Hi Guys!
I'm leaving on June 10th for a two week safari (tour group) to Kenya/Tanzania. First time out of the USA, excited but stressed about what to pack. Weight limit for luggage is 33 lbs, so what goes in the carry on vs the checked duffel bag. I do not own a day/back pack - what type should I buy? I have so many questions but I'll start with these.
Thanks.

There have been several threads about packing for safaris, so you might do a search here on Fodor's. One contributor, Toshi, has a website with an excellent packing list: http://www.whywework.com/travel/safari2005/details.htm
If you haven't found Mark Nolting's "African Safari Journal", I would highly recommend it. It's not only a journal, but contains all sorts of helpful info for preparing and going on safari, including a packing list. You might find it at a local bookstore, or could order it online.

calliec:

suggest you first do a search on this board such as "packing" or "luggage" or "clothing". (Thanks to Sandi). You might want to add East Africa or Kenya or Tanzania to the search terms

Atravelyn suggests the following links


http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34639696

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34782437

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34606894

Good luck

you'll be surprised just how much stuff you can pack into 33 lbs! a standard day/backpack with 3-4 compartments is fine, it has to fit in the overhead or under the seat.

I remember all the gadgets and things that I packed for my first trip to Africa (Kenya). I didn't use half of the stuff and have learned to pack light. Most places do laundry for a small fee, so you won't need much in the way of clothes. My camera/video bag weighs in at about 18 lbs and my other bag is about 12 lbs. I use Rick Steves' Back Door bag for clothes and sundries.

Are you taking photo equipment? If so, a camera bag would be your "daybag". There are several on the market that have extra room for those extra "daybag" items. It will be dusty, so take precautions for any photo gear you may have.

Thanks for the suggestions. I looked up all the packing lists and made my own list.

ShayTay - I'm not into photography so not taking much equipment. I may go buy a small day pack. I guess I could carry on both the daybag and the larger duffle bag if together they weigh less than 33 lbs.!

Debbie

The daybag is good to take with you on the game drives. You'll certainly be able to get by with much less than 33 lbs. What tour group are you traveling with?

Agree with others who say that if you're not toting around tons of photo equipment 33lbs. is plenty.

What's the itinerary?

It is the Micato Stanley Wing Safari. I know it costed big bucks, but it is a gift from my father. I have major health problems so this may be my one and only trip to Africa.

Itinerary:
Nairobi to Amboseli for 2 nights.
Tarangire - 1 night
Ngorongoro Crater - 2 nights
Serengeti - 2 nights
Maasai Mara - 2 nights
Mount Kenya Safari Club - 2 nights (sounds alittle too upscale for me!)
and then back to Nairobi

I'm going to get my shots and malaria meds tomorrow. Fun fun!!

Debbie

This fru-fru gal does it with less than 33-lbs... so anyone can!

You'll have a great time. Another poster on this board is doing that trip but leaving later this month, I believe.

Your father sounds like a wonderful man.

callie~ have a great time and make sure you do a trip report when you return! You're going to love it!!

Calliec,

You have plenty of time for a dry run of your packing.

DAY PACK
For a vehicle based safari, most any day pack will work. You don't need one for mountain climbers. On safari in the vehicle, you'll be carrying

-camera/accessories
-sunscreen
-lip balm with sunscreen
-binocs (unless you just keep them around your neck)
-bird book (if you take one--the guide likely has one, which is sufficient if you have only a casual interest in birds)
-maybe a small notepad and pen/pencil
-bandana that can be put around your mouth if it gets too dusty
-bug spray you will likely never use
-water. Having an outside pouch for water on the pack is nice.

I either keep the bottle of sunscreen in an extra ziplock to prevent leaks/spills, or I have a small tube I carry with me in my trousers. I like to have sun protection lip balm in every trouser pocket. (Even at home).

CARRY ON
I put as much stuff as I can into my carry on and also literally on my person so I don't have to check it. Lost luggage is more inconvenient in Africa than if you are just going to a city.

I'll make an article of clothing suggestion that was recommended by Rocco on this board: The Humvee Safari Vest for about $40, closer to $50 with shipping.

Here is the website:

http://www.lapolicegear.com/saphve.html

Here is their promo for the vest
"The two cardinal rules of adventure travel are: (1) Be Prepared Without Taking Too Much, and (2) Keep the Really Important Stuff Close at Hand. This rugged vest helps you follow the rules and look like a seasoned traveler at the same time."

