julimbo

Hello Everyone,

Juliet here. Leave on Saturday (28th of April) and I need your help with the packing list. The men's section is a guess on my part. Not 100% sure what BF packed. Thanks again to LyndaS for her packing list - super handy as a starting point.

Cheers,
Juliet

LADIE'S
6 t-shirts
3 tanks with built -in bra for layering
2 long sleeved shirt for evenings (re mosquitoes)
2 pants - comfy but nice ( traveling & dinner)
2 linen pants
2 capris
1 convertible pants (will also be used for gorilla trek)
1 fleece for warmth -use as sweater too
1 rain/wind jacket
1 pr walking sandals (Nike ACG's)
1 pr trail runners (my Nike ACG's, will also be used for gorilla trek)
1 pr flip flops for pool use (Old Navy)
1 pr pyjamas - light weight
5 pr socks - quick dry
1 pr socks - for putting over pants during gorilla trek
10 pr cotton underwear - quickdry
1 bra
1 bathing suit

---------------------------------------
MEN'S
4 shirts
2 long sleeve linen shirt
2 short sleeve linen shirt
2 pr cargo shorts
2 pr linen pants
2 pr convertibles
1 pr walking sandals (Merell's)
1 pr trail runners (Merell, will also be used for gorilla trek)
1 pr flip flops for pool use (Old Navy)
10 prs socks
12 pr underwear, quick dry
1 fleece for warmth -use as sweater too
1 rain/wind jacket
1 bathing suit
---------------------------------------
OTHER THAN CLOTHES:

PERSONAL TOILETRIES
travel size shampoo
travel size conditioner
travel size bodywash
travel size mouthwash
travel size hand lotion
small washcloth - not always provided!
1 facial cleanser
face cream
body soap
Aveeno moisturizer (plus small amount in travel bottle)
scent free deodorant
Toothbrush x2
Toothpaste
Hairbrush
Electric Razor for Alan
Nail clippers and file
Make-up bag for me

PHARMACEUTICALS
Anti-malarial = Malarone
Antibiotic = Ciprofloxacin
Bandaids
Neosporin, small tube
Anti-nauseant = Gravol, also works as sleep-aid
Anti-diarrhea = Immodium quick dissolve
Sinus meds = Sinutab plus sinus spray for me
Analgesic = Advil liquid gels
Antihistamine = Claritin, non- drowsy
Antacid = Rolaids with gas relief
Eye-drops = Natural Tears
Oral rehydration salt = Gastrolyte
Bengay

SUN AND BUGS
After-bite
Insect Repellent = OFF sports
Sun block SPF 30
After sun lotion for burns
Sunglasses
Cord for sunglass
Hard case for sunglasses
Wide brim hat
Bandana x2

BUSH LOO STUFF
Travel roll of TP
Antiseptic wipes
Small ziplock bags

LAUNDRY STUFF
Small laundry detergent x3
Tide To Go pen

CAMERA STUFF
Canon S3
3x 2GB secure digital cards
Case
Canon ?
3x 1GB compact flash cards
Case
Rechargeable batteries 7xset of 4
Battery charger
Cyberspace Hyper Drive photo storage (back-up) device
Lense cleaner

DOCUMENTATION
Passport
Yellow Fever vaccination certificate
pre-filled visa application for Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania
E-ticket for International Flight
Ticket for Kenya Airways flight
Itinenary through Gorilla Tours (gorilla trek in Uganda)
Itinenary through Africa Serendipity (Kenya and Tanzania)
Contact List

