fourwheelinit, you're back! How did your safari go?

I am going to try very hard to do carry-on only. These lists are very helpful. I'm not too worried about getting my clothes to fit; it's all the assorted gear and how much it's going to weigh that I question.

WS usually have two sprays in the room, Peaceful Sleep for people and something else for insects. I also found a great little roll-on version of Peaceful Sleep in the chemist shop at Jo'burg airport.

We have used repellent that comes as the pre-packaged towelettes. I believe its made by OFF. No worries with carry-on.

Umm, Maasai Mara sounds interesting...I better start planning too ! :-).

Leely, since I had a lot of camera gear, we checked in 1 bag for our trip to TZ (started from SFO). It was through-checked all the way to JRO. Should be the same for you, in case you have to check any baggage.

As for airport checks, they are just a bit strict at AMS in terms of patting you down and making you go through the scanning machine etc, but they do not scavenge inside your carry-on bags. Make sure you put all liquids in a quart size ziploc and also carry extra plastic bags in your carry-on. Never know when you need them.

Bottomline, keep your carry-on under 26 LB (12kg), and there should be no trouble (atleast that was the limit on KLM/DELTA/NWA). No one bothered to check the baggage size. One lady at AMS did try to gate-check my duffel, but as soon as I removed my binocs and camera from there, she could not whine anymore. :-).

Carry copies of passport on your person,keep spare/quick drying clothes (another set). I wore the same hiking boots throughout the entire trip, but we didn't go trekking anywhere :). I think a lot less is needed in safari trips than one thinks. Carry a spare mosquito net, just in case the hotel/lodge does not provide one.

Good luck, will be reading this thread and other kenya threads for a future trip...

Btw, remember, you are allowed one personal item and 1 carry on. You can use a nice big laptop bag or a small backpack as personal item in addition to your carry-on and stuff some items in it, no one checks !

How much/many carry on you are allowed depends on the airline and the class you fly. Varies widely/wildly, check it out. Also I would never again put any camera nor any electronic things in check-in to Africa. In 2007 put a small camera in checked luggage, luggage arrived a day late and the only thing missing was the camera. Also heard many stories about missing cameras/electronics from luggage.

regards - tom
ps - did SAA airline cover my missing camera - no, they don't cameras and such. Another hint.

Okay, I accept the challenge. I'm going to try my best to do this for March 2011. You're all so inspiring!

As you all know, I am NOT good at packing light - but just have to jump in to say that if anyone is fair-skinned & easily burned - bring your own sunscreen, don't count on the ones that some of the camps/lodges provide as amenities. I did the first two times I went & ended up with a serious (at least probably second degree) burn on my arm each of the years. It took me both years & some very paiful blisters to figure out that the sunscreen they provide was probably a "minus 1".

The third year I used my own & didn't burn an iota.

Leely, the time is almost here isn't it???

Leely - when do you leave? Hope you have a wonderful trip - can't wait to hear about it! Is this your first solo adventure?

Cyn

Three more sleeps!

Cyn, this is my first solo trip to Africa--although I am meeting up with Patty and her husband for several days and heading down to Tsavo. Having dinner with Sandi in Nairobi too.

Packed almost everything yesterday; carry-on looks like it's do-able.

I thought it was really soon! Have a GREAT trip Leely! And say hi to Patty, Mark and Sandi for me!

Oh, meeting up with Patty & Sandi sounds great - hope you have a wonderful adventure!

Cyn

Leely, have a great trip and wonderful mini GTG with Patty & Sandy.
Will look forward to a trip report as I want to know what went in your carry-on!

It is my project for September!

I know you will have a fabulous time; your previous reports have indicated great sightings and adventures - even on travels outside of your beloved Africa!

Have fun..
MoneyB

oops I have already flunked the new "rules"
meant Sandi, not Sandy (sorry Sandi)

See ya in Nairobi, Leely! Did you see the new eles that were moved to Ithumba? If a truck full of eles can make it down that road, we should be able to ;) Have fun on your gorilla and golden monkey treks!

Thanks, guys. Patty and Mark are just about 5-6 (?) days behind me. Travel safe and see you in Nairobi, Patty! I haven't seen the new eles moved to Ithumba but good to know we can make it down there.

Lynda, Kennedy and Val are supposed to meet Sandi and me for dinner too. Kennedy has arranged the Mara portion of this trip.

Have a wonderful trip, Leely!! And you too, Patty and Mark. Wish I could join you guys! Since this is a non-Africa year for me, I will be especially looking forward to your trip reports... :)

Thanks, MDK! Are you guys off to Mongolia next month?

Yep, we leave June 30th and get to UB late on July 1st! (Not that I'm counting down, or anything...)

We just put our deposits down on our 2011 Africa trip with my mom and dad (South Africa, Botswana and Victoria Falls), so once I get back from Mongolia we'll be right back in Africa mode. But for now I'm (mostly) concentrating on Asia, with occasional peeks on this board to see what you guys are up to.

Have a great time in Mongolia! Did you post your 2011 Africa itinerary yet?