Mountain High Outfitters Packing List

Travel to Africa

Clothing

Watch the temperature beforehand as temperatures in Northern Africa and South Africa can be quite cool. You will want layers in cooler climates, VERY light weight long sleeves and pants closer to the equator. Travel to Islamic nations (most of the North) requires all longsleeves and it is a good idea for women to cover your hair with a scarf.

2 pairs pants
2 pairs shorts- women shouldn’t wear anything above the knee in many African countries. Tank tops are usually frowned upon as well.
Women: Long skirts/gaucho pants are amazing.
Longsleeve breathable button-down shirt
T-shirts (some less touristy countries perceive T-shirts as men’s underwear, as they often wear shirts with collars and white t-shirts underneath.)
Lightweight fleece for cooler climates
Underwear- whatever you’re used to. Synthetics that will easily wash and dry are recommended for women.
Hat with a wide brim for sun protection. Bandanas/scarves are useful for women.
1 pair light hiking shoe
Enough socks for duration of trip.
1 pair sturdy flip flops/Chacos depending on activity

Other items

Daybag *a small backpack for safari, something you can keep in front of you for city.
Camera- if you are on safari bring the best camera with the best zoom you can get your hands on. In other situations a small digital will be great. A good way to interact with children and get GREAT pictures is to show the kids the pictures you take of them.
Guidebook- Even if you are on a tour it’s nice to read about the country and keep track of where you are. Lonely Planet is great for Africa.
PURELL!!!! One travel size per person.
Sunscreen- Seriously, the highest SPF possible if you are near the equator and anything with zinc.
Sunglasses (polarized)
Bug protection- something with high concentration of DEET as risk of malaria is high
Pepto Bismol and Imodium AD- keep them with you always
Wet wipes
Where you keep your passport is a matter of personal preference- many travelers keep it on their body depending on how secure they feel the hotel is. Certainly keep it on you if you are staying in hostels. Keep your insurance card on you. Definitely get travel insurance.
Clif / Mojo bars- nice to have if you get hungry or can’t eat what they are serving.
Water bottle- just buy big bottles of water to carry with you- drink more water than you are used to.
Light raingear- always a good idea.

Health

As mentioned, Imodium and Pepto. Your doctor should prescribe Cipro which will cure most stomach bugs in a couple of days. The best way to avoid this is to stay away from fruits and vegetables without peels, be super careful about drinking the water- and bring 2 toothbrushes in case you put yours under the sink on accident. For most of us it is a force of habit. Taking Pepto at regular intervals greatly decreases chances of stomach bugs.
Malarial medicine- Malarone and Doxycycline are standard. Malarone has fewer side effects, is more effective, you take it less, but its more expensive. Doxy is cheaper but it makes you REALLY sensitive to sun, and absolutely cannot be taken without food. Because the sun is so strong, and you don’t always know when you will eat, I recommend Malarone.
If you have any problems that you sometimes need prescription meds for, many docs will give you emergency prescriptions for that too.
Advil
Aloe
Electrolyte Replacement packets
Water purification tablets
*the best way to make sure you have all the right meds is to go through your own cabinet or walk around the drug store for anything you might need.

Toiletries

2 or 3 toothbrushes & Toothpaste, dental floss
Dr. Bronner’s (doubles as soap/shampoo)
Deodorant without a strong scent
Shaving cream
Razor
Ziploc baggies- you will always find a use for them. A garbage bag is a good idea too for dirty or wet clothes.

Luggage

For luggage, a rolling duffle bag is great or a backpack if you will be more mobile.
Don’t bother with phone cards - just buy them in country. A global phone may be a good investment if you will be there for a while. Internet is readily available. If you can help it, don’t bring anything that has to plug into the wall. It’s best just to buy what you need there or rough it for a little while.

Have a wonderful trip and if you think of anything that should be added to this list, please let us know!

- Dylan Ferniany