mkude

Hi all,

I havent written on this forum in awhile. In a nutshell, I tormented you all with questions for my trip to Kenya and Tanzania, booked my trip with Good Earth for September 9th, got diagnosed with thyroid cancer, had my thyroid removed, and was promised by my doctor that I could still go on my trip.

So basically, I have another week at home recuperating and I have lost sight of what I should be doing in my trip planning. Can someone help me refocus? I have an appt next week to get vaccinated, my visa just came for Kenya, my flights are booked and my trip is booked. I still need: 1) a camera 2) a duffle bag or whatever will hold my stuff so I dont have to check luggage, and 3) anything else.

Help me refocus and please send me links to any lists I should be following.

Thanks in advance! Michelle

crosscheck

Hi Michelle - Major congrats on your speedy recovery! You will LOVE your safari...what a wonderful healing celebration!

We just came back from a carry-on safari to Kenya. We're usually never anxious about what we take on a trip, but this time we we became ridiculously concerned about weight/size requirements. This turned out to be a non-issue: We took never saw anyone weighing or measuring luggage anywhere, and we hardly needed any clothes...everyone is in "uniform" during the day, and it's too dark to see what anyone is wearing at night.

For a duffel, I recommend the Eagle Creek medium ES cargo

http://www.rei.com/product/749319

We also brought compact luggage trolleys (from Bed, Bath and Beyond) to use in airports.

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/prod...1&SKU=14682740

You will also need a small day pack, which can be your personal item on the plane. You might also want to pack a fold up zippered tote bag for game drives.

I believe two cameras are essential..one DSLR or P&S with a good zoom, and a tiny one (like a powershot elph) for walking safaris, village visits etc. If you're buying a new P&S, I highly recommend this one:

http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-DMC-...1410174&sr=8-1

We brought a tiny laptop (an old VAIO) for downloading photos, but you can pack extra memory cards instead. You will also need lightweight binoculars (see if you can borrow them). I also invested in a Kindle because I'm a big reader and it was fantastic...you can even upload guidebooks (although I wouldn't use it at home).

If your camps do laundry, then you can get away with two safari outfits (layers) and two "evening" outfits (normal clothes). Here's what I brought:

- 2 short-sleeved tees
- 2 long-sleeved tees (one "nicer" one for evenings)
- 1 fleece
- 1 very light fleece (work-out weight)
- 1 light cashmere sweater
- 1 buzz-off khaki shirt
- 1 pair convertible safari pants
- 1 hiking or work out pants (I had both)
- 1 pair capris
- 1 light rain jacket
- 1 pair trail runners hiking sneakers (Merrells)
- 1 flip flops (never wore these)
- 1 pair "dressier" sneakers (lightweight Pumas)
- 4 pairs socks, 2 heavy, 2 light
- underwear (I always pack a lot)
- 1 pair pajamas
- 1 pair jeans
- 1 pashmina, 2 cotton scarves
- hat
- good sunglasses, and possibly an extra pair

Other items: moneybelt, toiletry kit, neosporin, band aids, alleve, advil, pepto bismol, immodium, bonine, benedryl cream, antibiotics (Cipro, Z-pack), anticeptic towelettes, deet towelettes, skin-so-soft or citronella, purell, lip balm (of these, we only used the alleve, purell and lip balm.) You'll also need US cash - $1s, $5s, $20s, envelopes for tips, small notebook.

Gifts for guides: We brought Obama floaty pens...a HUGE hit.

There is plenty of shampoo everywhere, but no conditioner, which you will really need because your hair will be blowing around the entire time. So I would pack 3-4 hotel size bottles of conditioner and forget the shampoo.

I will be posting my trip report soon, and am happy to answer questions. But, seriously, there is no reason to stress about what you pack.

crosscheck

just realized I forgot to include another essential item: a small magnalite flashlight

live_aloha

Wow! Michelle, congratulations on having that bad stuff behind you so you can get back to the fun of planning your trip.

As crosscheck said, what a great way to celebrate the healing of your body, mind and spirit!

Thanks for asking this question. I will be leaving next week for Kenya, and although there have been many threads that have answered similar questions, it's always nice to have fresh feedback from recent travelers (thanks crosscheck)!

