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What do I Need to Pack?
Although it may seem fairly simple to pack for backpacking holiday, you will find that packing is well… not that simple.
Spread everything you are planning on taking, out on your bed. Then put half of it back in the cupboard and take the other half with you and you will probably still find at the end of your trip that there are things you didn’t use. Try and think of it this way… the more space you have, the more awesome souvenirs you can take home!
The bottom line is to pack clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty, that are easy to wash and dry and don’t need to be ironed. Consider leaving it behind after your trip and if you can live without it, it is the right item to take on your Overland adventure!
Africa Travel Essentials:
- A Backpack or soft duffel bag. Suitcases are not suitable for Overland travel.
- A small daypack
- Sleeping bag (if required).
- Roll mat or self-inflatable camping mattress (if required). Bring a spare patch and some glue!
- Sleeping sheet (to use inside your sleeping bag for extra insulation or on top of your sleeping bag in warm conditions)
- Head torch and spare batteries.
- Sun glasses
- If you wear contact lenses, bring spares. Also bring glasses as you might find the dusty dry conditions hard on your eyes.
- If you wear glasses, bring a spare pair.
- Mosquito net if you are planning on sleeping under the stars.
- Washing line – look for a pegless one – they are brilliant!
- Towel
Toiletries:
- Your normal toiletries
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Lip balm
- Contraceptives
- If you use any regular medication, please ensure you have enough to last you for the entire tour plus an extra week, just in case.
Africa Outdoor Clothes:
- Open shoes (flip flops/sandals/jandals)
- Comfortable walking/hiking shoes.
- Bathing suit/swimming shorts
- Light cotton tops/t-shirts/sleeveless tops.
- Sarong, you will find these very practical as they can be used as a towel, a skirt, a sleep sheet, you name it.
- Available all over Africa.
- Lightweight long-sleeved tops for game drives or safaris (this will protect you from mosquito’s & sunburn)
- Cargo pants/track suit pants for evenings and cooler days
- Shorts/light skirt/dress
- Lightweight waterproof jacket
- Sweater or polar fleece (the nights can be cool)
- Socks
- Underwear
- One set of smart clothes for a night out
Photography:
- Camera with relevant batteries and chargers
- Memory cards large enough as you may not be able to get them anywhere else
- Film for your camera
Small First Aid Kit:
Clients are required to bring their own basic first aid kit which should contain:
- Pain killers – ie: paracetamol
- Rehydration sachets for diarrhoea
- Anti diarrhoea medication
- Antihistamine tablets or cream
- Antiseptic cream, e.g. Betadine, Savlon
- Plasters, sterile dressing pads
- Eye drops
- Tweezers
- After sun treatment
- Mike19 Jun 2010
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What rated sleeping bag(0 degrees, 45 degrees, etc.)should be purchased for Oct.-Nov weather?
- monirul islam08 Jun 2010
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I think Africa is a kind a good place
- Tania - OverlandingAfrica.com05 Jan 2010
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Hey Andrew. Good question! It really depend on where she is going and what facilities are provided when she gets there, ie: mosquito nets? The biggest mistake people make is they take TOO MUCH STUFF especially clothes. Less is more! Less clothes, more money, less toiletries, more first aid kit and antiseptics etc. Sorry i can't be more helpful. Cheers.
- Andrew Lasick05 Jan 2010
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I have a friend who is going on a mission to Zimbabwe through her church. It's her first time, she says she's well prepared, and I do believe her, but I really want to make sure she has everything she needs for sure! Is there anything that groups like that should travel with but usually don't?
- Tania - OverlandingAfrica.com30 Oct 2009
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Hi Allison, No they don't for hygiene reasons. Bottled water is readily available but the tap water at most overnight stops is also perfectly fine to drink. You are welcome to bring your own travel bottle if you like. :)
- Allison Stone30 Oct 2009
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Do these overlanding tours include water bottles on the truck for the entire duration of the trip? I can't find any specifics regarding water bottles!
- Tania - OverlandingAfrica.com21 Oct 2009
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Hi Sara, We don't have them to hire but can point you in the direction of a few places where they can be purchased quite cheaply. Give us a shout when you get to Cape Town! Have fun!
- Sara21 Oct 2009
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Hi, just a quick query. I'm actually already on a trip in africa- and would be joining you straight from that. I have no rucksack, or sleeping bag- can these be hired? Thanks
Before You Go
Suggested reading to help plan for your Africa overland tour:
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