safari luggage questions
 

I'm confused by a few things, and I hope someone can help.

1) DUFFLE SIZE:
I'm going on a tour to Kenya/Tanzania, and have a luggage weight limit of 44 pounds. The tour outfitter sends a duffle that they recommend (but do not require) us to use.

The duffle they send is 26" -- 22 inches in the main compartment and a 2" pocket at each end. It looks awfully small to me. Is this a 'normal' size?

2) GETTING THROUGH THE AIRPORT
This will be the first time for me to be travelling without wheels on my luggage. When I get my duffle in Nairobi, will there be carts to use to go through customs and immigration? I'm actually rather concerned about this, since I have a bad back. Will I need to pay for the carts? Do I need Kenya money for that?

Hi! Yes, luggage carts in Nairobi and no, you dont need $1 bills like in US airports....it's free....

There is usually a daily laundry service in most lodges/camps, so 44lbs is a lot!!!

Hari

If it's a soft duffle you'd be surprised just how much you can pack in the bag and still be underweight. But if you're taking any internal flights within or between Kenya/Tanzania, you're limited to 33/lbs weight.

That said, and as mentioned above, you can have laundry done at the lodges/camps (best done at those there you'll be staying minimum 2/days as laundry is line dried (a few properties only have driers).

Once at the airport in NY, you can pay for a cart, or the Sky Cap will take inside for you at $1/bag. Then on deplaning at Kenya/JRO, there are carts available at no charge. After that, you'll never have to lift your bag again.

Toss into this duffle a soft folded bag (have a lock or cable ties to secure) for souvenirs and check as a 2nd piece of luggage on your homebound trip.

It's doable, but I would suggest you check out the many small hole-in-the-wall luggage stores found around Manhattan for a larger bag. The one I use is a 30" soft duffle (admittedly, I keep borrowing this from a friend) weighs very little, made of durable fabric. She found this bag on www.ebags.com for about $25 or $30.

When using a duffle, I would suggest putting like items in packing cubes to make things easier to find during your trip. The duffle is one big "hole" unless you have some way of keeping items together. I used ziploc bags, but would have had an easier time with packing cubes.

http://www.redoxx.com/catalog/carry-...-air-boss.html

is the duffle I've been looking at.

I've been thinking to also take detachable wheels. The set I have weighs 4 lbs.

Sylvia

We are using A&K and they just sent us a duffle as well. It looks small to me but I'm going to try to use it.

When do you leave? Have a great trip!

momofmany

What are packing cubes and where do you buy them?

Eagle Creek makes packing cubes. I had a few and wished I had bought more. They worked very well.

http://www.eaglecreek.com/accessories/packing_cubes/

I bought mine at the Container Store but they are readily available at sport outfitter stores.

cw

The 2/lb ziplock bags work exceptionally well. Each outfit goes into one bag and that's it. Extra similar items as sweaters, t-shirts, underwear into another, meds in another, sleepwear in another. Besides, they're so inexpensive and sure don't add to weight.

With a duffle that has a wide "u" shaped opening you can see everything.

I like to use the 2lb ziploc bags too! One of the girls who traveled with me had the cubes though and those were nice as well.


Jenn

I'm still confused about duffle size. Is 26" a 'normal' size duffle to take on safari? If everyone else manages with this size, then I will too. But if the norm is 30", then that explains why the duffle that was sent to me looks so small...
Can you please help me get an idea of the 'norm'?
thanks,

There is no "normal" but what works for what you have to pack.

While I use a 30" soft duffle, I own a 26" duffle w/ wheels (not for safari) and can get the same stuff into both. However, with the 30", I have extra room for souvenirs.

Some people can probably get by with an even smaller size (24 or 22"), so it's what suits your situation.

I agree with Sandi, there is no "normal size". I was on safari with 3 other ladies and we all had different sized bags.

I was also confused before I went on safari. I can tell you that I bought a 36" duffle from ebags.com because it looked wonderful online. When it arrived realized it was way too big. I was embarrassed to bring it, not to mention it was really hard to pick up. I ended up returning it and getting a 28" one which was a perfect size for me.

Jenn

Hello,

If you're taking any light aircraft flights, they will be the limiting factor -- find out how large a bag they will accept and that will be your maximum. They have very limited luggage space.

Personally, I fit everything I needed for a three-week trip into a single 20-inch dufflebag. With daily laundry, you really don't need to bring a lot of stuff. Think two of everything (trouses, shirts, etc) plus a fleece, hat, and gloves for cool mornings and you're pretty much set.

Cheers,
Julian

Julian, you are definitely an inspiration! I have a little bit more clothes than you do, but I also seem to have a lot of miscellaneous 'stuff'. I'll try to whittle it down, after your example!

Hi Ann,

I've found that one of the keys to whittling things down was minimising the amount of toiletries I brought (most camps have soap, shower gel and lotion, though you may want to check with your agent) and using travel-size bottles for any toiletries I ended up bringing. Once a bottle was empty I binned it.