I, too purchased the camera listed above after reading through all the feedback on this site and looking at the sample pictures online. It hasn't arrived yet, but I think it should in the next 1-2 days. Wish I had bought it sooner so I had time to play with it before the trip but oh well--it is what it is. So that's my piece of advice---get your camera soon-- Sept 9 will be here before you know it!!!

Happy travels to you, and best wishes for good health.

MartinDave

Congratulation on successfully battling off the dreadful disease, Michelle! I must say I really admire your courage. You’ve just had a major medical procedure and you’re already planning a Safari. Here’s my response to your questions:

1. You haven’t mentioned if you want a point and shoot or an SLR, but I’ve had some great results with my Canon digital camera. You can try the same brand. You might also want to carry a video camera to capture some interesting moments.

2. I would recommend this very rugged wheeled upright (http://www.briggs-riley.com/category...-Upright_BU119 ) from Briggs & Riley. This will be easier to transport than a duffle since it has wheels. You may also need a daypack/small backpack for your day trips.

3. Crosscheck has pretty much covered everything else. All I can say is enjoy your trip to the maximum and forget everything that’s happened. If you’re going alone, make some new friends on the way. Traveling is a great way to meet interesting people and forge lifelong bonds.

moneyburns

Crosscheck; Great list; thanks and can't wait for the report. I also leave in 4 wks, but after all Michelle's been through, I am more excited for her than me!

Could you tell me where you got the Obama pens; I have a few friends that need them and I also wouldn't mind taking a few as gifts.

Thanks, and good luck Michelle on your trip and with continuing excellent health! Maybe we will pass one another in the Mara!

MoneyB

DRJO

All the very best to those about to travel. Am very jealous have come back now 6 weeks, I need to go back.
One extra item, if room, is something for the local bush school(s). I took flattened footballs each with a pump. Easier to pack ideas would be a full size flatpacked set of colouring pens/pencils/crayons. Anything that the local village school might need AND (like the Obama pens) not too serious.

cary999

Happy to hear your recovery is going well and I envy you going on safari soon.

Other things not mentioned yet that I like to take are copies of - my passport, visa, plane tickets, any other important receipts, info, phone numbers. Keeping those separate from the real ones for just-in-case.

If you're going to be using credit or debit cards, call those banks and tell them when you're going. Otherwise, they may deny payment when a very strange country charge comes in from you.

I like to have emergency medical evacuation insurance. Also, extra back-up medication in case some gets lost. When I'm traveling alone I write up emergency contact/medical/insurance information that I leave with the camp manager.

The Pansonic FZ35 mentioned twice above is a great safari camera and it will also do videos. You need to get it going ASAP if you're going to order like via Amazon. Some folks also like binoculars.

That's what comes to mind now. You can start counting down the days!!!

regards - tom

crosscheck

Great suggestions, Tom.

I ordered the Obama pens from http://www.xenosgift.com/index.php?productID=943

We also brought Silly Bandz for the school visit...not as useful as soccer balls, but very packable and the kids loved them. What they really need is cash, of course. The headmaster seemed very touched by our donation.

I omitted sunscreen from my list. In July, one travel size bottle per person was plenty.

I think I had one more tee shirt than I listed - a 3/4 sleeve. And I must disclose that I took two other tops in forbidden colors (black and navy), which I intended to use just in Nairobi and London and on the plane, but I ended up wearing them pretty often at night.

moneyburns

Thanks for the link to the pens - got my order in!
I am still looking for carry-on kids' gifts and though I have been told cash is best, I still want something for the kids to see them smile.

Looking forward to your trip report Crosscheck, hint hint....

MB

moremiles

Thanks for the suggestion of the pens since everywhere I go people love Obama and it's the first thing they mention upon hearing that we're Americans. Amazon also has some Obama pens, not quite as colorful, but a bit less expensive.

Enjoy every minute of your trip!

rossmtbiker

Thanks for the list crosscheck, I'm going to copy it.

As for cameras, I highly recommend a DSLR. I used to have an Olympus P&S similar to that Panasonic, but nothing can compare with the speed, control, and especially quality of a DSLR.

