Back Stage Pass to Safari 2024
Awe and wonder open our hearts and minds. From this place anything is possible.
Happy New Year! This week’s blog is a backstage pass to my safari prep. For the curious, armchair travellers and safari dreamers, here’s my packing list. I travel carryon to reduce the anxiety of lost luggage or damaged camera gear.
In Kenya we are allowed a maximum of 35 pounds each on the small planes flying to remote destinations. The carryon bag goes below in the hold. The backpack (with cameras and computer) goes in an open hold space at the back of the plane behind the seats. I wear my fanny pack style camera bag which lightens the backpack and allows me to have a camera with me for window shots.
PACKING TIPS:
Pack as light as possible. If you can, go carryon.
Most camps have laundry facilities with line drying. Underwear and quick dry clothing can be washed in the sink.
Temperatures range from 13 degrees (56 F) in the mornings to 30 degrees (86 F) in the afternoons. Think about wearing layers.
For Kenya the associated plug type is G. Kenya operates on a 240V supply voltage and 50Hz.
Travel Documents:
Make 2 photocopies of your passport – keep one hidden in your luggage and give the other to a family member for safekeeping. I carry the following items in my purse:
· E-tickets and flight itinerary
· Passport
· US cash for tips, souvenirs, and optional activities. Money exchange is available at the Nairobi airport, plus there are ATMs in the city.
· Kenya Tourist EVisa – Obtain online prior to departure.
· Travel insurance, emergency medevac policies & 1-800 #’s
· Wallet with credit cards and cash
· Antiseptic wipes, hand sterilizer and face masks.
· Air pods and wired ear buds
· Journal with Pen
· Reading glasses, sunglasses
· Eye drops
Photo Credit Cathy Langen
PACKING LIST:
3 zippered packing bags: I love these! They help organize my clothes.
1 for nightshirt, underwear, swimsuit, scarf, small stuff etc.
1 for pants and shirts
1 for dresses and fleece
____ 2 pair light capri length pants
____ 1 pair lightweight long pants
____ 1 shirt short sleeve
____ 2 shirts, long sleeve
____ 1 cotton T-shirt
____ 1 cotton turtleneck long sleeves
____ 1 fleece sweater/jacket for early morning (chilly) game drives
____ Dress for night out in Nairobi
____ Sundress for camp during the heat of the day or dinner at night
____ 1 pair of lightweight runners
____ 1 pair of sandals or flip-flops
____ 1 pair of shoes for travel/evenings
____ underwear (I wash underwear in sink at night)
____ 2 scarves – all purpose for warmth, dress up,
____ 2 pair of socks (seldom worn, I don’t like socks)
____ 1 swimsuit
____ 1 sun hat wide-brim
____ 1 rain jacket
____ 1 light weight puffer coat that I wear on the plane.
____ Gloves (optional)
____ Headlamp
____ Water bottle (I no longer bring this since camps provide these)
____ Extra facemasks and antiseptic wipes
Carryon bag, backpack, packing bags (black, blue and green), and clothing
TOILETRIES: These are personal choices. Shampoo & conditioner are available at the lodges.
____ Skin moisturizer/face cream
____ Eye drops
____ Toothbrush and toothpaste - I take my electric toothbrush. It has never run out of charge yet (tested over 30 days)
____ Deodorant
____ Multi-vitamins, prescription meds, anti-malarial, anti-diarrhea medicine
____ Aspirin/Ibuprofen, Pepto tablets, cold decongestants, first aid items like band aids
____ Antiseptic cream, anti-itch bug bite cream
____ Makeup (not much)
____ Chapstick
____ Sunscreen
____ Extra reading glasses and sunglasses
____ Insect repellent containing DEET; **I use what is provided in camp
I spread out the weight so the backpack isn’t too heavy. The blue bundles are my big lens and 2nd camera body. All the tech bits go into 2 small zipper bags. My shoes are in shoe bags because Kenya does not allow plastic bags.
Everything not in carryon bag goes in my backpack.
The technology
Gear
Fuji XT-4
Fuji XT-5
XF 56mm F1.2 R lens (may not take)
XF18-135 F3.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR telephoto lens
XF 100-400 F4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR telephoto lens
XF1.4x TC WR teleconverter for 100-400 mm lens
Battery chargers for XT- 4 and XT-5
2 batteries for each camera
iPhone 15 Pro Max
Lens cleaning brush and cloths
Lens filters for each lens
Card wallet – holds 10 memory cards, cameras take 2 each
COMPUTER: MacBook Pro 13” laptop
Charger cable, USB adaptor dongle, card reader dongle, 2nd card reader gizmo “just in case
2 electrical adaptors for Kenya
Samsung External 2TB drive for download and backup of images
iPhone 15 Pro Max plus charger & chord
Air pod Pro wireless ear buds and wired ear buds
BAGS
Camera Bag – ancient Lowepro fanny pack that holds my camera with shorter lens, card wallet, extra batteries, & iPhone
Lightweight nylon backpack for camera with long lens, jacket, hat, water bottle etc. when out on game drives
Protective blue velcro wraps for packing XT-4 camera and 100-400 lens for travel
Felt zip bag for adaptors and cables
Smaller zip bag for camera chargers, card dongles, camera brush, journal, & pen
TAA DAAA! Twende - Let’s go on safari!
The Vital Impacts Print Sale continues until January 31st. You can support conservation efforts on the ground by buying a print or donating. Proceeds support the release of 13 Reteti Elephant Sanctuary orphans back into the wild. Reteti is run on 100% donations, all contributions matter and make a difference. Weekly Flash Sales offer selected prints at a significant discount.
Photo by Ami Vitale - one of this week’s flash sale images
Reteti is the only Indigenous owned and run elephant sanctuary in Africa. I look forward to introducing my safari group to the extraordinary people and the young elephants they care for at Reteti.
Explore all the exquisite works available by visiting Vital Impacts Print Sale.
Watch the launch video here.
May the new year bring peace and light to you, your loved ones and your home. Take care of nature and nature will take care of you.