To pack, or not to pack

CLOTHES: Comfortable walking shoes, tennis shoes or even hiking boots are suggested. Please bring sun block and use it. Wide brim hats, and sunglasses are highly recommended. Convertible slacks (with a zipper to turn slacks into shorts) are popular. Comfortable travel clothes can be worn once you return home, and are widely available via mail order catalogues such as L.L. Bean or Travel Smith . Laundry service is available at most lodges and hotels, but be very clear about when you need your clothes returned. Some hotels have hairdryers in each room. The best advice is to travel light.

RECOMMENDED PACKING LIST:

  • A small flashlight with extra batteries
  • Packaged wet tissues ("Wash & Dry" "Wet Ones")
  • Plenty of film or tape for your camera + extra batteries or rechargers
  • Long-sleeved shirts, slacks and socks to protect you from insect bites and sunburn
  • Good quality sunglasses - preferably polarized. Tinted fashion glasses are not good in strong light
  • Sun hat with a brim
  • Shorts/skirts
  • Long trousers/slacks
  • Underwear and socks
  • Good walking shoes
  • Sandals or rubber flip/flops for poolside
  • Swimsuit with light cover-up garment
  • Warm winter jersey for cooler mornings
  • Light rain gear (ponchos work better than trying to carry an umbrella along with your camera etc!)
  • If you wear contact lenses, we recommend that you bring along a pair of glasses in case you get irritation from the dust
  • BINOCULARS (ESSENTIAL)
  • Personal toiletries
  • Moisturizing cream & suntan lotion
  • Insect repellent e.g. Jungle Juice, OFF! Etc.
  • Basic medical kit (aspirins, plasters, Immodium, antiseptic cream and Anti-histamine cream etc)
  • Tickets, passports, money etc
  • Waterproof/dustproof bags/cover for your cameras

BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE: The allowance on your international flights is two pieces of luggage, each weighing 70 pounds. The largest checked bag per passenger cannot exceed 62 linear inches (length + width + height), and both bags cannot exceed a total dimensions of 106 inches. However, if your itinerary includes domestic flights, there is a limit of one carry-on item plus a personal item such as a purse or camera bag. Each of these items has a weight limit of 15 lbs. per item. Equally important is the structure of the bags. Soft luggage (canvas, fabric or duffel bags) about 24" X 17" X 7" are ideal. Large suitcases are virtually impossible to stow in smaller aircraft, difficult to pack in motor coaches and should not be used.