We will be in Africa during their winter. Daytime temperatures will vary from mid 50?s in the south to high 70?s in the north. Nighttime temperatures will get down to upper 30?s and frost is common. We will be going out at night and in the early morning a lot, so bring some warm clothes. Don?t bring anything you really care about. Wear light clothes that dry fast. Loose fitting clothes will be appreciated. Dress comfortably for the long airplane ride.
NOTE: we will not be near a laundry mat most of the time so be prepared to wash your clothes in the sink.
WHEN WE GO TO AFRICA, WE WILL RESTRICT YOU TO ONE CHECKED BAG PLUS ONE CARRY-ON AND A CAMERA BAG. WHEN WE RETURN TO THE USA, YOU CAN BRING HOME A SECOND CHECKED BAG. THE SECOND BAG SHOULD FIT INTO THE FIRST BAG WHILE WE ARE IN AFRICA; THE SECOND BAG IS FOR SOUVENIRS WHEN YOU RETURN HOME.
::recommended clothes::
- 1 swimsuit (if we encounter a rare swimming pool)
- 1 - 2 pair of walking shorts
- 3 t-shirts (preferably ones that dry fast and evaporate moisture from
the body)
- 3 pair of long pants
- 2 - 3 long-sleeved shirts (again ones that dry fast and evaporate
moisture from the body)
- several pairs of socks (one pair should be insulated)
- underwear as needed
- lightweight pair of long underwear
- knit cap (to cover the ears for cold night rides)
- light pair of gloves like brown garden gloves
- 1 pair casual shoes
- 1 pair hiking boots/shoes (waterproofing them would be advantageous ?
or buy gortex)
- hat with a sun brim
- 1 pair slippers or flip flops (for walking around in your room and
the barnacle reef)
- 2 - 3+ bandanas
- 1 light-weight jacket or sweatshirt (if you get cold easily, you may
even want a heavier coat)
- 1 inexpensive raincoat or poncho (your light-weight jacket may also
be water proof)
- a set of nice (not super nice) clothes for when we go to a nice
restaurant or out on the town
::toiletries::
- toothpaste and toothbrush
- light bath towel or even just hand towel (most places provide towels
and linens)
- wash cloth
- medication as needed
- bar of soap
- feminine products
- shampoo and conditioner
- small first-aid kit (or make your own; instructors will provide
first-aid materials for more serious injuries)
::miscellaneous::
- required texts
- notebooks for journals (at least 2)
- pencils & pens
- day pack/book bag
- body wallet
- sunglasses with UV protection
- pocket knife with a wine cork screw, two good blades to cut meat and
cheese
- travel alarm clock ***
- small flashlight w/ extra batteries
- biodegradable soap for washing clothes in the sink
- nylon rope w/ clothespins
- spending money ($200 or more; bring your VT credit union card as you
can withdraw money as needed from your account in most places in South
Africa)
- water bottle
- light-weight 35 mm point-and-shoot camera (for walks)
- 35 mm SLR camera (for taking photographs
of game)
- a regular and telephoto lens for the SLR (if you can afford one)
- 10 to 20 rolls of 35 mm film (it is cheaper to buy here as prices in
parks are high; but it is cheaper to develop there; if you have long
telephoto lens, bring faster film)
- extra batteries for your camera and flash
- binoculars if you have them (try to keep weight below 2.5 lbs)
- range of plastic bags for storage and dirty items (pint, quart,
gallon, 2-gallon, garbage, etc. size)
- collapsible or duffle bag to take souvenirs back in