Thanks, Lynn. I figure the same thing. Having to pack so light, I'm thinking a new lens is much more important than makeup.

Leaving 1 week from today!
Tweeked agenda one last time.
Here we go:
Day 1-2 Dulles to Johannesburg -Overnight in Johannesburg
Day 3-JNB to Richard's Bay. P/U rental car. Drive to St. Lucia.
We will stay 1 night in a B&B. Visit the beach. Shop the local crafts.
Day 4-8-Phinda Forest lodge 4 nights
Day 8-10-flight from Phinda to Kirkman's Camp 2 nights
Day 10-12-transfer from Kirkman's Camp to Exeter-Dulini 2 nights
Day 12-flight from Kruger to Johannesburg to Dulles

Thank you all for you suggestions and planning. We are really going! I can't believe it. I've been practicing my photography skills. Hope to have a few when we return.

One week! Yay!

You're going to have the time of your life. Careful with the shopping. Some things can be heavy! I promise to get a pic of hippo soon.

The Indian Ocean is beautiful. If you drive to Sodwana or other public beaches just be forewarned that young men will ask to be paid to watch your car. It was no big deal, but just have a few rand for them and take as little to the beach as possible. We had ALL of our stuff in the car and we were nervous about leaving it with our guy so only stayed for a few minutes.

Pack light and have fun!!

Thanks, christabir! LOL, I will be careful with the shopping. I will be looking for a tiny rhino or giraffe or something for my daughter's new house. No giant hippo! Looking forward to your pic.
I must admit, the lodges and reserves have always been our priority, but I am really looking forward to St. Lucia. Oh, did you know you have to be careful in thier streets at night because of the hippos? lol

Yes- hippos are the most dangerous animal in Africa. They have crossing hippo road signs! Hippo isn't big, just heavy. Maybe 2 feet long, a foot high. Think small.

I'm glad to hear you're looking forward to SL. Can't wait to hear all about it. We tried to fit it in, and should have, but we underestimated drive times. Be very careful - there are speed bumps that are not well signed - I hit one going about 50mph and almost killed us both! And goats and cattle in the road is weird, too. Where are you staying?

cristeen - Safe journeys! Hope you get to see everything, especially rhinos with their calves. Marsha

Marsha-thank you! Me too! That will make my trip. Love the rhinos.

christabir-we are staying at a B&B Lodge Afrique. It looks really cute. TA has very good reviews. This (a B&B)will be a first for us as well.

re shopping: If you find that you're at the end of your trip and still need some souvenirs, there's a surprisingly decent shop at the airport (in the international departure hall, at the end near the airline lounges). Obviously not the coziest setting for a shop, but a reasonable place to pick up last-minute keepsakes.

Hey cristeen - where's your trip report!? We want to hear all about it. Were you a giddy idiot? I hope you were.

christabir, haha! Yes, I was! It was amazing. I have some catching up to do but will be working on a trip report soon. Thanks for asking.