What To Pack
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Packing for a big trip might be daunting but with planning you can pack everything you need without things becoming backbreaking.
Luggage
Your luggage will be dependent on the type of trip you are taking, but a holdall, a soft bag on wheels or a rucksack are ideal for adventure travel, where luggage is carried in vehicles.
As a rule, hard cases should only be used on centre based trips (ie. dive tours or city stays) Read your tour dossier for advice on luggage type.
Packing List
Remember to keep to your airline's weight restriction (normally 20kg or less.) Please note some tours have luggage weight limits. Please check your tour dossier.
General Things To Pack
- Travel Documents & Money (more information)
- - Local Payment
- - Travel Voucher Pre tour Accommodation Vouchers
- - Airport transfer details
- - Passport
- - Vaccinations Card
- - Insurance details
- - Emergency Contact details
- - Spending Money
- - Credit card
- - Money belt
- Rucksack or similar (see above)
- Day pack or small bag
- Sleeping bag/Sleeping bag liner (if applicable - see tour dossier)
- Good torch (head-torch if camping), spare batteries/bulbs
- Durable water bottle (1-2 litre)
- African power adaptor (for advice on the plug pattern you require see www.interpower.com/ic/guide.htm)
- Travel towel
- Old watch
- Writing materials
- Diary
- Guide book(s)
- MP3/Ipod
- Penknife (which you should not carry in your hand luggage in flight!)
- Plastic bags (to protect clothing and equipment in case your bag gets wet)
- Alarm clock
- Small sewing kit
- Binoculars for game viewing
- Camera, charger, memory sticks
- Luggage padlock(s)
- Pillow or pillow case
- Personal snorkel and mask (if you prefer your own to communal hire equipment)
Clothing
Most people make the mistake of bringing too much! Clothes should be easy to launder and reasonably hard wearing. Avoid nylon and other synthetics which can be uncomfortable in the hot weather.
Africa, however, can also be much colder than you may think, especially at night. Bring a good sleeping bag (or extra clothing you can wear in bed if necessary) and warm clothes and jacket. Morning game drives in open vehicles can be pretty chilly until the sun rises. This applies particularly if travelling in southern Africa in the southern winter months (Jun - Aug) or in Morocco or Egypt in the northern winter.
Suggested list:
- Hat, cap, beanie
- Sunglasses and case
- Fleece
- Quick dry t-shirts and sweatshirts
- Warm & waterproof lightweight jacket
- Shorts
- Long pants/trousers
- Warm socks
- Skirt
- Sarong - doubles as skirt, beach towel, pillow and picnic rug!
- Swimsuit
- Trainers/ pumps or sturdy boot with ankle support for hiking
- Flip flops/ thongs/ jandals or sandals
- Underwear (girls - include a sports bra)
- One nice 'going out' outfit
Toiletries
Supplies of most things can be replenished en route but not all western brands may be available.
Suggested list:
- Toilet bag
- Hand sanitizer
- Towel
- Small mirror
- Razors
- Shampoo
- Soap
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and paste
- Sunscreen lotion
- Moisturiser or aftersun
- Sanitary towels
Glasses/Contact lenses
Take a spare pair of glasses and/or contact lenses and solution. Some people have trouble with contact lenses and dust and we therefore suggest you bring spectacles to avoid any possible problems or bring daily disposable contact lenses.
We also recommend that you take your spectacle prescription as it is possible to have lenses made in the larger cities should the need arise.
First Aid Kit
Your vehicle will have a comprehensive medical kit which will be available for emergency use ONLY;
We recommend you take a personal medical kit which should include:
Antiseptic ointment or spray (spray is better), cotton wool, sterile dressings, crepe bandage, band aids, scissors, tweezers, tape, antibiotic powder, painkillers, lip salve, sun block, insect repellent, water purification tablets, hypodermic needles and syringes, anti-malaria tablets, anti-diarrhea tablets, and a good supply of re hydration powder sachets.
You may wish to consult your doctor or vaccination clinic as regards a broad spectrum antibiotic (for skin and/or bowel infection) as there are occasions when you cannot obtain these locally. Don't forget a supply of any prescription medicines you usually use (asthma etc).
Please do not bring any unnecessary valuables such as jewellery or expensive watches.
Trekking Tours
On long treks such as those on Mt Kilimanjaro, Mt Kenya or the High Atlas you need comfortable warm clothes to handle your level of activity and the climate. You also need more snacks and perhaps some specialist equipment.
Suggested Trek Clothing
Aim to wear layers when trekking so you can control your body temperature easily. Bring 'removable leg' walking trousers so you can change from trousers to shorts without having to take off your walking boots! And remember it gets cold at night!
- Jumper/ sweatshirt top
- T-shirts
- Waterproof jacket
- Warm trousers
- Walking trousers
- Waterproof trousers
- Warm jacket
- Shorts
- Thermal Underwear
- Gloves
- Balaclava / Scarf
- Sunglasses
- Hiking Socks
- Hiking Boots
- Light Shoes
- Cap/warm hat
- Towel
- Gaiters
Equipment
- Sleeping bag
- Day pack
- Water bottle
- Toilet paper
- Torch and batteries
- Pocket Knife
- Walking poles (if required)
Food
- Energy drinks
- Energy snacks
- Sweets
- Chocolate
- Nuts
Discounts On Your Travel Kit
Save money on your travel kit. We've got together with Nomad Adventure Travel Store and are offering all Acacia customers 10% off any travel kit purchases you buy through them.
Get your clothing, equipment, travel accessories and vaccinations here before you leave.