Sturdy, comfortable walking shoes, closed toe, preferably waterproof
Tennis shoes, sandals, dressy shoes, and/or flip flops
Comfortable, breathable socks
Suitcase or duffel (20kg/44lb max for internal flights)
Day pack for daily activities and easy access (rain cover is nice)
Waterproof plastic bags for storing clothing and gear (ziplocs work)
Packing cube, compression bag, clear toiletry bag for airplane
Money belt, security pouch, document organizer
Store electronics in sealed water-proof bags (double bagged if possible).
Headlamp or flashlight
Camera, lenses, filters, memory disks (you will not be able to download)
Video camera, tapes/disks
Tripod
Cell phone
Batteries
GPS (for Geocaching)
Alarm clock
Calculator (for currency conversion)
Electricity adapter
Strong binoculars
Quality camera with long lens
Wide brimmed hat with strap
Animal and bird guide books
On your safari, take along any items you need for the day in a separate day pack: sunglasses, camera and video (lenses, batteries, disks, tapes), binoculars, water, snacks, bandana, hat, wet-wipes, hand sanitizer, etc.
Camping safaris: Sleeping bag
Soap
Shampoo, conditioner
Shaving supplies
Nail clippers, file, brush
Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
Deodorant
Moist towelettes (handi-wipes)
Hand sanitizer
Lotion (Badger foot balm is also helpful)
Hairbrush, comb, mirror
Small towel and washcloth
Toilet paper
Facial tissue
Sunscreen
Lip balm with sunscreen
Insect repellent
Q-tips
Sewing kit
Feminine products
Cosmetics
Shoes, t-shirts, hats, warm clothing
Nerf football, frisbees
Candy, energy bars
Pens, school supplies
You really only need one first aid kit in your travel group, so coordinate with your travel companions.
Games, toys, books
Swim toys
Gifts for local children
Ibuprofin, Aceteminophen
Bandaids/plasters
Disinfectant, antiseptic cream, antibiotic ointment
Gauze bandages and tape
Throat losenges
Vitamins
Diahrea medicine
Antihistemines
Ace bandage
Melatonin, Acetazolamide, or other sleep aid
Malaria pills (talk to doctor)
Antibiotics (talk to doctor)
Prescription drugs (talk to doctor)
Document organizer
Passport
Visas for all countries as necessary
Airline tickets, e-tickets (make sure name on ticket matches name on passport)
Copy of Almak Tours’ travel itinerary
Medical insurance card
Address book
Business cards
Make copies of passport, visas, drivers license, airline tickets/schedule, travel itinerary, credit cards (front and back), travelers checks’ numbers, frequent flyer numbers, travel insurance, and emergency contact information. Leave a copy with someone at home and put a copy in a travel companion’s luggage and email them to yourself (or Google Docs).
Yellow fever certificate and vaccination records
Swimsuit and cover-up
Beach sandals
Reef shoes (for sharp rocks and coral)
SCUBA/snorkel equipment (mask, snorkel, fins, wetsuit)
Underwater camera
Sunglasses with straps
Eyeglasses, contacts, solution
Binoculars
Pocket knife
Notebook, pencil and pen
Playing cards, games, crossword puzzles, books, frisbee, football, kite
Energy bars, hard candy, snacks, and comfort foods
Duct tape (can be wrapped around water bottle)
Matches or lighter
Cash, travelers checks, credit cards (including some small bills, U.S. dollars must be newer than 2002)
Guide books, maps, language books
Umbrella, particularly useful in the rainy season
Salt, pepper for bland food, flavoring for coffee
Water bottles and Camelback (useful on bumpy roads)
Steripen, water filter, iodine or chlorine dioxide purification tablets
Bottled water is also available for purchase at hotels and markets
U-shaped neck pillow (blow-up)
Books, magazines, e-reader
Toiletries (3 ounces/container, 1 quart clear bag)
Snacks
Water bottle (empty through security)
iPod, MP3 player and headphones
Cell phone
Eye shades, ear plugs
Melatonin or other sleep aid
