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What to Pack |
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ROBIN HURT SAFARIS LTD.PACKING LIST FOR SAFARISoft bags are preferable to rectangular suitcases and the weight of luggage that can be carried on small aircraft is limited to 25-45 pounds, depending on the size of the plane. Luggage not needed on the safari may be left in Nairobi (including unneeded books, etc.). DOCUMENTS
CLOTHINGThe list given below is a basic indication of what you should bring. It is not necessary to bring many clothes, as laundry is done daily in camp. Washing powder is provided for personal washing of ladies' underwear. White shirts and any bright-coloured clothing should be avoided. We walk often and occasionally leave the vehicle in order to approach the game more closely on foot so you should always be prepared for this. White/bright/pale colours are very visible to wildlife and it is safer to remain less conspicuous. 2 pairs long trousers TOILETRIES & MEDICINE Sunglasses should be brought along and, with prescription glasses, a spare pair. Sugar substitutes, if used, effective insect repellent, lip salve, suntan cream, sun block, and plenty of moisturiser should be brought, as the sun is strong and humidity low. If prescription drugs are needed, it is a good idea to pack two separate lots. Anti-malarial tablets are essential. Bring limited reading material (not more than a couple of books – as you will have less time than expected for reading). Duct tape, a penknife and a small torch (flash light) are also handy. PHOTOGRAPHY EQUIPMENT, ETC.:As a basic guide we suggest each person comes with a pair of binoculars and a camera. Digital cameras, with a fixed zoom lens reaching a telephoto equivalent of about 300mm, are adequate (and easily portable) but a digital SLR with three lenses; normal, wide-angle and big aperture 300mm telephoto is the more versatile (however 400mm or more is preferable for close-ups and for photographing birds). Cumbersome flash units and tripods are not generally recommended other than for professional work. Video cameras can provide plenty of entertainment and have the special advantage of recording sounds – when one is lucky enough to witness any dramatic interaction between wild animals. (Now, fortunately, most good digital cameras can record video clips.) People still occasionally bring a Polaroid camera with them, as instant photos of themselves delight local people. Please make sure that you are thoroughly familiar with all your equipment before starting your safari. If the equipment is new, please give yourself some time to experiment by taking several pictures under different conditions of light and action. If purchasing a conventional SLR camera, shoot at least one roll of film and have it developed before departure. BINOCULARS It is important that each person has his/her own pair of binoculars. On safari they are essential for seeing birds and animals in the distance and even at closer range they add to one’s enjoyment. They need not be of an expensive make, but should be reasonably powerful with a wide field. The ideal size is 7 x 42. Do not bring small binoculars with a narrow field of view such as the 8x20 variety. These make it harder to locate the object and do not afford the same amount of pleasure. Heavier models, like 10x50, should also be avoided, as they are inconvenient when walking. FILM, MEMORY CARDS & BATTERIES Unless using only digital cameras, be sure to bring adequate quantities of film with you. For still photography, we suggest that you allow one or two rolls of 36-exposure film per day, per camera. With long focal length lenses, we suggest that you choose a film speed of 400 ASA. Also bring some rolls of 1000 ASA for late evening and poor light conditions. For digital cameras, bring spare high-capacity memory cards and spare batteries (if possible with separate charger). For video cameras you should expect to shoot about 30 minutes of tape or disc, per day. You should bring a separate charger and spare batteries and may also carry a lead to operate the video from the vehicle cigar lighter when required. Another useful item is a small compressed air canister, to blow dust off your camera equipment.
African Safari Adventures throughout the East African Bush. |
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