What to Pack for a Safari - Part 1: The CarryOn Backpack
I am headed to Tanzania on a Safari.
“Are you Crazy?”
Maybe. Time will tell - I am going to be hyper-careful.
A fellow advisor floated the idea in the fall. The mood then was a bit more optimistic that C19 would be waning. So, I threw in my deposit and bought some amazing first-class seats at crazy low fares. And, I am rather invested emotionally. But, with this darkness, this gloom, this cold ... now, I NEED to go.
I need some serotonin, bad.
A big fun fact: (and to put the worry about the "South African variant" in context)
Do you have any idea how HUGE Africa is?
Africa is bigger than China, India, the US, and most of Europe COMBINED. The world map we thought we understood "warps" the landmasses farther away from the equator making them appear much larger than those closer to the equator like Africa.
(Borrowed from Scientific America)
I am headed to Tanzania in Eastern Africa to roam around three national parks and one private reserve. If history holds true, we will meet the great migration of millions of animals as they journey for food and water. The Serengeti National Park, The Ngorongoro Crater, Grumeti River and Tanangire National Park will be our home as we jump via small planes from small lodge to even smaller (more remote) lodge. I will have much to share, soon, about the animals, the people and these very chic canvas camps.
When should you go, can you go, tips & tricks are coming ...
Why you should re-consider when you start planning for this bucket list trip too.
What I can share now? How exhilarating, frustrating, maddening and gratifying the packing has been. Honestly, pre-trip packing and prep should be bottled and sold - it brings so much joy!
Bush planes are restrictive with size and weight of your luggage. Tanzania planes have a max weight of all your bags (backpack and camera included) of 33 lbs. Really?
Empty Osprey Carry-On suitcase + Away backpack = 5.5 lbs
Camera, bionulars, zoom lens, backup batteries, converters & lots of cords = 8 lbs
Sundries + pharmaceutical supplies to travel to Africa = 3.5 lbs
Ipad + activities + supplies to fly 2 long flights = 4 lbs
Cash tips in small bills, glasses, playing cards = 1 lbs
Gulp
In my Away backpack (chosen because it has a pocket on the back that slides onto my bag handle) I have 3 big compartments.
In one, I packed what I'd need for the flights = eye mask, compression socks, flip flops, hair tie, make up, wipes, toothbrush, ear plugs, snacks, masks, meds.
In another, I packed my flat things; iPad, notepad, money envelopes and small needlepoint project
In the last, I packed the electronic goods: the camera, binoculars, lens, back up charger, batteries, adapters, cords.
Wearing the scarf, puffer, watch, N95, face shield & the hat
*Part 2 = how I packed 2 weeks worth of clothes - and only 11 lbs - in my
Osprey Carry On
(*assuming success 😳)
xoxo