Heading to Marmot tomorrow to get good rain pants for all. We already have waterproof coats, but we are taking the full gear.

I'm a believer of the Swedish saying, "There is no bad weather, only bad clothes."
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Old Dec 8th, 2016, 01:09 PM
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Do consider shoes that dry quickly. We love our Keen H2 sandals. They are cool like sandals or warm with a pair of socks. They dry in a matter of minutes. Very comfortable, lightweight and protective on paths with thorns or ellie poo. They come in cool colors for both men and women.

http://www.keenfootwear.com/product/...men/newport-h2
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Old Dec 8th, 2016, 04:49 PM
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Don't overpack! We travel on safari with carry on only - it's so much easier than schlepping around a whole lot of stuff you don't need. Safari lodges will do laundry and we hand wash/hang dry every three days.

Unless you'll be doing a lot of walking, it's unlikely you'll need full rain gear. The vehicles are closed in East Africa. We take tiny packable rain ponchos and clothes/shoes that dry quickly.
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Old Dec 9th, 2016, 08:14 AM
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>>The vehicles are closed in East Africa
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Old Dec 9th, 2016, 10:17 PM
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This explains the East Africa vs Southern Africa safari vehicles:

http://www.ultimateafrica.com/open-s...fari-vehicles/

I've been in a completely open vehicle (no plastic sides to roll down or top for any protection) in the rain. A poncho and quick dry clothes are fine. It's only a couple of hours and a nice fire does wonders when we return to camp. Some of our best game drives have been in the rain.
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Old Dec 10th, 2016, 09:08 AM
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I'm well aware of the difference and my comment stands. I'd take rain gear during rainy season with wide open sides, she'll get drenched then if I did in dry season.
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Old Dec 14th, 2016, 04:55 PM
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From the above link:

"Tanzania now has good value, reliable, light airplane service which can fly guest’s to their specific safari lodges and camps – this saves a tremendous amount of driving time (as an example you can fly 1.5 hours from Arusha to the Serengeti rather than driving 12 hours). It allows many of these properties to offer open safari vehicles. As you will see below, when it comes to wildlife viewing, open vehicles are the way to go and Tanzanian properties that offer them are high on our list of places to stay!"

We had open vehicles in East Africa, except for the Crater.
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Old Dec 15th, 2016, 06:19 AM
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surfmom

Binocs will go down very well. They will probably be glued to them 24/7.
Have a Great Time.
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Old Dec 15th, 2016, 04:42 PM
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Hi guys!

Thanks for all the thoughts and conversation.

I am in process of buying binocs. Thinking about $100-$150/pair should work. I do like the compact ones that are waterproof/fogproof. I saw some at my local camera store but checking for some reviews.

As for the clothes and weather: we are taking rain pants and rain coats. They are small and 100% waterproof (not "water resistant"). The coats we took with us to Europe last summer and zip into their own pocket, so are light and fold easily. The pants are also similar - just a shell that are easily pulled on over leggings. If we carry them with us and never pull them out, I'll be thrilled! If we carry them and need them, I'll be happy we brought them!

We will be packing light. The hardest thing will be packing for the kids - girls live in leggings and from everything I read, black is not a preferred color. I need to work on something stylish (for teens) and practical also. If I solve that problem, I can tackle world hunger next!

It seems like most of the vehicles will be open style = based on the pictures from the camps we are staying at. We will be at tented camps for virtually the entire trip.

Thanks all! Off to keep planning!
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