going to africa... what to pack?

Question

im going for 8 weeks, starting in kenya travelling down to cape town, was wondering what to pack?

Answer 1

Here are the basics to know when you are traveling internationally. The pack light recommendation is really a good tip. There will be many things that you want to buy and bring back with you. Of course you want to remember your music and camera, but the rest is common sense.

Here we go.
Get travel insurance. It is not expensive and can save you in nasty situations. Make sure to inform your Credit card companies that you are going to be out of the country so they don't freeze your accounts when they get a charge from Johanisburg or where ever you end up. It can be a real pain trying to straighten that out over the international phone.
Carry copies of your passport and visas, your birth certificate, air line tickets and driver’s license in 3 or 4 different places. If your primary bag gets lost or stolen this will help you get back on track. Don't carry a lot of money with you. ATM's are just about everywhere now, so you can get more cash when you need it. Pack light. Most of the places that you are going have nice inexpensive clothing shops and you will need room to bring them back. Leave your computer at home. There are internet cafes everywhere and they are very inexpensive. Use them. That way you don't have to worry about someone stealing your brick and you don't have to lug it around. Keep your passport, tickets etc in a sturdy pouch that goes around your neck. Never wear it in back. I haven't lost mine in over a year on the road and there have been a couple of attempts. Bring your cell phone. It needs to be the one that is most compatible with the various international systems, a GSM Phone. Make sure it is unlocked so you can use different Sim cards from different countries. In most places, incoming calls are free. So your friends can reach you in an emergency and you can do the same. This works good. Just email the new number to those who need it and you have a safety net. Bring a basic medical kit. Band-Aids, antiseptic and antibiotics. Anti diarrhea meds, aspirin etc. If you get food poisoning to the point that you have a fever go the doctor immediately. (The Hotel usually has one on call) You can die from food poisoning so don't screw around. Wear slip on shoes. It saves time and trouble in airports and all Asian countries. Always let your hotels know when you leave. It’s best to give them the key, and tell them where you are going. Get a card from the hotel so you can find it again in case of extreme drunkenness or just a lack of directional ability. Also. Read your passport. It can pay to have the various Embassies know when you are in the country. They are not much help but they are a safety net in emergencies. Have I forgotten anything? I am sure I have but this is a good broad list to remember. and... Let the hotels handle booking your tours and local stuff. It costs a little more but it is worth it. Hey, Have fun. You are on vacation! Here are some good Web sites to remember.

Lonely planet.com
http://www.xe.com/ucc/ for currency quotes
Google earth for finding where you are.
Oh... get a good travel book. Lonely planet is good and gives you ideas about scams and rip offs in the areas where you are and good maps and directions to hotels and restaurants. Worth the money.
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Answer 2

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Answer 3

We always tell people to pack light.... if you forget something, you'll be able to get it there.... yes, even in Africa. Here is our basic packing list with the "amenities and necessities" we generally take: http://www.mousetourstravels.com/basic-packing-list.html With emphasis on khaki colors and casual dress, this is pretty much what we take to Africa with us.

Don't forget that you need to pack with today's security alerts in mind: http://www.mousetourstravels.com/travel-security-alert-packing-guide.html

And don't worry too much about those Lariam pills. Once again... Happy travels... even if you don't travel the world... just remember that life is a journey... embrace and enjoy it! http://www.mousetourstravels.com