So, I decided to write a slightly different blog, I know in the past, we had written blogs about some of the things to always remember too pack when heading out on safari.
Having said the above, I thought it would be a cool idea to go around the office and ask each member of the team what essential item they ALWAYS pack when they go on safari. This being above the normal, binoculars, camera gear, hat, sunscreen, clothes etc.
Top 11 tips From the Wild Eye Team
Headphones
Headphones for me, are a must! They serve many purposes, such as being able to listen to podcasts or simply listen to music. Especially when traveling and spending plenty of time out in the field, it is a great way to break away from the safari in your down time and to just take a mental rest, which is very important.
Kikoi
A kikoi can come in handy for a number of reasons, firstly, it protects your camera gear from dust and the elements while driving around so you don't always need to pack your gear away. It also can keep you nice and cool when traveling to warmer destinations.
Packing cubes
When it comes to packing, its something I hear a lot of when I am traveling and something I struggle with myself especially when I am packing for multiple destinations. By simply using packing cubes, you will be amazed at how much space you can save and how much more organized your bag is.
Leatherman
Always handy to have when out in the field. Not only is it a multi-purpose tool, it can be used for a variety of different situations on safari. Whether it be cutting of bag tags, opening drinks, or even using the tools to tighten camera equipment. There are so many situations that pop up that would suit a leatherman perfectly. This is a great suggestion.
Instant Cooling towel
I personally find this very useful. The design behind it is that you can wet it or freeze it, but it retains the water and keeps the cloth cool, so on those really warm days out on safari, it brings much comfort to regulating your body temperature.
Local sim card
Local sim cards are not available in all countries, but certainly do come in handy. They are generally quite cheap and easy to get hold of and the costs are minimal. This avoids you having to use your own data which traveling from a variety of different countries can often prove to be very expensive. Looking at the Mara for example, the signal is pretty good throughout the reserve and is always comforting to know that even though you trying to disconnect from the outside world, if there is any form of emergency or you would like to check in at home, it makes it much easier and much more cost effective.
Rehidrat (Electrolyte Mixture)
In our Mara Camp, we always have Rehidrat available, but it is always advisable when traveling anywhere on safari to take a couple of sachets with you. Especially traveling to warmer countries, I think we all over look how dehydrated we get, especially when we spending extended days out in the field and the excitement around sightings.
Takeaway coffee mug
Over my time as a guide, I have found this a vital part of most guides and guests morning ritual. Being able to wake up and not have to rush a coffee in order to head out on safari is no longer a problem. By taking a takeaway coffee mug, you can now simply take it out into the field with you. You can thank me later.
Basic meds
General Antibiotics - This is a must. Traveling with a general antibiotic just gives you the peace of mind that wherever you may be traveling, there may not be immediate doctor facilities, so having an antibiotic is always useful to pack along, the chances you will need it is highly unlikely, but rather be safe than sorry. Most doctors will be more than happy to prescribe this during a consultation and through an explanation as to where you are traveling too.
This is above and beyond the normal tips for travel and I think its great to get packing advice from everyone in the office that travels and can add something that maybe not all of us think of, but can use in the future.
Until next time,
Trevor
