SOUTH AFRICA VOLUNTEER TRIP

Packing for adventure

PACKING THE ESSENTIALS

I thought I was going to go light, but it seems I need a full case or big bag as there are some things to consider when you are going to be in a tropical country in rain season in the middle of the bush. Part of our tracking will be at night as well.

First of all, comfortable ‘bush clothing’ in dull colours. Forget your whites, and colourful clothes, think khaki, beige, brown, grey, green. Combat trousers, that you can convert into shorts. I got mine from Decathlon.
Long sleeved cotton tops or shirts, to keep the mosquitos off. Again Decathlon was the place to be.
Waterproof jacket and trousers, think tropical rain
A hat or peak cap, I got a Tilley hat, as they are lightweight, waterproof and ideal for being outdoors all day.
Thick jacket with a hood, gloves and a scarf in all seasons, as it can get cold at the back of the open 4×4 in the mornings. Bandannas are very versatile.
Walking/hiking shoes, lightweight, waterproof and comfortable. I did some research and I got Merrell Intercept. They didn’t even need breaking in, very comfortable.
A small rucksack for during the day to hold the daily necessities; water, sunscreen, snacks, camera, hand-santitiser, etc.
Sunscreen lotion; factor 40 or higher and a lip balm with SPF
Sunglasses with UVA protection
A large water bottle, 2 liters or more
Mosquito and tick repellent, for South Africa, Tabard is the brand to go with, with Deet 35%
Lotion to soothe mosquito and insect bites (Anthisan or any mepyramine cream)
First aid kit ( plasters,painkillers, eye drops, cold capsules, allergy meds, diarrhoea/nausea tablets, epi pen if needed)
Any chronic/long-term medication
Plug adaptors/converters for South Africa
A torch is ESSENTIAL and COMPULSORY
Binoculars, I have a monocular
Camera and lots of film or a large memory card and spare batteries
Shorts and t-shirts as it will be hot during the afternoon
Sandals/flip-flops for relaxing in camp
Spare batteries, try to use rechargeable ones, which is more environmentally friendly
Mobile phone and charger
Personal toiletries (champoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste, dry shampoo, facial cleansing wipes are useful, nail brush, as you will be glad you’ve got it with you)
If you wear glasses, bring a spare
Ear plugs if you are a light sleeper
Swimwear, as in some of the reserves are pools
A good book or two, or something to keep you occupied during midday relaxing time
A travel journal, if you want to record your experience
Mosquito net
Spending money
Towels, bed linen are provided normally
South African SIM card, can be bought at the airport, so you have internet during your stay. Don’t forget to buy AIRTIME, which is for your data.