7. PROJECT PACKING CHECKLIST
Essential Items
- Documentation - Valid passport, insurance papers, visa, vaccination papers, passport
Footwear & clothing for fieldwork
- Walking Boots - Sturdy and high raised around the ankle
- Socks - Comfortable for walking
- Hat* - Preferably wide brimmed.
- Long trousers x 2* - Preferably safari colours, needed for working out in the field
- Long sleeved shirt x 2
- T-shirt x 3 - At least 2 for dirty work
Footwear & clothing for leisure
- Sandals
- Flipflops (slops)
- Socks & underwear
- Shorts x 3
- Short sleeved shirt
- T-shirt / vest top x 2
- Comfortable trousers
- Fleece or small jacket * - During winter (May to Aug) is becomes quite cold at night so it is advisable to bring some warm clothes for this period. Summer nights may feel cool compared to summer days.
- Warm hat and gloves (for May to Aug)
- Swimming suit/ bathers
Field supplies
- Waterbottle - At least 2 litres
- Insect repellent - It is advisable to wear repellent to deter insect bites, also you may need repellent during the day against ticks.
- Sunscreen, lip balm and aftersun - Bring enough and make sure it has a high factor - the sun here is very strong.
- Sunglasses
- Small daypack to hold camera, water, sunscreen, torch, binoculars and extra clothing.
- Torch - Headtorches are very useful.
- Batteries
- Gardening/ working gloves * - Although provided you may want to bring your own pair out. These are important for some of the practical conservation jobs such as fence maintenance.
- Penknife
- Sleeping bag
- Binoculars - A decent pair is a good investment, however they can be picked up quite cheaply.
Personal supplies
- Small towel x 1, large towel x1.
- Personal toiletries (biodegradable soaps and shampoos are recommended)
- Moneybelt
- Personal first aid kit (e.g. anti-diarrhoea pill, antiseptic, itch-relief, pain reliever, bandages, blister covers, etc) and personal medications
- Spare glasses or contact lenses (if you wear them)
Miscellaneous
- Camera (with spare batteries) - Compact digital cameras are very good and give immediate results, however a SLR / DSLR will produce better wildlife photos.
- Spending money (Rand, GBP or USD or traveller’s cheques, to cover a meal or two a week in town, drinks and snacks, internet and souvenirs, plus any other personal items)
- Travel alarm clock
Optional extras
- Lightweight waterproof - The rainy season is during the South African summer (Nov to Feb) so it does not get too cold, so a lightweight jacket is more than enough.
- Sarong
- Handkerchief/ bandannas
- Lunch / tupperware / airtight box
- Favourite snacks and/ or supplementary food if you have specific dietary requirements.
The department of health’s Prophylaxis guidelines published in 2008 (found at this web link) has excellent medical advice and goes into some depth on the indications for using certain drugs.