MISCELLANEOUS:
a few pens
small note cards with envelopes - for drivers tips
small notebook - serves as journal and for notes
small exchange calculator
plastic file pouch/portfolio (8 1/2 x 11) - good for itinerary & e-tickets, etc.
airline neck pillows (inflatable) - doubles as a cushion in the vans
some sheets of bubble wrap - for fragile purchases or gifts given to you
small Kleenex packages
converter and adapters for the area
very small multi plug outlet - only one electrical outlet in your room usually
binoculars
travel alarm clock - used when wake up calls were not early enough for us
extra batteries, non rechargeable
small basic sewing kit - just enough to fix a hem or two
duct tape -some around a pen
flashlight/reading light = Turtle lights
Samsonite suitcase combination locks - for locking bags while at lodges, etc
MP3 player plus AAA batteries

easma

you have a pretty good list, I think I will look at this before I go! Just a few things I would add:

umbrella
light/heavy shawl
hair bands/clips
water bottle
contact lens/saline solution/case/glasses if applicable copies of your passport/id's, etc,
tampons!
tweezer
wetnaps/moist towelettes
towel
hat/visor
safety/bobby pins
disposable razor
ice pack if there's a fridge in your room
addresses of contacts to send postcards to
USB cord to upload pictures on comp,and charger for your mp3 player
perhaps a book too

Enjoy your vacation!

sundowner

What about sock liners? Divewop told me I should take those for gorilla trekking but I never got around to getting them. Bad mistake. Huge blister on one foot the first day (and I was wearing boots I've hiked miles in). Borrowed a pair of liners from Sandy for the second day and they worked great. I ended up wearing flipflops the rest of the trip and the blister was still "weeping" a month later.

atravelynn

You can compare to THE list.
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34802443

I saw umbrella. Has anyone made use of one on safari? Or is it suggested for cities?

moremiles

Also, what about gaitors? Several people recommended these so I bought some at reioutlet.com for our gorilla trekking trip later this year.

sisalfactory

small binoculars
chapstick with SPF 30
travel insurance
large ziplock bags for dirty clothes
beanbag for camera (you can make one at home)

julimbo

Oh my gosh,

It's amazing the list of things I forgot to add that I have sitting at home. Most important probably being the insurance documents and tampons. YIKES!Thanks so much everyone, Please keep it coming!

Juliet

julimbo

With regards to gaitors, bought a pair after reading about them on this site of course. Unsure what the sock liners are. Please explain (will get them though as I don't want blistered feet).

Juliet

atravelynn

Since socks were mentioned, I've used Seal Skinz or Sealz Skin waterproof socks. Even Gortex boots are not always waterproof if conditions are poor. No blisters from numerous gorilla treks with these socks.

Seal your tootpaste in a ziplock to help keep critters out.

Envelopes for guide tips.

Enough pens so if you lose/break/dry up one or two you can still keep notes on your trip that you can whip into a trip report. No pens in lodging.

I never leave home without at least one big garbage bag. It usually just stays folded up flat.

Oh, I see THE list was your starting point. My eyes were riveted to the tanks with the built-in bra and I missed the first paragraph. I kept thinking it was some kind of scuba device. I am fashion challenged.

sandi

Camps/Lodges provide umbrellas should there be a need. You might do better with one of those inexpensive ($1) yellow rain slickers, lightweight and flat to pack. Even if there is rain in NBO, you're in vehicle most of the time; otherwise, the slicker might be a better bet. But your rain jacket will serve as well.

Are you set on those linen pants. For safaris or evenings? Don't get me wrong, I love linen, but twill pants might serve you better. Besides, I wouldn't trust the camps to launder linen.

Suggest another pr of PJs or sleepshirt w/leggings (or sweatpants). If you send out the 1/pr for washing and it's a wet day, you're not likely to have them back for that night's sleep (or they may be returned damp... not pleasant to sleep in damp clothing).

A coverup for your swimsuit?

julimbo

Thanks everyone,

Keep it coming.

Sandi - Thanks for your thought regarding linen. Will re-evaluate clothing selection.

atravelynn - great idea with the garbage bag. I get so caught up that I forget that the simplest solutions are the most practical. Can fit in laundry and one for shoes, etc. Am going to look into sealskins. Do they cause sweaty, hot feet though?

Must include beanbag or I know I'll forget it for sure.

Sock liners (got this off REI website for anyone else wondering what they are for) - Liners - Sock liners are thin, lightweight wicking socks designed to be worn right next to your skin. These liners wick sweat away from the surface of your foot to keep you dry and more comfortable. Liners also limit the amount of abrasion between your outer sock and your skin. They are designed to be worn under other socks.

