A Safari w/ 1 Carry-On?
 

This is our first safari and we are trying to figure out if it's possible to take only 1 carry-on plus 1 backpack each for a 2 wk trip to Tanzania. I'd carry my laptop and camera in my back pack and try to save space by packing silk long johns and a turtleneck for the N'goro Crater instead of bulky fleeces and sweaters (is that enough?). Will I need a hairdryer, too? Are long pants/sleeves de rigeur to avoid mosquitoes/flies? 'Any good ideas about what works/doesn't for clothing? Thanks!!!

You can certainly do it with 1-carry on, but your airline might now allow it. So check with them.

Hope that you get a reply to this re silk long johns and a turtle neck. I am doing much the same and hope to travel with only my knapsack (45 Litre).

When will you be going? I'll be there in August, so it might be a bit cold then...

Hi,
We did it, and we had a three week trip that also included some tropical islands and all of those 'required' clothes, too. The key item for us both was the thin fleece zip top (Columbia sportswear) for the cold and the traditional "safari" shirts l/s with roll up and button possibilities for all other times. Apart from under t-shirts, we switched off between two l/s safari shirts and the thin fleece the whole time. Definitely doable. We did one small Kiplinger carry on and one medium-small backpack each. The one thing we would leave home next time? Binos. Oyurs were not as good as the ones provided by the safari, and honestly we never needed them we were right on top of the animals always (Botswana). Souvenirs were in their own shopping bag on the way home and the airline was very cool about it (business class Air France). You can do it!
Peterman

Hello,

Assuming a reasonably large backpack, you should be fine. I fit everything into one small carry-on size dufflebag and one shoulder bag for camera gear. Since the camps do laundry nightly, you really don't need much in terms of clothing.

I wouldn't bother to bring a hairdryer when travelling (on safari or anywhere else). Any place that has the power to run one is likely to have one in the room, and at the other places it's just an extra weight in your bag. That being said, I don't bother to use one at home so I don't miss having one -- other people might feel differently.

Cheers,
Julian

Where will you put your dinner jacket?

Sandi-why do you think the airlines won't let us bring a carry-on and knapsack? I thought 2 carry-ons were okay. We're flying A.A.(coach) to London and B.A.(business class) to Nairobi.

Africnow--it looks like we'll need a light fleece. I had hoped to make it with the silk long johns and turtlenecks, but maybe we'll wear our fleeces tied around waist to leave space in the luggage. We leave at the end of May and come back mid-June, so it'll be winter there.

Julian and Peterman--thanks! No hairdryer no binocs. The roll up safari shirts sound great. Where do you get them?

Napamatt--dinner jacket??? Uh-oh. I was told no need for one.

mairseydotes:
Take binocs--I do not think that you can count on them being provided. Used mine all of the time.

We too did all carry-on.

On the return flight, British Air in Nairobi was adament about ONE BAG PER PERSON, and about half the people in line had to check bags at the gate. Granted, we were on freebie tickets in steerage class. They did allow a "small personal item" (like a shopping bag or purse - but not a backpack).

We had laundry done a few times and went with "safari shirts" and zip-off pants to have more options with fewer clothes. Mostly ExOfficio and REI.

For easier packing in the future, our packing list is documented here.

http://www.whywework.com/travel/safari2005/details.htm

I haven't been to Botswana, but for Tanzania I would definitely bring binoculars (unless you have at least a 400mm camera lens). I don't know who your tour operator is, but all vehicles don't carry binos - and there's nothing more frustrating than sitting there while other people watch something interesting through binoculars and all you see is shapes :)

Also not sure when you are traveling, but when we were at the crater (Dec) there was no need for long johns and turtlenecks even at night. I agree with the previous poster - thin fleece and layering is key. Definitely wear your bulkiest items on the plane to save room.

Do bring binocs for one and all. As was mentioned, no need for a hair dryer. Hair can air dry midday when it is quite warm. That's when you'll be showering.

