WorldTraveler Creations Weblog

Here is a list of things that I feel is necessary to have on a trip to Africa:

• Lightweight, quick-drying clothes, including a couple pairs of pants (ideally that zip-off into shorts) and long-sleeved shirts
• Hiking shoes and probably a pair of running shoes, plus flip-flops
• 1 week's worth of shirts and underwear (plan on washing your clothes, so bring a bar of laundry soap)
• Basic cosmetic stuff (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, comb, maybe some other stuff, but most stuff can be bought)
• Flashlight / Headlamp + batteries
• First Aid kit (make sure it is good and thorough, this can be important - the CDC Med Kit)
• Antidiarrheals, Rehydration Salts, other med stuff
• Rain gear (jacket, bag cover)
• Clock/watch
• Camera
• Mosquito net
• Lightweight sleeping bag + 1 sheet for liner
• GSM phone (buy SIM card in Africa, they're common)
• Malaria Pills, like Mefloquine
• Bug Deterrent, preferably cream
• Towel, swimming gear
• Travel Insurance
• Sewing Kit
• Water treatment pills, such as MicroPur
• Power adaptors

Some stuff that is nice to have, but not a necessity:

• Gifts for kids, like gum and stuff
• Pocket knife
• Storage unit for digital pictures
• Bag full of extra medical stuff, like gauze and syringes (take in an extra bag, and use that empty bag to bring back goodies in)

If anyone has any other ideas on what to bring, please post.  I'm open to any suggestions!