I bought some disposable stuff which freed up space as I went (e.g. instead of bringing cleaning solution for my glasses I brought disposable wipes, etc). I also left stuff behind as I went -- I donated my airplane books to the libraries at my camps once I was done (a lot of people do this, which explains the odd schizoid mix of wildlife books and thrillers on the bookshelves of many camps).

I left out things like slippers (the sleep socks from the plane are fine, and can be binned at the end of your trip) and bathrobes (provided in many camps).

You definitely don't need space-sucking things like hairdryers, travel kettles, and travel irons (many camps will not have enough power to run these things anyhow).

Good luck!

Cheers,
Julian

We just got back from two weeks in Tanzania /Kenya and I brought too much. We did come in under our 33 lb limit, but if you want to buy anything, that stuff adds up. Some things to think about. Disposable underwear and socks. Most camps will not do Ladies undies and these were great. Wear once, toss. Brought hair dryer. Used it twice, first night upon arrival and then day room before we left. Actually I didn't use mine because it was provided. So toss the dryer. No place to plug in anyways and the freedom of not doing hair for two weeks was exhilarating. Two pairs of convertible pants, 4 t-shirts, 1 long sleeved shirt, Teva sandals, tennis shoes, two pair Capris and two tops. You're moving from camp to camp, you can wear the same things all of the time. Use the laundry service, it's wonderful. Fleece, sweatshirt and nightgown. I actually took two and left one along the way. My husband took old tee-shirts that were ready to be tossed and left them along the way. We brought another smaller bag that we used for souveniers coming home. And I bought alot, mostly small packable stuff until I got to Kazuri Beads. Went crazy. Luckily my husband is an engineer and can pack a suitcase like you wouldn't believe. We ended up buying a Rick Steves Convertible Carry on, 21 inches, only 3 lbs. Overpaid but liked it very much. Yes most places have soap, shampoo, but I like my own so my husband used their stuff. Brought too much medicine, like sinus pills, Immodium, Cough pills, etc. I'm not usually a sick person, so not sure why I brought the whole medicine cabinet. Brought way too much small toilet paper. Except for one place along the way, all had toilet paper. Most guides take you to rest stops that have a decent bathroom. We did use our gloves for Ngorongoro. Very cold in the morning. Used the hats a few times. Mostly to look cool :)But looking at the pictures, not so much. All airports had carts and the inter flights the guide or the pilot would load the plane. Or maybe that was my husband. Have to look at the pictures again. Next time I will bring less clothes (brought extra shorts, pants and tops that I didn't use.

this might sound like a stupid question, but I honestly don't know as I've never seen disposable underwear.
How or where do you actually dispose of them? Just toss them in the trash can? Do they look like underwear when you toss them out or will the cleaning staff just think it's a paper towel or something?

Dennis, you are too funny.....but, i hadnt heard of it either!!!

Hari

Dennis, I love your questions! At least you ask them.

Paper undies - haven't seen them in years and haven't checked any of the catelogues, but last I remember, they were made out of something like what handiwipes fabric is (the wipes you use to clean the sink, bathroom, etc.) Unless there have big changes, can't be much different - but, yes... a paper towel thingamajiggy!

Not usual, either, for people to pack their "old" undies or t-shirts to leave behind so they have room for souvenirs. Me, always undies in good condition, as I just never know when an accident may come upon me! Sounds like advise from mom, yes?

Dennis,

LOL!

I've never seen disposable socks, but here are some disposable undies

http://www.magellans.com/store/Cloth...earMU402?Args=


Jenn

We pack a small empty duffle that we use for souvenirs on the way home.

I've never gone the disposable underwear route - what happens if you dispose them and then wind up stuck in Europe on the way home :) The "keepable" ones simply don't take enough room to make a difference to me. We all have our luxury items though.

Though I do own some of those packing cubes - I mainly use them when I travel for work because they add weight. For Africa my bag was a sea of zip locks - labeled of course because I'm freakishly organized. Makes everything easy to fid and keeps the clean stuff clean towards the end of the trip when everything is covered in dust. Also makes it easy for security screeners.

It's funny we've gotten on to the 'disposable underwear' topic, because I meant to buy some, and forgot, and now it's too late because I leave in 3 days!

But it reminds me of my trip to Turkey. One of the gentlemen on the tour was noted for having the smallest duffle bag, and finally someone asked him what his secret was. He proudly confided his secret: "DISPOSABLE UNDERWEAR". For some reason it struck me and my roommate as funny, and for the rest of the trip, everytime we looked at him we cracked up.
But now I wish I had some!

OK, now I have a shoe question. I plan to wear sneakers on the plane, and bring a pair of Teva sandals. Do I also need to bring another pair of all-purpose walking shoes? Will I need to switch-off from the sneakers? Will the sneakers get too muddy to wear?

You'll all be glad to hear that I've listened to your advice and I've already discarded the idea of bringing a hair dryer. But I can't do without several books -- that's how I make myself feel at home wherever I am.