Toshi's comment about wearing bulky items on the plane is the only way I can make it with just carry on luggage.

Since my luggage is delayed (though never lost for good) 5% of the time, I wear it all on the plane. Several layers if needed. Binoculars as a necklace. Underwear in every pocket.

I appreciated very warm clothes at the crater when I've been there in July.

Matt,

Naturally, my valet takes care of my clothing. My bags are purely for personal items.

Cheers,
Julian

Provided at least some camps on your itinerary provide laundry you really can take less clothes than you need. Two pairs of trousers, a few Tshirts, a couple of long sleeved tops and a fleece. And undies, socks and one set of thermal longjohns incase it gets very cold.

Toiletries and a medicine kit are what end up weighing my main luggage down, that and camera gear (which I take as hand luggage).

I tend not to use binocs that much as I have the zoom on the camera too but I think it is worth at least having one between two people if not one each. I've not yet been on a safari where binocs were provided for guests, though guides often generously loan theirs to a guest who doesn't have one.

If you haven't already you MUST click through to see Toshi's packing list, if only for the engineering marvel in its presentation. (If you can't read it at first because it is too small, click on the icon that will be floating on the page of a square with an arrow pointing out of each corner which brings it to normal size.) Love it!

As if I wasn't confused enough as is ;))
Yes binocs, no binocs.
Yes long undies, no long undies
Yes fleece, no fleece
HELP !

I will be in TZ and Kenya in late August, including N'gorongono *camping* on the top.

I very much want to travel with only one carry-on knapsack since I have only an hour to change planes in Amsterdam. I do know about wearing most of my heavier stuff and such. Can one get away with 2 necklaces (binocs and camera)? I'll have 2 cameras - one digital and one film, so that makes 3 necklaces !!

I'm flying KLM all the way if that makes any difference.

Open to any and all further suggestions!
Thanks all

Hi Mairseydotes:

Let's see, where to get the shirts? REI is where I got mine. There is a catalogue company, Royal Robbins, that specializes in those sorts of things.
Have fun!
Peterman

I like Ex Officio clothing for safari. You can check out the "Clearance" section of their website at www.exofficio.com. Right now, they have the zip-off pants for women for $25. REI has a similar site, www.rei-outlet.com. They have Ex Officio's Drylite shirts for women on sale at $36.93. That shirt's sleeves roll up and tab to become short-sleeved. LL Bean is advertising a nice fleece/windbreaker combo jacket right now. I used a safari jacket and fleece vest in June and that seemed to be enough. Layering is a good idea. Some days will be quite warm and others will be cold, such as on the Crater rim. As for mosquitoes, I've never seen that many in Tanzania, but you should cover up in the evenings, when they are the most active. Tstetse flies: again, I haven't seen that many in TZ; maybe we were just lucky. About the only way to avoid them is to not wear dark blue or black clothing.

I would agree; forget the hairdryer. Most places won't have the amps for that. You'll need a good, wide-brimmed hat (not a baseball cap) and will have "hat hair" anyway. Hey, you're on safari!

I assume the laptop is for digital photo downloads. Have you considered a smaller media viewer/hard-drive such as the Epson P2000? Charge up everything while you have access to power.

Binocs...I've always used my telephoto lens in place of binocs, but have occasionally borrowed some for certain sightings. You can't go offroad in the Tanzania parks, so some wildlife will be at quite a distance. Have at least one pair between the two of you. I agree that most tour operators don't supply binocs. The guide will have a pair and might lend them to you, but will need them himself for sightings.

