Clothing

Your clothing should be lightweight, breathable, hand-washable, and quick-drying.

• Shorts, mid-thigh or longer

• Long pants (zip-off pants are very useful)

• Short-sleeved shirts

• Long-sleeved shirts

• Undergarments, socks

• Sport bras for women (roads can be bumpy)

• Sweater, jacket, windbreaker

• Rain jacket and pants or rain poncho

• Sun hat with brim and chin strap

• Bandana (for dust, washing, etc.)

• Belt

• Pajamas

• Swimsuit (and cover up for women)

Footwear

• Sturdy, comfortable walking shoes, closed toe, preferrably waterproof

• Tennis shoes, sandals, dressy shoes, and/or flip flops

• Comfortable, breathable socks

Baggage

• Suitcase or duffel (20kg/44lb max for internal flights)

• Day pack for daily activities and easy access (rain cover is nice)

• Waterproof plastic bags for storing clothing and gear (ziplocs work)

• Packing cube, compression bag, clear toiletry bag for airplane

• Money belt, security pouch, document organizer

Electronics

Store electronics in sealed water-proof bags (double bagged if possible).

• Headlamp or flashlight

• Camera, lenses, filters, memory disks (you will not be able to download)

• Video camera, tapes

• Tripod

• Cell phone

• Batteries, chargers

• GPS (for Geocaching)

• Alarm clock

• Calculator (for currency conversion)

• Electricity adapter

Safari

• Strong binoculars

• Quality camera with long lens

• Wide brimmed hat with strap

• Animal and bird guide books

• On your safari, take along any items you need for the day in a separate day pack: sunglasses, camera and video (lenses, batteries, disks, tapes), binoculars, water, snacks, bandana, hat, wet-wipes, hand sanitizer, etc.

• Camping safaris: Sleeping bag

Toiletries

• Soap

• Shampoo, conditioner

• Shaving supplies

• Nail clippers, file, brush

• Toothbrush, toothpaste

• Moist towelettes (handi-wipes)

• Hand sanitizer

• Lotion (Badger foot balm is also helpful)

• Hairbrush, comb, mirror

• Small towel and washcloth

• Toilet paper

• Facial tissue

• Sunscreen

• Lip balm with sunscreen

• Insect repellent

• Q-tips

• Sewing kit

• Feminine products

• Cosmetics

First Aid

You really only need one first aid kit in your travel group, so coordinate with your travel companions.

• Ibuprofin, Aceteminophen

• Bandaids/plasters

• Disinfectant, antiseptic cream, antibiotic ointment

• Gauze bandages and tape

• Throat losenges

• Vitamins

• Diahrea medicine

• Antihistemines

• Ace bandage

• Melatonin, Acetazolamide, or other sleep aid

• Malaria pills (talk to doctor)

• Antibiotics (talk to doctor)

• Prescription drugs (talk to doctor)

Documents

• Document organizer

• Passport

• Visas for all countries as necessary

• Airline tickets, e-tickets (make sure name on ticket matches name on passport)

• Copy of AWR travel itinerary

• Medical insurance card

• Address book

• Business cards

• Make copies of passport, visas, drivers license, airline tickets/schedule, travel itinerary, credit cards (front and back), travelers checks' numbers, frequent flyer numbers, travel insurance, and emergency contact information. Leave a copy with someone at home and put a copy in a travel companion's luggage and email them to yourself (or Google Docs).

• Yellow fever certificate and vaccination records

Beach

• Swimsuit and cover-up

• Beach sandals

• Reef shoes (for sharp rocks and coral)

• SCUBA/snorkel equipment (mask, snorkel, fins, wetsuit)

• Underwater camera

Other

• Sunglasses with straps

• Eyeglasses, contacts, solution

• Binoculars

• Pocket knife

• Notebook, pencil and pen

• Playing cards, games, books, frisbee, football, kite

• Energy bars, hard candy, snacks, and comfort foods

• Duct tape

• Matches or lighter

• Clothes line, sink stopper, detergent

• Cash, travelers checks, credit cards (including some small bills, U.S. dollars must be newer than 2002)

• Guide books, maps, language books

• Umbrella, particularly useful in the rainy season

• Salt, pepper for bland food, flavoring for coffee

• Duct tape (can be wrapped around water bottle)

• Water bottles and Camelback (useful on bumpy roads)

• Steripen, water filter, iodine or chlorine dioxide purification tablets

• Bottled water is also available for purchase at hotels and markets

 

Kids

• Games, toys, books

• Swim toys

• Gifts for local children

Gifts for Guides, Local People

• Shoes, t-shirts, hats, warm clothing

• Nerf football, frisbees

• Candy, energy bars

• Pens, school supplies

Packing for the flight

• U-shaped neck pillow (blow-up)

• Books/magazines

• Toiletries (3 ounces/container, 1 quart clear bag)

• Snacks

• Water bottle (empty through security)

• iPod, MP3 player

• Cell phone

• Eye shades, ear plugs

• Melatonin or other sleep aid