Your Travel Kit

I mentioned in an earlier post the importance of being well prepared with a travel kit that is both useful to your trip- as well as non-harmful to the country of your visit. To further elaborate on that, I've compiled a list featuring the Top 3 things that I think are most important to know in order to keep your trip to Africa eco-friendly and helpful to the host country.



photo credit: travelfashiongirl.com



1. Clothes you can leave behind
Packing light is important when you’re flying in light aircraft and moving between camps. One way to free up space as you go and leave room for souvenirs is to pack clothing you can leave with locals. In poorer countries like Tanzania and Zambia, our hand-me-downs are most welcome. And in more prosperous parts of Africa such as Botswana and South Africa, non-profit organizations distribute donations to communities in need. We left some long-sleeved shirts, khaki trousers and fleece pullovers with our Botswanan guide who offered to donate them for us in Maun, at the end of our trip.
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This is especially important in relating to our other articles about benefiting local communities and lowering your carbon footprint during your visit. It also helps keep the strain on donation and charity groups low, and allows them to focus on providing other necessary aid, such as medical, food, and water based aid.

2. Packing Smart and Packing Early

Most of us end up packing at the last minute in a frantic rush. This means you just pile in whatever you 'might' need, without giving it proper thought and consideration. My husband has a neat trick which saves a lot of space, and that is to roll everything up. Another popular technique is called bundle wrapping, which keeps clothes from wrinkling and takes less space.Another tip is: if you’re going to go snorkeling just once or twice, perhaps it would be easier to hire your gear rather than carry it with you everywhere you go (this is the wisdom of hard-earned experience). Practice lugging your stuff around your apartment before you go. Believe me, if you carry your luggage on your back, you become a lot more selective.

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3. Avoid Plastic Bags at all Costs

Many countries around the world( including South Africa! ) are taking the lead in banning plastic bags from stores nationwide. You don't want to add to the problem by bringing in your own from outside the continent. There are many alternative, re-usable or biodegradable bags that are hardy enough to withstand your trip to the town market for souvenirs or groceries. Again, a little bit of research and beginning your packing early can keep you from unnecessarily adding a plastic bag into your things last minute, and inadvertently adding to the thrash problem that many African countries are currently dealing with (as well as the harmful effects plastic bags have on the animals you are probably excited to go see!)

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For more travel tips and tricks check out the source links provided, and the other posts on our blog to find out more! Happy travels!