I must admit I feel a little bit too seasoned in it, but I always go for function over style. I'll even wear my binoculars as an accessory to be sure they go with me, so I realize I am quite a sight to behold.

You can fit all sorts of stuff in the pockets of the vest. You don't have to wear the vest the whole time you are at the airport so that you look like a walking advertisement for your safari. You can store the vest all stuffed with your essentials and pull it out just before checking in or boarding.

You mentioned you are not much into photography. That should save you weight with no big lenses or heavy tripods. From my experience and from what I've seen recommended, even those not big on photography should have at least a 200mm lens or a digital with at least 6 times zoom. Anything less and you may be disappointed in your ability to capture the stunning images that will provide years of wonderful memories.

Have a great trip and post again if you have more pre-trip questions and please do a report upon your return.

Is your father going too or sending you on the adventure?

My packing.... Camera, laptop batteries. One pair of socks and undies per day... and one of each for luck. 1 t-shirt per day and 2 long sleeves.

Then... this trip

1 pair ladies running shoes.
1 second hand laptop
Clinique powder and other cosmetics
4 issues of Glamour
1 packet of Mr Kipling Lemon Slices
1 Packet of Galaxy Chocolate
1 Packet of Bakewell Tarts


(comes from having girlfriend in kneya)

Thank you all for your suggestions, and thank you Atravelynn for the vest suggestion.

My father is not going with me, just sending me. At his age I think the whole trip would be too much for him, but he does do short trips in the US.

Now I'm thinking maybe I should look into buying a better camera with a telephoto lens. Oh no - more money!!

You might consider a camera like the Canon S2. You can get a used and refurbished one for under $300. It's gotten some good reviews from people on the Forum.

You can also get a brand new S2 for about $325 including shipping.

Calliec,

What a great dad. Ironically, you'll be in Africa for Father's Day!

Debbie-
I'm the poster that Leely mentioned that is going on the Stanley Wing later this month - omigosh I can't believe it is only 21 days away!!! (we leave May 26th)
I have, without a doubt, planned what to pack, 'to death'. I made my first list last year (August) when we booked, read every post available on packing on this forum, and then started making a list - every morning I would fine tune it over coffee and breakfast using the hints I have found here, along with plenty of emails to Fran at Micato (who has been SO patient with my endless questions!). And, that was just to begin with! In February this year, figuring I would not have any time to quilt before going on this trip, I sacrificed my quilting cutting table - it became a 4 foot long 'packing' table. I started assembling all of the stuff I had 'minimized' for the trip - shampoo, conditioner, OTC meds, bug stuff, sun stuff, 'bush-break' stuff, etc. In March, knowing I wouldn't leave her alone until she sent them, Fran sent me the wonderful green bags that you are to use - they are HUGE compared to what I thought! But, regardless of size, I didn't add to my packing as there was still weight to consider - that 33 lbs I think will be a killer.
And that's where I am now. The clothes (very few) that I am taking are hanging all nice & ironed in the spare closet, and the 'things' (other than clothes) are sitting spread out on the quilting table. At the moment I have NO idea what my weight will be on the bags - but I think I may have to trim the 'things' a bit. Mind you, there is Jim (husband), he will be able to take 1/2 of that stuff in his - maybe even more as he packs very light even for cruises. Last day before we are travelling, or on the VERY day we are traveling, he goes in the closet, pulls his suitcase out and puts in 4 Tilley shirts, 1 Tilley pr pants, 1 Tilley pr shorts and 2 Tilley convertible pants/shorts, some underwear and socks, his Tilley hat, his Tilley vest, a pair of sandals, his GPS, a light housecoat, his bathbrush and toiletries bag, closes his suitcase and asks me why I have been so worried about packing for so long?????
I shake my head.
I'm also rambling I think, getting off sunject - it's very early in the morning (can't sleep anymore - too excited).
Anyhow, I will gladly post my list here if you like - a LOT of thought has gone into it and I would LOVE to share it!

LyndaS,

I would love to see your packing list!

I've been procrastinating and am only now starting to get all my stuff together. There are so many items I don't have yet... like a poncho/rain gear, plug adapters, a vest, a day pack.

Does the green bag have sections in it, or do I need to buy small bags to keep stuff in?

I leave on June 10th, so I better get my butt in gear.