Momliz

Great thread! Thanks for doing all the thinking for me.

divewop

Only costing a couple of dollars a pair and as Sundowner found out, sock liners are invaluable to those who do any kind of hiking.
I've always worn them in Rwanda and even use them for hiking elsewhere, like in the Grand Tetons, Wy., North Georgia mountains etc.

And they are washable and can last for quite some time. I usually take about 3 or 4 pair with me on trips just in case I have to go a few days w/out doing laundry.

And the gaitors will cut back on your pants getting doused with grass stains which never seem to come out.

Headlamps can also come in handy doubling as a flashlight or for reading, and for keeping your hands free to carry other things.

Plastic grocery store bags are great for dirty clothes, shoes, etc. I also take a couple of tall kitchen garbage bags to put my camera in if it starts raining while in the jeep. It also helps cut down on the dust getting on the camera when in dry areas. Can also be used for dirty clothes when necessary.

If you're trekking, taking along some power bars or granola bars work wonders when you stop and rest. Depending on the number of treks and people, I make sure I have about 2 bars per day or per trek because you'll always end up sharing with someone.

Gloves are almost mandatory if you're trekking in really thick brush. Great to protect your hands from thorns, nettles, etc.

janetmac

Great list. will this meet the 35 weight requirement fir flying fron one sight to another

atravelynn

I have not experienced sweaty feet from the Seal Skinz but then my feet are always cold.

For the gorillas, I liked having a water bottle on a holster around my waist so I could drink anytime. The porters will stop as often as you want to drink, but I preferred sipping every 10 minutes or so to prevent dehydration. This was especially true in Uganda, but less so in Rwanda.

rockabelle

I take it a 'gaiter' isn't an alligator as I always thought (as I can't imagine why you'd take one of those with you!) So if not, what is it?

divewop

Rockabelle:
Here's a link to what they look like. Essentially, they wrap around your leg from the knee down to keep the bottom of your pants clean when hiking through deep brush or mud or dirt, etc.

http://tinyurl.com/25tl8b

cybor

I'd add a bra (you'll need an extra while bra #1 is drying or dirty) and nix a few pairs of pants - you've got 9 listed.

Maybe nix a few pairs of undies if they're quick dry.

I would try to condense things like after burn and antiseptics and just bring something like witch hazel wipes.

I'd nix the oral rehydration med. unless your planning on camping in the desert. If you become that dehydrated, someone at camp or in the vehicle will have these types of first aid meds. or in a pinch use table salt.

Nix the bengay unless your planning on doing calistetics in the bush - use your advil for all aches etc.

Oh, yes bring extra sun and reg. glasses - glad I did.
Don't forget that most camps will do your wash for you - less is more.
Enjoy!

divewop

Good points Sherry.
Way to many pants on the list. They take up too much space. I'd say bring, at maximum, 4 per person each.

I usually bring about 2 or 3 sports bras and one regular one.

And sandals that could be used for both walking and poolside would cut down on space and weight too.

If laundry detergent is on the list, definitely cut down on the amount of undies. 5 or 6 pair should suffice. Just wash them as needed in the sinks and let dry overnight.

The whole objective is to pack as light as possible so you don't go over the weight limit.

julimbo

I know some of the stuff I have seems excessive (i.e. bengay but it's a baby one I promise). I remembered a thread from a few months back asking what people wish they had brought and I remember seeing Bengay. I completely agree, less is more, but it's amazing how rational goes out the window when it comes time to pack. Yuo forget the important stuff and convince yourself that you need everything else.

It's also because, in a sense, I'm packing for four adults so I have this big fear that if I don't pack it someone will be miserable and blame me for their trip being a disater. woe the trip planner. There's something to be said for pointing at a magazine and saying that one. Planning for family is not the easiet thing.

LOL,
Juliet

p.s. I REALLY, REALLY appreciate everyone's comments. You're keeping me sane.