WHAT TO TAKE

Below is a list of items that we suggest you bring along on your trip. However the end list of items depends on each individual but please bear in mind the weight limitations of your luggage and in particular take exceptional note of what you can and cannot take in Hand Luggage also taking note of the size of any Hand Luggage you are allowed to take.

The list regarding this in mind is as up to date as I can keep it and we suggest you check on the relevant airline website closer to departure for correct advice.

British Airways site is usually very good and most other operators use their information. www.baa.com

I will contact you if there are any alterations close to our departure if possible.

Hand Luggage

At the moment only one piece of hand luggage is allowed on board any plane.

This should not be any larger than 56cm x 45cm x 25cm and they are being very strict about this.

All items such as money, passport, camera equipment   needs to be in this one piece of hand luggage ( in other words you should not have any thing at all in your pockets).

Liquids, cosmetics, toiletries, gels or pastes (including food stuffs) and sharp items (including scissors and knives) are not allowed in hand luggage and should be in your main luggage.

Any electronic equipment such as mobile phones and camera gear should be able to be taken out of the hand luggage easily for individual x-ray so you may like to bear this in mind when you are packing your hand luggage.

Food and drink will be available to purchase in the departure lounges and can be taken on board the plane.

Money

Depending on which trip we are taking I will let you know what currency is necessary

Most credit cards are usually accepted at most places but do not let it out of your sight when paying for anything.

For security I keep a small amount of money in my pocket but keep my credit cards, other money and passport in a money belt or similar out of sight.

Be vigilant at all times especially in airports.

It is not always possible to exchange travel cheques so I do not take any.

Essentials

Passport – This should be valid for 6 months beyond the return date of the trip

Plane tickets

Vaccination certificates – You cannot get into some countries without these – make sure they are all up to date

Travel Insurance

Medication - Malaria tablets if required and any personal medication

Money including credit card

EHIC Card – this may be useful when travelling through European countries

I always make copies of all the above documents and leave one copy at home and put one copy in my main luggage with the originals going in my hand luggage

Clothes

Good walking or hiking boots – Mine fit me like a glove and that is essential when we can be wearing them most of the day

Lightweight pair of everyday trainers or similar for travelling in and around the lodge

Underwear

3 or 4 pairs of lightweight long trousers

3 or 4 long sleeved lightweight shirts

2 or 3 tee shirts

1 or 2 pairs of shorts – mostly for around the lodge

Swimwear – Towels are usually supplied at the lodges

Rain mac or cagoule

Do not forget glasses (for reading or other use) if you need them.

Sunglasses are useful but a wide brimmed hat is just as good (or both if you have them).

Warm clothing for travelling.

Other items

Basic first aid kit – I always carry one but you are welcome to take one if you want

Toiletries

Sun cream

Mosquito repellent –  Repellents with Deet in them, although very good, can destroy plastics in particular camera equipment - I use Prevent

Small day pack for excursions

Bottle or canteen to carry water on hikes

Torch for early morning or night walks with spare batteries

Binoculars

Camera/video equipment   including spare batteries and film/memory cards. Do not forget your battery charger as power is available at all sites

Notebook and pen