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trip! Safari Gear
You don't need a lot of gear...just the right stuff ;).
Cameras and binoculars
- Binoculars. If you’ve got them, bring them. You'll be sorry if you don't. They're great for some of the more skittish animals and for all those beautiful birds.
- Camera. I recommend
at least a 200mm telephoto lens. You'll get great shots without toting
around a big heavy lens. A 300mm lens is even better, if you don't mind the
extra weight.
- With a digital camera, make sure you have a big memory card (or buy a digital wallet) -- you'll take more pictures than you think.
- With a film camera, try to bring all the film you'll need -- the film here is expensive here and may be old.
- A video camera is a great way to share your experiences with friends and family at home. The smaller the better. Bring extra batteries and a car charger so that you can recharge the battery in the jeep.
- Bring a lightweight flashlight. If you've got a headlamp, it will work really well inside your tent or for going to the bathroom at night.
First Aid Kit and Health
- A squirt-top bottle is a nice thing to have. It takes a little while to get used to brushing your teeth w/water from a bottle.
- Bring some oral rehydration salts (ORS) and some mixes for Gatorade or other "sports drink". If you're not careful or are very active, it can be easy to get dehydrated. It's often easy and cheap to get these in Africa, but it's a good idea to take some with you too.
- Anti-malarials and mosquito repellant. Malaria is a major health problem in parts of Africa.
- If you're staying in budget places, a silk sleep-sack is a really nice thing to have. It keeps you warm and shields you from the not-so-clean sheets.
- If you have an Aquis quick dry towel, it's worth bringing, even if it's the small size.
- Bring a couple of energy or breakfast bars (or whatever you like that doesn't melt). They're wonderful to have in a bind.
- Ginger tea is great to settle your stomach. Tums are another alternative. You should have one of the two ;)
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Questions and Answers
going to kenya for our honeymoon, whats the best way to prevent/stop stomach upset?
In general, don't eat anything that hasn't been cooked well or that's been sitting around a while. Water is where most people go wrong. Buy water that is in well sealed bottles (watch out for bottles that have been refilled!). If you buy drinks at a restaurant, ask for the original bottle and request no ice. Etc. There is a great funny book called "Shitting Pretty" that covers all this stuff.
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