KLM's website (www.klm.com) has their baggage restrictions for traveling in the US and overseas. For Economy class, the US restrictions are 2 pieces, max 70 lbs total, 158cm linear dimensions each piece. The international restriction is a max of 50 lbs total, no size or piece restrictions. However, when our group was boarding our KLM flight in Amsterdam, one person's medium-sized duffel bag was taken from him as being the wrong size (thicker than 9") and gate-checked. He had carried it onto the NWA flight in the US with no problem. When he got to Arusha, he found that someone in Amsterdam had stolen a large package of batteries for his digital camera out of the bag. If you carry on both your bags, just make sure that the main bag meets the usual size restrictions (22" x 14" X 9") and that your second (camera) bag can go under the seat. NWA (KLM's partner) says that the second bag should be no larger than 15" x 11" x 6". In any event, I would have some way of locking your main bag, should KLM decide to gate-check it.

Since y'all are talking clothing... does anyone know if anyone makes the zip off pants in a style that fit a bit lower on the waist and do not make one look like they are wearing an inflated baggy? Thanks!

mairseydotes:
re binoculars I think that there is one consistent theme to the replies--that you cannot count on binoculars from your tour operator in TZ (you can inquire if you want to--but the guide will need his).

--if you expect to be using your camera with a good zoom lens most of the time then you might consider getting away with 1 pair of binoculars. But even here I would add a caveat. Our camera was a FZ30 which has an excellent zoom lens--but not a great viewfinder. So even though my SO was using the camera much of the time, he enjoyed taking binocular breaks some times--just to be able to watch. We each had our own. Our friend went back and forth between his camera and binoculars and would not have done without either.

As someone else said--the serengeti is on-road driving so some of the action will be at a distance (true for the crater also-it is the only way that I saw a rhino, for example).

Personally I cannot imagine going on an expensive safari trip without my own pair of binoculars.

Re warmth, if you are camping in Ngo in August, I believe that you will want to have silk long johns and a fleece (but it does not have to be your bulky one--as has been said, be able to layer).

Sharon -

No one looks smart in those zip-off pants; they're so unflattering regardless how tiny one might be. And, no, I haven't seen any that sit on the hips. I told you they weren't fashionable. Besides, hip pants are now out of style. LOL!

Here are some specifics on why I would encourage everyone to bring their own pair of binoculars. If a pair or group is sharing they cause a lot of commotion in the vehicle. Putting them on, taking them off. "Who has the binocs?" Then, "Are you done?" "Can I have them now?" "What's it doing?" "Let me see."

So for your sake and for the sake of others you might be sharing a vehicle with, the binoculars are worthwhile.

Like Bat's advice, "Don't go on an expensive safari without them."

There was a comment about the operator providing them. That could be the case, but I've never seen it. A guide might graciously be willing to share his, but equipping the vehicle with guest binocs is just not something I've ever encountered or would count on.

I find that the zip off pants go well with my dirt stained sarafi face, making for quite an ensemble.

Cooncat - I have done an extensive search on those zip off pants and there are NONE that look remotely stylish and most have an outside waist to hip ratio redolent of the days of corsets. Also, I can only find one company (Columbia) that ever makes them in tall (33" inseam), but then they made the rise longer, too! I'm going to try to make my own.

As to the subject of the post: Do your camps supply any amenities, such as shampoo, soap, etc.? If so, you could eliminate those.

Also, I read that camp laundries usually don't wash underwear, so that might entail packing a bit of woolite or some other product like it.

Thanks folks. You all made me laugh. I am not really concerned about being overly stylish, but those pants do not help me much. ;-) Mostly, I find really high-waisted slacks very constricting, hot and uncomfortable.

Good question re: the soap. I am hoping camps provide soap for laundry and body. Mostly true?

Sharon -

Some camps/lodges provide amenities, others not. As to soap for laundry, again, some do, others not. But nothing wrong with a bar of soap to get done what has to be. Or pop a bar of soap/flakes into a baggy and you're set to do laundry. It's only a few pair of wears how much soap do you need!

I carry a "wash kit" in a ziplock sandwich bag...packets or leakproof bottle of woolite, stain-remover pen, flat rubber sinker stopper, and a clothesline. The line is made of twisted elastic strands that you shove the corners of your undies between. On the ends are suction cups and clips, and I've always been able to find someplace to string it up.

