Packing List
For Full Descriptions, lots more suggestions, and Info, book my tour and get it in the Welcome Package. 😀 If you use the link and buy within 24 hours, I get a little slice.
Most of these are recommended more than required. “**” Means REQUIRED if not this exact one, then something similar.
LUGGAGE
**Luggage
Samonsite Omni PC Hardside 20″ (carry-on)
Travelpro Platinum Elite Softside 21″ (carry-on)
Travelpro Tourlite 25″ (checked luggage)
Backpack
ebags Mother Lode Jr 18′ Backpack (ebags was bought and closed – so once these are gone they are gone. I LOVE my Mother Lode Backpack! I’ve taken it everywhere! The bag material is very durable and strong and the zippers are large and great quality. It also holds a lot. I admit I’m very sad they got bought out and closed down.)
TSA approved locks
Anvil TSA 3 digit combo locks It’s always a good idea to lock your bags – even in the hotel. Though, I’ve never had anything stolen yet.
WHAT/HOW TO PACK
Shirts
Mens UPF 50+ UV Sun Protection Shirt
Womens UPF 50+ Sun Protection Shirt
Pants
Mens hiking convertible pants
Womens hiking convertible pants
Leggings
Ndoobiy leggings I LOVE wearing leggings and this brand is my favorite! They’re soft, stretchable, inexpensive, super comfy, and have lots of styles to chose from
**Packable Down jacket/coat
Arc’teryx Atom (my exact jacket I wear everywhere here) but you’ll still want a sweater or layers underneath when we go on our night Safari
Beanie (hat)
C.C. Trendy Warm Chunky Beanie (for morning and evenings – especially on the night drive. It WILL be cold!)
Sandals
Teva Women’s Tirra Sandal (my exact ones I wear everywhere)
Men’s Keen’s Newport H2 Sandal I know several men who love these Keen sandals
**Walkng Shoes
Hoka Women’s Bondi We won’t be doing a LOT of walking, but there will be some. These HOKA’s are the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn. Seriously. Though, it might be a good idea to go the REI to try them on in person.
Compression Bags (self)
8 Space Saver Bags I LOVE these and have used them many, many times. The small size fits inside your carryon. If you take two, you can use one for dirty clothes. You zip them up and compress with your hands or knees and it compresses around 40%. Roll your clothes first to help keep creasing down.
Packing Cubes
Aerotrunk Compression Cubes
Packing Bags
Gonex Packing cubes pouches For the seat in front of you on an airplane. Also works great for underwear and socks or just misc.
Toiletries (pumps)
Leak proof containers These pumps are great! They lock with a clip so can’t come undone. You just have to make sure you keep track of the clip. There WILL be a pressure change on board, so a tip is to take off the lid and put a small piece of saran warp over the opening, then put the lid back on. This helps prevents leaks on containers that are not pumps.
Toiletries (for creams or jewelry)
Stackable Pill Organizer These small circular pill cases are great for thick creams or small pieces of jewelry
HEALTH
**Insect Repellent
Insect Repellent 20% Picaridin
Insect Shield
Permethrin Spray for Clothing and Gear. Not a true necessity if you use bug spray.
Immune Support
Warrior – Organic Immune System Support
ELECTRONICS
Wi-fi Device
GlocalMe U3 Mobile Hotspot for 140+ countries (there will be wifi in the main areas of the camps and often phone service in the Maasai Mara)
Cross-body Phone Strap
Phone Lanyard (CHECK for YOUR PHONE MODEL) Kenya is not a big pickpocket country, but if you leave something somewhere, it’s not going to be there when you get back. Phones are way too slippery and having it close is great for grabbing so you can get a quick pic. It’s always attached to you.
Headphones (cordless)
Raycon Bluetooth earbuds (waterproof, noise cancellation, mic) I LOVE these for they’re small so you can wear them inon the plane easier and they’re not so bulky they fall out or catch things.
Marshmallow corded headphones for the little TV
3.5mm Headphone Airplane Adapter (2 prong)
3.5mm Male to Female
Bluetooth Wireless Audio Transmitter/reciever
Airplane Bluetooth Adapter w/ 3.5mm Aux jack
**Adapter for your Electronics
US to UK Adapter Type G. Kenya uses a type G plug. This is only to plug into the wall – it does NOT convert the voltage needed on some devices. This is the one I personally use. I have several, but they are a little bulky
If you need multiple outlets There are lots of options online as well. Just make sure it’s type G
**Voltage Converter (if needed)
Travel Adapter Voltage 220V to 110V converter 250W The Voltage in Kenya is 240 V TWICE that of America. MOST electronics are made for both ranges, but not all. Some devices WILL require a voltage converter to make your device work with the higher current. If you do not use one, your device will get FRIED. Some examples are curling irons, cpap machines, blow dryers, flat irons, etc. CHECK YOUR DEVICE! We are not responsible if it gets damaged.
**Portable Hardrive
Extreme Portable Harddrive 1 TB Solid State 1050MB/s
Extreme Portable Harddrive 4 TB Solid State 1050MB/s
Selfie Stick
Extends 62″ Aluminum Alloy with wireless remote
MISCELLANEOUS
**Debit ATM card
For withdrawing local cash for most vendors. Plus, it makes a great souvenir itself! DON’T FORGET YOUR PIN! Don’t use your ATM card EVER to purchase anything. It’s a lot easier to dispute a credit card than a debit card and if someone gets into your bank, it’s YOUR money they take – not borrowed money off of a credit card!
**Credit Card
Get a card with a chip for it’s a lot more secure. Tap is used here, but know your pin just in case. Some vendors will take a CC. Make sure you don’t get charged international fees and ALWAYS use the local currencies, don’t have them convert it.
Small purse or shoulder bag
Anti-Theft Courier Mini Crossbody bag Kenya is not a pickpocket country, however, you will need your passport almost daily for checking into hotels or going into the parks. You will also want your wallet close by. There’s a lot of really great little shoulder bags.
Dual Pocket Small Shoulder bag
MAASAI MARA
**High Quality Sunscreen
Non-toxic Natural SPF 50 (also reef safe for ocean)
**Brimmed Hat
Women’s Ponytail Sun Hat UV Protection The sun can get hot and these hats will protect your fact from a sunburn. You CAN buy one here from vendors if you don’t want to bring one.
**Sunglasses
You will want to bring your favorite sunglasses, especially for the Maasai Mara
Long Sleeve (that can roll up) SPF clothing
Women’s UPF 50+ Safari Shirt Out on Safari, our cruiser does have a pop-up top, but the sun will rotate and follow us all day. I’ve been burned within an hour of direct sunlight before. These shirts are great for the sleeves roll when it’s hot and the sun isn’t directly on you. You can also just cover your arm with your jacket when in direct sunlight.
Go Girl
Pee Conch Foldable Female There are one set of toilets out on the Mara that we will stop at, but if you’re anything like me, you have to go every 2-3 hours, the Go Girl is for women (designed by a woman in the military) so you don’t have to pull your pants down and squat.
