Cosmetics, Toiletries and Medicines

The following items pack well into non-disposable bag, such as the TSA-approved clear toiletry bag by ALINK, available at: Amazon.

• Toiletries such as soap, shampoo, conditioner (sometimes combined with shampoo), and moisturizing lotion, are provided at hotels and lodges. If you require a specific brand bring your own decanted into small lightweight, leak proof, plastic bottles (such as Nalgene).
• A small hairbrush and/or comb; hair elastics if your hair is long.
• A rich moisturizing lotion or coconut oil (decanted into a small 3oz bottle) for the international flight.
• Don't forget your toothbrushes, toothpaste, razors, razor blades, shaving cream, contact lenses and solution (if required), facial care products, a few Q-tips and cotton balls, if you will need them.
• Individual packets of antibacterial wipes and travel-size tissues always come in handy.
• For emergency repairs to luggage and clothing you should take some duct tape wrapped around a small pencil and an empty film container with some needles, safety pins, common pins and clear thread.
• Most camps and lodges provide insect repellent, but in case they are out of stock we recommend that you bring a small non-aerosol bottle containing DEET (try Cutters).
• Adhesive pads for blisters and foot powder, if you will be walking a lot.
• Ladies:  Forget fingernail polish while on safari, but bring a small nailbrush, a file and maybe a buffer.  If you wear polish on your toes, make sure it is a chip-resistant dark color, as your feet will get dusty.  Also, keep makeup to a minimum.  You shouldn’t need much more than a non-greasy concealer, lipstick and waterproof mascara.
• While we recommend a wash and wear hairstyle for safari, hairdryers are provided at all urban hotels and some safari camps. Please contact us if you would like to know if a property on your itinerary offers a hairdryer.
• If you have trouble sleeping, take some Melatonin or gentle sleeping pill with you.
• Don’t forget malaria tablets, motion sickness medication (Dramamine), anti-diarrheal (Imodium), antacid tablets (Tums), individual electrolyte replacement powder (Emergen-C’s Electro-Mix), anti-histamine cream (Neosporin), pain medication (Advil, Tylenol, or Aspirin), antiseptic cream (Bacitracin), a few band aids, and any other medications you require, along with copies of their prescriptions. Most hotels and lodges have a comprehensive first aid kit -but it is a good idea to bring some of the essentials.
• Lip balm (with an SPF of at least 30) and waterproof sunscreen (with an SPF of at least 30).