Sandi is correct...it varies between camps and lodges as to whether or not shampoo or wash powder is provided. I take my own shampoo and conditioner in small leakproof (Nalgene) bottles. I don't think I've ever been to any camps that didn't provide a bar of soap, however.

Sandi - I do have a chunk of some type of laundry soap and I am mostly just chattering here at this point and wondering out loud. In Europe and elsewhere I do all my laundry so it's not a big deal. But when it comes to packing into small bags, every little bit helps!

I agree with (atravel)lynn about binoculars. No spare underwear or socks I can handle, but not having my own binoculars I can't (that is based on experience). :)

Whew! That was a LOT of information!! Okay, we'll definitely bring binocs! BTW, has anyone tried the disposable underwear? They look like they really save space ( a 5-pack = a business envelope)~'saw them on Magellens.com

Thanks for the packing tips,Toshi. Your detailed list was amazing and so helpful. I bookmarked your page for future reference/tips. :)

And thanks to Shay Tay and all the rest who provided names and sites for safari gear~we're newbies and need all the help we can get. After reading your posts, we'll bring a bar of soap and a pack of toweletts for hands, a travel size bottle of shampoo and laundry soap. We're also seriously thinking about the Epson 2000 vs the laptop. 'Don't know much about cameras and accessories, but we're taking a digital class starting next week to learn a bit more.

Thanks again, everyone! You all are GREATh trip advisors.

Hi Mairsey,
Haven't heard of disposable underwear but have heard of edible undies - ewwww - very biodegradible - sorry :-!

We did carry ons for most of our trip. 1 duffle each and 1 backpack each - never had to check them in.

We allowed enough room in one backpack to put our camera equipment if needed. This would done in the event that we were told that we could carry 2 rather than 3 bags.
The second backpack had a second carry bag inside with all essentials. The idea was if we weren't allowed to bring the backpacks onboard we could easily take out what we needed - camera and essential bag and check them and the duffles in. Hope that makes sense.
Sherry

Hey Sherry

You lost me with the backpack and duffle routine. If they wouldn't allow both pieces on, did you plan to stash your camera in the TOTE that was inside one of your backpacks and carry IT on and check the duffle?? Gosh, this is like "Who's on first?"!

We hope to use 1 of the backpacks for camera and accessories and the other for snacks, water, meds, travel docs and a change of clothes. The carry-ons will have everything else. If we have to check the carry ons, at least we'll have the most impt stuff with us.

BTW, can we LOCK our carry-ons if we have to check them? What about 9/11 security checks that prohibit locks? Is that going on internationally as well?

Thanks!

Sherry

Ha, ha on the edible underwear :) On an day where we're flying for almost 24 hours, it becomes disintegrating underwear!

To my knowledge, you can't lock check in luggage, as security will have the right to break your lock - we usually use something to tie our zips together - like thin wire or similar as this will enable security to get into the bag and possibly deter theft b/c it will take a few more seconds to gain entry or at least alert us that someone has been in our bags.
I believe that the security people are supposed to alert you with a sticker if they've been in your bags.

We bring 1 backpack and 1 duffle and 1 person bag (this being the camera and our personal effects bag which may or may not end up in the backpack but there's room in the backpack to store these items just in case.

In the event that the airline tells us that we cannot take our backpacks on board we then take our camera case and personal effects bag out and carry those on board, as they will be small enough to keep on our person during the flight. We also do not put anything we care about into our duffles just in case we're told we can only take one item on board. If, on the other hand, they say the backpack is allowed but only 1 piece of carry-on each, then the camera and the personal effects bag stay packed in the backpack.
Hope that makes more sense.
Sherry

If I had to check a carry-on, I would secure it some way...lock or cable tie. If the "powers that be" decide to remove it, the cable tie would be the cheaper option. Cable ties are those plastic strips that electricians use to bundle wires together. I carry fingernail clippers that I use to remove the tie at my destination. Just leave a bit of a loop in the tie that you can get the clippers in.