I'm going to try to start packing tomorrow, to see how much I still need to discard. I've been accumulating a pile of stuff I'm planning to take, and the pile is MUCH bigger than the duffle.

Ann,

"OK, now I have a shoe question. I plan to wear sneakers on the plane, and bring a pair of Teva sandals. Do I also need to bring another pair of all-purpose walking shoes? Will I need to switch-off from the sneakers? Will the sneakers get too muddy to wear?"

Ann, just about everybody would have a different preference regarding footwear. I just hate the thought of being limited by shoes in what I can do...for example, to spend some time out of the vehicle in hard country if it should be necessary or if I just want to. So I always wear hiking boots, a pair which has served me well for 8 years. Apart from very lightweight slippers for use around the tent, the boots are the only footwear I take on safari. I wear them on the plane...another small contribution to keeping luggage weight and space down.

John

Agree with John.....by taking that many pairs of shoes, you are going to add to all the weight of the luggage.

Personally, i take my running shoes and walk about and wear them on drives. Also, dont carry too many clothes as there is a daily laundry service everywhere....

Hari

Everyone has their own choice of footwear. Not even owning sneakers/walkers (do have pair of slip-in Keds) I wear mocassins throughout. Have Tevas if I'm doing the beach areas. Otherwise, those inexpensive Chinese slippers for around my room/tent.

As to mud on those sneaks/walkers - best if you have these in leather as they can easily be washed if you must. And at any lodge/camp that has a washing machine - turn them over with your laundry and into the machine they go. Yes, some places do have real washing machines (can say for sure which ones specifically - Kirawira in Tanzania, I do know).

Whatever is comfortable, well worm - is what should be on your feet.

I was at Ngorongoro Serena a few weeks ago, and I have to say that I saw largest grouping of *huge* luggage that I have ever seen in Africa. I am talking huge rolling bags, not soft-sided duffels. There were enough bags for about 40 or 50 people in the group (Tauck), and half of the bags were their normal duffles that they give to their customers, and the other half were these huge, oversized rolling hard cases.

I suspect nobody prepared these kind folks on what is and what is not needed out on safari. Might have been some serious hair dryers in there!!

:-)

I bought mine from OneDerWear.com and feel just like cotton panties. And Yes I made sure they were disposed of in the garbage under something else so the staff would not think I made a mistake. I also see now that DNAProducts has some that are even cheaper. Here is the description for OnerDerWear: Bikini Brief
Package of 5 pairs of disposable underwear
100% comfortable and breathable cotton
Elastic band, Fits at hips, Full seat coverage
Sizes: S-M-L-XL-XXL >>View size chart
Price: $7.99




Thong
Package of 5 pairs of disposable underwear
100% comfortable and breathable cotton
Elastic band, Fits at waistline, No back coverage
Sizes: S-M-L >>View size chart
Price: $7.99




Classic Brief
Package of 5 pairs of disposable underwear
100% comfortable and breathable cotton
Elastic band, Fits at waistline, Fits curve of legs, Full coverage
Sizes: S-M-L-XL-XXL >>View size chart
Price: $8.99

andy - For what Tauck charges, they should know better and advise their clients accordingly. I laughed so hard from your description of these bags... more like those going on a 3/week cruise!

The eternal skivvies question does come up alot. Oh how we all worry about this.
One can wash one's undies and they really will be dry in 2 hours if one doesn't mind the chore.
I'd wash one of my 2 pairs prior to going to bed. DH did the same with his thin cotton boxers - dry as a bone, with that fresh African scent - unless fo course you've got hyenas laying about :S-
Or.... just go native - none of those much discussed panty lines to worry about.
Enjoy!
Sherry

Ann,

I'll fess up and say I did bring a hair dryer. It was a special travel one though and really tiny that didn't weigh very much.

I also brought two pairs of shoes- 1 pair of all terrain sneakers, 1 pair of c flip flops and 1 pair of leather casual loafer type slip ons.

Everyone is correct in saying that you don't really need another pair of shoes, but I was happy that I had them. My loafers were really light though, so that helped when making the decision on whether to bring them or not.

Jenn

Andy,

Too funy....your description of the duffel bags.

I bet you saw cheetahs in the crater also?

Hari

We've just returned from our trip, and both my husband and I bought the quick-dry undies, from ex-officio. We loved them, they were so comfortable, and we they dried in an instant, after they were washed out. Here is a bad thing...along the way I lost mine. Grrr! They were great!

You LOST your underwear? Isn't that what you never hope to hear your teeanage daughter say.

purple - only you would remind the parents out there; or the rest of us of our youth!

And we don't even have any children :)

Uh...I didn't lose them, um, they were stolen...yeah, yeah, that's right, they were stolen! :)

make sure that tale makes it into your trip report cindy! (perverts in africa?)

Cindy,

I had those same type of undies and loved them. They dried out super quick! Mine made it back home with me though ;)

Jenn

Yes, I think there could be a nice African woman in some manyatta who has 2 really nice pairs of quick dry panties.....:) Now that I think about it, do tribes people wear underwear? Never thought about that....
Cindy