Mark_Sowers

My family and I will be spending three nights at Sheldrick's Ithumba Camp in early June. It's going to be my first experience with self-catering accommodations on safari and I was hoping some of you more experienced travelers here might be able to share some advice/wisdom from previous visits or perhaps even a basic shopping list that has served you well in the past.

I'm the one handling all the planning and organizing and don't want to be responsible for the six of us starving to death out in the bush!

Thanks in advance,
Mark

atravelynn

Patty, Leely, this one is for you!

In the meantime, here are Patty's reports.

http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...-highlight.cfm

http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...ther-tales.cfm

Leely2

Hi Mark,

Are you the one who's limiting my visit to Ithumba this June? Man, when I contacted them it was all booked up; I wanted four nights but could only get three. Please leave some extra toilet paper for us.

Last time I visited Ithumba, I traveled with Patty (who posts here), her husband Mark and another Kenyan couple. We bought way, way too much food. However, the guys at camp will not let anything go to waste, so I personally would err on the side of bringing too much. That includes beer, wine and chocolate.

If you ever entertain for six or eight, just plan put your meals as would at home, but keep in mind you will need to bring vinegar, oil, and other staples. They may have it there but then again they may not. We cooked and served family style in the evenings, had cold cuts for lunch, and yogurt, fruit, sometimes eggs and bacon, etc., for breakfast.

You will want very good flashlights.

I hope you love Ithumba. It's such a joy.

sallysaab

Mark I look forward to your report, (read the other 2) as we hope to go in May next year, counting the days!

Patty

I had the same thought as Leely. So you're the one!

Here's my report from our first stay at Ithumba (the first one above is from our friends who we traveled with) http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...y-in-kenya.cfm

Yes we way over provisioned last time Store your meat in the freezer.

It's an amazing experience! Have a great time!

Mark_Sowers

Thanks for the quick responses! Really helpful with plans and a little better idea of what to expect.

Sorry if we messed up your scheduling but since we're first timers I hope you can let it slide...

I'm really looking forward to getting the unique experience there. It's the first time in Africa for three of our group and I'm sure it will be the big highlight of the trip.

ElizabethAD

Hi, Mark,

I just spent 3 days in Ithumba in April....coming again for 7 in 2013

Remember water....lots of it! Toilet paper....try and plan out before hand what you want for each meal and buy accordingly.

Have a great time (I can't wait to go again!) and give my best to Njagi and Kimwele...and, of course, Benjamin and all the keepers

Beth

sallysaab

Mark I was wondering if you we're going to write a report on Ithumba?