I have read many reviews and have many friends with DSLR's and I would recommend that you get either a Nikon or Canon. Both companies offer DSLR's in a wide range of prices and their selection of lenses are unrivaled.

Zambezi

No one has mentioned a wash cloth or a small towel (REI and probably other outfitters have compact, absorbent ones). Also, what about cash? You'll need to go to the bank and drive the clerk crazy insisting on clean, unmarked, undog-eared $20s; also, $100s issued since 2000. Don't forget the money belt! It is my opinion that those that can be concealed under clothing are to be preferred to others. Speaking from experience, some combination locks that you can leave on your luggage when you're away from your hotel or tent are useful. ZZ

sandi

Wash cloths? Absolutely! I always have these for trips anywhere though more and more properties are now providing these... still take my own. As they're the old nasty ones, usually leave them behind.

As to currency, if USD, shouldn't be older than 5/years, so dated from 2005 (not 2000). In Kenya, USD$100s are often declined and they feel these may be counterfeit, whereas in Tanzania, these often get a better exchange rate. Go figure???

I don't bother with key or combo locks, rather use cable ties to keep bags secure (as secure as any can be... if someone wants something, easy for them to just cut thru or pick-up and be on their way). If using cable ties, remember nail clipper (without the nail file attachment) in the side pocket of duffle or in your carryon.

cary999

"If using cable ties, remember nail clipper (without the nail file attachment)"

Interesting you say "without nail file". Maybe that is why at JNB security took away mine, it had the file? I've never understood why, except, JNB security seems to be generally 10 times tougher than our TSA. Of course then you get on the plane and the meal utensils are steel knife an fork!!!

regards - tom

sandi

Spot on tom... the utensils are real and they worry about the file on the nail clippers. Why/what the TSA and other country's security do/require is more than my mind can fathom!

FrankS

My doc sent me to an Infectious Disease Specialist, apparently his nurse needed practice administering vaccines

quimbymoy

i could have used a bottle of saline spray for my nose, since it was so dry. something to consider if you easily get bloody noses...

atravelynn

Did not read the other responses so sorry for repeats.

Glad to know you are recovering well!

#1 GET THE CAMERA. Then become very comfortable with it by taking lots of shots. Don't recall if you've stated a preference yet for a camera but a high end 12x Optical Zoom or better, Image Stabilization Point-and-Shoot should be ample and provide you with outstanding photos. I am happy with my 12x and 15x P&S. 20X and higher are common now for around $400, even less.

If you have not used a camera body with interchangeable lenses, you don't need to start now. But do not just order a camera online. Try some out in person to find one that works for you.

If you are concerned about the quality of a good Point and Shoot vs a DSLR, ask posters for links to their albums of shots taken with P&S cameras.

One month out is perfect timing for considering a purchase of a pair or two of fast drying underpants if you don't already have some. Even the places that do laundry often state "No Smalls" meaning no undies. I've even seen some places exclude women's undies in particular.

So if you are washing out your own, it is nice if they are the kind that dry in about 8 hours. If you plan ahead and wash on your 2 or 3 night stays, the dry atmosphere in East Africa at the time you are going will allow them to dry in your room/tent easily. But who wants to be preoccupied with the timing of underwear washing whilst on safari?!

I bought mine from Tilley's, the famous hat people, who obviously have expanded their line to other regions. But you can get fast driers lots of places. I'd suggest wearing them a couple of times in advance to make sure the material used is agreeable. It differs from what you might be accustomed to.

A month gives you lots of time to check that your buttons on the clothes you'll be taking are all on tight. A little sewing kit can help if the buttons fall off, but prevention is a better bet.

Let your credit card companies know your dates of travel so they don't cancel your card after getting a charge from Africa.

Crisp, fresh new bills are appreciated and sometimes demanded, and it might take a couple of trips to your bank to get them. You have enough time for that.

How wonderful your attention can be turned to these details instead of fighting for your health!

sandi

Speaking of women's "smalls" - great option are those made of paper, available at 5/$5. Hard to find decent cloth panties for less than $5/pair. These are Bikini style. Wear once, toss them.