Kenya Packing List

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Notes

Extra luggage can be left in a locked storage room at your hotel for no charge.
Valuables can be left in a safe deposit box at your hotel (typically $1/day).

Clothing

Your clothing should be lightweight, breathable, hand-washable, and quick-drying.

Shorts, mid-thigh or longer
Long pants (zip-off pants are very useful)
Short-sleeved shirts
Long-sleeved shirts
Undergarments, socks
Sport bras for women (roads can be bumpy)
Sweater, jacket, windbreaker
Rain racket and pants or rain poncho
Sun hat with brim and chin strap
Bandana (for dust, washing, etc.)
Belt

Pajamas
Swim suit

Footwear

Sturdy, comfortable shoes, preferrably waterproof.
Tennis shoes or sandals
Comfortable, breathable socks

Baggage

Suitcase or duffel (20 kg max for internal flights)
Day pack for daily activities and easy access (rain cover is nice)
Waterproof plastic bags for storing clothing and gear (ziplocks are great)

Electronics

Store electronics in sealed water-proof bags (double bagged if possible).

Headlamp or flashlight
Camera, lenses, filters, memory disks (you will not be able to download)
Video camera, tapes
Tripod
Batteries
GPS (for Geocaching)

Alarm clock
Calculator (for currency conversion)
Battery chargers, Electricity adapter

Safari

Strong binoculars
Quality camera with long lens
Wide brimmed hat with strap
Animal and bird guide books
On your safari, take along any items you need for the day in a separate day pack: sunglasses, camera and video (lenses, batteries, disks, tapes), binoculars, water, snacks, bandana, hat, wet-wipes, hand sanitizer, etc.
Camping safaris: Sleeping bag

Toileries

Soap, shampoo, conditioner
Shaving supplies
Nail clippers, nail brush
Toothbrush, toothpaste
Moist towelettes (handi-wipes)
Hand sanitizer
Lotion
Hairbrush, comb, mirror
Small towel
Toilet paper
Facial tissue
Sunscreen
Lip balm with sunscreen
Insect repellent
Q-tips
Feminine products
Cosmetics
Sewing kit

First Aid

You really only need one first aid kit in your travel group, so coordinate with your travel companions.

Ibuprofin, Aceteminophen, or Aspirin
Bandaids/plasters
Disinfectant, antiseptic cream, antibiotic ointment
Gauze bandages and tape
Throat losenges
Vitamins
Diahrea medicine
Antihistemines
Ace bandage
Melatonin or other sleep aid
Malaria pills (talk to doctor)
Antibiotics (talk to doctor)
Prescription drugs (talk to doctor)

Documents

Passport
Visas for all countries as necessary
Medical insurance card
Address book
Business cards

Yellow fever certificate and vaccination records
Airline tickets, e-tickets
Copy of AWR itinerary
Make copies of passport, visas, airline tickets/schedule, travellers cheques numbers. Leave a copy with someone at home and put a copy in a separate place in your luggage.

Other

Sunglasses with straps
Eyeglasses, contacts, solution
Binoculars
Pocket knife
Notebook, pencil and pen
Playing cards, games, books, frisbee, football, kite
Energy bars, hard candy, snacks, and comfort foods

Cash, travelers checks, credit cards ($500 or more in cash and/or travelers checks, including some small U.S., Euros, or local currency)
Money belt (waterproof is nice)
Maps, guidebooks
Umbrella, particularly useful in the rainy season

Salt, pepper for bland food, flavoring for coffee

Water bottles and Camelback (useful on bumpy roads)
- Steripen, water filter, iodine or chlorine dioxide purification tablets
- Bottled water is also available for purchase at hotels and markets

Kids

Games, toys, books
Swim toys
Gifts for local children

Gifts for Guides, Local People

Shoes
T-shirts
Hats
Nerf football, frisbees
Candy
Pens
School supplies
Any warm clothing

Packing for the flight

U-shaped neck pillow (blow-up)
Books/magazines
Toiletries
Snacks
Water
iPod, MP3 player
Eye shades, ear plugs
Melatonin or other sleep aid

DESTINATIONS

Safaris

Mt. Kenya

Preparation