dmcw754

Some family members set up our Zambia trip. We're first timers. We'll be at Vic Falls end of June and Tena Tena beginning of July. We're trying to figure out clothing and shoes needed for the weather and activities. The information says to bring a fleece jacket, but if its 40 degrees and we're walking or in a moving open vehicle I'm thinking I'll be cold. We know to do layers but wanted more advice. Any ideas or recommendations? Has anyone been that time of year?

atravelynn

Great, you'll love it.

I like this outfit for walking in July and Aug in Zambia. Layer 1 is a collared short-sleeved shirt. Over that is a pullover lightweight long sleeved T-shirt. Then maybe a fleece or heavier jacket on top of that if you even need it.

I always carry my own water bottle in a holster type carrier. There will be a porter who brings water and other food/snacks and you can stop whenever you want, but I liked to take more frequent swigs from my bottle whenever I want without stopping the group.

Pile on all the layers at night for the drive that extends to evening. I wear a couple of pairs of trousers on the night drives. Sometimes one is a fleece. Bring gloves and a wool hat or a thick head band. You may want something around your neck so the cold air does not hit you there. I took a balaclava that could be used on my neck, head, or both.

I can't remember what Tena Tena did, and they may have changed it, but ask if they provide blankets and/or a hot water bottle for your night drives. Some places do.

dmcw754

Thanks that helps!
We were considering a lightweight type long underwear for the bottom layer. Also I want to bring my light weight back pack so I can put any layers that I take off into it. Do you know if thats OK? Do you know if I take light weight hiking shoes that have mesh air holes will that be a problem as far as mosquitos or stepping in anything. I have so many questions that I cant find answers to when I do a search on the boards.

raelond

I was in Victoria Falls end of June and Tena Tena beginning of July in 2006. We had come from Botswana where I needed thermal underwear, but it wasn't necessary in Zambia. A fleece and a jacket will do for early mornings and when the sun goes down. By 9:00am it warmed up considerably. We had zip off pants which worked great when we were out all day. The weather was very comfortable in Victoria Falls. Tena Tena didn't supply blankets at that time, but rather rain proof type capes which you could wear if cold. We ate our dinners under the stars with only a fleece on. A hippo was eating right outside our tent one evening. Brings back wonderful memories! Your light weight hiking shoes will be fine as it should be dry during that time.

dmcw754

Oh, it sounds so wonderful! We cant wait.

cary999

We were at Tena Tena a couple of years ago (but in Sept). Loved it, great little tented camp, great location on river edge, great staff. Great way to start your first safari.

regards - tom

EFC11

we were in Zambia 2008 Lower Zambezi and Luangwa - mornings were not to bad (compared to SA) but still need more than a fleece, evening drives make sure you have at least 3 or 4 layers for evening drives.

Daytime is shorts and t shirt but not overly hot, very pleasant.

You will have a great time Zambians are some of the most friendly people on earth and take great pride in their country.

dmcw754

Thanks everyone! My hubby was wondering about shorts for daytime, I prefer capris. We'll bring things we can layer, especially for night drives. I wasnt sure about a sweat shirt, but sounds like it might be good to have one. We werent sure about bringing many short sleeve shirts on the trip and it sounds like we need a few long and a few short sleeve shirts for the whole trip. Now to get clothes for warm and cold weather all into one suitcase for the trip and then only 30 pounds worth in a duffle for the safari. Whew! Cant wait to TRAVEL!

atravelynn

You can certainly zip off to shorts for day time.