We used TSA approved combination locks last time which worked well. Our luggage was inspected and re-locked with a note placed inside the bag. Cable ties would also work. I wouldn't check your bags without some minimal form of theft deterrent.

TSA-approved locks are great in the US, but I don't know that foreign airport personnel have those keys. I locked my case with a TSA lock on my trip to and around southern Africa and still had my lock intact at the end of the trip. Usually, they aren't going to look in the case unless they see something suspicious on the X-Ray/Cat Scan: a bunch of wires or something too thick for the machine to scan (don't stack your books on top of each other.) If you only have clothes and toiletries in your checked bag, I wouldn't think they would open it overseas.

Foreign airport personnel won't be able to open TSA locks but I noticed at both Nairobi and Kilimanjaro airports that luggage was xrayed before getting to the check-in counter. I assume if they see something suspicious, they'll ask you to open it then. We were primarily concerned with TSA checks as they seem to happen with great frequency.

Here's a thought on the '24 hour' undies rather than buying the disposable ones-
At home, when you go to throw out a pair of old undies, don't. Wash them one last time - put them in a bottom drawer, and forget about them until you have a LONG international flight. Put them on one last time before going, and then just throw them away when you get to your destination!
I have four pair (why is underwear a 'pair' I wonder?)saved for this trip - Vancouver to London, London to Nairobi, Nairobi to London and then London home to Vancouver.
This has always worked well for me for long flights!

Good idea about the cable ties on the luggage. I haven't checked luggage in a long, long time and really hope we don't have to.

Lynda~ good idea on the undies, too. I think I'm going to try the disposable ones for at least part of the time since they claim to be comfortable and even washable for re-use! It'll save so much room in our bags and after reading Toshi's great packing list, I'll need all the room I can get!

From what I've read so far, bug spray, sunscreen and germicidal hand gel is really what people wish they had more of when they get there. Will we need small gifts for staff members or is cash always enough? What about the local children? Thanks for your help!

There are usually tip boxes at each camp or lodge where you'll place your tip. The proceeds of the box are distributed among all the staff. This seems fair, as not all the staff comes in contact with you during your stay, but are just as important as those that do. That said, if there is someone really special that you'd like to tip extra or give a small gift to, that is always appreciated. When we stayed at Ngorongoro Farmhouse in 2004, a couple of the ladies working there admired my sister's earrings. I returned there in 2005, bearing gifts of earrings for those same ladies from my sister. They were touched by the gesture.

Will you be visiting a school or orphanage on your safari? Karatu, near the Crater, is an excellent place to do so. If you do, you can bring items to give to the teachers or staff, who will distribute them to the children. These visits are always a hightlight of my safari.

Hi Shay Tay
We're going to be on a private safari so we are very flexible with the itinerary. I'm sure our driver could take us there if we asked him. I would love to see some of the local people, especially children, but don't want to hit the touristy, "constructed" kinds of places. Please let me know what kinds of lightweight goodies they like. I've been reading that nail polish, bracelets and barrettes might be good for women and children. What do you think?

Hold the barrettes.
Most of the tribal little girls (and women) have shaved heads... nothing to barrette. Bracelets have to be small enough for tiny wrists. Nail polish is good for grown women and a nice gift for housekeepers/maids at your camps/lodges as an extra gift. Lipstick is "so-so" as many of the tribal women do not wear this.

As always, it's best to hand over a bag of goodies to a teacher or some supervisor at a school for them to distribute or share.

Pencils, always, though some places have so many, they'd prefer pens, chalk, color markers, small lined notebooks, flat wall maps, or blow-ups if you can find these. Consider some of those small children's reader books Even a soccer ball.

Hope this helps.