LindaS....Hi, sorry I haven't checked this site for some time but glad to hear from you regarding taking things for the orphanage. I would appreciate it if you could email me at [email protected] with the information I will need to do this, since I don't go on this site often...Thanks, Ruth Hargis

Good "final list" thank you LyndaS.

Lynda - Thank you so much for the very comprehensive packing list. We are leaving for Tanzania/Kenya in 12 days (OMG 12 DAYS!!) and your list has saved me a ton of time. I also loved your info on how you put together your journal for the trip, and I'm doing the same. I tend to be very organized, so the journal is right up my alley!

A big thank-you to everyone on the board that has posted info on luggage, adaptors, tipping, and all those other things I had no idea about. I've been lurking for months but haven't posted much because I didn't even know enough to know what questions to ask!!

We are leaving on July 4th and I'm so excited I start getting teary just thinking about there....not sure what I'll do when I see my first giraffe, lion, hippo, etc.

I will post a trip report from a first-timer's point of view when we return.

THANKS EVERYONE!!

I have been so busy since we returned on Monday that I have not had time to start my trip report. Here are just a few suggestions.
1. We organized the tip money in envelopes labeled with each lodge before we left. They were marked Chitabe Guides, Chitabe Staff, etc. We put the suggested amount in each envelope. If after we were there we decided to we added some extra money to the envelope. We found this system very easy.
2. I took a golf wind shirt and found it to be invaluable. The biggest problem with the cold is the wind when you are driving. I wore this under a fleece and a down jacket and it was perfect.
3. Sports bras. Definitely a necessity.

More updates later.

Those last two tips are great. Just what I am looking for at this point. What part of Africa were you in? We leave for Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda on Aug. 19. I am starting to feel overwhelmed at this point. Shopping and wanting to do all at one time. Please keep the pointers coming. Any suggestions as to the order of planning at this point. I am trying to be organized, but seem to be stressing at this point. THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT I AM JUST SO EXCITED THAT I CAN'T HARDLY STAND IT.

Nancy

Bookmarking for my September trip to S. Africa and Mozambique. Thanks for all of the great tips.

The one thing that I wish that I had taken is a fingernail brush. Nail got pretty grimy by end of trip. Gail

Wish I had had a scarf for the early mornings. I did have gloves thank goodness. An insulated headband was great for the ears!!!!!!!

Aha...this list resurfaces at just the right time. I recently returned from Africa and on my way back through the Amsterdam airport, what did I see but a bag of wine gums.

Ever since I read this thread I wanted to try them, and couldn't quite grasp what would make them worth 2 pounds of my weight allowance.

Lynda, you should be proud of your influence! I remembered your packing list 2 whole years after you wrote it.

My verdict--wine gums are similar to but definitely better than American gummy bears (but I still wouldn't bring 2 pounds of them!).

:-) Ann ! After taking the 2 lbs the first year, I only took two small bags the next year (and they waere mostly consumed on the long plane rides there and back) as I found I just didn't eat them very much at all in Africa - I think it was because I was always so full from all that food we were eating, I never had the urge to snack on candy! I just knew there was reason that I should go on a permanent safari!

What a great memory you have though!

It is almost a year since we went to Africa for 6 weeks, and I am still trying to lose the weight!!!!
We travel constantly so it is not easy, but the South Africa portion of the trip with the food and wine was mostly to blame!!! Plus, on safari you do not get any exercise, even with the walking safari excursions which we requested!!!!!!!

How ironic that this wonderful list should be topped.
I was just thinking that I'd like to see it to help me hunt and gather for my July 21 trip.
Lynda goes so far to even weigh out the packed items - how great is that.

I bought brown and olive clothing dye and added a bit of black to deepen - so t-shirts are done and the bin is filling - thanks atravelynn for that tip.
On to photo equipment and my wheelbarrow filled with meds.

Thanks for helping keep my wandering mind focused.
Perhaps I won't need the Louis Vitton trunks and traveling valets after all :)

Sorry, I'm computer illiterate. Can someone explain to me how to print out just Lynda's revised packing list without all the responses?

Just highlight the list itself in the posting, go to the Edit drop down options and select Copy.

Open a Word document, again go to Edit and select Paste -- the list should magically appear in the new document.

Occasionally it gets a bit messed up in the transfer, so you might have to tidy it up....good luck!

Thanks.

Oh my Cybor, you are almost on top of your wonderful trip! I was wondering about you the other day, if you had gone yet, and I was going to email, but got buried in books (as usual...)

Can you repost your itinerary on a spearate thread, I'd love to see it, it's been a long time since I've seen it and can't remember!

I am SO excited for you!

Yes, Cybor, please re-post your itinerary. I know you are going to Chitabe but that's all I remember. Have an amazing trip. It is right around the corner!

I would add prescription meds including anti malarial medication
Emery boards
clear lens glasses for night drives -- I need something to block the sand and dirt as I wear contacts
passport and copy of passport in another location -- usually exchange with traveling partner and leave one home with someone trustworthy
travel documents
foldable tote -- to bring things back

ttt

Bring about 50 American $1's for tips. It is very difficult to get them once you are there.