help me not be a packing fool
 

I could use some packing advice. We will be going to Capetown, thru Johannesburg then to Hoedspruit for safari then Victoria Falls. We usually take Hartmann luggage which is on wheels. Am I asking for problems with theft if we take the Hartmann? It seems foolish to buy more luggage. Also are there times in Capetown when I would need a blazer? Would it be ok to wear a Tag watch or should I leave it at home?
Thanks for the advice.

Hi Steve,
Don't know about the luggage but I always wear a cheap watch and take off any expensive jewellery when travelling to countries where there is so much poverty. Just a courtesy thing. I am not convinced that a poor African is any more likely to rob you than a poor American or Australian. I am sure someone else will respond to the blazer issue as I haven't been to Cape Town for many years.

when are you travelling? and where are you staying in cape town?
are you doing business in cape town?

normally a jersey would be fine for evenings and also for dinners or more formal lunch.
unless it's a very casual blazer i would not take it.

lifestyle is pretty much the same as let's say sydney: leisure!

div

Whilst your Hartmann may not attract any additional attention over and above the normal interest in luggage that may contain expensive goods, you might find that the luggage gets scuffed/ damaged when squished into the small sized cargo areas on the small planes often used for transfers to safari camp local airstrips.

For that reason alone, it may be worth buying some inexpensive duffle bag/ large gym bag style luggage instead.

Capetown restaurants, even the top-end ones, are far more casual in terms of dress-code than their equivalents in Europe or the USA. We didn't encounter anywhere that expected men to wear jackets and/ or ties, though certainly some suited smart casual attire rather than completely casual. If in doubt, I'd think about any top restaurants you might want to visit and contact them directly about their dress-code before you pack.

Can't comment on the watch, I don't own or wear expensive jewellery or watches.

My friend wore his Tag watch on our trip. It survived. We were on safari and passed through Nairobi and Zanzibar. We didn't need to dress up anywhere we went, I specifically asked our travel planner if we did.

Please take a duffle. I cannot imagine anything else in a safari vehicle. I considered taking a regular piece of luggage on a safari once and I am thankful that I didn't.

Thanks everyone for the advice.
Div, We are traveling in Dec for vacation not business. We will be staying at Commodore Hotel and An African Villa.

Steve1984,

Regardless of where you are staying, I would take no expensive jewelry, which I am assuming Tag is.

Leave the Tag in the pocket of your blazer in your closet at home.

I second Kavey's smart casual wear comment and Emowens duffel suggestion.

Through Joburg I'd take luggage that will not attract attention to reduce your chances of theft. I've never had a problem with loss when I've had luggage handled in that airport, even when it got delayed, but that airport has a worse rep than others. The popularity of paying for plastic wrap is also an indication of the concern.

Have a good trip.